Created, saved and gifted by God, we seek, serve and share Jesus Christ.
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
February5, 2023 – 10:30 AM
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
901 East Stroop Road Kettering, Ohio 45429
(937) 298-0136
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.
Salt and Light
What we believe about ourselves has the power to shape our behavior in profound ways. If we believe we aren’t good enough or are unwanted, that will likely show up in the way we carry ourselves, in the way we interact with others, and in the opportunities we seek out or don’t. On the other hand, if we know that we are loved or if we feel like we belong, we will probably bring more assurance to our interactions with others, and will be more likely to take risks and to reach out and engage with our communities.
Similarly, our identity as disciples of Jesus has the power to shape the way we live. It all starts with who Jesus says we are. “You are the salt of the earth,” Jesus tells his disciples. “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-14). Salt preserves food and adds flavor. Used masterfully, it brings out the best in the other flavors of a dish. It can pull other elements together to help create a new thing. Light nurtures life. It can comfort, energize, and help make things clear. Together, salt and light sustain, nourish, and welcome new life in the world around them.
What kind of people would we be if we really believed we were the salt of the earth and the light of the world? Nurturers, sustainers, co-creators with God in making all things new? What fears could we let go if we simply trusted that we are who Jesus says we are? What risks would we take? How would we show up in our communities? As we gather for worship today, we are invited to hear anew this identity we are given in Christ. Then, nourished by word and sacrament, we are sent forth with the promise that Christ is forever at work in us, keeping us as salt and light in all times and places.
GATHERING
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.
Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, who makes all things new, whose mercy endures forever.
Amen.
Trusting in God’s mercy, let us confess our sin.
As the water is being poured into the baptismal font, take a moment to remember the promises God made to all of us in our own baptism.
Silence is kept for reflection.
Holy One, source of our renewal,
we confess that we are wrapped up in sin, and cannot free ourselves. We have not practiced your righteousness. Our hearts have turned away from you. For the sake of the world you so love, forgive us, that we may be reconciled to one another for the glory of your holy name. Amen.
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.
GATHERING HYMN – “Only a God Like You”
For the praises of man
I will never ever stand;
For the kingdoms of this world
I’ll never give my heart away
Or shout my praise.
My allegiance and devotion,
My heart’s desire and all emotion
Go to serve the Man
Who died upon that tree.
Only a God like you
Could be worthy of my praise
And all my hope and faith;
To only a King of all kings
Do I bow my knee and sing,
Give my ev’rything.
Only a God like you
Could be worthy of my praise
And all my hope and faith;
To only a King of all kings
Do I bow my knee and sing,
Give my ev’rything.
To only my Maker, my Father, my Savior,
Redeemer, Restorer, Rebuilder, Rewarder –
To only a God like you
Do I give my praise.
For the praises of man
I will never ever stand;
For the kingdoms of this world
I’ll never give my heart away
Or shout my praise.
My allegiance and devotion,
My heart’s desire and all emotion
Go to serve the Man
Who died upon that tree.
Only a God like you
Could be worthy of my praise
And all my hope and faith;
To only a King of all kings
Do I bow my knee and sing,
Give my ev’rything.
Only a God like you
Could be worthy of my praise
And all my hope and faith;
To only a King of all kings
Do I bow my knee and sing,
Give my ev’rything.
To only my Maker, my Father, my Savior,
Redeemer, Restorer, Rebuilder, Rewarder –
To only a God like you
Do I give my praise.
Only the God who left his throne above,
He came to live with us,
Came to be one of us;
To only the One
Who stopped to heal that blind man,
Took the time to save that one lost lamb;
To only the King who wore that crown of thorns
So I could wear the crown of life;
And to only the One who conquered sin and death
So we could be set free,
So we could stand here and sing.
Only a God like you, Only a God like you, Only a God like you.
Only a God like you, Only a God like you, Only a God like you.
Only a God like you, Only a God like you, Only a God like you.
Only a God like you, Only a God like you, Only a God like you.
To only my Maker, my Father, my Savior,
Redeemer, Restorer, Rebuilder, Rewarder –
To only a God like you
Do I give my praise.
GREETING
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.
KYRIE
In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace from above, and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the people of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this holy house, and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
Amen.
CANTICLE OF PRAISE
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain,
Whose blood set us free to be people of God.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Power, riches, wisdom, and strength, and honor,
blessing, and glory are his.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Sing with all the people of God and join in the hymn of all creation:
Blessing, honor, glory, and might be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
For the lamb who was slain has begun his reign. Alleluia.
This is the feast of victory for our God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
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.
WORD
God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song.
FIRST READING Isaiah 58:1-9a [9b-12]
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.
A reading from Isaiah.
Shout out, do not hold back! Lift up your voice like a trumpet! Announce to my people their rebellion, to the house of Jacob their sins.
Yet day after day they seek me and delight to know my ways, as if they were a nation that practiced righteousness and did not forsake the ordinance of their God; they ask of me righteous judgments, they delight to draw near to God.
