St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Second Sunday in Lent/ March 1, 2026
“One of the best ways to walk in love is to be a blessing to other people or simply to help them.” ~Joyce Meye
Ringing of the Bell
Welcome Rev. John Martin
Announcement Highlights Sue Mrowka, liturgist
Prelude Ava Janus, Music Director
*Call to Worship Sue Mrowka
One: People of God, where do we put out trust? Where do we find wholeness and meaning?
Many: We lift up our eyes to the hills. Our help comes from the Creator of heaven and earth.
One: We are sons and daughters of Abraham and Sarah. We trust in God, who neither slumbers nor sleeps.
We are followers of Jesus, who proclaimed God’s realm. We are born of the Spirit, born from above.
One: Our lives are a gift from God, who loves us. By the grace of God, we are born anew each day.
Many: God loved the world in the gift of Jesus Christ. Through faith in Christ, we receive eternal life.
*Hymn No. 211 “Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley”
*Morning Prayer Sue Mrowka
Loving God, let the winds of the Spirit blow in our midst today. Let us hear the sound and feel the power. Open our hearts in new ways to the promise of healing grace so we may be a blessing to one another and to your world. We need courage to face the challenges and struggles in life. We seek reassurance that you will be with us in our going out and our coming in. Strengthen our faith to withstand the trials and temptations that lead us away from a faithful journey with Christ. Amen.
Anthem “I Want Jesus to Walk with Me”
First Lesson Psalm 121 Sue Mrowka
Gospel Lesson Matthew 25:31-40
Message “God Hears Our Cry,” Rev. Martin
*Hymn No. 589 “Lord, I Want to Be a Christian”
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 to Pray
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. 677 “Let There Be Peace on Earth”
*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.
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.
TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will meet March 3, 10:30 a.m. in the Parlor. All are invited to join for Bible study and fellowship.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO SERVE You’re invited to join in as we host carry-out fish dinners on Fridays—March 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th—from 3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Menu: 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
March 1 – March 8
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. John Martin
Sunday School - Parlor/ Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday Choir 6:00 p.m./ Lenten Wednesday Program 7:00 p.m.
Thursday Exercise 11:00 a.m.
Friday Fish Dinner 3:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday Set Clocks ahead one hour
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
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 22.
LENTEN WEDNESDAY EVENING PROGRAM Gather with us each Wednesday evening as we welcome a guest speaker who will share their personal faith journey and reflections at 7:00 pm in the Parlor. Light refreshments will be available.
ALL ARE INVITED TO CELBRATE HUMANITY DAY with a dinner sponsored by the American Moslem Society Outreach Committee Saturday, March 7, 5 – 7 p.m. at 9945 Vernor Highway, Dearborn, 48120. Free and open to the public. We will be carpooling from St. Paul. Please call 313.377.5788 or contact Rev. Anderson for more details.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME begins Sunday, March 08, 2026, at 2:00 am. Saturday night, don’t forget to set your clocks forward one hour. Worship service begins at 10:00 a.m. both in the Sanctuary or via streaming on Facebook Live.
EASTER PARTY/ EGG HUNT hosted by the Sunday School staff during Sunday School hour on Sunday, March 29th. This includes hands‑on activities and a child‑friendly Easter lesson that shares the joyful story of Jesus’ resurrection and the hope we celebrate at Easter, marsh-mallow and cookie decorating, along with an Easter egg hunt (outdoors, weather permitting). And keep an eye out — the Easter Bunny just might hop by to say hello! To help with the cost of filling the Easter eggs, donations of wrapped candy is invited. Donations may be placed in the bucket at the Sunday School Welcome Center or given to the ushers in the Narthex on Sunday mornings. If you’d like to help with the celebration or have any questions, please Sheri Herkimer.
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING OFFERING RECEIVED ANY SUNDAY IN MARCH All are invited to participate in this UCC Mission Offering which assists our Christian friends world-wide in the development of health and education, and disaster and refugee relief. An offering envelope is included in the March Tidings and can also be found in the Narthex. We also offer the option of donating through our electronic giving process, www.stpaulucctaylor.org/giving, click on the blue Online Giving button, scroll through the “Donations' ' listing, select UCC – One Great Hour of Sharing and enter the amount of your donation. Please prayerfully consider your gift to those in need.
2026 FLOWER CHART IS IN THE NARTHEX Flowers are a nice way to honor someone or commemorate a special time. Due to the cost flowers/tariffs, there is a $5.00 increase for each arrangement, which is $25.00 for one; $50.00 for two. The 2026 Flower Chart reflects the price increase. For more information, 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.