ORDER OF WORSHIP
3rd Sunday after Epiphany
January 22, 2023
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
As we behold the beauty of God’s temple, we see God’s face.
God is our shelter and our shade.
We will sing to the God of our salvation!
Opening Hymn: #12 (Red) ‘Immortal, Invisible God Only Wise’
Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;
thy justice like mountains high soaring above
thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.
To all, life thou givest, to both great and small;
in all life thou livest, the true life of all.
We blossom and flourish like leaves on the tree,
then wither and perish; but naught changeth thee.
Thou reigneth in glory, thou dwelleth in light.
Thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight.
All praise we would render; O help us to see
'tis only the splendor of light hideth thee!
CALL TO CONFESSION
Turning to God and following the light of Christ, let us in faith confess our sin and the sins of the world.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison)
Holy God, we confess that we have wandered from your light. We follow paths of self-indulgence, instead of focusing on our need of you. We passively accept the suffering of the world, expecting others to stand up and work for the change we would like to see. Lord, in your strength, renew us and compel us by your invitation that we may work to pursue your justice and mercy for all people, sharing your light in ways great and small. (Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS
Grace, mercy, and love—these are the gifts God has given us in Jesus Christ.
This is good news!
In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
*GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, Amen.
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
Saving God, source of our calling, your Word is full of power and glory. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us so that we may receive your grace and live as your beloved children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READING
Old Testament Reading
Isaiah 9:1–4 (read responsively)
1But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
2The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness--
on them light has shined.
3 You have multiplied exultation;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.
4 For the yoke of their burden
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
John 1:1-18
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it.
6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. 15 (John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ ”) 16 From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. It is the only Son, himself God, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.
Ephesians 5:8-14A
8 for once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Walk as children of light, 9 for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. 10 Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness; rather, expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly, 13 but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for everything that becomes visible is light.
SERMON ‘The Light of the World’ Susan Hugghins, Wycliffe Bible Translators
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH-THE APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
*SERMON HYMN ‘#79 ‘Light Dawns on a Weary World’
Light dawns on a weary world
when eyes begin to see all people’s dignity.
Light dawns on a weary world:
the promised day of justice comes.
Refrain:
The trees shall clap their hands; the dry lands, gush with springs.
The hills and mountains shall break forth with singing!
We shall go out in joy, and be led forth in peace,
as all the world in wonder echoes shalom.
Love grows in a weary world when hungry hearts find bread
and children’s dreams are fed.
Love grows in a weary world:
the promised feast of plenty comes. [Refrain]
Hope blooms in a weary world when creatures, once forlorn, find wilderness reborn.
Hope blooms in a weary world:
the promised green of Eden comes. [Refrain]
CALL TO OFFERING
There is only one Lord and God, from whom all things come and for whom we live. Let us offer our lives to the Lord. 1 Corinthians 8:4–6
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Gracious Lord, as followers who are blinded by your wondrous light, we seek to be amplified beacons of your astonishing light to others. Help us to reflect your love by listening to your call and to your will for our lives. In gratitude, we dedicate these gifts in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. ( John 9:1-41 David S. Bell)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
-Paige F
-Nelda H (recovery in the Neighborhoods)
-Betty G
-Carol G (recovery)
-Bob J and Jan as caregiver
-Bob O
-Andrew & Beth L
-Laura (Linda’s niece)
-Gwen B (Lee P’s friend)
-Patty (friend of Michele)
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
-Darwin L (Jeanne’s husband) and Jeanne as caregiver
Our homebound or in care members: Bob J, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Art V, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Joel & Bonnie F & family Lynn, Paige, & Gayle; Neal & Julie F
Those who mourn: We pray for the family and friends of Evelyn Fee who passed away on January 15. We pray for the VanderWaal, Kemp, Peterson, Goodale, McCann, and Webster families and all who have lost loved ones.
LORD’S PRAYER
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 debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever, Amen.
CLOSING HYMN #377 (Red) ‘I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light’
I want to walk as a child of the light.
I want to follow Jesus.
God set the stars to give light to the world.
The star of my life is Jesus.
Refrain:
In him there is no darkness at all.
The night and the day are both alike.
The Lamb is the light of the city of God.
Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.
I want to see the brightness of God.
I want to look at Jesus.
Clear sun of righteousness, shine on my path,
and show me the way to the Father. [Refrain]
I'm looking for the coming of Christ.
I want to be with Jesus.
When we have run with patience the race,
we shall know the joy of Jesus. [Refrain]
ANNOUNCEMENTS
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP meets at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES & PRAYERS will be meeting at the church on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM. All are welcomed to help with quilting. Questions, contact Lee P
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 AM at the church.
50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION for Mike and Judy McCann will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 2:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall at FPC. All are invited, no gifts please.
PER CAPITA per person for 2023 is $38.00. If you have not done so, we would appreciate your donation.
