Time after Epiphany Theme
written by Matt Reece, Director of Music Ministries
Claimed through water and light, we proclaim God’s love to all
The season of Epiphany draws the church into the bright mystery of God revealed in Jesus Christ. It is a season shaped by light: light that guides the magi, light that shines at Jesus’ baptism, and light that continues to break into our world through Christ’s life and ministry. In worship, we return to water and light as signs of God’s self-giving love. At the font, we remember that we have been claimed and named as God’s beloved, not by our own doing, but by grace alone.
Baptism is more than a memory from the past: it is a present and enduring promise. Through water and the Word, God joins us to Christ’s death and resurrection and calls us into a life made new. In baptism, God’s presence is promised for every season of life—for joy and struggle, for clarity and uncertainty. Epiphany invites us to trust that the same God who met Jesus in the waters of the Jordan continues to meet us here, renewing us again and again in mercy and hope.
Claimed through water and illumined by Christ’s light, we are sent into the world to proclaim God’s love to all. This proclamation takes shape in lives marked by generosity, compassion, and faithfulness. As people of the light, we bear witness to God’s promise of new life, sharing hope where it is needed and reflecting Christ’s love in our daily callings. In this season of Epiphany, we rejoice that God’s light is not only revealed to us, but shines through us for the sake of the world.
Altarscape
Thank you for creating the beautiful altarscape to emphasize the theme for the season Julie.
Ardor (Worship Musicians)
The musicians rehearse from 9:00 to 9:45 am every Sunday morning. You are invited to join us in leading music during the worship service. The musicians for worship can find the service orders and music in the crate on the back pew in the sanctuary for each week. Contact the director of music ministries or the church office if you plan to help lead worship.
Worship Information
Worship at All Saints might look and feel a little different. We carefully and prayerfully select a worship theme each season, and we choose songs and liturgical elements that help communicate that theme and bring us closer to God and to one another.
All Saints Lutheran Church is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and participates in the Synod Authorized Ministry (SAM) program offered by the Southeastern Iowa Synod. Bishop Amy Current has authorized Wanda Barber, Matthew Reece, and Julie Schoville to be Synod Authorized Ministers able to preside over all worship services and offer pastoral care. The Synod provides training and instruction throughout the year and fully supports this program.
If you would like the spoken words for the worship services, contact the office (office@allsaintsdavenport.org) to request the information or use this link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YvQ6n5EEq_DAyNXgNDSu8RCxng8mIeFy/view?usp=sharing
This link will open a document that has the entire season of Epiphany (01.11.2026 – 02.15.2026)
Introduction
Who are the blessed ones of God? For Micah, they are those who do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. For Paul, they are the ones who find wisdom in the weakness of the cross. For Jesus, they are the poor, the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, those who mourn, and those who hunger for righteousness. In baptism we find our blessed identity and calling in this countercultural way of living and serving.
Prayer of the Day
Holy God, you confound the world’s wisdom in giving your kingdom to the lowly and the pure in heart. Give us such a hunger and thirst for justice, and perseverance in striving for peace, that in our words and deeds the world may see the life of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Scripture
Micah 6:1-8 The offering of justice, kindness, humility
With the mountains and the foundations of the earth as the jury, God brings a lawsuit against Israel. God has “wearied” Israel with a long history of saving acts. God does not want or expect lavish sacrifices to attempt to earn divine favor. Rather God empowers the people to do justice, to love loyalty to God, and to walk shrewdly in God’s service.
Psalm 15 Lord, who may abide upon your holy hill? (Ps. 15:1)
1 Corinthians 1:18-31 Christ crucified, the wisdom and power of God
According to the world’s standards of power and might, the message of the cross seems stupid and offensive. Yet this word reveals the paradoxical way God has chosen to work power and salvation through weakness, rejection, and suffering. Hence the message of the cross becomes true wisdom and power for believers.
Matthew 5:1-12 The teaching of Christ: Beatitudes
Jesus opens the Sermon on the Mount by naming those who are blessed in the reign of God.
Fellowship Time
After worship there is time for refreshments and fellowship in the gathering space.