Worship and Devotions

Second Sunday After Epiphany

January 18, 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)

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.

Music

Arise, Your Light Has Come

Arise, Your Light Has Come! - ELW 314

Prayer of the Day

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 Saviour and Lord. Amen

Music

Come And See

Come and See (4 X through) - ELW/ACS 976

Readings

Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 40:1-11; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Gospel - John 1:29-42

Glory to you, O Lord.

John the Baptist’s witness to Jesus initiates a chain of testimony as his disciples begin to share with others what they have found.

[John the Baptist] saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 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.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Chosen One.” The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 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?” 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. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). 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).

Praise to you, O Christ.

Music

Making Their Way

Making Their Way - Elw/Acs 979

Sermon

https://youtu.be/yLysuZKeyI8

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. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

As we begin the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, we remember and celebrate the ecumenical work and witness of our churches. Gracious Lord, God of all, Guide for the lost, Light for those in darkness. May the sun of your glory shine forth, giving life and light to all, from the East to the West, and from the North to the South. Let the morning rays of your eternal spring awaken us who await your coming. O Jesus Christ, Light from the Light, dwell within us. Let your life-giving radiance kindle within us a deeper love for one another. May your brilliant light stir us to ever more flourishing unity. Like diverse flowers in the garden of your kingdom, may your divine brilliance cause us to bloom in harmony. And so, all as one, may we always joyfully praise and glorify you, and the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and always and unto the ages of ages. Merciful God, receive our prayer. (Adapted from St Gregory of Narek 10-Abridged-Chapel-Service.docx 2026 WPCU Resources – Week of Prayer for Christian Unity)

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. Beak down the walls that divide and help us to end hostility among us by listening to each other with open minds and hearts and solving disputes through negotiations rather than violence. We especially ask you to bring wisdom and cooperation among and within Israel and Hamas, Ukraine and Russia, Cambodia and Thailand, Afghanistan and Pakistan, Sudan, Nigeria, and Venezuela. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Healing God, lift up those who are bowed down by trouble, oppressions, illness or grief and grant them healing, relief and comfort. 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. 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 Saviour.

Amen.

Music

We Are Marching In The Light Of God

We Are Marching in the Light of God (Siyahamba) [with lyrics for congregations]

Go Now In Peace

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQg2XqZcZjIhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQg2XqZcZjI