St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Fifth Sunday in Lent/ March 22, 2026
Faith Journey Statement Sunday
“Not being bound by anything is the greatest limitation.” ― Hakos Baelz
Ringing of the Bell
Welcome Rev. Linda Anderson
Announcement Highlights Lori Rogers, Liturgist
Prelude Ava Janus, Music Director
*Call to Worship (responsive) Lori Rogers
Psalm 130 Common English Bible
One: I cry out to you from the depths, LORD— my Lord, listen to my voice! Let your ears pay close attention to my request for mercy!
All: If you kept track of sins, LORD— my Lord, who would stand a chance? But forgiveness is with you— that’s why you are honored.
One: I hope, LORD. My whole being hopes, and I wait for God’s promise.
All: My whole being waits for my Lord— more than the night watch waits for morning.
One: Yes, more than the night watch waits for morning! Israel, wait for the LORD!
All: Because faithful love is with the LORD, BECAUSE great redemption is with our God! God is the one who will redeem Israel from all its sin.
One: Our God is the one we have come to worship.
*Hymn No. 5 “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing”
*Morning Prayer (unison) Lori Rogers
God of the living, through your love we pass from the shadow of death to the light of the resurrection. Remain with us as we journey through our days. Give us hope that, rejoicing in the gift of the Spirit who gives life to our mortal flesh, we may be clothed with the garment of life and immortality, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Faith Journey and Statements Bradley Patterson, Everett Hard, Confirmands
Anthem “The Lord is My Shepherd”
Scripture Lesson John 11:1-45 Lori Rogers & Rev. Anderson
Message “Come out of where you are sunken, and rise.” Rev. Anderson
*Hymn No. 464 “God of Grace and God of Glory”
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/ Silent 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. 97 ”Fairest Lord Jesus”
*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
Toni Hill Council Representative
Jeannette Wackro Deacon
Lori Rogers 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.
THE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MINISTRY invites you to join us in Fellowship Hall as we honor our 2026 Confirmands, Bradley Patterson and Everett Hard following our worship service. See Dan Case to volunteer.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO SERVE our last carry-out fish dinner March 27th—from 3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Menu: three pieces of wild-caught Icelandic Cod, French fries, mac ‘n cheese, 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.
LAST DAY TO ORDER EASTER LILIES 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. Make checks out to St. Paul United Church of Christ along with your dedication request. Please complete the white envelopes found in the pew racks.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
March 22 – March 29
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Sunday School/ Faith Journey Sunday/ Confirmand Breakfast 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 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.
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Easter Party-Egg Hunt 10:00 a.m. – West Room / Palm Sunday/ Confirmation
Sunday/ Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
LENTEN WEDNESDAY EVENING PROGRAM Gather with us Wednesday evening as we welcome our last guest speaker who will share their personal faith journey and reflections at 7:00 pm in the Parlor. Light refreshments will be available.
EASTER PARTY/ EGG HUNT hosted by the Sunday School staff during Sunday School hour on Sunday, March 29th. Include: 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 contact Sheri Herkimer.
MAUNDY THURSDAY WORSHIP April 2, 7 p.m. with Communion.
GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE is April 3, 12noon in the Sanctuary. READERS ARE NEEDED for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services. Please contact Rev. Anderson or the church office to volunteer.
MARCH MISSION PROJECT – We are collecting peanut butter, jelly, and bread for the Maher Community Outreach Project. Also, we’re collecting snack food items for lunches to benefit the Pope Francis Medical Center shelter in Detroit. Please label and put necessary items in the refrigerator. For more information, contact Pastor Cheryl Schalm.
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.
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 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: Marion Bolen, Colleen Baca, Mary Smith, Peggy Staten, Fred Miller, Dan Newton, 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, 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.