St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Second Sunday after Epiphany/ January 18, 2026
Annual Congregational Meeting
Listen. We are God's own. God's children. God's pleasure. Even in the deepest, darkest water, we are the Beloved. Debbie Thomas
Ringing of the Bell
Welcome Rev. Linda Anderson
Opening/ Recessing of Annual Meeting Tim Ruffner, President
Announcement Highlights Sue Mrowka, liturgist
Prelude Ava Janus, organist
*Call to Worship Sue Mrowka
ONE: Come to the waters, beloved—where Spirit moved over at creation,
where Jesus was immersed in justice, where God leaned close to us.
ALL: We splash in the river of God’s joy.
ONE: Come to the waters, beloved—where God’s voice thunders,
where God whispers kindness.
ALL: We watch as Jesus steps into the muddy mess of our lives.
ONE: Come to the waters, beloved—where the Spirit gifts us so
we can stand side by side with the broken and forgotten.
ALL: We come because we are indeed God’s beloved children.
*Hymn No. 91 “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name!”
*Opening Prayer Sue Mrowka
In the beauty and variety of the world around us, O God, we are reminded of your infinite creativity and generosity. You have lavished on us outward loveliness and inward peace and delight. You have filled us with a spirit of love and fellowship and provided a beautiful place for our worship. You have given us the strength and the will to be here. Our cups overflow, and suspect that goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives. We thank you and praise you, in the name of our Lord Jesus the Christ. Amen.
Choir Anthem (No. 371) “Wade in the Water”
First Lesson Isaiah 42:1-9 Sue Mrowka
Gospel Lesson Matthew 3:13-17
Message “God’s Spirit, God’s Servant, God’s Delight” Rev. Anderson
*Hymn No. 75 “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry”
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 (Unison sing)
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. 33 “How Great Thou Art”
*Benediction
Reopening of the Annual Meeting Tim Ruffner, President
*Congregation standing are 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
Jeannette Wackro Deacon
Sue Mrowka 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.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
January 18 – January 25
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Sunday School/ Annual Congregational Meeting 11:00 a.m.
Monday Office Closed
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m.
Saturday Rev. Lesa Branham visit 2:00 -4:00 p.m.
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Lesa Branham
Sunday School 10:00 a.m./ Council Installation
ST PAUL ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING TODAY following our worship service. Our congregation will be voting on a new budget, proposed by-law changes and a slate of nominees for Council leadership. Church members should sign in at the narthex and pick up a copy of their annual report. No Coffee Hour this morning.
REVEREND LESA BRANHAM IS VISITING St. Paul United Church of Christ for her Candidate Weekend on January 24–25. Please join us on Saturday, January 24, from 2:00–4:00 PM in the West Room for a Meet and Greet. This will be an opportunity to visit with Rev. Lesa, engage in conversation, and get to know her personally. Light refreshments will be provided by Christian Education. On Sunday, January 25, Rev. Lesa will lead us in worship. Immediately following the service, a Congregational Meeting will be convened for brief statements, followed by a vote on whether to extend a call to Rev. Lesa Branham to serve as Senior Pastor of St. Paul UCC. If you have any questions, please contact Tim Ruffner at 734-258-4629.
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: Nancy Rabb, Roger Staten, 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, Sue Milatz, 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.