ARISE! YOUR LIGHT HAS COME
Epiphany (shining forth, appearing) observes the manifestation of Christ to all the nations of the world. In the Sundays of the Epiphany season we see Christ as our light, our revealer. What these epiphanies have to say to us is that looking with discerning eye and listening with discriminating ear, we can perceive God behind, above, within, around, and below the world all about us. In Epiphany we begin to see more and more of Jesus, from his baptism in the Jordan River to his transfiguration on the mountain. Christ is the coming of the light and the power of the light to draw us to God. This light will unveil evil even as it reveals the goodness and glory of God; God’s unstoppable love for us.
THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
WE REMEMBER OUR BAPTISMS, CONFESS OUR FAITHLESSNESS,
AND HEAR GOD’S FAITHFUL PROMISE OF FORGIVENESS
Pastor: Trusting in the word of life given in baptism,
we are gathered in the name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
the holy Trinity, one God,
the fountain of living water,
the rock who gave us birth,
our light and our salvation.
People: Amen.
Pastor: Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism,
we are clothed with God’s mercy and forgiveness.
Let us give thanks for the gift of baptism.
Pastor: We give you thanks, O God,
for in the beginning your Spirit moved over the waters
and by your Word you created the world,
calling forth life in which you took delight.
Through the waters of the flood you delivered Noah and his family.
You led Israel safely through the Sea from slavery into freedom and the land of promise.
In the waters of the Jordan, your Son was baptized by John, anointed with the Holy Spirit, and proclaimed your beloved one.
By water, your Word, and the Spirit you claim us as your daughters and sons,
making us heirs of your promise and servants of all.
Through this water remind us of our baptism.
We praise you for the gift of water that sustains life,
and above all we praise you for the gift of new life in Jesus Christ.
Shower us with your Spirit,
and renew our lives with your forgiveness, grace, and love.
To you be given honor and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever.
People: Blessed be God,
who gives us life with all creation,
joins us to the saving death of Christ,
and raises us to new life by the Holy Spirit. Amen.
HYMN FOR THE SEASON OF EPIPHANY
“O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright”
[click on the link below]
O Morning Star, how fair and bright!
You shine with God’s own truth and light,
aglow with grace and mercy!
Of Jacob’s line, King David’s son,
our Lord and Savior, you have won
our hearts to serve you only!
Lowly, holy!!
Great and glorious,
all victorious,
rich in blessing!
Rule and might o’er all possessing!
Come, precious diamond, light divine,
and deep within our hearts now shine;
there light a flame undying!
In your one body let us be
as living branches of a tree,
your life our lives supplying.
Now, though daily
earth’s deep sadness
may perplex us
and distress us,
yet with heav’nly joy you bless us.
Lord, when you look on us in love,
at once there falls from God above
a ray of purest pleasure.
Your word and Spirit, flesh and blood
refresh our souls with heav’nly food.
You are our dearest treasure!
Let your mercy
warm and cheer us!
Oh, draw near us!
For you teach us
God’s own love through you has reached us.
Almighty Father, in your Son
you loved us, when not yet begun
was this old earth’s foundation!
Your Son has ransomed us in love
to live in him here and above:
this is your great salvation.
Alleluia!
Christ the living,
to us giving
life forever,
keeps us yours and fails us never!
Oh, let the harps break forth in sound!
Our joy be all with music crowned,
our voices gaily blending!
For Christ goes with us all the way–
today, tomorrow, ev’ry day!
His love is never ending!
Sing out!
Ring out!
Jubilation! Exaltation!
Tell the story!
Praise to Christ, who reigns in glory!
What joy to know, when life is past,
the Lord we love is first and last,
the end and the beginning!
He will one day, oh, glorious grace,
transport us to that happy place
beyond all tears and sinning!
Amen!
Amen!
Come, Lord Jesus! Crown of gladness!
We are yearning
for the day of your returning.
GATHERING
WE RESPOND TO GOD’S CALL WITH PRAISE AND PRAYER,
AND PREPARE TO HEAR GOD’S WORD OF LIFE
GREETING
Pastor: The light and love of God,
who wonderfully made you,
who graciously redeemed you,
who calls you each by name,
be with you all.
People: And also with you
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Pastor: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Pastor: Let us pray
People: Holy God, you confound the world’s wisdom in giving your kingdom to the lowly and the pure in heart. Give us such a hunger and thirst for justice, and perseverance in striving for peace, that in our words and deeds the world may see the life of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. Amen.
