ORDER OF WORSHIP
Epiphany Sunday
January 8, 2023

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

PRELUDE

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

The Service of Light

DIALOGUE

The Lord is my light and my salvation.
        The Lord is my light and my salvation.
    The Lord is the strength of my life.
        The Lord is the strength of my life.
    Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
        The Lord is my light and my salvation.

HYMN        

Arise Your Light Has Come
ELW 314

Arise, your light has come!
The Spirit's call obey;
show forth the glory of your God
which shines on you today.

Arise, your light has come!
Fling wide the prison door;
proclaim the captive's liberty,
good tidings to the poor.

Arise, your light has come!
All you in sorrow born,
bind up the brokenhearted ones
and comfort those who mourn.

Arise, your light has come!
The mountains burst in song!
Rise up like eagles on the wing,
God's pow'r will make us strong.

The Epiphany of Christ

DIALOGUE

Three wonders mark this holy day.
    This day a star leads the wise men to the manger.
        Alleluia!
     Day water is made wine at the wedding feast.
        Alleluia!

    This day Jesus is revealed as the Christ in the waters of baptism.
        Alleluia! Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!

PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray.
O God, on this day you revealed your Son to the nations by the leading of a star. Lead us now by faith to know your presence in our lives, and bring us at last to the full vision of your glory, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.

HYMN

Brightest and Best of the Stars
ELW 303

Brightest and best of the stars of the morning,
dawn on our darkness and lend us your aid.
Star of the east, the horizon adorning,
guide where our infant redeemer is laid.

Cold on his cradle the dewdrops are shining;
low lies his head with the beasts of the stall;
angels adore him in slumber reclining,
maker and monarch and savior of all.

What shall we give him, in costly devotion?
Shall we bring incense and off'rings divine,
gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean,
myrrh from the forest or gold from the mine?

Vainly we offer each ample oblation,
vainly with gifts would his favor secure;
richer by far is the heart's adoration,
dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.

Brightest and best of the stars of the morning,
dawn on our darkness and lend us your aid.
Star of the east, the horizon adorning,
guide where our infant redeemer is laid.

King of the World Revealed to Magi

DIALOGUE

This day a star leads the wise men to the manger.

Arise, shine: for your light has come
   And the Glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
Nations shall come to your light
   And Kings to the brightness of your rising.
They shall bring gold, frankincense and myrrh
   And proclaim the praise of the Lord.
Your gates will lie open continually
   Shut neither by day nor by night.
No more will the sun give you daylight
   Nor moonlight shine upon you.
But the Lord will be your everlasting light
   Your God will be your splendor.

Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the Universe; your word has gone forth to the ends of the world.  May the whole creation be filled with your glory, and all nations do your service.  
Blessed be God for ever.

Matthew 2:1-12

The holy gospel according to Matthew.
Glory to you, O Lord.

¹In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, ²asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." ³When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; ⁴and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. ⁵They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
 ⁶'And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
 are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
 for from you shall come a ruler
 who is to shepherd my people Israel.'"
⁷Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. ⁸Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." ⁹When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. ¹⁰When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. ¹¹On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. ¹²And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

PRAYER

Let us pray.
Eternal God, who by the shining of a star led the wise men to the worship of your Son; guide by his light the nations of the earth, that the whole world may behold your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

HYMN

As with Gladness Men of Old
ELW 302

As with gladness men of old
did the guiding star behold;
as with joy they hailed its light,
leading onward, beaming bright;
so, most gracious Lord, may we
evermore be led by thee.

As with joyful steps they sped,
Savior, to thy lowly bed,
there to bend the knee before
thee, whom heav'n and earth adore;
so may we with willing feet
ever seek thy mercy seat.

As they offered gifts most rare
at thy cradle, rude and bare,
so may we with holy joy,
pure and free from sin's alloy,
all our costliest treasures bring,
Christ, to thee, our heav'nly king.

Holy Jesus, ev'ry day
keep us in the narrow way;
and when earthly things are past,
bring our ransomed souls at last
where they need no star to guide,
where no clouds thy glory hide.

In the heav'nly country bright
need they no created light;
thou its light, its joy, its crown,
thou its sun which goes not down;
there forever may we sing
alleluias to our king.

Christ Revealed in Baptism

DIALOGUE

This day Jesus is revealed as the Christ in the waters of baptism.

I will take you from the nations:
   and gather you from all countries.
I will sprinkle clean water upon you;
   and purify you from all defilement.
A new heart I will give you:
   and put a new spirit within you.
You shall be my people:
   and I shall be your God.

Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the Universe:  You bring waters out of the stony rock.  For with you is the well of life, and in your light shall we see light.
   Blessed be God forever.

