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.
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 seasons of Epiphany (01.11.2026 – 02.15.2026)
Introduction
The gospel for January 18th opens with further reflection on Jesus’ baptism. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and the one anointed by the Spirit. In the liturgy we come and see Christ revealed among us in word and meal. We go forth to invite others to come and worship the Holy One and to receive the gifts of grace and peace made known among us.
Prayer of the Day
Holy God, our strength and our redeemer, by your Spirit hold us forever, that through your grace we may worship you and faithfully serve you, follow you and joyfully find you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Scripture
Isaiah 49:1-7 The servant brings light to the nations
Here the servant, identified as Israel, speaks for herself and describes her honored mission. Called before her birth like Jeremiah and John the Baptist, the servant is not only to restore Israel. The servant’s ultimate assignment is to bring news of God’s victory to the ends of the earth. God in faithfulness has chosen Israel for this task.
Psalm 40:1-11 I love to do your will, O my God. (Ps. 40:8)
1 Corinthians 1:1-9 Paul’s greeting to the church at Corinth
Though God’s church in Corinth is a fractious congregation beset with many conflicts, Paul opens this letter by spotlighting the multiple ways God has enriched and sustained its life as part of the divine call into the fellowship of our Lord Jesus Christ.
John 1:29-42 Revelation of Christ as the Lamb of God
John the Baptist’s witness to Jesus initiates a chain of testimony as his disciples begin to share with others what they have found.
Fellowship Time
After worship there is time for refreshments and fellowship in the gathering space.