The Third Sunday after Epiphany
Gathering
Prelude
“Here I Am, Lord”
Daniel Schutte
Opening Hymn #87 (green hymnal)
“Hail to the Lord’s Anointed” v. 1-3
1 Hail to the Lord’s anointed,
great David’s greater Son!
Hail, in the time appointed,
his reign on earth begun!
He comes to break oppression,
to set the captive free,
to take away transgression
and rule in equity.
2 He comes with rescue speedy
to those who suffer wrong,
to help the poor and needy,
and bid the weak be strong;
to give them songs for sighing,
their darkness turn to light,
whose souls, condemned and dying,
were precious in his sight.
3 He shall come down like showers
upon the fruitful earth;
and love, joy, hope, like flowers,
spring in his path to birth.
Before him on the mountains
shall peace, the herald, go;
and righteousness in fountains
from hill to valley flow.
Confession and Forgiveness
P: Blessed be the Holy One of Israel, the Word made flesh, the Power of the Most High, ☩ one God, now and forever.
C: Amen.
P: Gathered in the name of Jesus, let us confess our sin against God and our neighbor.
Silence for reflection and self-examination.
P: Gracious God,
C: in Christ Jesus you come among us as light shining in darkness. We confess our failure to welcome this light. Forgive us and renew our hope, so that we may live in the light of your grace, and welcome the truth of Christ the Lord. Amen.
P: I bring you good news of great joy for all people: To you is born a Savior, Christ the Lord. Your sins are forgiven in ☩ Jesus’ name.
C: Amen.
Prayer of the Day
P: The Lord be with you.
C: And also with you.
P: Let us pray. Blessed Lord God, you have caused the holy scriptures to be written for the nourishment of your people. Grant that we may hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that, comforted by your promises, we may embrace and forever hold fast to the hope of eternal life, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
C: Amen.
The Word
Blessing of the Lector
P: Let us pray. Gracious God, your word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Send your Holy Spirit upon John as he proclaims the word, so that all who receive it will no longer dwell in the shadows, but will have the light of life.
C: Amen.
First Reading: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
1 All the people of Israel gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They told the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had given to Israel. 2 Accordingly, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding. This was on the first day of the seventh month. 3 He read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law. 5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. 6 Then Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. Then they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. 8 So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.
9 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our LORD; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
The word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.
Psalmody: Hymn #293 (maroon hymnal)
“Thank You, Lord”
1 Thank you, Lord,
thank you, Lord,
thank you, Lord,
I just want to thank you, Lord.
2 Been so good,
been so good,
been so good,
I just want to thank you, Lord.
3 Love you, Lord,
love you, Lord,
love you, Lord,
I just want to thank you, Lord.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
14 Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot would say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear would say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many members, yet one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and those members of the body that we think less honorable we clothe with greater honor, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect; 24 whereas our more respectable members do not need this. But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior member, 25 that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.
27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31a But strive for the greater gifts.
The word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.
The Holy Gospel: Luke 4:14-21
P: The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke, the 4th chapter.
C: Glory to you, O Lord.
14 Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. 15 He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.
16 When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
20 And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
P: The Gospel of the Lord.
C: Praise to you, O Christ.
Children’s Sermon
Sermon
Silence for reflection and meditation
Hymn of the Day #455 (green hymnal)
“‘Come, Follow Me,’ the Savior Spake” v. 1-3, 5
1 “Come, follow me,” the Savior spake,
“all in my way abiding;
deny yourselves, the world forsake,
obey my call and guiding.
Oh, bear the cross, whate’er betide;
take my example for your guide.
2 “I am the light; I light the way,
a godly life displaying;
I bid you walk as in the day;
I keep your feet from straying.
I am the way, and well I show
how you should sojourn here below.”
3 My heart abounds in lowliness;
my soul with love is glowing;
and gracious words my lips express,
with meekness overflowing.
My heart, my mind, my strength, my all
to God I yield; on him I call.
5 Then let us follow Christ, our Lord,
and take the cross appointed,
and, firmly clinging to his word,
in suffering be undaunted.
For those who bear the battle’s strain
the crown of heav’nly life obtain.
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again 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.
The Prayers of Intercession
A: Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.
After each petition:
A: Lord, in your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.
After the last petition:
A: Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
C: Amen.
The Peace
P: The peace of the Lord be with you always.
C: And also with you.
Offering Prayer
A: Merciful God, receive the gifts we bring, our selves, our time, and our possessions. Through this meal unite us as your body, shining with the light of your justice and mercy; for the sake of him who gave himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord.
C: Amen.
The Meal
The Great Thanksgiving
P: The Lord be with you.
C: And also with you.
P: Lift up your hearts.
C: We lift them to the Lord.
P: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
C: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
P: 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
LBW Setting 2 (green hymnal, p. 89)
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
Lord God of pow’r and might:
Heav’n and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
P: Holy One, the beginning and the end, the giver of life: Blessed are you for the birth of creation. Blessed are you in the darkness and in the light. Blessed are you for your promise to your people. Blessed are you in the prophets’ hopes and dreams. Blessed are you for Mary’s openness to your will. Blessed are you for your Son Jesus, the Word made flesh.
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.
Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:
C: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
P: With this bread and cup we remember your Word dwelling among us, full of grace and truth. We remember our new birth in his death and resurrection. We look with hope for his coming.
