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
Light shines in the darkness for the upright, the psalmist sings. Isaiah declares that when we loose the bonds of injustice and share our bread with the hungry, the light breaks forth like the dawn. In another passage from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus, the light of the world, calls his followers to let the light of their good works shine before others. Through baptism we are sent into the world to shine with the light of Christ.
Prayer of the Day
Lord God, with endless mercy you receive the prayers of all who call upon you. By your Spirit show us the things we ought to do, and give us the grace and power to do them, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Scripture
Isaiah 58:1-12 The fast God chooses
Shortly after the return of Israel from exile in Babylon, the people were troubled by the ineffectiveness of their fasts. God reminds them that outward observance is no substitute for genuine fasting that results in acts of justice, such as feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and clothing the naked.
Psalm 112:1-10 Light shines in the darkness for the upright. (Ps. 112:4)
1 Corinthians 2:1-16 God’s wisdom revealed through the Spirit
Though people such as the Corinthians are enamored with human philosophy and wisdom, Paul continuously presents God’s hidden wisdom which is Jesus Christ crucified. True spiritual maturity involves judging ourselves and others in light of God’s revelation in the cross.
Matthew 5:13-20 The teaching of Christ: salt and light
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus encourages his followers to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, doing good works and keeping God’s commandments.
Fellowship Time
After worship there is time for refreshments and fellowship in the gathering space.