| February 1, 2026 9am Fourth 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. |
Mural painting of Jesus Found in Chicago, IL |
| GATHERING The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God |
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PRELUDE Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier Johann G. Walther
1. Pastorella BWV590 J. S. Bach
Yeon Soh, organ
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 Look Who Gathers at Christ’s Table ACS 977
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. Holy God, you confound the world’s wisdom in giving your kingdom to the lowly and the pure in heart. Give us such a hunger and thirst for justice, and perseverance in striving for peace, that in our words and deeds the world may see the life of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
| WORD
God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song |
FIRST READING Micah 6:1-8
With the mountains and the foundations of the earth as the jury, God brings a lawsuit against Israel. God has “wearied” Israel with a long history of saving acts. God does not want or expect lavish sacrifices to attempt to earn divine favor. Rather God empowers the people to do justice, to love loyalty to God, and to walk shrewdly in God’s service.
A reading from Micah.
1 Hear what the Lord says:
Rise, plead your case before the mountains,
and let the hills hear your voice.
2 Hear, you mountains, the case of the Lord,
and you enduring foundations of the earth,
for the Lord has a case against his people,
and he will contend with Israel.
3 “O my people, what have I done to you?
In what have I wearied you? Answer me!
4 For I brought you up from the land of Egypt
and redeemed you from the house of slavery,
and I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.
5 O my people, remember now what King Balak of Moab devised,
what Balaam son of Beor answered him,
and what happened from Shittim to Gilgal,
that you may know the saving acts of the Lord.”
6 “With what shall I come before the Lord
and bow myself before God on high?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
with calves a year old?
7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousands of rivers of oil?
Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”
8 He has told you, O mortal, what is good,
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice and to love kindness
and to walk humbly with your God?
Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
According to the world’s standards of power and might, the message of the cross seems stupid and offensive. Yet this word reveals the paradoxical way God has chosen to work power and salvation through weakness, rejection, and suffering. Hence the message of the cross becomes true wisdom and power for believers.
A reading from First Corinthians.
18 The message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written,
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”
20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scholar? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of the proclamation, to save those who believe. 22 For Jews ask for signs and Greeks desire wisdom, 23 but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to gentiles, 24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.
26 Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to abolish things that are, 29 so that no one might boast in the presence of God. 30 In contrast, God is why you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 in order that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
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 upstairs for Sunday School classes.
Visitors are welcome to join!
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
GOSPEL Matthew 5:1-12
Jesus opens the Sermon on the Mount by naming those who are blessed in the reign of God.
The Holy Gospel according to Matthew. Glory to you, O Lord.
1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 And he began to speak and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON Pastor Jess
HYMN OF THE DAY How Blest are Those text by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette
sung to the tune of O Christ, Your Heart, Compassionate (ELW 722)
1. How blest are those who humbly see how much they need the Lord.
How blest are those who deeply grieve the suffering in this world.
How blest are those who find God’s strength in gentleness and grace.
How blest are those who long for truth and seek God’s loving ways.
2. What joy! When mercy fills our lives — when kindness is our style.
What joy! When — pure in heart — we strive to do what is worthwhile.
What joy! When people work for peace — for justice in this land.
What joy! When whole communities seek goodness, hand in hand.
3. When thousands join in peaceful song; when hundreds kneel and pray;
When one, alone, stands up to wrong; when love becomes our way;
When neighbors, by the things they do, reach out to those in pain;
Lord Jesus, may we learn anew the blessings of your reign.
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
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.
A brief silence.
God our wisdom, renew the church in the power of the Spirit, that it may do justice, love kindness, live humbly, and boldly proclaim Christ crucified. We pray for social justice and humanitarian aid ministries, especially those who work for freedom from violence and persecution in Minneapolis.
Merciful God, receive our prayer.
God our source, we honor you by caring wisely for your creation. We pray for the health of old growth forests, ice caps, and ocean currents. Preserve the diversity of life on earth and protect populations threatened by climate change. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
God our righteousness, raise up visionary leaders who serve with integrity and respect human rights. Increase freedom in every nation. Protect educators, journalists, artists, local politicians and religious activists who are reviled for speaking truth. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
God our advocate, you give hope to all who suffer because of poverty or violence. Reunite separated families and bring orphaned children to safety. Comfort any who grieve or suffer in any way 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. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
God our blessing, we pray for the children and youth of this congregation, and for parents, grandparents, family members, mentors, teachers, and youth ministers of all kinds who model love for their neighbor and care for others. Bless those currently learning and working at the ELCA Youth Ministry Extravaganza in St. Louis. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
God our joy, we give thanks for the lives of all those before us who journeyed humbly with you. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
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 Be Thou My Vision arr. by Hwanho Jung
Yeon Soh, piano
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 SONGS For the Troubles and the Sufferings ACS 1051
O God of Mercy, God of Light ELW 714
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 The Spirit Sends Us Forth to Serve ELW 551
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Do justice. Love mercy.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven arr. by Robert J. Hughes
Yeon Soh, organ
Thank you to those who helped with worship today…
Worship Assistant Becky Nanof
Lector H Heusmann
Communion Presenters Kristen & David McCordick
Ushers John Moran and Bennett Wilson
Organist Yeon Soh
Chancel Choir Director (interim) David Fontes
Chancel Choir Marilyn Banderet, Bruce Grams, Garrick Grant, David Hoyt, Katrina Lewonczyk, Karen Morrissey, Elliot Overholt, Ernie Zimmermann
Altar Care Elaine Martin and Stephanie Leclair
Livestream Operator Rahul Meriga
Upcoming Commemorations
Presentation of Our Lord
Monday, February 2, 2026
Forty days after the birth of Jesus we mark the day Mary and Joseph presented him in the temple in accordance with Jewish law. There they were greeted by Simeon, an aged priest who offered the song “Lord, now you let your servant depart in peace,” as well as by the prophet Anna, who spoke of the redemption of Israel.
Ansgar, Bishop of Hamburg, missionary to Denmark and Sweden, died 865
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
A monk who helped bring Christianity to Scandinavia, Ansgar returned to Germany where he was named bishop of Hamburg. He is remembered for his love for poor people.
The Martyrs of Japan, died 1597
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Christianity was brought to Japan in the sixteenth century by Jesuit and Franciscan missionaries. The religion was suppressed, however, and in 1597 twenty-six missionaries and converts were crucified. Nevertheless, Christianity survived and later prospered.
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. 1 February Hymn Based.docx
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