Due to a cold snap last December, we ended up postponing our Christmas programs until January 8th, so our worship service will be those programs. Hence no resources for January 8th, sorry!

Epiphany 2 (NL Year 3)

Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Ephiphany 3C and Epiphany 4C
Readings: Psalm: Psalm 146 | Sermon Text: Luke 4:14-30 (Sermon at Nazareth)
OT Suggestion: Jeremiah 1:4-10
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): God of the nations, Show us how to love all the people of the earth, of all colors and kinds: those with technology and without; those who make due with very little and who use many resources; those with formal education and without; those who call upon your name and who do not; so that all your children may be glorified in the name of the One who brought glory and liberty, Jesus Christ our salvation. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #641 All Are Welcome
ELW #314 Arise, Your Light Has Come!
ELW #242 Awake! Awake, and Greet the New Morn
ELW #254 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
ELW #532 Gather Us In
ELW #673 God, Whose Almighty Word
ELW #311 Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
ELW #239 Hark, the Glad Sound!
ELW #664 Heaven Is Singing for Joy (El cielo canta alegría)
ELW #582 Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling
ELW #434 Jesus Shall Reign
ELW #805 Lead On, O King Eternal!
ELW #563 O Light Whose Splendor Thrills
ELW #712 Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service
ELW #886 Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
ELW #843 Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness
ELW #665 Rise, Shine, You People!
ELW #878 Soli Deo Gloria
ELW #551 The Spirit Sends Us Forth to Serve
ELW #614 There Is a Balm in Gilead
ELW #853 When Morning Gilds the Skies
ELW #798 Will You Come and Follow Me (The Summons)
ELW #668 O Zion, Haste
LBW #312 Once He Came in Blessing
WOV #638 Holy Child Within the Manger (Carol at the Manger)
Various Hymnals Blow Ye the Trumpet, Blow!
Various Hymnals I’ll Praise my Maker with my Breath
Various Hymnals Make Way
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Suggested hymns based on the Psalm:

ELW #883 All People That on Earth Do Dwell
ELW #557 Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun
ELW #638 Blessed Assurance
ELW #848 Give to Our God Immortal Praise!
ELW #733 Great Is Thy Faithfulness
ELW #763 My Life Flows On in Endless Song
ELW #875 Praise, Praise, Praise the Lord!
ELW #858/859 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
ELW #531 The Trumpets Sound, the Angels Sing (The Feast Is Ready)
ELW #785 When Peace like a River (It Is Well with My Soul)
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Other options based on both:

“Awesome God” By Rich Mullins.
“Days of Elijah” By Robin Mark.
“Freedom Reigns” By Flood Songs.
“Light Of The World” By Matt Redman.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

We pray in the light of our Lord, Jesus Christ; for the needs of the earth and all people.

A brief silence.

Strengthen your church’s proclamation, O Lord; that we may proclaim your favor, freedom, and good news to all the world. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

Provide sustenance to plants and animals, O Lord; that this time of winter rest may lead to the renewal of your creation in the spring.. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant wisdom to the leaders of the world, O Lord; that your justice may reign and your mercy rule. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring freedom to the oppressed, O Lord; that prisons of all sorts may be broken open and captives be freed from their captivities. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

Heal the sick in mind, soul, and body, O Lord (especially,…); that your wholeness be brought to all who suffer. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Bless the rest of all the saints, O Lord; and keep us faithful that we may one day join them in the company of light. God of mercy, hear our prayer.

Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.