| January 18, 2026 – 11am
2nd Sunday after Epiphany Whether this is your first time with us or your one thousand and first, we are glad that the Spirit has drawn you here today! Visitors are invited to sign the Guest Book near the front doors of the church and take home a welcome brochure to learn more about us. |
The Lamb Painting by Paul Klee John 1:29-42 |
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GATHERING |
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WELCOME
GATHERING SONG Here I Am To Worship
Verse 1:
Light of the world You stepped down into darkness, opened my eyes let me see
Beauty that made this heart adore You, hope of a life spent with You
Chorus:
Here I am to worship, here I am to bow down; here I am to say that You’re my God
You’re altogether lovely, altogether worthy; al together wonderful to me
Verse 2:
King of all days O so highly exalted, glorious in heaven above
Humbly You came to the earth you created, all for love’s sake became poor
(chorus X2)
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God,
the Creator of heaven and earth,
the Word who spoke life into being,
the Wind stirring the waters.
Amen.
Let us turn in confession to the one who knows us completely.
Silence is kept for reflection.
Mighty God, lover of justice, you call us to life in community,
but we have served our own interests at the expense of our neighbors.
We have sown deceit where honesty was needed.
We say the right words, but our hearts are far from you.
Turn us to seek your face.
Knit us together and give us the mind of Christ,
that we may do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you, our God. Amen.
The former things have passed away, and new things God now declares:
Like a spring of water that never fails, God covers you in the righteousness of Christ,
and forgives your sin in ☩ Jesus’ name.
May the Spirit give you strength to live for others, and bless you with the gift of peace. Amen.
CONGREGATION SONG Make Me A Servant
Make me a servant humble and meek, Lord let me lift up those who are weak
And may the prayer of my heart always be:
Make me a servant, make me a servant, make me a servant today
(repeat)
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray. Holy God, our strength and our redeemer, by your Spirit hold us forever, that through your grace we may worship you and faithfully serve you, follow you and joyfully find you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
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WORD God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song |
FIRST READING Isaiah 49:1-7
Here the servant, identified as Israel, speaks for herself and describes her honored mission. Called before her birth like Jeremiah and John the Baptist, the servant is not only to restore Israel. The servant’s ultimate assignment is to bring news of God’s victory to the ends of the earth. God in faithfulness has chosen Israel for this task.
A reading from Isaiah
1 Listen to me, O coastlands; pay attention, you peoples from far away!
The Lord called me before I was born; while I was in my mother’s womb he named me.
2 He made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me a polished arrow; in his quiver he hid me away.
3 And he said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.”
4 But I said, “I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity;
yet surely my cause is with the Lord and my reward with my God.”
5 And now the Lord says,
who formed me in the womb to be his servant,
to bring Jacob back to him,
and that Israel might be gathered to him,
for I am honored in the sight of the Lord,
and my God has become my strength—
6 he says,
“It is too light a thing that you should be my servant
to raise up the tribes of Jacob
and to restore the survivors of Israel;
I will give you as a light to the nations,
that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”
7 Thus says the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One,
to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations, the slave of rulers,
“Kings shall see and stand up; princes, and they shall prostrate themselves,
because of the Lord, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.”
Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING Psalm 40:1-11
Read Responsively
A reading from Psalm
1 I waited patiently upon the Lord,
who stooped to me and heard my cry.
2 The Lord lifted me out of the desolate pit, out of the miry clay,
and set my feet upon a high cliff, making my footing sure.
3 The Lord put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God;
many shall see, and stand in awe, and put their trust in the Lord.
4 Happy are they who trust in the Lord!
They do not turn to enemies or to those who follow lies.
5 Great are the wonders you have done, O Lord my God!
In your plans for us, none can be com- compared with you!
Oh, that I could make them known and tell them! But they are more than I can count.
6 Sacrifice and offering you do not desire;
you have opened my ears: burnt-offering and sin-offering you have not required.
