ORDER OF WORSHIP
Second Sunday after Epiphany
January 18, 2026
Today’s gospel opens with further reflection on Jesus’ baptism. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and the one anointed by the Spirit. In the liturgy we come and see Christ revealed among us in word and meal. We go forth to invite others to come and worship the Holy One and to receive the gifts of grace and peace made known among us.
+ GATHERING +
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE
Jesus Calls Us; o’er the Tumult
arr. H. Alexander Matthews
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
+ All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.
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
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.
APOSTOLIC 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.
KYRIE (page 98)
In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace from above,
and for our salvation,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the whole world,
for the well-being of the Church of God,
and for the unity of all,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this holy house,
and for all who offer here their worship and praise,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
Amen.
CANTICLE OF PRAISE (page 101)
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain,
whose blood set us free to be people of God.
Power and riches, wisdom and strength,
and honor and blessing and glory are his.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Sing with all the people of God,
and join in the hymn of all creation:
Blessing and honor, glory and might
be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
For the Lamb who was slain has begun his reign.
Alleluia.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
PRAYER OF THE DAY.
Let us pray together.
Holy God, our strength and our redeemer, by your Spirit hold us forever, that through your grace we may worship you and faithfully serve you, follow you and joyfully find you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
+ WORD +
FIRST READING: Isaiah 49:1-7
1 Listen to me, O coastlands;
pay attention, you peoples from far away!
The Lord called me before I was born;
while I was in my mother’s womb he named me.
2 He made my mouth like a sharp sword;
in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me a polished arrow;
in his quiver he hid me away.
3 And he said to me, “You are my servant,
Israel, in whom I will be glorified.”
4 But I said, “I have labored in vain;
I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity;
yet surely my cause is with the Lord
and my reward with my God.”
5 And now the Lord says,
who formed me in the womb to be his servant,
to bring Jacob back to him,
and that Israel might be gathered to him,
for I am honored in the sight of the Lord,
and my God has become my strength—
6 he says,
“It is too light a thing that you should be my servant
to raise up the tribes of Jacob
and to restore the survivors of Israel;
I will give you as a light to the nations,
that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”
7 Thus says the Lord,
the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One,
to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations,
the slave of rulers,
“Kings shall see and stand up;
princes, and they shall prostrate themselves,
because of the Lord, who is faithful,
the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.”
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
PSALM 40:1-11 (We will read the Psalm responsively by whole verse)
1 I waited patiently upon the Lord,
who stooped to me and heard my cry.
2 The Lord lifted me out of the desolate pit, out of the miry clay,
and set my feet upon a high cliff, making my footing sure.
3 The Lord put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God;
many shall see, and stand in awe, and put their trust in the Lord.
4 Happy are they who trust in the Lord!
They do not turn to enemies or to those who follow lies.
5 Great are the wonders you have done, O Lord my God!
In your plans for us, none can be compared with you!
Oh, that I could make them known and tell them!
But they are more than I can count.
6 Sacrifice and offering you do not desire;
you have opened my ears:
burnt-offering and sin-offering you have not required.
7 And so I said, “Here I am; I come.
In the scroll of the book it is written of me:
8 ‘I love to do your will, O my God;
your law is deep within me.’ ”
9 I proclaimed righteousness in the great assembly;
I have not restrained my lips, O Lord, you know.
10 I have not hidden your righteousness in my heart;
I have spoken of your faithfulness and your deliverance;
I have not concealed your steadfast love and truth
from the great assembly.
11 You are the Lord; do not withhold your compassion from me;
may your steadfast love and your truth continually keep me safe.
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,
2 To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, 5 for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind 6 just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you 7 so that you are not lacking in any gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the partnership of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (page 198)
Alleluia. alleluia.
Alleluia. alleluia.
Lord, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life.
Alleluia. alleluia.
Alleluia. alleluia.
GOSPEL: John 1:29-42
The Holy Gospel according to John, the 1st chapter.
Glory to you, O Lord.
29 [John the Baptist] saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!30 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Chosen One.”
35 The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and as he watched Jesus walk by he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. 40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). 42 He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON The Rev. Dr. Olga-Maria Cruz
Silence is kept for reflection.
HYMN OF THE DAY
Jesus Calls Us; o’er the Tumult
ELW 696
Jesus calls us; o'er the tumult
of our life's wild, restless sea,
day by day his clear voice sounding,
saying, "Christian, follow me":
As of old Saint Andrew heard it
by the Galilean lake,
turned from home and toil and kindred,
leaving all for Jesus' sake.
