St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany / February 8, 2026
“The best way to escape from a problem is to SOLVE it.” - Brendan Francis
Ringing of the Bell
Welcome Rev. Linda Anderson
Announcement Highlights Peggy Staten, liturgist
Prelude Ava Janus, Music Director
*Call to Worship Peggy Staten
One: The Communicator of love, joy, and grace has called!
Men: We have received this communication with gladness. Nothing can separate us from God’s unchanging love.
One: In our confusion, our anxiety, and even our brokenness, we are surrounded by God’s love and care.
Women: We feel the welcome of a Nurturing God. In this sacred space, we will be renewed.
One: This is God’s house! It is a place of restoration. It is open to everyone. All: We have answered the call to come and worship the Lord. Let us praise, love and worship!
*Hymn No. 323 “Wonderful Words of Life”
*Opening Prayer Peggy Staten
O God of sunrise and sunset, let this be an hour of sunrise in our heart, when all things are made bright and new. Drive away the shadows of discouragement and loneliness. Rise us up from beds of weariness and despair. Outfit us with joy and excitement for a new day, when we shall walk in the way of Christ Jesus our leader. Amen.
Ministry Moment “This Little Light of Mine” (see insert) Debbie Case
“Jesus Loves the Little Children”
Choir Anthem No. 552 “Standing on the Promises”
First Lesson Isaiah 58:1-12 Peggy Staten
Gospel Lesson Matthew 5:13-16
Message “Welcoming,” Mrs. Catherine Coffin
*Hymn No. 211 “Jesus Walked this Lonesome Valley”
Presentation of Tithes and Offerings
*Doxology
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow; praise Him all creatures
here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly host; praise Father,
Son, and Holy ghost. Amen.
A Time of Prayer/ Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever Amen.
*Hymn No. 530 “I’ve Got Peace Like a River”
*Benediction
Postlude /Recessional: Please remain in your pews as the Light of Christ leads the way into the world at the close of service.
*Congregation standing as you are able.
Our mission at St. Paul United Church of Christ is to promote God’s plan of salvation in our church, family, and community. Knowing that all blessings come from God, we seek to share these in the church universal and proclaim God’s good news of His love and compassion bringing together all people in Jesus Christ.
Rev. Linda Anderson Interim Senior Pastor
Ava Janus Director of Music
Pastor Cheryl Schalm Minister of Mission Outreach
Tim Ruffner President of Church Council
Dan Case Treasurer
Sue Mrowka Office Manager
Cindy Romas Administrative Assistant
Mark Ennis Council Rep
Teri Staffeld Deacon
Peggy Staten Liturgist
St. Paul United Church of Christ Phone 313.291.1221
24158 Goddard Road Email: stpaulucctaylor@stpaulucctaylor.org
Taylor, MI 48180 Website: www.stpaulucctaylor.org
WELCOME TO ALL SHARING TODAY’S WORSHIP SERVICE IN PERSON AND FACEBOOK LIVESTREAMING You must have a Facebook account to view our Worship Services. An email address is required. It is possible to have a Facebook account not connected to social media. Please contact Dan Case, Gary Peters, or Michael Isaacs for more information.
COFEE HOUR follows our worship service. All are invited to gather in the fellowship Hall to enjoy coffee, tea, donuts, and fellowship. A free will offering is appreciated to help off-set the increasing price of our yummy donuts.
SIDE VASE OF FLOWERS is “In loving memory of Julius Rabb, father of Nancy Rabb, who passed away 18 years ago on this date, February 8, 2008.”
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP February 8 – February 15
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Sunday School / Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m./ Council 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m.
Thursday Exercise 11:00 a.m.
Saturday Wild Game Dinner – Doors open 5:30 p.m.
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Dr. Itty Mathews
Sunday School / Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m. / CE & Teacher Meeting 11:00 - Parlor
ST PAUL ANNUAL WILD GAME DINNER Saturday February 14. The doors will open at 5:30 pm. Tickets are $45. Tickets can be purchased at the KIOSK table during Coffee Hour or by calling the Church office.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO SERVE 2026 Lenten Fish Dinners. You’re invited to join as we host five carry-out fish dinners on Fridays—February 27th, March 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th—from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Meals feature three pieces of wild-caught Icelandic Cod, French fries, our beloved coleslaw, a roll/ butter, and a slice of pie or brownie for adults. Children under 12 will receive two pieces of fish and all the same sides. Adults are $15.00, and children’s meals are $5.00. Please contact Jim Poet to volunteer.