“Why do we fast, but you do not see? Why humble ourselves, but you do not notice?” Look, you serve your own interest on your fast day, and oppress all your workers.
Look, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to strike with a wicked fist. Such fasting as you do today will not make your voice heard on high.
Is such the fast that I choose, a day to humble oneself? Is it to bow down the head like a bulrush, and to lie in sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD?
Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin?
Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your heal- ing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am. [If you remove the yoke from among you, the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil, if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday.
The LORD will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail.
Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in.]
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 [13-16]
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.
A reading from Corinthians.
When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.
Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to perish. But we speak God’s wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him”— these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For what human being knows what is truly human except the human spirit that is within? So also no one comprehends what is truly God’s except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. [And we speak of these things in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual things to those who are spiritual.
Those who are unspiritual do not receive the gifts of God’s Spirit, for they are foolishness to them, and they are unable to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. Those who are spiritual discern all things, and they are themselves subject to no one else’s scrutiny.
“For who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.]
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Alleluia. Lord to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life.
Alleluia. Alleluia.
GOSPEL READING Matthew 5:13-20
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.
The holy gospel according to Matthew.
Glory to you, O Lord.
[Jesus said:] “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
The gospel of the Lord
Praise to you, O Christ.
YOUTH MESSAGE
MESSAGE
ANTHEM – “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light”
I want to walk as a child of the light.
I want to follow Jesus.
God set the stars to give light to the world.
The star of my life is Jesus.
In him there is no darkness at all.
The night and the day are both alike.
The Lamb is the light of the city of God.
Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.
I want to see the brightness of God.
I want to look at Jesus.
Clear Sun of righteousness, shine on my path,
and show me the way to the Father.
In him there is no darkness at all.
The night and the day are both alike.
The Lamb is the light of the city of God.
Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.
I’m looking for the coming of Christ.
I want to be with Jesus.
When we have run with patience the race,
we shall know the joy of Jesus.
In him there is no darkness at all.
The night and the day are both alike.
The Lamb is the light of the city of God.
Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.
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 INTERCESSION
Called together to follow Jesus, we pray for the church, the world, and all in need.
A brief silence.
Each intercession concludes:
Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
We bring to you our needs and hopes, O God, trusting your wisdom and power revealed in Christ crucified.
Amen.
OFFERING
OFFERING PRAYER
Liberating God, you break the bonds of injustice and let the oppressed go free. Receive these offerings in thanksgiving for all your works of merciful power, and shape us as people of your justice and freedom. You we magnify and adore, through Jesus our Savior,
Amen.
MEAL
God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ.
DIALOGUE
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ; who on this day overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of pow’r and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna. Hosanna. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:
Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, 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.
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.
LAMB OF GOD
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
Grant us peace.
COMMUNION HYMN – “Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service”
Lord, whose love in humble service
bore the weight of human need,
who upon the cross, forsaken,
worked your mercy’s perfect deed:
we, your servants, bring the worship
not of voice alone, but heart;
consecrating to your purpose
ev’ry gift which you impart.
Still your children wander homeless;
still the hungry cry for bread;
still the captives long for freedom;
still in grief we mourn our dead.
As you, Lord, in deep compassion
healed the sick and freed the soul,
by your Spirit send your power
to our world to make it whole.
As we worship, grant us vision,
till your love’s revealing light
in its height and depth and greatness
dawns upon our quickened sight,
making known the needs and burdens
your compassion bids us bear,
stirring us to ardent service,
your abundant life to share.
Called by worship to your service,
forth in your dear name we go,
to the child, the youth, the aged,
love in living deeds to show;
hope and health, good will and comfort,
counsel, aid and peace we give,
that your servants, Lord, in freedom
may your mercy know and live.
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
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 – “Cry of My Heart”
It is the cry of my heart
To follow you;
It is the cry of my heart
To be close to you.
It is the cry of my heart
To follow
All of the days of my life.
Teach me your holy ways, O Lord,
So I can walk in your truth.
Teach me your holy ways, O Lord,
And make me wholly devoted to you
Oh, oh. Whoa.
It is the cry of my heart
To follow you;
It is the cry of my heart
To be close to you.
It is the cry of my heart
To follow
All of the days of my life.
Open my eyes, so I can see
The wonderful things that you do.
Open my heart up more and more,
And make it wholly devoted to you
Oh, oh. Whoa
It is the cry of my heart
To follow you;
It is the cry of my heart
To be close to you.
It is the cry of my heart
To follow
All of the days of my life.
It is the cry of my heart
To follow you;
It is the cry of my heart
To be close to you.
It is the cry of my heart to follow
All of the days of my life,
All of the days of my life,
All of the days of my life.
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
The Martyrs of Japan, died 1597
Sunday, February 5, 2023
Christianity was brought to Japan in the sixteenth century by Jesuit and Franciscan missionaries. The religion was suppressed, however, and in 1597 twenty-six missionaries and converts were crucified. Nevertheless, Christianity survived and later prospered.
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.