WORD
THE CHURCH HEARS THE GOOD NEWS OF GOD ACTING
IN THIS AND EVERY TIME AND PLACE
FIRST READING
Micah 6:1-8Hear what the Lord says:
Rise, plead your case before the mountains,
and let the hills hear your voice.
Hear, you mountains, the controversy of the Lord,
and you enduring foundations of the earth;
for the Lord has a controversy with his people,
and he will contend with Israel.
‘O my people, what have I done to you?
In what have I wearied you? Answer me!
For I brought you up from the land of Egypt,
and redeemed you from the house of slavery;
and I sent before you Moses,
Aaron, and Miriam.
O my people, remember now what King Balak of Moab devised,
what Balaam son of Beor answered him,
and what happened from Shittim to Gilgal,
that you may know the saving acts of the Lord.
‘With what shall I come before the Lord,
and bow myself before God on high?
Shall I come before him with burnt-offerings,
with calves a year old?
Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
with tens of thousands of rivers of oil?
Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?’
He has told you, O mortal, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING
1 Corinthians 1:18-31For 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. For it is written,
‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.’
Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling-block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.
Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God. He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, in order that, as it is written, ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.’
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
THE GOSPEL
Matthew 5:1-12
Pastor: The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the fifth chapter.
People: Glory to you, O Lord.
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Pastor: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON
[click on the link below]
HYMN OF THE DAY
“Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life”
[click on the link below]
Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life
where sound the cries of race and clan,
above the noise of selfish strife,
we hear your voice, O Son of man.
In haunts of wretchedness and need,
on shadowed thresholds dark with fears,
from paths where hide the lures of greed,
we catch the vision of your tears.
From tender childhood’s helplessness,
from woman’s grief, man’s burdened toil,
from famished souls, from sorrow’s stress,
your heart has never known recoil.
The cup of water given for you
still holds the freshness of your grace;
yet long these multitudes to view
the sweet compassion of your face.
O Master, from the mountainside
make haste to heal these hearts of pain;
among these restless throngs abide;
O tread the city’s streets again.
Till all the world shall learn your love
and follow where your feet have trod,
till, glorious from your heaven above,
shall come the city of our God!
APOSTLES’ CREED
Pastor: Let us confess our faith in the words of the Apostles’ Creed.
All: 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 to the dead.
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.
TODAY IN OUR PRAYERS
Bill, Carol, Curtis, and Christine Buchkowsky, Teri Peterson, Wayne Turner, Janet Gregory, Marge McMillan, Kyrie Parimi, Doris Turner, Hilda Anderson, Linda Wolfe, Naomi, Bev Gregory, Dale Robinson, Audrey Hedlin, Mona Neher, Oma Ywo, Owen Peterson, Helga Halldorsdottir, Evaline Sanders, Wayne Andre, the family of Norm Gregory, the family of baby Mavrick Gallant (Bev Gregory’s great-grandson), the family of Katherine Meger (Joshua Bratvold’s great grandmother), the family of Lois Jenkins (Ann Salmon’s mother), the family of John Beaven (Bev Gregory’s brother), and the family of Carl Rausch.
We remember the missing and murdered indigenous women in Canada, the children and people buried in unmarked graves at residential schools and First Nation lands, and all those who have suffered the trauma of residential schools, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the people of Syria, Iraq, Iran, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Afghanistan, Yemen, Venezuela, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, the Palestinians killed in Jenin and Israelis killws in East Jerusalem, Ethiopia and Tigray, Myanmar and the Rohingya Muslim refugees, Lebanon, all at the Mexico/United States border seeking refuge, the 100 million refugees and displaced persons, the people of Haiti suffering from disasters, the victims and communities of the mass shootings in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay, California, the people of California devastated by catastrophic rainfall and flooding, the people of Brazil and Peru, caught up in political violence, those in the United States (especially in Memphis with the death of Tyre Nichols), Canada, and throughout the world caught up in racism and injustice and the resulting violence, and those throughout the world, in Canada, in our province, and in our community still threatened by the coronavirus and the many omicron variants.
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE OF FAITH
[The congregational response after each petition is: “HEAR OUR PRAYER.”]
Pastor: As we see and hear the promises of God revealed in Jesus, the Word made flesh, let us pray that the light of Christ’s grace and mercy shine upon the Church, the world, and all those in need, saying, “O Christ, our light and life,” and responding, “Hear our prayer.”