THANK YOU for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers during my recovery. Your encouragement and get-well wishes were truly appreciated. God Bless you all! Love in Christ, Nancy Rabb.
REMEMBER TO SUPPORT our ongoing food collection for Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry. Food staples are always in need as we recognize the food insecurity within our neighborhood. Donations can be placed near the front entrance of the church or in the box near the office and west entrance. Please, that all donations are appreciated! So far over 200 pounds of food has been collected and donated.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MINISTRY & SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS TO MEET in the Parlor Sunday, February 15 following worship service.
MISSION OUTREACH FOR FEBRUARY. February is known as the month of LOVE. We will be joining Congresswoman Debbie Dingell in her annual “Valentines for Veterans” project. All are invited and encouraged to make a Valentine’s card expressing their gratitude and appreciation to a veteran. All cards should be dropped in the basket in the narthex by February 6. All Valentine’s cards will be delivered to Woodhaven City Hall on February 7. The cards will then be hand-delivered to the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center and Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles Ann Arbor VA Medical Center. All are encouraged to make “Thinking of You” cards for residents of the American House Senior Living Center and guests of the ChristNet rotating shelter. These cards will be collected at the end of the month and hand delivered to the residents of the American House and the guests of ChristNet. During these trying days of uncertainty, let us fill our communities with the love and light of Christ. Contact Pastor Schalm with any questions, suggestions or concerns. Blessings for a peaceful and healthy New Year!
COMMUNION AVAILABLE FOR HOMEBOUND. Please contact the church office or Kathy Williams if you know of a member who is unable to attend church service and would like to receive communion.
2026 FLOWER CHART IS IN THE NARTHEX A vase or two is a nice way to honor someone or commemorate a special time. Due to a price increase on flowers/tariffs, our supplier, Thrifty Florist, has suggested a $5.00 increase for each arrangement, which would be $25.00 for one and $50.00 for two. The 2026 Flower Chart reflects the price increase. If you have any questions or concerns, please see Sue Mrowka, Office Manager.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN: Nancy Rabb, Roger Staten, Jim Block, Sandi Rose, Makenna Gorbe, Conrad Heidt, Bill Pattenaude, Krystal Grant, John Smith, William Stears, Jr., Billy-jo Stears, Betty Mayfield, Sharon Podpora, Louise Stanek, Paula Block, Justine Kimbler, Sue Spears, Dave Lange, Sr., Denise Foley, Darlene Babin, Shirley Lande & Family, Nora Cousino, Wendy Wendt, Holly Staten Thompson, Kathleen Walsh, Sue Stern, Sally Sigman, Joan Smarr, Al Wierzbicki, Dave Schmoekel, Steve Newberry, Pam Jones, Blain Tayler, Kelly Potter, Freeman Floyd, Anna Thomson, Diane Williams, Susan & Dennis Bennett, Tony Koths, Ailani Flores, Linda & Tom Tank, Rachel Tank, Jennifer Lee, Randy Snelson, Jeff MacZink, William Veteto.
ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE. The Lenten season at will begin with a service on Ash Wednesday, February 18th, 7:00 p.m. Rev. Dr. Itty Mathews will be administering ashes prepared from the burning of palms from last year’s Holy Week observance. Everyone will be invited to come forth to receive the ashes at the foot of the chancel steps.
LOOKING AHEAD TO LENTEN WEDNESDAY PROGRAMS. Please fill out the questionnaire below to share your interest in attending a Lenten Wednesday evening program. This will help planning for the appropriate amount of food, materials, volunteers needed, etc. This program would be a time for dialogue, sharing and learning with people of faith beyond OUR traditional Christian community.
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Name __________________________________________________________________
Phone_______________________Email_______________________________________
Dates of program: 2/25________3/4_________3/11_______3/18_______3/25_______
I Will Not Attend__________ Not sure __________
I would like more information, please have pastor contact me __________
I would like to volunteer to help set-up light meal, serve, clean-up_________