February 8 Worship Service

February 8, 2026 9am Fifth 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.	Salt and Light by Gina Valenti-Lazarchik
GATHERING The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God

PRELUDE In the Garden arr. John A. Behnke Allegro Chimes

CONGREGATION SONG I Saw the Light Hank Williams, Sr

WELCOME

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.

GATHERING HYMN Rise, Shine, You People! ELW 665

GREETING

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with you all. And also with you.

PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray. Lord God, with endless mercy you receive the prayers of all who call upon you. By your Spirit show us the things we ought to do, and give us the grace and power to do them, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

WORD God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song

FIRST READING Isaiah 58:1-12

Shortly after the return of Israel from exile in Babylon, the people were troubled by the ineffectiveness of their fasts. God reminds them that outward observance is no substitute for genuine fasting that results in acts of justice, such as feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and clothing the naked.

A reading from Isaiah.

¹ Shout out; do not hold back!
Lift up your voice like a trumpet!
Announce to my people their rebellion,
to the house of Jacob their sins.
² Yet day after day they seek me
and delight to know my ways,
as if they were a nation that practiced righteousness
and did not forsake the ordinance of their God;
they ask of me righteous judgments;
they want God on their side.
³ “Why do we fast, but you do not see?
Why humble ourselves, but you do not notice?”
Look, you serve your own interest on your fast day
and oppress all your workers.
⁴ You fast only to quarrel and to fight
and to strike with a wicked fist.
Such fasting as you do today
will not make your voice heard on high.
⁵ Is such the fast that I choose,
a day to humble oneself?
Is it to bow down the head like a bulrush
and to lie in sackcloth and ashes?
Will you call this a fast,
a day acceptable to the Lord?

⁶ Is not this the fast that I choose:
to loose the bonds of injustice,
to undo the straps of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke?
⁷ Is it not to share your bread with the hungry
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover them
and not to hide yourself from your own kin?
⁸ Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up quickly;
your vindicator shall go before you;
the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
^9a Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;
you shall cry for help, and he will say, “Here I am.”

^9b If you remove the yoke from among you,
the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil,
¹⁰ if you offer your food to the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the afflicted,
then your light shall rise in the darkness
and your gloom be like the noonday.
¹¹ The Lord will guide you continually
and satisfy your needs in parched places
and make your bones strong,
and you shall be like a watered garden,
like a spring of water
whose waters never fail.
¹² Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
you shall be called the repairer of the breach,
the restorer of streets to live in.
Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God.

SPECIAL MUSIC In the Cross of Christ I Glory Ithamar Conkey, arr. Bill Ingram

Allegro Chimes

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE Pastor Cassie

After the children’s message, children ages 3-6th grade are invited to go upstairs for Sunday School classes.
Visitors are welcome to join!

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

GOSPEL Matthew 5:13-20

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus encourages his followers to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, doing good works and keeping God’s commandments.

The Holy Gospel according to Matthew. Glory to you, O Lord.

Jesus said:¹³“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything but is thrown out and trampled under foot.

¹⁴“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. ¹⁵People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. ¹⁶In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

¹⁷“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. ¹⁸For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. ¹⁹Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

²⁰For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON Pastor Cassie

HYMN OF THE DAY Christ Be Our Light ELW 715

INSTALLATION OF 2026 CHURCH COUNCIL MEMBERS

Bruce Grams, Dana Gillin, Caryn Francese, Robert Frederico, Joshua Pajak

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.

Your church does ministry in many and various ways. Keep the baptized true to the mind of Christ, that our works and witness bring hope to a troubled world.

Your marvelous creation cries out to you. Restore polluted air, soil, and water sources to wholeness. Guard honeybees, elephants, great whales and songbirds from harm, and renew the face of the earth.

Your people in every nation suffer injustice, poverty, and the threat of violence. Guide those in authority to govern with compassion, and bring peace to war zones. Give strength, courage, and a faith in your justice to the people of Minneapolis.

Your blessings are poured out for all in need. Help and heal any who experience trauma, discrimination, disease, hunger, abuse, or persecution. Comfort those who are sick or grieving especially Darlene, Bert, Bill, Debra, Margaret, Cherie, Shana, David, Fred, Marianne, Richard, Amy, Mary, Lloyd & Sue, all those affected by addiction or mental illness, and all military personnel and first responders.

