February 18, 2026

St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Ash Wednesday - 18 February 2026, 7:00 p.m.

 

Lighting of the Paschel Candle/ Ringing of the Bell

 Welcome                                                            Rev. Dr. Itty Mathews

 Prelude                                                        Ava Janus, Music Director

Call to Worship (Unison)                                     Lori Rogers, liturgist

O God, light of the hearts that see you, life of the souls that love you, strength of the thoughts that seek you: to turn from you is to fall, to turn to you is to rise, to abide in you is to stand fast forever. Although we are unworthy to approach you, or to ask anything at all of you, grant us your grace and blessing for the sake of Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen

*Hymn No. 335  “Creating God, Your Fingers Trace”

First Lesson: Mark 12:28-34                   Bradley Patterson, Confirmand                                                                     Here ends the first lesson

Second Lesson: Matthew 25:31-40                Everett Hard, Confirmand

Here ends the second lesson

Message  “Renewed in Mercy: Love your neighbor,”      Rev. Mathews

Anthem  “Hear My Words”

Call to General Confession of Sins                                 Lori Rogers

Leader: For taking advantage of people's weakness or powerlessness, for taking people for granted, for directly or indirectly hurting or ridiculing people when God's Word says that we have to encourage, build up, equip and bear one another's burdens
All: God have mercy and forgive us our sins
Leader: For our unwillingness to be reformed, so that we can be transformed as a people, as a church and as a community, when God's Word says Let each one of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others following the example of our Lord Jesus who emptied himself even unto death on the cross.
All: God have mercy and forgive us our sins
Leader: For our lack of honesty and integrity in the life and work of the church, in our society, for our sham and show, for our hypocrisy and double standards, for our lack of priority and perspective, for being preoccupied with life in fragments and at the periphery, when God's Word exhorts us to be occupied with more important matters like justice, mercy and faithfulness.
All: God have mercy and forgive us our sins Words of comfort and assurance: Pastor Almighty God, our merciful Saviour, who of his great mercy has promised forgiveness of sins to all who forgive their brothers and sisters and with heartfelt repentance and true faith turn to him: have mercy upon you; pardon and deliver you from all your sins; confirm and strengthen you in all goodness; and bring you to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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.   The Imposition of Ashes

       The ushers will invite you to come forward to receive the sign of   

       the cross drawn in ashes on your forehead symbolizing the               

      desire to repent our selfish ways and to embrace the loving ways              

     of Jesus Christ.

*Benediction

May the love of God surround you; may the grace and mercy of God engulf you and may you go forth in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Depart in Silence

*Congregation standing as you are able.

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