Petitioner: God of welcome, move your Church to cast its nets of invitation that others may see the good things you offer in the waters of baptism, in the scriptures, in your holy meal, and in the community of faith, and be caught in the Gospel and caught up with its grace, mercy, and joy. O Christ, our light and life …
Petitioner: Reconciling God, we pray for all the nations and we especially remember the peoples ravaged by times of political unrest. Bring an end to tyranny and poverty. Wipe out hatred and fear. May all be led by your righteous hand to use power justly and to act with honesty, justice and wisdom to care for the peace and security of all. O Christ, our light and life …
Petitioner: Sustaining God, by your word you called all creation into being. Speak to us by your Spirit when creation is groaning for rescue and relief. Heal the soil, water, air, so that all your creatures flourish and that your goodness and grace may be seen through our everyday surroundings. O Christ, our light and life…
Pastor: Compassionate God, we pray for all those who struggle to escape the darkness and live in gloom and anguish: those suffering from illness, loss, brokenness, depression, abuse, addiction, those who are afraid, or those who grieve. We remember especially before you … Enrich them with your Spirit of light and hope. O Christ, our light and life….
Petitioner: God of unity, as we end the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, we pray that your Church on earth may show forth a oneness of purpose in service and worship to you, and that we may continue to work toward fulfilling the vision and promise that we may be one, even as you are one. O Christ, our light and life …
Petitioner: Inviting God, guide us by your Spirit of wholeness, that we may recognize in each other the variety of gifts which you give and may use those gifts for the common good of our congregation and community. Bless the commitments and promises we have made to you and to one another to be a people of the Gospel in this place. Calm our fears, assure us in the midst of uncertainty, give us strength, and keep us celebrating the joy that is ours centred in the cross and resurrection of Jesus. O Christ, our light and life …
Petitioner: We give thanks to you, O God, for the greatest of epiphanies in the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord. May it be the source of our hope, a guide for our lives, and the power that enables us to sing, to pray, to hear the Gospel, and to love our neighbour. O Christ, our light and life …
Pastor: God of splendor and light, hear our prayer, illumine us with the radiance of your glory, and fill us with your presence among us in Jesus Christ our Lord.
People: Amen.
THANKSGIVING
THE COMMUNITY PRAISES GOD FOR THE GRACIOUS GIFTS OF
CREATION AND THE SAVING DEEDS OF JESUS CHRIST
THE GREETING AND SHARING OF PEACE
Pastor: Since we are forgiven and renewed by God’s Spirit, let us also be reconciled with one another and share the Peace of the Lord.
The peace of Christ be with you always.
People: And also with you.
(The congregation greets one another with a gesture of peace, using these or similar words:
“Christ’s peace be with you.”)
THE OFFERING
(We worship God with the offering of our selves, our time, our talents, and our possessions.)
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Leader: Let us pray.
God of all creation,
People: with great joy we worship you and lay before you these gifts.
Use what we have gathered here
in feeding the hungry world with your love.
Let our lives serve you only,
and lead us always to our dearest treasure,
Jesus Christ, the light of the world and the life of all. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Pastor: Let us pray with confidence in the words our Saviour gave us:
People: Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those
who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and forever. Amen.
SENDING
ALL RECEIVE THE BLESSING OF GOD, LEAVE IN PEACE,
AND ARE SENT OUT TO SERVE
BENEDICTION
Pastor: May Christ, whose epiphany revealed God’s glory to the world,
deepen your faith and make your hearts glad.
God’s blessing be with you,
Christ’s peace be with you,
the Spirit’s outpouring of love be with you, now and always.
People: Amen
CLOSING HYMN
“Rise Up, O Saints of God! ”
[click on the link below]
Rise up, O saints of God!
From vain ambitions turn;
Christ rose triumphant that your hearts
with nobler zeal might burn.
Speak out, O saints of God!
Despair engulfs earth’s frame;
as heirs of God’s baptismal grace,
the word of hope proclaim.
Give heed, O saints of God!
Creation cries in pain;
Stretch forth your hand of healing now,
with love the weak sustain.
Commit your hearts to seek
the paths which Christ has trod;
and, quickened by the Spirit’s pow’r,
rise up, O saints of God!
DISMISSAL
Pastor: Go forth as light into the world. The joy of the Lord is your strength.
People: Thanks be to God.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
TODAY AT KOG
THIS WEEK AT KOG – Thursday, February 2, Bev Gregory is hosting (154 Arrand Crescent) quilt-making bees every Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
– Thursday, February 2, Bible Study, “A Short History of Grace,” 7:30 p.m. Hosted by Doreen Matschke. We meet in Pastor Michael’s home, 1010 Duke Street.