BENEDICTION
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
POSTLUDE
3rd Sunday after Epiphany
January 22, 2023
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
As we behold the beauty of God’s temple, we see God’s face.
God is our shelter and our shade.
We will sing to the God of our salvation!
Opening Hymn: #12 (Red) ‘Immortal, Invisible God Only Wise’
Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;
thy justice like mountains high soaring above
thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.
To all, life thou givest, to both great and small;
in all life thou livest, the true life of all.
We blossom and flourish like leaves on the tree,
then wither and perish; but naught changeth thee.
Thou reigneth in glory, thou dwelleth in light.
Thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight.
All praise we would render; O help us to see
'tis only the splendor of light hideth thee!
CALL TO CONFESSION
Turning to God and following the light of Christ, let us in faith confess our sin and the sins of the world.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison)
Holy God, we confess that we have wandered from your light. We follow paths of self-indulgence, instead of focusing on our need of you. We passively accept the suffering of the world, expecting others to stand up and work for the change we would like to see. Lord, in your strength, renew us and compel us by your invitation that we may work to pursue your justice and mercy for all people, sharing your light in ways great and small. (Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS
Grace, mercy, and love—these are the gifts God has given us in Jesus Christ.
This is good news!
In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
*GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, Amen.
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
Saving God, source of our calling, your Word is full of power and glory. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us so that we may receive your grace and live as your beloved children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READING
Old Testament Reading
Isaiah 9:1–4 (read responsively)
1But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
2The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness--
on them light has shined.
3 You have multiplied exultation;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.
4 For the yoke of their burden
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
John 1:1-18
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it.
6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. 15 (John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ ”) 16 From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. It is the only Son, himself God, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.
Ephesians 5:8-14A
8 for once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Walk as children of light, 9 for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. 10 Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness; rather, expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly, 13 but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for everything that becomes visible is light.
SERMON ‘The Light of the World’ Susan Hugghins, Wycliffe Bible Translators
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH-THE APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
*SERMON HYMN ‘#79 ‘Light Dawns on a Weary World’
Light dawns on a weary world
when eyes begin to see all people’s dignity.
Light dawns on a weary world:
the promised day of justice comes.
Refrain:
The trees shall clap their hands; the dry lands, gush with springs.
The hills and mountains shall break forth with singing!
We shall go out in joy, and be led forth in peace,
as all the world in wonder echoes shalom.
Love grows in a weary world when hungry hearts find bread
and children’s dreams are fed.
Love grows in a weary world:
the promised feast of plenty comes. [Refrain]
Hope blooms in a weary world when creatures, once forlorn, find wilderness reborn.
Hope blooms in a weary world:
the promised green of Eden comes. [Refrain]
CALL TO OFFERING
There is only one Lord and God, from whom all things come and for whom we live. Let us offer our lives to the Lord. 1 Corinthians 8:4–6
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Gracious Lord, as followers who are blinded by your wondrous light, we seek to be amplified beacons of your astonishing light to others. Help us to reflect your love by listening to your call and to your will for our lives. In gratitude, we dedicate these gifts in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. ( John 9:1-41 David S. Bell)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
-Paige F
-Nelda H (recovery in the Neighborhoods)
-Betty G
-Carol G (recovery)
-Bob J and Jan as caregiver
-Bob O
-Andrew & Beth L
-Laura (Linda’s niece)
-Gwen B (Lee P’s friend)
-Patty (friend of Michele)
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
-Darwin L (Jeanne’s husband) and Jeanne as caregiver
Our homebound or in care members: Bob J, Delores K, Rose P, Cliff R, Art V, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Joel & Bonnie F & family Lynn, Paige, & Gayle; Neal & Julie F
Those who mourn: We pray for the family and friends of Evelyn Fee who passed away on January 15. We pray for the VanderWaal, Kemp, Peterson, Goodale, McCann, and Webster families and all who have lost loved ones.
LORD’S PRAYER
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 debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever, Amen.
CLOSING HYMN #377 (Red) ‘I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light’
I want to walk as a child of the light.
I want to follow Jesus.
God set the stars to give light to the world.
The star of my life is Jesus.
Refrain:
In him there is no darkness at all.
The night and the day are both alike.
The Lamb is the light of the city of God.
Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.
I want to see the brightness of God.
I want to look at Jesus.
Clear sun of righteousness, shine on my path,
and show me the way to the Father. [Refrain]
I'm looking for the coming of Christ.
I want to be with Jesus.
When we have run with patience the race,
we shall know the joy of Jesus. [Refrain]
ANNOUNCEMENTS
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP meets at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House at 9:30ish.
PIECES & PRAYERS will be meeting at the church on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM. All are welcomed to help with quilting. Questions, contact Lee P
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 AM at the church.
50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION for Mike and Judy McCann will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 2:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall at FPC. All are invited, no gifts please.
PER CAPITA per person for 2023 is $38.00. If you have not done so, we would appreciate your donation.
BENEDICTION
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
POSTLUDE