St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Third Sunday after Epiphany/ January 25, 2026
“I will never leave you or forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5
“Out of difficulties grow miracles.” – Jean de La Bruyère
Ringing of the Bell
Welcome Rev. Lesa Branham
Announcement Highlights Pam Lange, Lector
Prelude Ava Janus, Music Director
*Call to Worship Pam Lange
One: Where betrayal, envy, and misunderstanding have left us in the pit,
All: Speak, O God, and lift us into Your purpose.
One: Where life feels unfair, and our hearts are heavy,
All: Shine, O God, and turn our trials into triumph.
One: Where dreams seem buried and hope feels distant,
All: Breathe, O God, and awaken courage that cannot be defeated.
One: Where fear and uncertainty cloud our path,
All: We worship You, O God, the One who makes a way where there seems to be none.
*Hymn No. 86 “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
*Morning Prayer Pam Lange
Holy God, You are the God who works when our hearts are weary, our dreams feel buried, and our spirits are heavy. Breathe into us Your Spirit today. Stir hope, courage, and vision, and lift us from every pit into Your purposes. We trust that every step brings us closer to the plan You have for us. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Anthem “Whispering Hope” Chancel Choir
First Lesson Genesis 37:23-28; 50:19-21 Pam Lange
New Testament/Gospel Lesson Acts 7:9-10 Rev. Branham
Message “You Will Get Through This” Rev. Branham
*Hymn No. 556 “Trust and Obey”
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
Pastoral Prayer / The 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. And 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. 543 “Blessed Assurance”
*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
Dan Case Deacon
Pam Lange 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.
ASSISTING WITH SERVICE this morning are Bradley Patterson and Everett Hard, our 2026 Confirmands.
COFFEE HOUR follows our congregational meeting. 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.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
January 25 – February 1
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Lesa Branham
Sunday School 10:00 a.m./ Congregational Meeting 11:00 a.m./ Coffee Hour
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m.
Thursday Exercise 11:00 a.m.
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Sunday School / Communion/ Council Installation/ Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
REVEREND LESA BRANHAM IS VISITING for her Candidate Weekend and is leading us in worship today. 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. Coffee hour will follow our meeting.
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 over 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.