Order of Service / Epiphany 3 / January 25, 2026

 *Gathering Hymn Arise, Your Light is Come (#79 VU)

Welcome & Land Acknowledgement

Lighting the Christ Candle

Call to Worship

One: God created light in the beginning.

  All: God calls us to be the light of the world.

One: Christ reveals God’s light to us.

  All: God calls us to be the light of the world.

One: The Spirit reveals God’s light in others.

All: God calls us to be the light of the world.

One: Come, you who are light for the world, let us worship God.

*Sandy Ferguson. Gathering ACE 2022/2023. Page 43

Opening Prayer

*Opening Hymn Will You Come and See the Light (#96 VU)

Prayer of Confessional and Renewal (Unison)

Loving God, through Christ you bring light into our dark places. We admit that sometimes we are afraid of that light, because it shows us the hurt and broken parts of our lives. We hide what is wounded and incomplete, unsure how you will meet us in our weakness. Forgive us when we forget that nothing about us is hidden from you, and that your love meets us even there. Receive our brokenness and renew us by your grace. In silence, we bring before you our personal prayers of confession. (a time of silent confession) Amen.

Words of Assurance

One: The light of Christ shines in every shadow and is never overcome.

All: The light brings hope, healing, and new life.

One: Walk in the light of God’s love and live as renewed people.

  All: Thanks be to God. Amen.

Announcements and Minute for Mission

Time for God’s Children (You Are Holy, MV 45)

You are holy, you show us the way. (x4)

You show us, you show us, you show us the way (x4)

Prayer for Illumination

Proclaiming the Scriptures

Isaiah 9:1-4 The people have seen a great light

Psalm 27:1, 4-9 (VU p. 754-755) God is my light and my salvation

Matthew 4:12-17 Jesus begins his ministry.

This is the Good News from the Bible.

  Thanks be to God.

Anthem

Sermon

*Hymn Let There Be Light (#679 VU | vs. 1,3,4,6)

*Offering

*Offertory Hymn (#540 VU | Grant Us, God, the Grace)

Grant us, God, the grace of giving, with a spirit large and free,

That ourselves and all our living we may offer faithfully.

*Offertory Prayer (Unison)
God of light, you shine in the darkness and guide our steps. We bring these gifts as signs of our gratitude, that your love may reach farther and brighter in the world. May they be used to bring hope where there is despair, peace where there is conflict, and your radiant light into every shadow. Bless these offerings and the hearts that give them, so that your glory may shine through all we do. Amen.

Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer

*Closing Hymn Abide with Me (#436 VU | vs. 1-4)

*Commissioning

One: Go and proclaim the simple message of hope:

  All: that God is Love, always sustaining all creation.

One: Go and live out the complex reality of faith:

All: that Jesus calls us to live with compassion and generosity in a world that struggles to perceive Love’s power.

One: Go and become disciples alive:

All: for the Spirit guides and prods and enlivens, but always accompanies us.

*Gord Dunbar, Gathering ACE 2025/2026. Page 46-47.

*Commissioning Song I Am Walking a Path of Peace (#221 MV)

I am walking a path with light, I am walking a path with light

I am walking a path with light, lead me home, lead me home.

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