January 25, 2026
THIRD AFTER EPIPHANY
Welcome to our Service of Prayer, of Song, and of Experiencing the Spirit within and among us.
Lead Minister: The Rev. Jope Langejans
Music Director: Cody Obst
Minister Emeritus: Rev. Gerry Scharff
Honorary Associate Ministers: Rev. Clint Mooney & Rev. Kelley Warner
Chair of Council: Vacant
Reader: Beth Elliot
Guest Worship Leader: Rev. Clint Mooney
Guest Accompanist: Chellan Hoffman
Gathering
(*Indicates that you may stand if you are able…)
PRELUDE
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE
“ Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, Comin’ For to Carry Me Home”
CALL TO WORSHIP:
Leader: Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
ALL: Let heaven and nature sing!
May nations prove the glories of God’s righteousness
And wonders of God’s love.
May sin and sorrow cease
And blessings of God’s grace and truth flow endlessly.
Opening Prayer: (Unison)
Holy God, you call us together to reflect on your Word
So that we may live it in our daily lives
Be with us now while we are together.
May your spirit invade and transform our hearts.
We draw on your strength. We rely on your grace.
We call on your wisdom and love to bless us. Amen
HYMN: “Sing Your Praise to God Eternal” VU #244
PRAYER: (silent prayer)
ALL: Loving God, you come as a child and remind us of your creative, imaginative power,
The wonder of renewal, of giftings and beginnings.
You ask simple yet profound questions of us, wanting us to consider, to think,
To be aware, to notice, to be responsive, to live a full life.
You place us with others in family and friendship communities to learn of differences, to grow in understanding of ourselves as well as of the world and of other people.
We grow older and wish to be wise in the accumulations of your leading.
We have only gratitude to give for your gifts.
We ask your blessing upon us. Amen
Engaging the Sacred Text
(Reader: Beth Elliot)
Readings:
Isaiah 9:1-4
1 Corinthians 1:10-18
Matthew 4:12-23
SERMON / MESSAGE: “Jesus Begins His Ministry”
*HYMN: “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” VU # 333
Responding
OFFERING INVITATION
OFFERING MUSICAL SELECTION
A NEW CREED (unison) VU # 918
PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING AND INTERCESSION
LORD’S PRAYER
* HYMN “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” VU # 651
COMMISSIONING
BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE