St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
First Sunday in Lent/ /February 22, 2026
Lighting of the Paschel Candle/ Ringing of the Bell
Welcome Rev. Dr. Itty Mathews
Announcement Highlights Nancy Rabb, liturgist
Prelude Ava Janus, Music Director
*Call to Worship
Leader: Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name.
All: For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures for ever, and his faithfulness to all generations. Ps. 100:4,5
Leader: O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker.
All: For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.
Leader: Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place?
All: He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift us his soul to what is false, and does not swear deceitfully. Ps. 23:4,4 Leader: To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness; because we have rebelled against him, and have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God by following his laws, which he set before us. Dan. 9:9,10
All: The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Ps. 51:17
Leader: Jesus said,’ Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest’. Matt. 11:28
All: I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him,’ Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you’. Luke 15:18 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Ps. 19:14
*Hymn No. 180 “”Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days”
*Opening Prayer
ALMIGHTY God, we are come into thy presence to offer unto thee, through our Lord Jesus Christ, our worship and thanksgiving. Help us to make a true confession of our sins, and to pray for others as well as for ourselves. Grant that by our listening to thy holy word we may know more truly the greatness of thy love, and show forth in our lives the fruits of thy grace, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Anthem “Lord, Have Mercy”
First Lesson Psalm 51:1-12 Nancy Rabb
Gospel Lesson Luke 15:11-22
Message “Give God a Chance to Fix and Restore” Rev. Mathews
*Hymn No. 600 “Jesu, Jesu”
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.
Offertory dedication prayer
Offertory prayer Pastor
Gracious Heavenly Father, you have given us a new and living way to offer ourselves to you through Jesus Christ. Though unworthy, we come to you as we are, and in Jesus’ name we ask you to accept and use us and these gifts for your glory. All that is created is yours and everything that we can offer already belongs to you. AMEN
Holy Communion/ Confession
Invitation to confession Pastor
You who truly and earnestly repent of your sins, and are in love and peace with your neighbor, and intend to live a new life, following the commandments of God and walking from now on in his ways, make your humble confession to the compassionate God, that you may be reconciled anew to him, through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Prayer of confession (Unison)
God of compassion, we confess that we have sinned against you and our sisters and brothers. We have not been true followers of your new way in Christ. We have not shared in your liberating work in the world. We have fallen short of your glory. In your great compassion, make us clean from our sin, and set us free in the joy of your Spirit, that we may serve you with new life; through Jesus Christ who gave his life that we might live in peace with you and with our fellow creatures. AMEN
Words of assurance Pastor
Almighty God, our merciful Savior, 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.
Blessing of elements Pastor
Truly Holy, truly blessed art you, O heavenly Father, who of your tender love towards mankind did give your only Son Jesus Christ to take our nature upon him and to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption; who made there, by his one offering of himself once offered, a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, a satisfactory offering, for the sins of the whole world; and did institute, and in his holy gospel command us to continue, a perpetual memory of that his precious death, until his coming again:
Who, in the same night that he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat, this is my body which is given for you: do this in remembrance of me.
Likewise, after supper he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of this; for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the remission of sins: do this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me. (Matthew 26:26-27 & 1 Corinthians 11:23-25)
The body of our Lord Jesus Christ, broken for us, the bread of life, and The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, shed for us, the true Vine.
Invitation Pastor
All are welcome to partake in the communion:
Sung response: One bread, one body, one Lord of all, one cup of blessing which we bless. And we, though many throughout the earth, we are one body in this one Lord.
Partaking in the communion
Prayer After Communion
Now that we have received the body and blood of Christ, let us give thanks.
Let us pray together (Unison)
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who has accepted us as Your children in Your beloved Son Jesus Christ our Lord, and has fed us with the spiritual food of his most precious Body and Blood, giving us the forgiveness of our sins and the promise of everlasting life: We thank and praise You for these inestimable benefits, and we offer and present unto You ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be a holy and living sacrifice, which is our reasonable service. Grant us grace not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, that we may learn what is thy good and perfect will, and so to obey You here on earth, that we may at the last rejoice with all Your saints in the heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You in the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. 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. 583 “Lead Me, Guide Me”
*Benediction
Go out into the world in peace; have courage; hold onto what is good; return no one evil for evil; strengthen the faint-hearted; support the weak, and help the suffering; honor all people; love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. AMEN
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
Nancy Rabb 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.
COMMUNION IS OFFERED THIS MORNING. We observe an “open communion.” Membership is not required to partake in the Lord’s Supper. We simply ask that all receiving Communion seek to know our Lord more completely.
TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will not meet until March 3, 10:30 a.m. when Rev. Anderson returns. For more information, please contact the church office.
NO EXERCISE CLASS Thursday, February 26. Class will resume March 5, 11:00 a.m.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO SERVE our Fish Dinners. You’re invited to join in as we host 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.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP February 22 – March 1
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Dr. Itty Mathews
Pew Communion/ Sunday School / Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday Choir 6:00 p.m./ Lenten Wednesday Program 7:00 p.m.
Friday Fish Dinner 3:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. John Martin
Sunday School / Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
EASTER LILIES available to honor or remember loved ones. The lilies will be displayed in the sanctuary Easter morning and will be available to take home after the service. An Easter Lily Roster will be published in the morning’s worship bulletin, as well as posted online. Cost of each Easter Lily is $10. Checks can be made out to St. Paul United Church of Christ along with your dedication request. Please complete the white envelopes found in the pew racks. All orders must be received no later than Sunday, March 29.
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.