Sunday, January 15, 2023

The Holy Communion on the Second Sunday after the Epiphany, 10:30 a.m.

 The livestream may be found here.


January 15, 2023, 10:30 a.m.

The Second Sunday after the Epiphany

 





THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY

 

Today’s readings focus both on the identity of Jesus as the Lamb of God and the call of God to be Jesus’ disciples.

 

FIRST READING: Jesus is called the Father’s Son, the Lamb of God and the servant of God. Isaiah, in speaking for the servant, says, ‘The LORD called me before I was born…’ The servant is at once Israel as a people, and Jesus as the representative of the people. The servant will be given as a light to the nations of the world, to bring them into relation with the God of Israel.

 

SECOND READING: Paul uses the word ‘call’ three times in the opening of his first letter to the Corinthians. They are ‘called’ to be saints, that is, to be sanctified (made holy). The church together ‘calls’ on the name of Jesus Christ. God has ‘called’ the Corinthians into the fellowship of his Son. (1 Corinthians 1:1-9)

 

GOSPEL: John the Baptist obeys God’s call to witness to the Lamb who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. Jesus calls his own from John’s disciples, who follow him. The re-naming of Simon as ‘Peter’ signifies that now he is a new person whose identity is bound up with Christ. (John 1:29-42)

 

Jesus, the Lamb of God, takes away our sin by his spotless offering on the cross. In baptism, we are called to follow Jesus and we share in the Spirit in which he baptizes. God is faithful and will strengthen us to the end. We give thanks for his call, and seek ever more to serve him in faith, hope, and love in everything we do.

 

 

 


OPENING MUSIC     

 

BRIEF ORDER FOR CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

 

Stand

The sign of the cross may be made by all in remembrance of their Baptism.

 

In the name of the Father, and of the X Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

  Amen

 

Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

  Amen

 

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

 

Silence for reflection and self-examination.

 

Most merciful God,

  we confess that we are in bondage to sin

  and cannot free ourselves.

  We have sinned against you

  in thought, word, and deed,

  by what we have done

  and by what we have left undone.

  We have not loved you with our whole heart;

  we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.

  For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us,

   renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk

   in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen

 

Almighty God, in his mercy, has given his Son to die for us and, for his

sake, forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of the

Church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the

entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the X

Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

  Amen

 

I will go to the altar of God;

  the God of my joy and gladness.

 

WHymn             LBW 77  O One with God the Father

1 O one with God the Father

in majesty and might,

the brightness of his glory,

eternal Light of light:

to gloomy haunts of darkness

your rays are streaming down;

the shadows flee before you,

the world’s true light has come.


2 Yet, Lord, we see but dimly,

O heav’nly Light, arise;

dispel these mists that shroud us

and hide you from our eyes.

We long to track the footprints

where you yourself have trod;

we long to see the pathway

that leads to you, our God.


3 O Jesus, shine around us

with radiance of your grace;

O Jesus, turn upon us

the brightness of your face.

We need no star to guide us,

as on our way we press,

if you will light our pathway,

O Sun of righteousness.

Text: William W. How, 1823-1897, alt.


APOSTOLIC 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.                                                                             2 Corinthians 13:13

 


HYMN OF PRAISE






















PRAYER OF THE DAY

The Lord be with you.

  And also with you.

 

Merciful God,

you sent your Son, the spotless Lamb,

to take upon himself the sin of the world.

  Make our lives holy,

  that your Church may bear witness to your purpose

  of reconciling all things in Christ,

who lives and reigns with you

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever.

  Amen

 

CALL TO THE WORD

God is faithful;

by him we were called into the fellowship of his Son.

  Let us hear the Word of the Lord.      

