Created, saved and gifted by God, we seek, serve and share Jesus Christ.
Third Sunday after Epiphany
January 22, 2023, 10:30 AM
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
901 East Stroop Road Kettering, Ohio 45429
(937) 298-0136
INTRODUCTION
Jesus begins his public ministry by calling fishers to leave their nets and follow him. In Jesus the kingdom of God has come near. We who have walked in darkness have seen a great light. We see this light most profoundly in the cross—as God suffers with us and all who are oppressed by sickness, sin, or evil. Light dawns for us as we gather around the word, the font, and the holy table. We are then sent to share the good news that others may be “caught” in the net of God’s grace and mercy.
Worth the Risk
Perhaps Peter, Andrew, James, and John had heard rumors of this wandering preacher Jesus. Maybe they had been growing restless for some time in their lives as fishermen. It’s possible they sensed that something was shifting in the world around them. They could have been fed up with the brutality of the Roman Empire and were looking for a leader to bring about change. Maybe they longed for something more, for a better way of living and loving and being. Maybe they were just so taken aback by this invitation to drop everything and follow that they couldn’t help but say yes. We don’t know their reasons for joining the Jesus movement that day, but there was clearly something so compelling about this kingdom of heaven (Matthew 4:17) that they were willing to drop their nets, risk everything, and not look back.
Perhaps we too hear in the gospel today a renewed invitation to get swept up in this kingdom, a call to drop old ways of being and embrace a life of following Jesus. Maybe this vision of the kingdom catches us when we witness ancient scripture finding new life in our hurting world. Perhaps we glimpse the possibilities of the heavenly kingdom when communities of unlikely people gather to share bread and wine at the same table, and when we see the hungry being fed, the suffering being cared for, the lonely finding welcome, the oppressed finding freedom. Suddenly, we know that this is God at work.
As Jesus reminds us, the kingdom of heaven is not a far-off kingdom. It draws near to us, breaking in around us perhaps in the moments when we least expect it. And when we catch sight of it, we just might never be the same. A world where the sick are healed, the hungry are fed, the outcasts find belonging, and ordinary days are filled with holy purpose? That’s a kingdom worth risking everything for.
GATHERING
The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP “We Are Marching”
We are marching in the light of God;
we are marching in the light God.
We are marching in the light of God;
we are marching in the light God.
We are marching, ooh, we are marching in the light of God.
We are marching, ooh, we are marching in the light of God.
We are dancing in the light of God;
we are dancing in the light God.
We are dancing in the light of God;
we are dancing in the light God.
We are dancing, ooh, we are dancing in the light of God.
We are dancing, ooh, we are dancing in the light of God.
We are praying in the light of God;
we are praying in the light God.
We are praying in the light of God;
we are praying in the light God.
We are praying, ooh, we are praying in the light of God.
We are praying, ooh, we are praying in the light of God.
We are singing in the light of God;
we are singing in the light God.
We are singing in the light of God;
we are singing in the light God.
We are singing, ooh, we are singing in the light of God.
We are singing, ooh, we are singing in the light of God.!
OPENING LITANY from Psalm 27
The Lord is our light and our salvation; whom shall we fear?
God is our shelter and refuge on the days of trouble,
and our hope and joy on the days of celebration!
Day after day, we seek God’s face and the assurance of God’s love:
O God, do not turn away or hide your face from us!
Be our guide; be our light; be our help!
One thing we ask of God:
That we may live in God’s dwelling place all the days of our lives,
and never cease to behold the beauty of God’s home.
Beloved of God, enter this worship in thanksgiving, for God is among and within us!
The Lord is our light and our salvation!
GATHERING SONGS
“Christ, Be Our Light”
Longing for light, we wait in darkness.
Longing for truth, we turn to you.
Make us your own, your holy people,
light for the world to see.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in your church gathered today.
Longing for peace, our world is troubled.
Longing for hope, many despair.
Your word alone has pow’r to save us.
Make us your living voice.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in your church gathered today.
Longing for food, many are hungry.
Longing for water, many still thirst.
Make us your bread, broken for others,
shared until all are fed.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in your church gathered today.
Longing for shelter, many are homeless.
Longing for warmth, many are cold.
Make us your building, sheltering others,
walls made of living stone.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in your church gathered today.