7 And so I said, “Here I am; I come.
In the scroll of the book it is written of me:
8 ‘I love to do your will O my God;
your law is deep within me.’ ”
9 I proclaimed righteousness in the great assembly;
I have not restrained my lips, O Lord, you know.
10 I have not hidden your righteousness in my heart;
I have spoken of your faithfulness and your deliverance;
I have not concealed your steadfast love and truth from the great assembly.
11 You are the Lord; do not withhold your compassion from me;
may your steadfast love and your truth continually keep me safe.
Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE Pastor Jess
After the children’s message, children ages 3-6th grade are invited to go with our teachers for a lesson and craft. Visitors are welcome to join!
GOSPEL John 1:29-42
John the Baptist’s witness to Jesus initiates a chain of testimony as his disciples begin to share with others what they have found.
The Holy Gospel according to John. Glory to you, O Lord.
29 John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!30 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Chosen One.”
35 The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and as he watched Jesus walk by he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. 40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). 42 He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON Pastor Jess
CONGREGATION SONG We Are Called to Tell the Story Ruth Duck
Sung to the tune of Angels, from the Realms of Glory
1. We are called to tell the story,
passing words of life along,
then to blend your voice with others
as you sing the sacred song.
Christ be known in all our singing,
filling all with songs of love,
2. We are called to teach the rhythm
of the dance that never ends,
then to move within the circle,
hand in hand with strangers, friends.
Christ be known in all our dancing,
touching all with hands of love.
3. We are called to set the table,
blessing bread as Jesus blest,
then to come with thirst and hunger,
needing care like all the rest.
Christ be known in all our sharing,
feeding all with signs of love.
4. May the One whose love is broader
than the measure of all space
give us words to sing the story,
move among us in this place.
Christ be known in all our living,
filling all with gifts of love.
APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
O Lord Hear My Prayer
O Lord hear my prayer, O Lord hear my prayer; when I call answer me
O Lord hear my prayer, O Lord hear my prayer; come and listen to me
As God’s beloved children united in Christ, let us pray for the church,
the whole human community, and the well-being of the earth, our home.
Gracious God, gather the church into one great fellowship. Equip your people to work together for justice and peace, following the example of Martin Luther King Jr., renewer of society, whose birth we remember this week.
Creating God, sustain all life on this planet. Protect endangered species, vulnerable habitats and wild places. Come to the aid of those affected by natural disasters and climate injustice.
Just God, you desire respect and equality for everyone. Raise up prophets who speak truth to the nations. Embolden leaders and those in authority to advocate for all who are oppressed.
Healing God, you lift up those who are bowed down by trouble, grief, or illness especially Darlene, Bert, Bill, Marianne, Richard, Amy, Mary, Lloyd & Sue, all those affected by addiction or mental illness, and all military personnel and first responders. Bring an end to social injustice and inequities of every kind, so that all people may have abundant life.
Abiding God, you are present with this congregation. Keep us mindful of our mission and guide our ministries, especially our Good Shepherd fellowship groups and Bible studies, and the organizations that share our building, like Girl Scouts, BSA Troop 11, Alcoholics Anonymous, and the Parkinson’s support group. Kindle in us a desire to help one another.
Faithful God, you promise to be with us always. We remember with gratitude the faithful departed who now rest in you. Strengthen us to the end, that we may see you face to face.
Confident that the Holy Spirit receives our prayers and answers us, we commend all for whom we pray to God’s loving-kindness made known to us in Christ Jesus our Savior. Amen.
PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you.
GIFTS Joy Of The Lord Rend Collective
CCLI#7047091
(Gifts may be made online via debit or credit card using the QR code on the back of the bulletin)
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MEAL God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ |
DIALOGUE
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.
PREFACE
SANCTUS Holy, Holy Morrissey
(Higher voices start, Lower voices echo)
Holy, holy, Lord God of power and might
(Holy, holy, Lord God of power and might)
Heaven and earth are full or Your glory
(Heaven and earth are full or Your glory)
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord
(Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord)
(Everybody sing)
Hosanna in the highest, Hosanna in the highest!