1 Corinthians 1:9

Sit

FIRST READING        Isaiah 49:1-7

 

Listen to me, O coastlands,
  pay attention, you peoples from far away!
 The Lord called me before I was born,
  while I was in my mother’s womb he named me.
2He made my mouth like a sharp sword,
  in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
 he made me a polished arrow,
  in his quiver he hid me away.
3And he said to me, “You are my servant,
  Israel, in whom I will be glorified.”
4But I said, “I have labored in vain,
  I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity;
 yet surely my cause is with the Lord,
  and my reward with my God.”
5And now the Lord says,
  who formed me in the womb to be his servant,
 to bring Jacob back to him,
  and that Israel might be gathered to him,
 for I am honored in the sight of the Lord,
  and my God has become my strength—

6he says,
 “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant
  to raise up the tribes of Jacob
  and to restore the survivors of Israel;
 I will give you as a light to the nations,
  that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”
7Thus says the Lord,
  the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One,
 to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations,
  the slave of rulers,
 “Kings shall see and stand up,
  princes, and they shall prostrate themselves,
 because of the Lord, who is faithful,
  the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.”

 

the Word of the Lord.  

  Thanks be to God.

 

PSALM 40:1-12

Antiphon



 


1 I waited patiently up- | on the Lord;*

                he stooped to me and | heard my cry.

2 He lifted me out of the desolate pit, out of the | mire and clay;*

                he set my feet upon a high cliff and made my | footing sure.

3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise | to our God;*

                many shall see, and stand in awe,

and put their trust | in the Lord.

4 Happy are they who trust | in the Lord!*

                They do not resort to evil spirits or turn | to false gods.

5 Great things are they that you have done, O Lord my God!

  How great your wonders and your | plans for us!*

                There is none who can be com- | pared with you.

6 Oh, that I could make them | known and tell them!*

                But they are more than | I can count.

 7 In sacrifice and offering you | take no pleasure;*

                you have given me | ears to hear you;

8 burnt-offering and sin-offering you have | not required,*

                and so I said, "Be- | hold, I come.

9 In the roll of the book it is written con- | cerning me:*

                'I love to do your will, O my God; your law is deep | in my heart.'"

10 I proclaimed righteousness in the great | congregation;*

                behold, I did not restrain my lips;

and that, O | Lord, you know.

11 Your righteousness have I not hidden in my heart;

I have spoken of your faithfulness and | your deliverance;*

                I have not concealed your love and faithfulness

from the great | congregation.

12 You are the Lord; do not withhold your com- | passion from me;*

                let your love and your faithfulness keep me | safe forever. 

 

 

SECOND READING     1 Corinthians 1:1-9

 

1Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,
2To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:
3Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, 5for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind—6just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you—7so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

the Word of the Lord.  

  Thanks be to God.

 

Stand

VERSE Isaiah 49:3                                                    Setting by David Schack

Alleluia. The Lord said to me: You are my servant in whom I will be glorified. Alleluia.

 

Gospel             John 1:29-42

 

The Holy Gospel according to St. John.                   Glory to you, O Lord.

 

29[John the Baptist] saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!30This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ 31I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.”
35The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, 36and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” 37The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. 40One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). 42He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).

 

The Gospel of the Lord.                                               Praise to you, O Christ.

 

 Sit

Sermon

           

Stand                                                                                             

WHYMN OF THE DAY   LBW 87

Hail to the Lord’s Anointed

1 Hail to the Lord’s anointed,

great David’s greater Son!

Hail, in the time appointed,

his reign on earth begun!

He comes to break oppression,

to set the captive free,

to take away transgression

and rule in equity.


2 He comes with rescue speedy

to those who suffer wrong,

to help the poor and needy,

and bid the weak be strong;

to give them songs for sighing,

their darkness turn to light,

whose souls, condemned and dying,

were precious in his sight.


3 He shall come down like showers

upon the fruitful earth;

and love, joy, hope, like flowers,

spring in his path to birth.

Before him on the mountains

shall peace, the herald, go;

and righteousness in fountains

from hill to valley flow.


4 Kings shall fall down before him,

and gold and incense bring;

all nations shall adore him,

his praise all people sing.

To him shall prayer unceasing

and daily vows ascend;

his kingdom still increasing,

a kingdom without end.

