St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Transfiguration Sunday/ February 15, 2026
Silent Prayer and Reflection
Ringing of the Bell
Welcome Rev. Dr. Itty Mathews
Announcement Highlights Jane Dykowski, Liturgist
Prelude Ava Janus, Music Director
*Call to Worship Jane Dykowski
Leader: O God, we come to the mountaintop to be covered in your presence.
All: We are comforted by your holiness and your glow;
Leader: We are comforted by the hope of the mountain top,
All: Where you are so close, so accessible, where there is no doubt of your glory
Leader: The mountain top reminds us why we worship you.
All: We witness your bright power, and your plan for the nations of the earth.
Leader: As we prepare for worship, God bring us to the mountain top;
All: Bring us to the mountain top so that we may be inspired to do your work in the valley below.
*Hymn No. 182 “Transform Us”
*Morning Prayer Jane Dykowski
Lord Christ, lead us up onto the mountain of vision. Shine upon us like the sun, appear before us through your goodness, and gather our minds and hearts towards you as you did with Moses and Elijah. Shine upon us with your sparks of brilliant light as you did on the three disciples. Shine your light upon all of us, work your divine energy in us, enlighten us with your grace and pour out your love for us all, which is also the love of the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Anthem “We Thy People, Praise Thee”
First Lesson 2 Peter 1:16-21 Jane Dykowski
Here ends first lesson
Gospel lesson Luke 9:18-36 Rev. Mathews
Message “Transfiguration: Who is Jesus to you?” Rev. Mathews
Hymn No. 714 “For the Fruit of All Creation”
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.
Prayer of dedication of offertory Rev. Mathews
Holy Father, who through the blood of your dear Son, Jesus Christ, has consecrated for us a new and a living way to your throne of grace, we come to you through him, unworthy as we are, and we humbly beseech you to accept and use us and these our gifts for your glory. All that is in heaven and earth is yours, and of your own do we give to you. 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. Amen.
*Hymn No. 72 “To God Be the Glory”
*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
Suzanne Mrowka Office Manager
Cindy Romas Administrative Assistant
Mark Ennis Council Rep
Harold Fick Deacon
Jane Dykowski 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.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MINISTRY & SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS TO MEET in the Parlor Sunday, February 15 following worship service.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP February 15 – February 22
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Dr. Itty Mathews
Sunday School / Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m./ CE & Teacher Meeting 11:00 - Parlor
Wednesday Choir 6:00 p.m./ Ash Wednesday 7:00 p.m.
Thursday Sewing Guild 10:00 a.m./ Exercise 11:00 a.m.
Saturday Winter Blast1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Dr. Itty Mathews Pew Communion/ Sunday School / Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO SERVE Fish Dinners. You’re invited to join in as we host five carry-out fish dinners on Fridays—February 27th, March 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th—from 3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Meals feature three pieces of wild-caught Icelandic Cod, French fries, coleslaw, 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.
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.
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.
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: Fred Miller, 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.
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 will help set-up meal, serve, clean-up_______
I would like more information, please have pastor contact me __________