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
Holy are you, and blessed is your name, O God,
At this table, you model the power of mercy and not might, the power of love and not hate.
You reorient us and give us the will to dream once more.
We receive this bread and this cup in the same spirit of defiant love
that you brought to earth in the life of your beloved Son.
In the night before he was betrayed, Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it,
and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you.
Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying:
This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people
for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Because of these simple and remarkable acts, we offer ourselves to be your hands and feet,
and we proclaim the mystery of our faith:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
Holy God, we have seen and heard the dreams of the prophets.
We have witnessed the power-defying acts of Jesus.
As we gather for this abundant feast with enough for all to come and be fed.
We ask that you transform this bread and cup
into hope that sustains our lives of prophetic imagination. Amen.
LORD’S PRAYER
Let us pray as Jesus taught us, each in the words or language of our choice.
| 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. |
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| Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen. |
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
The table has been set. Come, taste and see what God provides.
At this table, Christ is both host and meal, and offers himself to all who hunger and thirst for his presence. We believe that he is truly present in this sacrament. Come to the front, where bread is placed in your hand (you can request a gluten-free wafer),
and where you receive wine by taking a cup from the tray (the cups in the center contain white grape juice).
If you do not wish to commune, you are welcome to come forward and receive a blessing.
If you need to receive communion in your seat, simply notify an usher.
No one is too young to receive this sacrament, though some families wish to give their children some instruction before they take their first communion. If a young child accompanies you, please indicate to the pastor whether they should receive bread or a blessing.
COMMUNION SONG Easy We the Kingdom
CCLI#7273542
TABLE BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in God’s grace. Amen.
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SENDING God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world. |
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BLESSING
As God sends you out into the world, may you embrace the will to dream.
May joy wash over you, bringing renewed strength for the days ahead.
In the name of the ☩ Creator, Savior, and Sustainer. Amen.
SENDING HYMN Your Grace Is Enough
Verse 1:
Great is Your faithfulness oh God, You wrestle with the sinner’s heart
You lead us by still waters into mercy, and nothing can keep us apart
Chorus:
So remember Your people, remember Your children; remember Your promise oh God
Your grace is enough, Your grace is enough; Your grace is enough for me
Verse 2:
Great is Your love and justice God, You use the weak to lead the strong
You lead us in the song of Your salvation, and all Your people sing along
(chorus)
Your grace is enough heaven reaching down to us, Your grace is enough for me
Your grace is enough I’m covered in Your love, Your grace is enough for me
For me!
DISMISSAL
Go in joy. Hold fast to God’s promises. Thanks be to God!
Thank you to those who helped with worship today…
Worship Assistant Margaret Holst
Usher Stephanie Leclair
Contemporary Music Leader Randy Gomez
New Direction Praise Team Randy Gomez, Linda Frederico, Michelle Grim Kati,
Lawrence Kati, Jim Molloy, Josh Nadar, Matt Overholt, Mary Overholt, Holly Pavlak
Altar Care Cheryl Lynch-Conway and Mary Callahan
Upcoming Commemorations
Confession of Peter
Sunday, January 18, 2026
Today the church remembers the apostle Peter’s great acknowledgement of Jesus as “the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This festival serves as a fitting beginning to the week in which we particularly pray that all Christians might be united in faith and witness.
Henry, Bishop of Uppsala, martyr, died 1156
Monday, January 19, 2026
When Erik, King of Sweden, determined to invade Finland for the purpose of converting the people there to Christianity, Henry went with him. Henry is recognized as the patron saint of Finland.
Agnes, martyr, died around 304
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Agnes was a girl of about thirteen living in Rome. The details of her martyrdom are not clear, but she gave witness to her faith and was put to death as a result, most likely by the sword. The church has honored her as one of the chief martyrs of her time.
From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2025 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS007028. New Revised Standard Version Bible. Copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Revised Common Lectionary, Copyright © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts, admin Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission. Liturgy adapted from Illustrated Ministry LLC, © 2025. 14 December Band Led.docx
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