Text: James Montgomery, 1771-1854

 

CONFESSION OF FAITH                                                         Apostles’ Creed

 

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

                creator of heaven and earth.

 

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

                He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit

                                and born of the virgin Mary.

                He 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,

                                and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

                He will come again 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 CHURCH

 

Called as disciples to prayer and praise, let us pray in the Spirit to the Father.

 

Silence is kept.

 

Holy God, call your Church into the way of discipleship. Lord, in your mercy,

  hear our prayer.

 

Holy God, enrich our congregation in every spiritual gift. Lord, in your mercy,

  hear our prayer.

 

Holy God, strengthen pastors to testify to the Lamb of God upon whom the Spirit rests. Lord, in your mercy,

  hear our prayer.

 

Holy God, give peace in the world and in our homes, schools, workplaces and communities. Lord, in your mercy,

  hear our prayer.

 

Holy God, have mercy upon all who are in need.

 

The pastor reads the names submitted for prayer.

The People may intercede for others aloud or in silence.

 

Lord, in your mercy,

  hear our prayer.

 

Holy God, strengthen us to the end, that with the saints we may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. Lord, in your mercy,

  hear our prayer.

 

Holy God, receive these prayers and petitions through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

  Amen

 

PEACE

The peace of the Lord be with you always.             And also with you.

 

The People exchange a sign of peace with the simple words, Peace be with you.

 

Sit

The Lord’s Table is prepared.

 

Stand

OFFERTORY

John 2:11, 10                                                             Setting by Henry V. Gerike

Jesus manifested his glory, and his disciples believed in him. Everyone serves the good wine first, but you have saved the good wine until now.

 

PRAYER OF PREPARATION

Father, look upon the face of Jesus Christ your Son,

who gave up his life to set all people free.

  From the rising of the sun to its setting,

  may your name be great among the nations,

  and in every place a pure sacrifice of praise be offered to your glory.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

  Amen


GREAT THANKSGIVING


It is indeed right and salutary that we should at all times and in all places offer thanks and praise to you, O Lord, holy Father, through Christ our Lord. He is your Son and your servant, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world; to this day calling disciples to follow him, sanctifying them and filling them with every spiritual gift. And so with the Church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:


 
The pastor leads the people in praying the Eucharistic canon:

 

You are indeed holy, almighty and merciful God;

                you are most holy, and great is the majesty of your glory.

You so loved the world that you gave your only Son,

                that whoever believes in him

may not perish but have eternal life.

Having come into the world, he fulfilled for us your holy will

                and accomplished our salvation.

 

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.

 

Remembering, therefore, his salutary command,

                his life-giving Passion and death,

                his glorious resurrection and ascension,

and his promise to come again,

                we give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty,

                not as we ought, but as we are able;

                and we implore you mercifully

to accept our praise and thanksgiving,

                and, with your Word and Holy Spirit,

to bless us, your servants,

                and these your own gifts of bread and wine;

                that we and all who share

in the body and blood of your Son

                may be filled with heavenly peace and joy,

                and, receiving the forgiveness of sin,

may be sanctified in soul and body,

                and have our portion with all your saints.

 

All honor and glory are yours, O God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

in your holy Church, now and forever.

                                                                                                                Amen

In the presence of Christ, we pray to his Father using the words he gave us.

 

Christ is in our midst.

                By the power of the Spirit,

                we pray to his Father, saying:

 

 

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                                  

Matthew 6:9-15

 

Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

Happy are we who are called to his supper.

  Lord, I am not worthy to receive you,

  but only say the word and I shall be healed.

                                                                                John 1:29; Revelation 9:19; Luke 7:6-7

           

We adore Christ, present in bread and wine.

 


 

Sit

DISTRIBUTION

 

WDISTRIBUTION HYMN

Choir                         Jesus Calls Us

     Text/ Cecil Frances Alexander;

      Music/ New Harp of Columbus, 1867; arr. K. Lee Scott

 

Jesus calls us o’er the tumult of our life’s wild, restless sea;

  day by day his sweet voice sounding, saying, “Christian, follow me!’