Jesus calls us from the worship
of the vain world's golden store,
from each idol that would keep us,
saying, "Christian, love me more."
In our joys and in our sorrows,
days of toil and hours of ease,
still he calls, in cares and pleasures,
"Christian, love me more than these."
Jesus calls us! By your mercy,
Savior, may we hear your call,
give our hearts to your obedience,
serve and love you best of all.
INSTALLATION OF CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL
The assembly is seated. The presiding minister addresses the assembly.
The following people have been elected by the congregation to our church council. We give thanks for their willingness to serve. In baptism, we are welcomed into the body of Christ and sent to share in the mission of God; we rejoice now that these siblings in Christ will lead us in our common life and our mutual mission as a congregation.
The offices and names of those who are to be installed are read by a representative of the congregation.
The presiding minister addresses those being installed.
A reading from First Corinthians: There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)
The presiding minister continues.
You have been elected to positions of leadership and trust in this congregation.
You are to see that the words and deeds of this household of faith bear witness to God, who gathers us into one together with the whole church.
You are to seek to involve all members of this congregation in worship, learning, witness, service, and support, so that the mission of Christ is carried out in this congregation, in the wider church, in this community, and in the whole world.
You are to be faithful in your specific area of serving, that the Spirit who empowers you may be glorified.
You are to be examples of faith active in love, fostering peace, harmony, and mutual understanding in this congregation.
The presiding minister addresses those being installed.
On behalf of your Grace Lutheran family, I ask you:
Will you accept and faithfully carry out the duties of the offices
to which you have been elected?
Response: I will, and I ask God to help me.
*The assembly stands. Those being installed face the assembly.
The presiding minister addresses the assembly.
People of God, I ask you:
Will you support these, your elected leaders,
and will you share in the mutual ministry
that Christ has given to all who are baptized?
We will, and we ask God to help us.
Those being installed face the presiding minister, who addresses them.
I now declare you installed as council members and officers of this congregation.
Almighty God bless you, and direct your days and your deeds in peace, that you may be faithful servants of Christ.
Amen.
APOSTLE’S CREED
We now profess the faith we share using the words of the 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 INTERCESSION
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.
Gracious God, gather the church into one great fellowship. Equip your people to work together for justice and peace, following the example of Martin Luther King Jr., renewer of society, whose birth we remember this week. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Creating God, sustain the web of life on this planet. Protect wild places, endangered species, and vulnerable habitats. Come to the aid of those affected by natural disasters. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Just God, you desire respect and equality for everyone. Raise up prophets who speak truth to the nations. Embolden leaders and those in authority to advocate for people in need. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Healing God, you lift up those who are bowed down by trouble, oppression, or illness, especially for Mary, Mabel, Doris, June, Ann, Julie, Carol, Anne, Judy, Jeff, Gloria, Brian, James & Grace, Katie, Wil, Amy, Bob & Jane, Scott, Lynda, Ron & Flo, Mac, Monica, Avery, Doris, John, Abby, Mike, Tim, Arleen & Richard, Betty, Linda, Henry, Glenn, Gary, Connie, Greg, Beverly & Ray, Helen & Ron, Phyllis, and Max. Bring an end to social injustice and inequities of every kind, so that all people may have abundant life. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Abiding God, you are present with this congregation. Keep us mindful of our mission and guide our ministries in this community, especially VISTE, whom we support this month. Bless and strengthen our church council and council officers as they begin a new year of service to Grace. Kindle in us a desire to help one another. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
Faithful God, you promise to be with us always. We remember with gratitude the faithful departed who now rest in you. Strengthen us to the end, that we may see you face to face. 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.
SHARING OF THE PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
+ 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.
OFFERTORY
We Will Praise You
Praetorius
OFFERING SONG
Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful
ELW 181
Let the vineyards be fruitful, Lord,
and fill to the brim our cup of blessing.
Gather a harvest from the seeds that were sown,
that we may be fed with the bread of life.
Gather the hopes and the dreams of all;
unite them with the prayers we offer.
Grace our table with your presence,
and give us a foretaste of the feast to come.
OFFERING PRAYER
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.
HOLY COMMUNION
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
DIALOGUE (page 107)
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 (page 108)
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might;
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest.
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal:
you we praise and glorify, you we worship and adore.
In the night in which he was handed over,
our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks.
He 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.”
LORD'S PRAYER
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us:
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
Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
Come to the table; taste and see. Thanks be to God.