COMING UP AT KOG – Sunday, February 5, Coffee Social after the service. Hosted by Renita Falkenstern. – Sunday, February 12, Resurrection/King of Glory joint Church Councils meeting at Resurrection at 11:15 a.m. – Thursday, February 16, Bible Study, “A Short History of Grace,” 7:30 p.m. Host needed. We meet in Pastor Michael’s home, 1010 Duke Street. – Friday, February 17, Resurrection/King of Glory Musical Talent Night at Resurrection, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Wednesday, February 22, Women’s Breakfast Out, 10:00 a.m. – Saturday, February 25, Men’s Breakfast Out at Mulberry’s Restaurant 2326 B Millar Avenue, 8:30 a.m. – Tuesday, March 7, Church Council meeting via Zoom, 7:30 p.m.
December, January, and Year-to-Date Budget and Contribution Report for KOG
2023 Budget: $50,471 Monthly Budget: $4,260 Weekly Budget: $971
2022 income/expenses: $8,932.96
December income/expenses: $3,966.32
Weekly contributions for December: December 4: $920 December 11: $710
December 18: $4330
Weekly contributions for January: January 1: $470 January 8,15,22: $640
RESURRECTION/KING OF GLORY MUSICAL TALENT NIGHT: Resurrection and King of Glory Lutheran churches will be jointly hosting a musical evening of individual talents shared by members from each congregation. The event will take place on Friday, February 17 from 7-9 PM at Resurrection Lutheran. It will be followed by refreshments in the fellowship hall; an opportunity for the two congregations to get to know each other. If you wish to attend we would ask that you sign the attendance sheet to ensure enough refreshments will be provided. We also need some persons from KoG to provide refreshments.
“A Short History of Grace”. This Bible and theology study looks at the ways grace is interpreted from the time of the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament, through St. Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther and to contemporary theologies of liberation.
They’ll have you in stitches! Bev Gregory is hosting (154 Arrand Crescent) quilt-making bees to send quilts to various organizations throughout the city. Quilting is every Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. You are invited to thread your way through this gathering of fun and service. Bring your own lunch – they’ll turn it into a potluck – and fabrics, particularly flannels, and see what patterns emerge.
Thank you to Karen McKenzie for hosting the January 8Coffee Social.
Thank you to everyone who donated food items for Christmas Hampers. We had enough food to help stock eleven and a half hampers. Thank you for your generosity.
Pastor Michael and Renita thank all at King of Glory who remembered them this Christmas season with cards, gifts, many kindnesses, and prayers. Christmas peace and joy, good health, and the blessing of Christ be with everyone in the New Year.
Thank you to everyone who donated in support of the Alzheimer’s Society. $260 was been contributed. Thank you for your generosity.
Thank you to all involved in the Quilts and Comfort Quilts that have been made by members of King of Glory and their friends. Our quilting worker-bees have lost count, but guesstimate 42 quilts will be distributed to LutherCare Communities, the Wellness Centre, and the Bishop Klein Community School Program and Comfort Quilts will be given to individuals suffering from sickness, significant change in life, loss or grief. Prodigious thimbles full of thanks to the industrious sewers Bev Gregory, Karen McKenzie, Doreen Matschke, Carol Sarich, Lois Rombough and Sherry Andrews, to Irma Torgunrude who donated material and Iris Kristjansdottir who provided boxes.
Canadian Lutheran World Relief and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada are calling on Canadians to pray for those affected by the flooding in Pakistan, and to give generously to support their urgent humanitarian needs, and for those suffering from the war in Ukraine as the Government of Canada announces a special matching fund for donations in response to this tragedy. Please give what you can by donating at clwr.org/pakistan or clwr.org/hungercrisis or by calling 1-800-661-2597 (office hours Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm), and pray for all those who are affected by the flooding and war.
Offerings.
Even though we are not all meeting together we still have expenses and need your offerings so that we can pay them. Church Council has decided that the best way to receive your offerings is that you mail a cheque (Please no cash for mail security reasons) to the church and we can process them from there.
Send your contributions to: King of Glory Lutheran Church
3318 Merritt Street
Saskatoon, SK S7M 3P6
Thank you for your generosity.
Our Mission Statement
King of Glory Lutheran Church is a community of people believing and recognizing, through worship, fellowship and faith, that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior.
Our Mission is to all of God’s children including people of all ages, female, and male, all races and colours and regardless of their religious and social background or sexual orientation.
By the grace of God, we are called to proclaim the Good News of Christ’s love, acceptance, and forgiveness.
King of Glory Lutheran Church 