ORDER OF WORSHIP
Third Sunday after Epiphany
January 25, 2026
Jesus begins his public ministry by calling fishers to leave their nets and follow him. In Jesus the kingdom of God has come near. We who have walked in darkness have seen a great light. We see this light most profoundly in the cross—as God suffers with us and all who are oppressed by sickness, sin, or evil. Light dawns for us as we gather around the word, the font, and the holy table. We are then sent to share the good news that others may be “caught” in the net of God’s grace and mercy.
+ GATHERING +
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE
Til' the Night is O'er
David Ludwig, Jr.
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
LIsten, God is Calling
ELW 513
Refrain
(Listen,)
listen, God is calling,
through the Word inviting,
offering forgiveness,
comfort and joy.
(Listen,)
listen, God is calling,
through the Word inviting,
offering forgiveness,
comfort and joy.
(Jesus gave his mandate:)
share the good news
(that he came to save us)
and set us free. Refrain
(Let none be forgotten)
throughout the world.
(In the triune name of God)
go and baptize. Refrain
(Help us to be faithful,)
standing steadfast,
(walking in your precepts,)
led by your Word. Refrain
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
Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy.
Christe eleison. Christ, have mercy.
Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy.
GLORIA
Glory to you, God, for yours is the earth;
yours is the promise, the blessing, the birth.
Ours the rejoicing for Word given frame;
ours the thanksgiving to your holy name.
Ours be the telling of deeds greatly done;
yours be the glory, O God, yours alone.
Glory to you, God, for yours is the earth;
yours the hosannas, the dying, rebirth.
Ours the rejoicing for nature reclaimed;
ours the thanksgiving to your holy name.
Ours be the telling of deeds greatly done;
yours be the glory, O God, yours alone.
Glory to you, God, for yours is the earth;
yours the anointing, the radiant worth.
Ours the rejoicing for spirits aflame;
ours the thanksgiving to your holy name.
Ours be the telling of deeds greatly done;
yours be the glory, O God, yours alone.
PRAYER OF THE DAY.
Let us pray together.
Lord God, your lovingkindness always goes before us, and follows after us. Summon us into your light, and direct our steps in the ways of goodness
that come through the cross of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
+ WORD +
FIRST READING: Isaiah 9:1-4
1 There will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time [the Lord] 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.
2 The 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.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
PSALM 27:1,4-9 (sung)
Psalm Refrain
The Lord is my light and my salvation.
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then | shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I | be afraid?
4 One thing I ask of the Lord; one | thing I seek;
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life;
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek God | in the temple.
5 For in the day of trouble God will | give me shelter,
hide me in the hidden places of the sanctuary,
and raise me high up- | on a rock.
6 Even now my head is lifted up above my enemies | who surround me.
Therefore I will offer sacrifice in the sanctuary, sacrifices of rejoicing;
I will sing and make music | to the Lord. [R]
7 Hear my voice, O Lord, | when I call;
have mercy on me and | answer me.
8 My heart speaks your message— | “Seek my face.”
Your face, O Lord, | I will seek.
9 Hide not your face from me, turn not away from your ser- | vant in anger.
Cast me not away—you have been my helper; forsake me not,
O God of | my salvation. [R]
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 1:10-18
10 Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you but that you be knit together in the same mind and the same purpose. 11 For it has been made clear to me by Chloe’s people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. 12 What I mean is that each of you says, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” 13 Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so that no one can say that you were baptized in my name. 16 I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else. 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel—and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power.
18 For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Nothing in all creation
can separate us from the love of God.
Nothing in all creation
can separate us from the love of God.
GOSPEL: Matthew 4:12-25
The Holy Gospel according to Matthew, the 4th chapter:
Glory to you, O Lord.
12 Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. 13 He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
15 “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali,
on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the gentiles—
16 the people who sat in darkness
have seen a great light,
and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death
light has dawned.”
17 From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
18 As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishers. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 21 As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James, son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
23 Jesus went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. 24 So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought to him all the sick, those who were afflicted with various diseases and pains, people possessed by demons or having epilepsy or afflicted with paralysis, and he cured them. 25 And great crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.
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
You Are Mine
ELW 581
I will come to you in the silence
I will lift you from all your fear
You will hear My voice
I claim you as My choice
Be still, and know I am near.
I am hope for all who are hopeless
I am eyes for all who long to see
In the shadows of the night
I will be your light
Come and rest in Me.
Refrain
Do not be afraid, I am with you
I have called you each by name
Come and follow Me
I will bring you home
I love you and you are mine.
I am strength for all the despairing
Healing for the ones who dwell in shame
All the blind will see, the lame will all run free
And all will know My name. Refrain
I am the Word that leads all to freedom
I am the peace the world cannot give
I will call your name, embracing all your pain
Stand up, now, walk, and live. Refrain
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.
Holy One, you entrust the message of the cross and the mission of the gospel to the church in every land. Guide the newly baptized and deepen the faith of all who follow Christ. Open our hearts to serve you near and far. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Maker of all, you lavish creation with splendor, and we praise you for the gift of life. Teach us to live as wise stewards, sharing the earth’s resources with all inhabitants of this garden planet. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Ruler of all, bless those running for local and national office and all those who serve as elected leaders. Guide our Florida State Legislature in their deliberations. Gather wise and courageous voices together, that your mercy and justice might dawn upon all people and nations. Free any who are unjustly accused or wrongly condemned. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Healer of all, thank you for sanctuary and safety. Uplift all who live where fear governs and evil divides. Give refugees and all who seek safety a path toward hope and a new life. Grant healing and wholeness to all who are sick, lonely, or grieving, especially 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. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Teacher and Servant of all, you gather, forgive, and shape us as disciples of Christ. Nurture in us a spirit of patience and respect, that we may love one another as you love us. Bless the efforts of Lutheran World Relief, and quilters and makers of every kind who labor in service to others. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
Savior of all, you free us from the power of death. Lead and guide us until we come at last into the communion of all your saints in light. 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.