Many the gifts, many the people,
many the hearts that yearn to belong.
Let us be servants to one another,
signs of your kingdom come
Christ, be our light!
Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in your church gathered today.
“Shine, Jesus Shine”
Shine, Jesus shine, fill this land with the Father’s glory;
blaze, Spirit blaze, set our hearts on fire.
Flow, river flow, flood the nations with grace and mercy;
send forth your Word, Lord and let there be light!
Lord, the light of your love is shining,
in the midst of the dakness, shining;
Jesus, light of the world, shine upon us,
set us free by the truth you now bring us,
Shin on me, shine on me:
Shine, Jesus shine, fill this land with the Father’s glory;
blaze, Spirit blaze, set our hearts on fire.
Flow, river flow, flood the nations with grace and mercy;
send forth your Word, Lord and let there be light!
As we gaze on you kingly brightness,
so our faces display your likeness,
ever changing from glory to glory,
mirrored here. may our lives tell your story.
Shine on me, shine on me:
Shine, Jesus shine, fill this land with the Father’s glory;
blaze, Spirit blaze, set our hearts on fire.
Flow, river flow, flood the nations with grace and mercy;
send forth your Word, Lord and let there be light!
“Thy Word”
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
When I feel afraid, think I’ve lost my way,
still you’re there right beside me,
and nothing will I fear as long as yuou are near.
Please be near me to the end.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
I will not forget you love for me and yet
my heart forever is wandering.
Jesus be my guide and hold me to your side,
and I will love you to the end.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
CONFESSION
God, our Light and Salvation,
forgive us for rejecting the light of your wisdom and love, stumbling in the darkness of quarrels, division, and bickering. You have called us to follow you and to fish for people, but too often we think that our way is the only way to do your will. Forgive us, Lord, for the brokenness that we bring upon ourselves. Hear our cry as we come to you for healing. Send your Spirit to unite us as one body, worthy of our calling to be your presence and build your kingdom of love. Enlighten our hearts and make us shine with the brightness of your truth, so that we may be a beacon to the lost and make disciples of all. Amen.
FORGIVENESS
Thus says our God: “The former things have come to pass and new things I now declare.” God’s mercy makes us new. We are forgiven in the name of Christ our Savior.
Amen.
WORD
Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets,
Jesus interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.
FIRST READING Isaiah 9:1-4
The northern tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali experienced the gloom of defeat by Assyrian military forces, but they are assured that their condition will be reversed when God makes a light- filled appearance. The joy they will experience will resemble celebrations of great harvests, because God will deliver them from everything that diminishes or oppresses them.
A reading from the book of Isaiah.
There will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time [the LORD] brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.
For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 1:10-18
Paul calls on the Corinthians to end their dissensions and share the unified outlook of the gospel. Discord arises when we forget that we belong not to human leaders or institutions but to Christ. Indeed, the unifying word of the cross of Christ is the center of the gospel and the power of God’s salvation.
A reading from the book of Corinthians.
Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. What I mean is that each of you says, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one can say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power.
For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL READING Matthew 4:12-23
Jesus begins his public ministry shortly after John the Baptist is imprisoned by Herod. He proclaims the nearness of God’s reign and calls four fishermen to be his first disciples.
The holy gospel according to Matthew.
Glory to you, O Lord.
Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
“Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.”
From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.
Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.
The gospel of the Lord
Praise to you, O Christ.
YOUTH MESSAGE
MESSAGE
APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended into hell.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE COMMUNITY
GATHERING OF GIFTS
OFFERTORY – “One Pair of Hands” Duane Tackis, soloist
MEAL
God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ.
DIALOGUE
Lift up your heads.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Lift up your voices.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
And so we gather at the table. We come from many different places in life. And as we come to- gether around the table we discover that our differences are not something we just tolerate, but that our differences are indeed a blessing. So come, children of God, just as you are. Wherever you are on this journey of life and faith, you are welcome here – here in this place, here in this community, here at this table.
Come, children of God, come and remember. Remember the stories that Jesus’ friends tell: Stories of bread broken and shared to feed a multitude; stories of gathering both enemy and friend together around a common table; stories of unlikely guests revealing the face of the sacred.
