Theme for the season of Epiphany (January 7th – February 11th)
Immersed in Your grace
Transformed by the Spirit
Called to proclaim
Insight to the Season of Epiphany written by Matt Reece, Director of Music Ministries
In the sacred celebration of Epiphany, the worship theme resonates with profound significance: “Immersed in Your Grace, Transformed by the Spirit, Called to Proclaim.” This theme encapsulates the essence of Epiphany, inviting worshippers to delve into the boundless ocean of divine grace. The imagery of immersion suggests a deep and intimate connection with the divine, where individuals are submerged in the overwhelming love and mercy of God. As the Epiphany story unfolds, the transformative power of the Holy Spirit becomes evident, prompting believers to undergo a metamorphosis that transcends the ordinary and aligns their lives with the divine purpose. This theme calls for a contemplative exploration of personal encounters with grace, a recognition of the transformative journey led by the Spirit, and an acknowledgment of the sacred responsibility to proclaim this divine encounter to the world.
This season of Epiphany invites worshippers to reflect on the profound intertwining of grace, transformation, and the call to proclaim the Good News. Immersed in the grace that Epiphany symbolizes, individuals are encouraged to consider how this grace has transformed their lives. The transformative work of the Spirit is a central aspect, emphasizing the ongoing process of renewal and spiritual growth. Simultaneously, the call to proclaim underscores the communal nature of faith, urging believers to share the transformative power of their encounters with God. As the Epiphany season unfolds, this worship theme serves as a guide for believers to deepen their spiritual connection, embrace ongoing transformation, and boldly proclaim the grace that has shaped their lives, contributing to the collective journey of faith.
Wednesday Bible Study
Join Pastor Pokora on Wednesday evenings for Bible Study at 7 pm (via Zoom). The focus will be the lessons for the following Sunday.
Wednesday, January 3: Meeting ID 759 7404 5445 and Password Yrssu4
Please e-mail Pastor Pokora (richpokora@yahoo.com) to request the meeting id and password that is needed to join.
Food Pantry & Clothing Closet
Saturdays: The food pantry & clothing closet serve 100+ families each and every week while they are open to the public from 11 am – 1 pm. Several volunteers are needed during this time as well as throughout the week to prepare.
Weekly Food Load: Volunteers are needed to help with the River Bend Food load this Friday, December 29th beginning at 8:30 am at River Bend and 9 am at church.
Food Pantry & Clothing Closet Donations: Donations are accepted Fridays from 9 am – 12 pm and Saturdays from 9 am – 11 am.
Christmas Decorations
Volunteers are needed to help take down and put away the Christmas Decorations around church this Saturday, January 6th at 9 am.
QC Studio Z
QC Studio Z offers Zumba classes in the fellowship hall at church on Mondays & Wednesdays 5:45 – 6:45 pm and Saturdays 9:30 – 10:30 am. For more information visit their website: https://www.qcstudioz.com/
Worship Musicians
The musicians for worship can find the service orders and music in the crate on the back pew in the sanctuary for each week of the month of January. The musicians will rehearse from 9 – 9:45 am every Sunday morning.
Sunday School (youth and adult)
The Sunday school classes (youth and adult) will meet each Sunday from 9 – 9:45 am.
Worship Information for Sunday, January 7th
You are invited to join All Saints Lutheran Church for a Contemporary Worship Service at 10 am on Sundays during the month of January. Fellowship Time and Refreshments will follow the worship service in the gathering space.
Introduction for Baptism of Our Lord Sunday Copyright 2023 Augsburg Fortress
Our re-creation in baptism is an image of the Genesis creation, where the Spirit of God moved over the waters. Both Mark’s gospel and the story in Acts make clear that it is the Spirit’s movement that distinguishes Jesus’ baptism from John’s. The Spirit has come upon us as upon Jesus and the Ephesians, calling us God’s beloved children and setting us on Jesus’ mission to re-create the world in the image of God’s vision of justice and peace.
Scripture Introductions (two (2) lessons are read during worship) Copyright 2023 Augsburg Fortress
Genesis 1:1-5 God creates light God creates light
Psalm 29 The voice of the Lord is upon the waters. (Ps. 29:3)
Acts 19:1-7 Baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus
Mark 1:4-11 Revelation of Christ as God’s servant
Fit4Mom
Fit4Mom holds an exercise class from 5:30 – 6:30 pm Tuesday evenings in the fellowship hall at church. For more information visit their website: https://quadcities.fit4mom.com//
West Music Company – Music Therapy
Sound Reach, a vocal music-making opportunity for groups or individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities will rehearse on Tuesdays from 5:45 – 6:30 pm in the sanctuary at church. For more information visit their website: https://musictherapy.westmusic.com//
Council Meeting
The church council will meet on Tuesday, January 16th at 6 pm in the library at church.
Worship Planning Meeting
The worship planning team will meet on Tuesday, January 23rd at 4:30 pm to plan the season of Lent in the library at church.
Reflect, Release, Renew
Grace Lutheran Church invites you to a free retreat on Saturday, January 27th from 10 am to noon. Please see future publications for more information or the flyer on the kiosk.