C: Come, Lord Jesus.
P: Holy God, we long for your Spirit. Come among us. Bless this meal. May your Word take flesh in us. Awaken your people. Fill us with your light. Bring the gift of peace on earth.
C: Come, Holy Spirit.
P: All praise and glory are yours, Holy One of Israel, Word of God incarnate, Power of the Most High, one God, now and forever.
C: Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
P: Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us 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;
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.
Invitation to Communion
P: The True Light has come into the World. Come to his table and be filled with light and life.
The Body of Christ, broken for you.
The Blood of Christ, shed for you.
All eat bread and drink wine or juice at their seat.
Communion Hymn
“Will You Come and Follow Me”
1 “Will you come and follow me
if I but call your name?
Will you go where you don’t know
and never be the same?
Will you let my love be shown,
will you let my name be known,
will you let my life be grown
in you and you in me?
2 “Will you leave yourself behind
if I but call your name?
Will you care for cruel and kind
and never be the same?
Will you risk the hostile stare,
should your life attract or scare?
Will you let me answer pray’r
in you and you in me?
3 “Will you let the blinded see
if I but call your name?
Will you set the pris’ners free
and never be the same?
Will you kiss the leper clean,
and do such as this unseen,
and admit to what I mean
in you and you in me?
4 “Will you love the you you hide
if I but call your name?
Will you quell the fear inside
and never be the same?
Will you use the faith you’ve found
to reshape the world around,
through my sight and touch and sound
in you and you in me?”
5 Lord, your summons echoes true
when you but call my name.
Let me turn and follow you
and never be the same.
In your company I’ll go
where your love and footsteps show.
Thus I’ll move and live and grow
in you and you in me.
Table Blessing
P: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
C: Amen.
Prayer after Communion
A: O Morning Star, fair and bright, you have refreshed us again with heavenly food. You are our dearest treasure. Go with us now—today, tomorrow, every day—that we tell the story of your never-ending love and sing your praise both now and forever.
C: Amen.
Sending
Announcements for God’s Mission in the World
Blessing
P: God the creator strengthen you; Jesus the beloved fill you; and the Holy Spirit the comforter ☩ keep you in peace.
C: Amen.
Closing Hymn
“In Christ Called to Baptize”
1 In Christ called to baptize,
we witness to grace
and gather a people
from each land and race.
In deep, flowing waters,
we share in Christ’s death,
then, rising to new life,
give thanks with each breath.
2 In Christ called to banquet,
one table we share,
a haven of welcome,
a circle of care.
Although we are many,
we share in one bread.
One cup of thanksgiving
proclaims Christ, our head.
3 In Christ called to witness,
by grace we will preach
the life-giving gospel;
God’s love we will teach.
By grace may our living
give proof to our praise
in costly compassion
reflecting Christ’s ways.
4 Unite us, anoint us,
O Spirit of love,
for you are within us,
around us, above.
Equip us for service
with gifts you bestow.
In Christ is our calling.
In Christ may we grow.
Dismissal
A: Go in peace. Serve the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.
Postlude
“Go, Make Disciples”
Handt Hanson
Worship Leaders
The Rev. Emily Beckering, Pastor
Kris Keith, Music Director
Kate Wollenburg, Organist
Nancy Erbeck, Assisting Minister
John Cathcart, Reader
Upcoming Events
Sunday, January 23: Third Sunday after Epiphany
9 am Sunday School / Adult Forum
10:30 am Worship Service
After Worship: Strategic Plan Roundtable Discussion
Monday, January 24
**Epistle articles deadline**
7 pm Council Meeting
Wednesday, January 26
7 pm Bell Choir rehearsal
Thursday, January 27
10:30 am Bible study (Sunday’s readings)
6 pm BSA troop meeting
Friday, January 28
7 pm Faith & Film Fridays: The Chosen
7 pm Scouts BSA lock-in
Sunday, January 30: Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
9 am Sunday School / Adult Forum
10:30 am Worship Service
After Worship: Annual Congregational Meeting
Wednesday, February 2
7 pm Bell Choir rehearsal
Thursday, February 3
10:30 am Bible study (Sunday’s readings)
Saturday, February 5
10 am Cub Scouts – Pinewood Derby (narthex)
Copyright Notices
“Here I Am, Lord”: Text and music by Daniel Schutte © 1981 OCP Publications, Inc., 5536 NE Hassalo, Portland, OR 97213. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
“Hail to the Lord’s Anointed”: Arr. © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress.
“Thank You, Lord”: Arr. by J. Jefferson Cleveland and Vergola Nix © 1981 Abingdon Press, admin. The Copyright Company
“Will You Come and Follow Me”: Text by John L. Bell © 1987 Iona Community, admin. GIA Publications, Inc., 7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638. www.giamusic.com. 800.442.1358. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
“In Christ Called to Baptize”: Text by Ruth Duck © 1995 Pilgrim Press.
“Go, Make Disciples”: Text and music by Handt Hanson © 1991 Changing Church Forum, Inc.
Hymns/anthems: Music reprinted and streamed by permission under ONE LICENSE #A-726103 and CCLI Licenses #21045423 and #21045416. All rights reserved.
Liturgical texts and service music: From SundaysandSeasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS010308.