Worship and Devotions

Fifth Sunday After Epiphany

February 8, 2026

Welcome visitors and old friends. Welcome regardless of belief, ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender, socio-economic status, marital status, age, abilities, or life situation. Welcome believers and doubters as well as doubting believers. Welcome to share the fullness of Christ's love for the world! (Adapted from The welcome message from the Thomas Community in Finland. "Celebrating milestone moments" by Rev. Jukka Joensuu. Canada Lutheran January/February 2024 Vol. 39 No. 1; chorus of ELW 523)

Light shines in the darkness for the upright, the psalmist sings. Isaiah declares that when we loose the bonds of injustice and share our bread with the hungry, the light breaks forth like the dawn. In another passage from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus, the light of the world, calls his followers to let the light of their good works shine before others. Through baptism we are sent into the world to shine with the light of Christ.

Music

Gather Us In

Gather Us In (Marty Haugen) - The Heralds Choir of St Mary's Music Ministries (youtube.com)

Prayer of the Day

Lord God, with endless mercy you receive the prayers of all who call upon you. By your Spirit show us the things we ought to do, and give us the grace and power to do them, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. Amen

Music

Morning has Broken

Morning Has Broken - Cat Stevens - Lyric Video

Readings

Isaiah 58:1-9a[9b-12]; Psalm 112:1-9 [10]; 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 [13-16]

Gospel - Matthew 5:13-20

Glory to you, O Lord.

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything but is thrown out and trampled underfoot.“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

Praise to you, O Christ.

Music

Christ, Be Our Light

Christ, Be Our Light (with lyrics) ELW 715

Sermon

https://youtu.be/-oOCaggyiM4

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.

Your church does ministry in many and various ways. Keep the baptized true to the mind of Christ, that our works and witness bring hope to a troubled world. Grant wisdom, courage, strength and patience to our leaders, lay and ordained. We also pray for a growing openness to dialogue and encounter with people of other faith traditions during World Interfaith Harmony Week. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Your marvelous creation cries out to you. We have done so much harm to it. Help us restore polluted air, soil, and water sources to wholeness. Help us guard honeybees, elephants, great whales and songbirds from harm, and help us renew the face of the earth. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Your people in every nation suffer injustice, poverty, and the threat of violence. Guide those in authority to govern with compassion, and bring peace wherever there is violence between and within nations. We pray for our enemies. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Your blessings are poured out for all in need. Help and heal any who experience trauma, discrimination, disease, hunger, abuse or persecution. Comfort those who grieve and heal those who are sick. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Your wisdom guides this congregation and its ministries. Sustain our leaders. Form us to be salt and light for the neighbours we serve, following the example of Christ. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Your saints rejoice at your heavenly banquet. We give thanks for their lives of faith, trusting that we also will be embraced by your eternal love. 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 Saviour.

Amen.