On a night of both celebration and betrayal Jesus took bread, blessed it and broke it; gave it to his disciples and said, “Take and eat, this is my body given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” Then Jesus took the cup, blessed it, and gave it to his disciples saying,
“This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
And so we pray: Lord, bless this bread and bless this fruit of the vine. Bless all of us in our eating and drinking that our eyes might be open, and that we might recognize the risen Christ in our midst, indeed in one another.
LORD’S PRAYER
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Come and taste the joy of God.
HOLY COMMUNION – Receiving the Lord’s tangible presence.
The body of Christ, given for you.
The blood of Christ, shed for you.
Each person may respond: Amen.
COMMUNION STATEMENT
If you believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is your Savior and Redeemer and would like to receive Holy Communion, then come forward to receive the elements. If you would just like to come forward and receive a blessing, then you may do that also.
NOTE: We invite everyone to come forward for Holy Communion. If you have a gluten allergy, gluten-free wafers are available upon request when receiving Communion. Also, if you prefer not to receive wine at Communion, apple juice is available upon request.
REFLECTION DURING COMMUNION
As we prepare to receive the sacrament today, may we quietly take this time to center our- selves on Christ, and the amazing gifts of grace and forgiveness that we have been given. As we receive the body and the blood of our Lord, let us reflect upon His sacrifice. Finally, may we take this time to ask the Holy Spirit to enter our hearts, and then to work in us and through us in the coming days.
TABLE BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and always keep you in God’s grace.
Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Holy One,
we thank you for the healing that springs forth abundantly from this table. Renew our strength to do justice, love kindness, and journey humbly with you. Amen.
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
BLESSING
The God who faithfully brings forth justice and breaks the oppressor’s rod bless, strengthen, and uphold you, today and always.
Amen.
SENDING HYMN – “No Turning Back”
I will follow you.
I will follow you.
No turning back, no turning back.
No turning back, no turning back.
This is my heart cry:
Though none go with me,
The cross before me, the world behind me.
This is my heart cry:
Though none go with me,
The cross before me, the world behind me.
I will follow you.
(I have decided, I have decided.)
I will follow you.
(I have decided.)
No turning back, no turning back.
No turning back, no turning back.
This is my anthem:
My life for your fame;
My every move bring glory to your name.
This is my anthem:
My life for your fame;
My every move bring glory to your name.
I will follow you.
(I have decided, I have decided.)
I will follow you.
(I have decided.)
No turning back, no turning back.
No turning back, no turning back.
The cross before me, the world behind me;
I will follow, I will follow.
The cross before me, the world behind me;
I will follow, I will follow.
The cross before me, the world behind me;
I will follow, I will follow.
The cross before me, the world behind me;
I will follow, I will follow.
No turning back, no turning back.
No turning back, no turning back.
No turning back, no turning back.
No turning back, no turning back.
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Follow the way of Jesus.
Created, saved and gifted by God, we seek, serve and share Jesus Christ. Hallelujah, thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
“W + 2” = Worship Plus Two
Make a commitment not only to worship each week,
but also try to find a way to serve in the congregation and seek out a way to serve our community.
YOU ARE NOW ENTERING THE MISSION FIELD.
UPCOMING COMMEMORATIONS
Conversion of Paul
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
The week of prayer begun by the remembrance of Peter’s confession now comes to an end as we recall the pivotal moment in the life of the other pillar of the early church, the apostle Paul. His encounter with the risen Christ turned him from persecutor of the followers of Christ to one of their leaders.
Timothy, Titus, and Silas, missionaries
Thursday, January 26, 2023
These three early Christian men were missionary companions of the apostle Paul. Timothy be- came bishop of Ephesus, Titus bishop of Crete, and Silas was imprisoned with Paul at Philippi until they were delivered by an earthquake.
Lydia, Dorcas, and Phoebe, witnesses to the faith
Friday, January 27, 2023
Women as well as men were important Christian leaders from the beginning, as demonstrated by these coworkers of the apostle Paul. Lydia, a seller of purple goods, lent her home for a church; Dorcas was known for charitable works; and Phoebe was a deacon in the church at Cenchrae.
Thomas Aquinas, teacher, died 1274
Saturday, January 28, 2023
One of the most brilliant and creative theologians in the church’s history, Aquinas worked to bring together scripture and the philosophy of Aristotle. A member of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans), Aquinas was also a hymnwriter.
From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2014 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #22920.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Curches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.