Mark 1:1-4, 9-11

^{The holy gospel according to Mark.
Glory to you, O Lord.}

¹The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
²As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,
 "See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
 who will prepare your way;
 ³the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
 'Prepare the way of the Lord,
 make his paths straight,'"
⁴John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
⁹In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. ¹⁰And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. ¹¹And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

PRAYER

Let us pray.
Almighty God, who anointed Jesus at his Baptism with the Holy Spirit and revealed him as your beloved Son: give to us who are born of water and the Spirit, the will to surrender ourselves to your service, that we may rejoice to be called your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

HYMN

Christ, When for Us Your Were Baptized
ELW 304 (vs. 1,2,4)

Christ, when for us you were baptized,
God's Spirit on you came,
as peaceful as a dove, and yet
as urgent as a flame,
as urgent as a flame.

God called you, "My beloved Son";
you are God's servant true,
sent to proclaim the reign of heav'n,
God's holy will to do,
God's holy will to do.

Baptize us with your Spirit, Lord;
your cross on us be signed,
that likewise in God's service we
may perfect freedom find,
may perfect freedom find.

PRAYER

New Creation Revealed in the Water Made Wine

DIALOGUE

This day water is made wine at the wedding feast.

I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God
   prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
And I heard a great voice from the Throne, saying:
   behold, the dwelling of God is with his people.
He will dwell with them and they shall be his own:
   and God himself shall be with them.
Behold, I make all things new:
   I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
To the thirsty I will give water without price:
   from the fountain of the water of life.

Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the Universe; your word has gone forth to the ends of the world.  May the whole creation be filled with your glory, and all nations do your service.
   Blessed be God for ever.

JOHN 2:1-11

The holy gospel according to John.
Glory to you, O Lord.

¹On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. ²Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. ³When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." ⁴And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come." ⁵His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." ⁶Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. ⁷Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. ⁸He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward." So they took it. ⁹When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom ¹⁰and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now." ¹¹Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

PRAYER

Let us pray.
Lord God, you showed your glory and led many to faith by the works of your Son.  As he brought gladness and joy to his people through the abundance of his giving, grant us this joy and lead us to perfect faith in him, Jesus Christ, our Lord. 
Amen.

HYMN

Jesus Come! For We Invite You
ELW 312

Jesus, come! for we invite you,
guest and master, friend and Lord;
now, as once at Cana's wedding,
speak and let us hear your word:
lead us through our need or doubting,
hope be born and joy restored.

Jesus, come! transform our pleasures,
guide us into paths unknown;
bring your gifts, command your servants,
let us trust in you alone:
though your hand may work in secret,
all shall see what you have done.

Jesus, come! in new creation,
heav'n brought near by pow'r divine;
give your unexpected glory,
changing water into wine:
rouse the faith of your disciples—
come, our first and greatest Sign!

Jesus, come! surprise our dullness,
make us willing to receive
more than we can yet imagine,
all the best you have to give:
let us find your hidden riches,
taste your love, believe, and live!

SERMON      Mr. Tom O'Reilly

HYMN OF THE DAY    

Songs of Thankfulness and Praise
ELW 310

Songs of thankfulness and praise,
Jesus, Lord, to thee we raise;
manifested by the star
to the sages from afar,
branch of royal David's stem
in thy birth at Bethlehem:
anthems be to thee addressed,
God in flesh made manifest.

Manifest at Jordan's stream,
prophet, priest, and king supreme;
and at Cana wedding guest
in thy Godhead manifest;
manifest in pow'r divine,
changing water into wine;
anthems be to thee addressed,
God in flesh made manifest.

Manifest in making whole
weakened body, fainting soul;
manifest in valiant fight,
quelling all the devil's might;
manifest in gracious will,
ever bringing good from ill:
anthems be to thee addressed,
God in flesh made manifest.

Grant us grace to see thee, Lord,
present in thy holy word;
grace to imitate thee now
and be pure, as pure art thou;
that we might become like thee
at thy great epiphany,
and may praise thee, ever blest,
God in flesh made manifest.

NICENE CREED

We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary
and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

EXCHANGE OF PEACE

Peace of Christ be with you all.
And also with you.

We prepare now to receive our offerings as we return to God a portion of what God has entrusted to us.

  + MEAL +  

OFFERING
You may place your offerings in the offering plate as it is passed during the service.  Alternatively, some are using Tithe.ly for online giving or are using their bank’s online banking option.  Whichever way you choose to give, we are grateful for your stewardship and generosity.

MUSIC DURING OFFERING

OFFERING SONG  

Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
ELW 885    

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise God, all creatures here below;
praise God above, ye heav'nly host;
praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

HEART OF GRACE MOMENT

OFFERING PRAYER
Let us pray.
Receive these simple gifts of bread, wine and money, along with our faithful intentions and commitments for our giving this year, and make us messengers of your mercy and love for all in need of your healing and justice.
Amen.

    HOLY COMMUNION

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

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      ELW page 108 

Holy, holy, holy 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.

THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE 

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:
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.  
Christ will come again.
 
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.
Come, Lord Jesus.
 
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.
Come, Holy Spirit.
 
All praise and glory are yours, Holy One of Israel, Word of God incarnate,

Power of the Most High, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

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 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.

DISTRIBUTION 
This holy meal is for all the baptized children of God.  We commune at the altar rail.  The ushers will direct you down the center aisle.  Please go to an open spot at the altar rail.  After you have received the host, the first chalice is for intinction and the second chalice is for drinking.  A third chalice of grape juice is also offered.  Please let the Pastor know if you wish to receive gluten-free wafers.  You may wish to remain at the rail for a time of personal prayer following which you may return to your pew down the side aisle. 

LAMB OF GOD      ELW page 112

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us. 
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us. 
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
grant us peace.  Amen.

HYMNS DURING COMMUNION

What Feast of Love
ELW 487

What feast of love is offered here,
what banquet come from heaven?
What food of everlasting life,
what gracious gift is given?
This, this is Christ the king,
the bread come down from heaven.
Oh, taste and see and sing!
How sweet the manna given!

What light of truth is offered here,
what covenant from heaven?
What hope of everlasting life,
what wondrous word is given?
This, this is Christ the king,
the sun come down from heaven.
Oh, see and hear and sing!
The Word of God is given!

What wine of love is offered here,
what crimson drink from heaven?
What stream of everlasting life,
what precious blood is given?
This, this is Christ the king,
the sweetest wine of heaven.
Oh, taste and see and sing!
The Son of God is given!

BLESSING AFTER COMMUNION

And now may the Body and Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ preserve us on to life everlasting.  
Amen.

NOW LORD    ELW page 113

Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace:
your word has been fulfilled. 
My own eyes have seen the salvation
which you have prepared in the sight of ev'ry people:
a light to reveal you to the nations
and the glory of your people Israel.   
Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
God of the abundant table, you have refreshed our hearts in this meal with bread for the journey. Give us your grace on the road that we might serve our neighbors with joy; for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord. 
Amen.

+ SENDING +  

SENDING HYMN      

We All Are One in Mission
ELW 576

We all are one in mission;
we all are one in call,
our varied gifts united
by Christ, the Lord of all.
A single great commission
compels us from above
to plan and work together
that all may know Christ's love.

We all are called for service,
to witness in God's name.
Our ministries are diff'rent;
our purpose is the same:
to touch the lives of others
with God's surprising grace,
so ev'ry folk and nation
may feel God's warm embrace.

Now let us be united,
and let our song be heard.
Now let us be a vessel
for God's redeeming Word.
We all are one in mission;
we all are one in call,
our varied gifts united
by Christ, the Lord of all.

After the Sending Hymn, we move from the pews to the side and front aisles to form a circle around the sanctuary for the Charge to the People and the Benediction.

CHARGTE TO THE PEOPLE

BENEDICTION

DISMISSAL
Go in peace.  Thanks be to God.
Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE  

Arise Your Light Has Come, Text: Ruth Duck, b. 1947, Text © 1992 GIA Publications, Inc.,  Text reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.  Music:William H. Walter, 1825-1893.  Public domain.

Brightest and Best of the Stars, Text: Reginald Heber, 1783-1826, alt. Music: James P. Harding, 1850-1911.  Public domain.

As with Gladness Men of Old, Text: William C. Dix, 1837-1898, alt.  Music: Conrad Kocher, 1798-1872.  Public domain.

Christ, When for Us Your Were Baptized, Text: F. Bland Tucker, 1895-1984, alt., Text © 1985 Church Pension Fund, admin. Church Publishing Incorporated.    Music: Nikolaus Herman, 1480-1561. Public domain.

Jesus Come! For We Invite You, Text: Christopher Idle, b. 1938. Text © 1982 Jubilate Hymns, admin. Hope Publishing Company, Music: Harold Friedell, 1905-1958.  Music © 1957, 1985 H.W. Gray, admin CPP/Belwin.  Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.

Songs of Thankfulness and Praise, Text: Christopher Wordsworth, 1807-1885, alt. Music: Jakob Hintze, 1622-1702; arr. Johann Sebastian Bach, 1685-1750.  Public domain.

Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow. Text: Thomas Ken, 1637-1711, alt.. Music: Louis Bourgeois, 1510-1561, attr., Genevan Psalter, 1551. Public domain.

What Feast of Love  Text: Delores Dufner, OSB, b. 1939 Text © 1993 Delores Dufner, OSB. Published by OCP Publications.  Text reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.  Music: English ballad, 16th cent. Public domain.

We All Are One in Mission, Text: Rusty Edwards, b. 1955, Text © 1986 Hope Publishing Company.  Music: Finnish folk tune, arr. hymnal version.  Arr.© 2006 Augsburg Fortress.  Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274.  All rights reserved.