St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
First Sunday after Epiphany
January 11, 2026
“If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work your way around it.” Michael Jordan
Ringing of the Bell
Announcements/ Welcome Rev. Linda Anderson
Prelude Ava Janus, Music Director
*Call to Worship
Christine Schwab, liturgist
Leader: Come, let us worship the Lord our God,
People: That we might discern the will of our Maker.
Leader: Come, let us worship the Lord our God,
People: That we might recall the bondage from which God has delivered us.
Leader: Come, let us worship the Lord our God,
People: That we might become the people God is calling us to be.
*Hymn No. 73 “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy”
*Morning Prayer Christine Schwab
Eternal God, you love us in season and out of season. You love us when we're up and when we're down. I pray now that you would give us the fortitude and strength to wrestle for the strong faith, for the mature faith. For we ask this in the strong name of Christ our Lord. Amen.
Anthem “This Little Light of Mine”
First Lesson Hebrews 2:10-18 Christine Schwab
Gospel Lesson Matthew 2:13-23
Message “The Mixing of Fear and Faith” Rev. Anderson
*Hymn No. 67 “O God, Our Help in Ages Past”
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. 90 “Come, Christians, Join to Sing”
*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
Wendy Warner Council Rep
Harold Fick Deacon
Christine Schwab 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.
COFFEE HOUR immediately follows our worship service. Join us to enjoy coffee, tea, donuts, and fellowship. A free will offering is invited to help off-set the increasing cost of our yummy refreshments.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
January 11 – January 18
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Sunday School -Parlor 10:00 a.m. / 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.
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Sunday School 10:00 a.m./ Annual Congregational Meeting 11:00 a.m.
ALTAR FLOWERS are a gift to be enjoyed from Marilyn Lang.
REMINDER All Ministry reports are due in the office by Wednesday, January 14 so the office has time to prepare the Annual Meeting packets. Contact the office for more information.
ST PAUL ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING is next Sunday, January 18, 2026. In addition to our 2025 financial report we will also be reviewing reports on our ministry and programs over the past year, the congregation will be voting on a new budget, proposed by-law changes and a slate of nominees for Council leadership. The proposed 2026 budget will be sent to all church members accompanied by a letter from President-elect Tim Ruffner. The annual meeting will follow our 10 a.m. worship service. Church members should sign in at the narthex and pick up a copy of their annual report. No Coffee Hour that morning.
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.
MISSION OUTREACH FOR JANUARY We will be collecting slightly used, clean blankets and new blankets for the homeless. The blankets will be distributed to the homeless through Henry Ford Chass, a community health center for the underserved and their street medical program serving the homeless. Thank you again for your generosity and compassion.
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 200 pounds of food has been collected and donated.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN: Roger Staten, Makenna Gorbe, Conrad Heidt, Bill Pattenaude, Krystal Grant, John Smith, William Stears, Jr., Billy-jo Stears, Betty Mayfield, 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, Sue Milatz, Al Wierzbicki, Dave Schmoekel, Steve Newberry, 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, Ted Butkin, Rhonda Wioncek Berndt, Jeff MacZink, William Veteto.