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January
22, 2023
The Third Sunday after the Epiphany
THE THIRD
SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY
St Matthew sees the fulfillment of Old Testament
prophecy in every aspect of Jesus’ life. Our Lord’s residence in the ancient
territory of Zebulun and Naphtali reminds the gospel-writer of Isaiah chapter
9. Jesus is the one who brings light into the darkness of the world.
In our Gospel reading, Jesus’ early activity is
summarized by Matthew: he calls disciples, proclaims the good news of the
kingdom, and cures every disease.
After the resurrection of Jesus, the converted Paul
began to found churches in Gentile cities. The light of the world was
illuminating more and more of the world. The Corinthian church either fell away
from Paul’s teaching or misunderstood it from the first. In the letters to the
Corinthians, Paul seeks to correct their doctrine and practice. He opens the
body of the letter by seeking to purge the Corinthians of factionalism and to
re-center them on the crucified Christ.
The proclamation of the light of the Gospel; the
confession of Christ in unity with all other Christians around the world; the
encounter with the crucified Christ in the Holy Communion, the call to be sent
out in mission and service: all of these scriptural elements are present in our
liturgy today. Thanks be to God!
OPENING MUSIC Thy Strong Word - David Cherwien; Paul Manz
I
Want to Walk as a Child of the Light - Paul Biery
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
THE HOLY COMMUNION
I will go to the altar
of God;
the
God of my joy and gladness.
WHymn
Blue
WOV 649 I
Want to Walk as a Child of the Light
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.
the
splendor of your glory dispels the darkness of earth,
for in
Christ we behold the nearness of your kingdom.
Now make us
quick to follow where he beckons,
eager to
embrace the work of the Gospel.
We ask
this through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives
and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God,
now and forever.
Amen
Jesus went through Galilee, teaching in their
synagogues
and proclaiming
the good news of the kingdom.
Let us hear the
Word of the Lord.
Matthew 4:23
Sit
FIRST READING Isaiah
9:1-4
1There 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.
2The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined.
3You 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.
4For 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.
the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
PSALM 27: 1, 5-10
Antiphon
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom
then | shall I fear?*
The
Lord is the strength of my life;
of whom then
shall I | be afraid?
5 One thing have
I asked of the Lord; one | thing I
seek;*
that
I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days |
of my life;
6 to behold the
fair beauty | of the Lord*
and
to seek him | in his temple.
7 For in the day
of trouble he shall keep me safe | in his shelter;*
he
shall hide me in the secrecy of his dwelling
and set me high
up- | on a rock.
8 Even now he
lifts | up my head*
above
my enemies | round about me.
9 Therefore I
will offer in his dwelling an oblation
with sounds | of
great gladness;*
I
will sing and make music | to the Lord.
10 Hearken to my
voice, O Lord, | when I call;*
have
mercy on me and | answer me.
Antiphon
SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 1:10-18
10Now 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. 11For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s
people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. 12What
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.” 13Has Christ been
divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 14I
thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15so
that no one can say that you were baptized in my name. 16(I did
baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I
baptized anyone else.) 17For 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.
18For 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.
the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Stand
VERSE Matthew 4:23 Setting
by David Schack
Alleluia. Jesus went all about Galilee, teaching, preaching,
and healing every disease. Alleluia.
Gospel Matthew 4:12-23
The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. Glory to you, O Lord.
12Now when Jesus heard that John had
been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. 13He left Nazareth and made
his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14so
that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
15“Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali,
on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
16the 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.”
17From that time Jesus began to
proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
18As 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. 19And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will
make you fish for people.” 20Immediately they left their nets and
followed him. 21As 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. 22Immediately they left the
boat and their father, and followed him.
23Jesus 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.
Sit
Sermon
WHYMN OF THE DAY Green LBW 233 Thy Strong Word
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
God, our Father, unify your Church in the message
of the cross. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our
prayer.
Empower pastors, teachers, and evangelists to
proclaim Jesus as the light of the world. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our
prayer.
Give us opportunity, courage and grace to witness
to your light at home, at work, at school, and in our communities. Lord, in
your mercy,
hear our
prayer.
Grant wisdom to those who govern our nation and the
nations of the earth. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our
prayer.
Have mercy upon all who are in need, together with
these we name before you:
The People may intercede for others aloud or in
silence.
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our
prayer.
Lead us to that day when with saints and angels we
shall rejoice in light eternal. Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Father, 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
Psalm 34:4-6 Setting
by Henry V. Gerike
I sought the Lord and he answered me and delivered me from
all my fears. Look to him and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed.
the poor cried, and the Lord hears them, and saved them out of all their
troubles.
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. Sharing our life, he lived among us to reveal your glory and love, that our darkness should give way to his own brilliant light. 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.
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
We break the bread of life, and
that life is the light of the world.
God
here among us, light in the midst of us,
bring us to light and life.
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
Almighty God,
you gave your
Son both as a sacrifice for sin
and a model
of the godly life.
Enable us to
receive him always with thanksgiving,
and to
conform our lives to his;
through the
same Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Sit
ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THE FAITH
FAMILY
Stand
Silence for meditation.
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face to shine upon you and
be gracious to you.
The Lord look upon you with favor X and give you peace.
Amen
WCLOSING HYMN
Green
LBW 434 The Son
of God, Our Christ
Go
in peace. Serve the Lord.
Thanks be
to God!
Lutheran Book of Worship Daily Scripture Readings
Monday, January 23: Isaiah 48:1-11; Galatians 1:1-17; Mark 5:21-43
Tuesday,
January 24: Isaiah
48:12-22; Galatians 1:18-2:10; Mark 6:1-13
Wednesday,
January 25: Isaiah
49:1-12; Galatians 2:11-21; Mark 6:13-29
Thursday,
January 26: Isaiah
49:13-26; Galatians 3:1-14; Mark 6:30-46
Friday,
January 27: Isaiah
50:1-11; Galatians 3:15-22; Mark 6:47-56
Saturday,
January 28: Isaiah
51:1-8; Galatians 3:23-29; Mark 7:1-23
Sunday, January 29: Isaiah 51:9-16; Hebrews 11:8-16; John 7:14-31
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.
Common
Worship: Times and Seasons, material from which is included in this
service, is copyright © The
Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England, 2006.
Prayer of the Day from Opening
Prayers: Collects in Contemporary Language,
copyright 1997 International
Commission on English in the Liturgy. All rights reserved.
Peter Koenig, St. Peter and St.
Andrew. http://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=59035
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
Saturday Evening Worship – 6:30 pm
Sunday Morning Worship – 10:30 am