GRATITUDE
+ 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
They Cast Their Nets
Herbert Draesel, Jr.
OFFERING SONG
Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful
ELW 182
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
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
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of pow’r and God of might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna, hosanna in the highest.
Hosanna, 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 (sung)
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.
COMMUNION SONG
Be known to us, Lord Jesus, in the breaking of the bread.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Be known to us, Lord Jesus, in the breaking of the bread.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
COMMUNION HYMNS
O Master, Let Me Walk With You
ELW 818
O Master, let me walk with you
in lowly paths of service true;
tell me your secret; help me bear
the strain of toil, the fret of care.
Help me the slow of heart to move
by some clear, winning word of love;
teach me the wayward feet to stay,
and guide them in the homeward way.
Teach me your patience; share with me
a closer, dearer company,
in work that keeps faith sweet and strong,
in trust that triumphs over wrong,
In hope that sends a shining ray
far down the future's broad'ning way,
in peace that only you can give;
with you, O Master, let me live.
Lead Me, Guide Me
ELW 768
Refrain
Lead me, guide me along the way;
For if You lead me, I cannot stray;
Lord, let me walk each day with Thee.
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.
I am weak, and I need Thy strength and power
To help me over my weakest hour;
Let me through the darkness Thy face to see,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.
Help me tread in the paths of righteousness;
Be my aid when Satan and sin oppress.
I am putting all my trust in Thee,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me. Refrain
I am lost, if you take your hand from me;
I am blind, without Thy Light to see;
Lord, just always let me Thy servant be,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me. 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 +
BLESSING OF THE QUILTS
Blessed are you, O Lord our God, Creator of the universe.
You made the whole earth for your glory; all creation praises you.
We lift our voices to join the songs of heaven and earth
in thanksgiving for the many blessings you have given us.
Renew in us the commitment to use our gifts in the service of others,
and especially of those in need. Let us be your hands to feed the hungry,
shelter the unhoused, clothe the needy, comfort the weary and outcast,
welcome the stranger, care for creation, and be loving neighbors to all people.
Bless the makers of these quilts. Prosper the work of their hands.
Bless Ken and Elaine, who go from here to bring these quilts together
with those made all across our synod. Keep them safe on the roads.
Bless the workers of Lutheran World Relief, and all those who receive
the fruits of their labor.
May these gifts be a sign of your love to all people.
May those who receive these quilts find dignity in their use and comfort
in their warmth, and may these gifts be a sign of your love to all people.
To you, O God, be glory and honor through your Son, Jesus Christ,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in your church and in the world, now and forever.
Amen.
SENDING HYMN
I Want to Walk as a Child of the LIght
ELW 815
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
BENEDICTION
God, the Source of glory,
God, the Word of life,
God, the Spirit of truth
bless you all, now and forever.
Amen.
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Do justice. Love mercy.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
Listen! You Nations
John W. Arthur / J. Bert Carlson
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.
Till the Night is O'er, Words and Music by David Ludwig, Jr. Words and Music © 2007 David Ludwig, Jr. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Listen, God Is Calling, Text: Tanzanian traditional; tr. Howard S. Olson, 1922-2010. Text © 1968 Lutheran Theological College, Makumira, Tanzania, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Music: Tanzanian tune, Arr. © 1968 Austin C. Lovelace. admin. Augsburg Fortress. Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense A-722274. All rights reserved.
Psalm 27, Lect 3A, Text: from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, © 2006 Augsburg Fortress. Tune: WIE SCHÖN LEUCHTET, Music: Thomas Pavlechko, b. 1962. Music © 2004, 2012 Thomas Pavlechko, admin Augsburg Fortress. Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense A-722274. All rights reserved.
You Are Mine, Text and Music: David Haas, b. 1957. Text and Music © 1991 GIA Publications, Inc. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
They Cast Their Nets, Text: William A. Percy, 1885-1942. Public domain. Music: Herbert G. Draesel, Jr., 1949-2023. Music setting © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin Augsburg Fortress. Music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense A-722274. All rights reserved.
Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful, Music: Richard W. Hillert, 1923-2010. Text and music © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
The Lord's Prayer (major key version), Music: Jack S. Upton, Jr., 1944-2013, Used by permission.
O Master, Let Me Walk with You, Text: Washington Gladden, 1836-1918, alt. Music: H. Percy Smith, 1925-1898. Public domain.
Lead Me, Guide Me, Text and music: Doris Akers, 1922-1995. Text and music © 1953 Doris Akers, admin Unichappell Music, Inc. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light, Text and music: Kathleen Thomerson, b. 1934. Text and music © 1970, 1975 Celebration. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under CCLI License # 2241477. All rights reserved.
Listen! You Nations, Text: John W. Arthur, b. 1922. Tune: J. Bert Carlson, b. 1937. Text and music © 1972 Contemporary Worship 5: Services of the Word, admin.Augsburg Fortress.Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense A-722274. All rights reserved.
