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

Today’s festival is a bridge between the Advent-Christmas-Epiphany cycle that comes to a close today and the Lent-Easter cycle that begins in several days. On a high mountain Jesus is revealed as God’s beloved Son, echoing the words at his baptism. This vision of glory sustains us as Jesus faces his impending death in Jerusalem. We turn this week to Ash Wednesday and our yearly baptismal journey from Lent to Easter. Some churches put aside the alleluia at the conclusion of today’s liturgy. This word of joy will be omitted during the penitential season of Lent and will be sung again at Easter.

Prayer of the Day

O God, in the transfiguration of your Son you confirmed the mysteries of the faith by the witness of Moses and Elijah, and in the voice from the bright cloud declaring Jesus your beloved Son, you foreshadowed our adoption as your children. Make us heirs with Christ of your glory, and bring us to enjoy its fullness, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Scripture
Exodus 24:12-18 – Moses enters the cloud of God’s glory on Mount Sinai

At Mount Sinai, Moses experienced the presence of God for forty days and forty nights. The “glory of the Lord” settled on the mountain, and on the seventh day God called out to Moses. On the mountain God gave Moses the stone tablets inscribed with the ten commandments.

Psalm 2 – You are my son; this day have I begotten you. (Ps. 2:7)

2 Peter 1:16-21 – The apostle’s message confirmed on the mount of transfiguration

At the transfiguration, God’s voice was heard, declaring Jesus to be the beloved Son. By the activity of the Holy Spirit, God’s voice continues to be heard through the word of scripture.

Matthew 17:1-9 – Revelation of Christ as God’s beloved Son

Shortly before he enters Jerusalem, where he will be crucified, Jesus is revealed to Peter, James, and John in a mountaintop experience of divine glory called the transfiguration.

Fellowship Time

After worship there is time for refreshments and fellowship in the gathering space.