DISTRIBUTION
The baptized children of God are invited by the Lord to the Lord’s Table where we receive Jesus’ very body and blood in, with, and under the bread and wine. We commune at the communion rail where we receive the Body and Blood of Christ. Gluten free bread and grape juice are available. If you wish to commune, but cannot come forward, let an usher know and Pastor will come to you. If you do not wish to commune, you are welcome to come forward to receive a blessing. 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 (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 sins of the world:
grant us peace, grant us peace.
COMMUNION HYMNS
Taste and See
ELW 493
Refrain
Taste and see, taste and see
the goodness of the Lord.
Oh, taste and see, taste and see
the goodness of the Lord, of the Lord.
I will bless the Lord at all times.
Praise shall always be on my lips;
my soul shall glory in the Lord;
for God has been so good to me. Refrain
Glorify the Lord with me.
Together let us all praise God's name.
I called the Lord, who answered me;
from all my troubles I was set free. Refrain
Worship the Lord, all you people.
You'll want for nothing if you ask.
Taste and see that the Lord is good;
in God we need put all our trust. Refrain
By Your Hand You Feed Your People
ELW 469
By your hand you feed your people,
food of angels, heaven's bread.
For these gifts we did not labor,
by your grace have we been fed:
Refrain
Christ's own body, blessed and broken,
cup o'er flowing, life outpoured,
given as a living token
of your world redeemed, restored.
In this meal we taste your sweetness,
bread for hunger, wine of peace.
Holy word and holy wisdom
satisfy our deepest needs. Refrain
Send us now with faith and courage
to the hungry, lost, bereaved.
In our living and our dying,
we become what we receive: Refrain
POST-COMMUNION BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Let us pray.
Radiant God,
we have seen your glory in the face of Jesus Christ.
In the sacrament of his body and blood you have drawn us to your heart.
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, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
+ SENDING +
SENDING HYMN
Rise, O Church, like Christ Arisen
ELW 548
Rise, O church, like Christ arisen,
from this meal of love and grace;
may we through such love envision
whose we are, and whose, our praise.
Alleluia, alleluia;
God, the wonder of our days.
Rise, transformed, and choose to follow
after Christ, though wounded, whole;
broken, shared, our lives are hallowed
to release and to console.
Alleluia, alleluia;
Christ, our present, past, and goal.
Rise, remember well the future
God has called us to receive;
present by God's loving nurture,
Spirited then let us live.
Alleluia, alleluia;
Spirit, grace by whom we live.
Service be our sure vocation;
courage be our daily breath;
mercy be our destination
from this day and unto death.
Alleluia, alleluia.
Rise, O church, a living faith.
BENEDICTION
May the triune God,
who has put a new song in your mouth
and tuned your heart for praise
bless you now and forever.
Amen.
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Do justice. Love mercy.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
Oh, Wondrous Image, Vision Fair
John Dunstable
Liturgical Text and Music from Evangelical Lutheran Worship and All Creation Sings, © 2006, 2020, 2022 Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies License #SAS016761. All rights reserved.
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Jesus Calls Us O’er the Tumult, Tune: William H. Jude, 1851-1922, arr. H. Alexander Matthews,1879-1973. In "Twelve Choral Preludes on Familiar Hymn Tunes for the Organ", Music © 1946 Oliver Ditson Company. Streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
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. Public domain.
Jesus Calls Us; o’er the Tumult, Text: Cecil Frances Alexander, 1818-1895. Music: William H. Jude, 1851-1922. Public domain.
We Will Praise You, Words and Music: Michael Praetorius, 1571-1621. Arr: Douglas E. Wagner, b. 1952. Arr. © 1985 Choristers Guild. Streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful, Music: Marty Haugen, b. 1950. Text © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Music © 2004 Augsburg Fortress. Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Taste and See, Text and Music: James E. Moore Jr., b. 1951, Text and music © 1983 GIA Publications, Inc. Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
By Your Hand You Feed Your People, Text: Susan R. Briehl, b. 1952, Music: Marty Haugen, b. 1950. Text and music © 2002 GIA Publications Inc. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Rise, O Church, like Christ Arisen, Text: Susan Palo Cherwin,1953-2021. Music: Timothy J. Strand, b. 1958. Text © Susan Palo Cherwin, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Music © 1997 Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Agincourt Hymn, (Oh, Wondrous Image, Vision Fair), Tune: English ballad, 15th cent. Attr. John Dunstable, c.1390-1453. In "Treasury of Early Organ Music", ed. E. Power Biggs, 1906-1977. Pub. Mercury Music Corporation, admin Theodore Presser Company. Public domain.