As of old the apostles heard it by the Galilean lake,

  turned from home and toil and kindred, leaving all for Jesus’ sake.

Jesus calls us from the worship of the vain world’s golden store,

  from each idol that would keep us, saying, “Christian, love me more!’

In our joys and in our sorrows. days of toil and hours of ease,

  still he calls, in cares and pleasures,

  “Christian, love me more than these!”

Jesus calls us! By your mercies, Savior, may we hear your call,

  give our hearts to your obedience, serve and love you best of all!

Jesus calls us o’er the tumult of our life’s wild, restless sea;

  day by day his sweet voice sounding, saying, “Christian, follow me!”

 

 

 

 

When all have received, the People stand at the direction of the pastor.

 

The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.    

  Amen



POST-COMMUNION PRAYER

 

Lord of all time and eternity,

you opened the heavens and revealed yourself as Father

in the baptism of Jesus your beloved Son:

by the power of your Spirit

complete the heavenly work of our rebirth

through the waters of the new creation;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

  Amen

 

Sit

ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THE FAITH FAMILY

 

Stand

Silence for meditation.

 

BENEDICTION

 

God the Father,

who led the wise men by the shining of a star

to find the Christ, the Light from Light,

lead you in your pilgrimage to find the Lord.

  Amen

 

God the Son,

of whom the prophets foretold

and to whom John witnessed,

call you into his fellowship and make you holy.

  Amen

 

God the Holy Spirit,

who came upon the beloved Son

at his baptism in the Jordan,

pour out his gifts on you

who have come to the waters of new birth.

  Amen

 

Almighty God, Father, X Son, and Holy Spirit,

bless you now and forever.

  Amen


WCLOSING HYMN       LBW 263

Abide with Us, Our Savior


1 Abide with us, our Savior,

nor let your mercy cease;

from Satan’s might defend us,

and grant our souls release.


2 Abide with us, our Savior,

sustain us by your word;

that we with all your people

to life may be restored.


3 Abide among us always,

Lord, with your faithfulness;

O Jesus, leave us never,

but help us in distress.


4 Abide with us, our Savior,

O Light of endless light,

bestow on us your blessings,

and save us by your might.

Text: Josua Stegmann, 1588-1632; tr. unknown, sts. 1-2, 4; F. W. Detterer, st. 3; alt.


DISMISSAL

Go in peace. Serve the Lord.                                                 

  Thanks be to God!

 

Lutheran Book of Worship Daily Scripture Readings

 

Monday, January 16: Isaiah 44:6-8, 21-23; Ephesians 4:1-16; Mark 3:7-19a

Tuesday, January 17: Isaiah 44:9-20; Ephesians 4:17-32; Mark 3:19b-35

Wednesday, January 18: Isaiah 44:24-45:7; Ephesians 5:1-14; Mark 4:1-20

Thursday, January 19: Isaiah 45:5-17; Ephesians 5:15-33; Mark 4:21-34

Friday, January 20: Isaiah 45:18-25; Ephesians 6:1-9; Mark 4:35-41

Saturday, January 21: Isaiah 46:1-13; Ephesians 6:10-24; Mark 5:1-20

Sunday, January 22: Isaiah 47:1-15; Hebrews 10:19-31; John 5:2-18


 

 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2023 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.

Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #20540.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Additional liturgical material from Common Worship: Times and Seasons, copyright the Church of England.

John the Baptist Identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. https://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=29353 [retrieved January 9, 2023]. Original source: image donated by Jim Womack and Anne Richardson.

Agnus Day appears with the permission of www.agnusday.org



 

 

St Stephen Lutheran Church

55 Forsythe Road

Pittsburgh PA 15220

(412) 279-5868

office@ststephenpittsburgh.org

www.ststephenpittsburgh.org

 

Saturday Evening Worship – 6:30 pm

Sunday Morning Worship – 10:30 am