Sunday, January 26, 2025 – Third Sunday after Epiphany / Lectionary 3, Year C

Epiphany Theme

The Light of Christ brings Hope and Life

Theme Write-up written by Matthew Reece, Director of Music Ministries

The worship theme “The Light of Christ Brings Hope and Life” for the season of Epiphany 2025 invites us to reflect on how the light of Jesus illuminates our lives and the world with renewed hope and abundant life. During Epiphany, a season celebrating the manifestation of Christ to the nations, this theme draws from Scripture’s rich imagery of light breaking through darkness. From the star that guided the Magi to the prophetic declarations of Jesus as the “Light of the World,” we are reminded that Christ’s presence reveals God’s love, guidance, and salvation for all people. Through worship, we are called to celebrate this radiant hope, even amid life’s uncertainties, and to embrace the life-giving promise of Christ’s grace.

This theme also challenges us to embody the light of Christ in our daily lives. As we receive His hope and life, we are sent out as bearers of His light, reflecting His love and justice to a world yearning for healing and restoration. Through acts of kindness, reconciliation, and witness, we become part of God’s mission to dispel darkness and bring hope to those around us. The season of Epiphany is thus a time not only of celebration but also of transformation, as we are invited to live as Christ’s light in a world hungry for the hope and life only He can bring.

Ardor (Worship Musicians)

The musicians rehearse from 9:00 – 9:45 am every Sunday morning. All are welcome! 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. Contact the office if you plan to help lead worship.

Sunday School

The Sunday class will be taking a break for the month of January.

Worship Information

Join us in-person for the weekly Worship Service at 10:00 am in-person or via Facebook Live if you are unable to attend in person (https://www.facebook.com/allsaintsdavenport/). The service will later be uploaded to YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@allsaintslutheranchurchdav1987) for your viewing. We will receive new members during worship.

If you would like the words for the worship service, contact the office (office@allsaintsdavenport.org) to request the information.

Introduction Copyright © 2024 Augsburg Fortress.

God’s glory is revealed in the reading of scripture. People stand at attention. People weep. People prostrate themselves in prayer. The unity of the church is another reflection of God’s glory. Most gloriously, the promises of God are fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. Gather round. Listen up. Glimpse the glory of God.

Prayer of the Day

Blessed Lord God, you have caused the holy scriptures to be written for the nourishment of your people. Grant that we may hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that, comforted by your promises, we may embrace and forever hold fast to the hope of eternal life, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Scripture

Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 – Ezra reads the law of Moses before the people

The exiles have returned and rebuilt Jerusalem. Now Ezra, the priest, reads the law of Moses to them in the public square. When they hear it, they weep for their sins and for the long years in exile, but Ezra reminds them that “the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Psalm 19 – The teaching of the Lord revives the soul. (Ps. 19:7)

1 Corinthians 12:12-31a – You are the body of Christ

The apostle and pastor Paul uses the metaphor of the human body to describe how intimately connected we are in the church. For this struggling congregation in Corinth, Paul delivers a vital message of unity that is a mark of the church today.

Luke 4:14-21 – Jesus reads from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah

Near the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, he visits his hometown of Nazareth. In the words of Isaiah, he states and claims his identity, purpose, and mission.

Fellowship Time

You are invited to stay after worship for refreshments and fellowship time in the gathering space.