Your wisdom guides this congregation and its ministries. Sustain our ordained leaders, staff, lay leaders, and volunteers. Form us to be salt and light for the neighbors we serve, following the example of Christ.

Your saints rejoice at your heavenly banquet. We give thanks for their lives of faith, trusting that we also will be embraced by your eternal love.

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.

OFFERING

(Gifts may be made online via debit or credit card using the QR code on the back of the bulletin)

ANTHEM Let Justice Roll Like A River Marty Haugen Chancel Choir

PRESENTATION OF GIFTS ACS 976

OFFERING PRAYER

Let us pray: God of majesty, no eye has seen, no ear has heard what you have prepared for those who love you, yet in this meal you reveal the wideness of your mercy. Use what we have gathered to feed us with the reign of God come near, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

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

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ. By the leading of a star he was shown forth to all nations; in the waters of the Jordan you proclaimed him your beloved Son; and in the miracle of water turned to wine he revealed your glory. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

SANCTUS

THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE

Holy God, we give you thanks for your son, Jesus Christ,

whom you sent to save and redeem us, and to proclaim to us your will.

He is your Word, inseparable from you,

through whom you created all things, and in whom you take delight.

He is your Word, sent from heaven to a virgin’s womb, to share in our nature and our struggle

He is the one who, handed over to a death he freely accepted, has the power to destroy death,

to break the bonds of the evil one, to show forth the resurrection.

In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord 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.

Remembering, then, his death and resurrection, we take this bread and cup,

and proclaim the mystery of our faith:

Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

Send your Spirit upon these gifts of your church;

gather us into one with all who come in love to this table.

Fill us with your Holy Spirit, and strengthen our faith in your truth,

that we may praise you through your Son Jesus Christ;

with the Holy Spirit, in your holy church, both now and forever. 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.

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

Here is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! Come and see the goodness of God.

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.

ANGUS DEI

COMMUNION MUSIC New Direction Band

TABLE BLESSING

The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in God’s grace. Amen.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Let us pray. Radiant God, we have seen your glory in the face of Jesus. Send us from this table with delight, that our lives may reflect the beauty of your love, and bear witness to all we have seen and heard. Amen.

SENDING God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BLESSING
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord’s face shine on you with grace and mercy.
The Lord look upon you with favor and ☩ give you peace. Amen.

SENDING HYMN Go, Make Disciples ELW 540

DISMISSAL

Go in peace. Do justice. Love mercy.

Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah arr. by David H. Hegarty

Yeon Soh, organ

Thank you to those who helped with worship today…

Worship Assistant Josh Pajak

Lector Lauren Pajak

Communion Presenters Tate & Morgan Allen

Ushers Jim Scanlon & Carl Miett

Organist Yeon Soh

Allegro Chimes Director Karilyn Heisen & Elliot Overholt

Allegro Chimes Evie Dibbert, Jax Dibbert, PJ Dibbert,
Lillian Fontes, Liam Grant, Tinsley Moran

Chancel Choir Director (interim) David Fontes

Chancel Choir Marilyn Banderet, Bruce Grams, Garrick Grant, David Hoyt, Katrina Lewonczyk, Karen Morrissey, Elliot Overholt, Ernie Zimmermann

Contemporary Music Leader Randy Gomez

New Direction Praise Team Randy Gomez, Linda Frederico, Michelle Grim Kati,
Lawrence Kati, Jim Molloy, Josh Nadar, Matt Overholt, Holly Pavlak

Altar Care Katie Zimmermann and Stephanie Leclair

Livestream Operator Ernie Zimmermann

Upcoming Commemorations

Cyril, monk, died 869; Methodius, bishop, died 885; missionaries to the Slavs

Saturday, February 14, 2026

These two brothers from Thessalonika, Greece, were monks and were sent to bring Christianity to the Slavic people. In the course of their work they created a written language, inventing the Cyrillic alphabet for it, and translated the Bible and the liturgy.

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. 8 February Hymn Based.docx

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