Sunday, February 2, 2025 – Fourth Sunday after Epiphany / Lectionary 4, 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.

The glory of God is often revealed when and where it is least expected. God uses our lips to declare that glory, inexperienced and hesitant though they may be. God uses our love to demonstrate that glory and so urges us to exercise it. God uses Jesus of Nazareth, water and the word, bread and wine, to reveal God’s glory where and when God chooses. Take heed, lest the glory of God slip through our midst unnoticed.

Prayer of the Day

Almighty and ever-living God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and love; and that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command, through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen

Scripture

Jeremiah 1:4-10  I appointed you a prophet to the nations

God calls Jeremiah to be a prophet and consecrates him in the womb. Jeremiah’s task is to preach God’s word amid the difficult political realities of his time, before the Babylonian exile. He is to make God known not only to Judah, but also to the nations.

Psalm 71:1-6  From my mother’s womb you have been my strength. (Ps. 71:6)

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 If I speak without love, I am a noisy gong

Christians in Corinth prided themselves on their spiritual gifts. Paul reminds them that God gives us many gifts through the Holy Spirit, but the purpose behind all of them is love, the kind of love that God showed us in Jesus Christ.

Luke 4:21-30 Jesus says a prophet is not accepted in his hometown

People in Jesus’ hometown are initially pleased when he says that God will free the oppressed. Their pleasure turns to rage when he reminds them that God’s prophetic mission typically pushes beyond human boundaries so that mercy and healing are extended to those regarded as outsiders.

Fellowship Time

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