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We gather for worship on Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM.
We gather for worship on Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM.
Middleton United Methodist Church Liturgy
Middleton United Methodist Church Liturgy
Updated for Sunday, January 11th, 2026 [Epiphany]
Updated for Sunday, January 11th, 2026 [Epiphany]
Prelude - Debbie
Prelude - Debbie
Welcome/Announcements - James
Welcome/Announcements - James
Passing the Peace - James
Passing the Peace - James
One: May the peace of the Lord be with you!
One: May the peace of the Lord be with you!
Many: And also with you!
Many: And also with you!
Gathering Hymn - Sing We Now of Christmas (UMH #237, v. 1, 2, 4, & 5) - Debbie
Gathering Hymn - Sing We Now of Christmas (UMH #237, v. 1, 2, 4, & 5) - Debbie
Call to Worship - John Mathiasen
Call to Worship - John Mathiasen
One: The light of God’s love is not for a few, but for the many. To every nation, every language, and every heart,
One: The light of God’s love is not for a few, but for the many. To every nation, every language, and every heart,
Many: The light of Christ has been revealed!
Many: The light of Christ has been revealed!
One: No one is a stranger; no one is far off.
One: No one is a stranger; no one is far off.
Many: In Christ, we are all one family.
Many: In Christ, we are all one family.
One: Come from the east and the west, the north and the south.
One: Come from the east and the west, the north and the south.
Many: Let us worship the God who welcomes all people home!
Many: Let us worship the God who welcomes all people home!
Opening Prayer (in unison) - John Mathiasen
Opening Prayer (in unison) - John Mathiasen
Holy God, we thank you that your light has dawned not just for some, but for all people in every corner of the earth. Break down the walls that divide us and open our hearts to recognize Christ’s face in every neighbor and stranger alike. Lead us by your Spirit to live as one family, united in the warmth of your universal love. Amen.
Holy God, we thank you that your light has dawned not just for some, but for all people in every corner of the earth. Break down the walls that divide us and open our hearts to recognize Christ’s face in every neighbor and stranger alike. Lead us by your Spirit to live as one family, united in the warmth of your universal love. Amen.
Sing together - Glory be to the Father (UMH #70)
Sing together - Glory be to the Father (UMH #70)
Scripture Reading - John Mathiasen
Scripture Reading - John Mathiasen
God, open our hearts and minds, that as the scriptures are read and your Word proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today.
God, open our hearts and minds, that as the scriptures are read and your Word proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today.
Bright Morning Star, your light has come, and the birth of Jesus has overwhelmed us with joy. Like the magi of long ago, may we be drawn to you and offer you such gifts as we are able. And all the beloved said: Amen.
Bright Morning Star, your light has come, and the birth of Jesus has overwhelmed us with joy. Like the magi of long ago, may we be drawn to you and offer you such gifts as we are able. And all the beloved said: Amen.
Scripture Reading - Matthew 2:1-12 (NASB)
Scripture Reading - Matthew 2:1-12 (NASB)
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet:
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet:
‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; for out of you shall come forth a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; for out of you shall come forth a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship him.” After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary his mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.
Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship him.” After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary his mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.
One: This is the Gospel of our Lord.
One: This is the Gospel of our Lord.
Many: Praise to you, Lord Christ!
Many: Praise to you, Lord Christ!
Lectionary Hymn - We Three Kings (UMH #254) - Debbie
Lectionary Hymn - We Three Kings (UMH #254) - Debbie
Prayers of the People - John Mathiasen
Prayers of the People - John Mathiasen
O God of light and peace, whose glory, shining in the child of Bethlehem, still draws the nations to yourself: dispel the darkness that shrouds our path, that we may come to kneel before Christ in true worship, offer him our hearts and souls, and return from his presence to live as he has taught.
O God of light and peace, whose glory, shining in the child of Bethlehem, still draws the nations to yourself: dispel the darkness that shrouds our path, that we may come to kneel before Christ in true worship, offer him our hearts and souls, and return from his presence to live as he has taught.
God of revelation, as we gather in praise for the gracious mystery of your Son, we remember the many needs of your church and your world.
God of revelation, as we gather in praise for the gracious mystery of your Son, we remember the many needs of your church and your world.
Are there any requests?
Are there any requests?
(The congregation is invited to speak their requests. After each request is spoken, we all respond in unison. For prayer requests, we respond, “Lord, hear our prayer.” For praises, we respond, “Lord, we lift this praise.”)
(The congregation is invited to speak their requests. After each request is spoken, we all respond in unison. For prayer requests, we respond, “Lord, hear our prayer.” For praises, we respond, “Lord, we lift this praise.”)
Guide us on the path of salvation, O God, that the radiance and power of your Holy Spirit working in the world will gather together all peoples and nations in one community to offer you worship and proclaim your splendor. And all the beloved said: Amen.
Guide us on the path of salvation, O God, that the radiance and power of your Holy Spirit working in the world will gather together all peoples and nations in one community to offer you worship and proclaim your splendor. And all the beloved said: Amen.
(A moment for silent prayers)
(A moment for silent prayers)
And now let us pray the prayer the Lord taught all the disciples to pray. Let’s be so bold as to say:
And now let us pray the prayer the Lord taught all the disciples to pray. Let’s be so bold as to say:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed by thy name;
Hallowed by thy name;
Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done
Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
Give us this day our daily bread;
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil;
But deliver us from evil;
For thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory, now and forever. Amen.
For thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory, now and forever. Amen.
Prayer for Today’s Offering
Prayer for Today’s Offering
Gracious God, just as the magi offered their treasures at the feet of the Christ child, we bring these gifts to you today. We offer more than just our gold; we offer our time, our talents, and our commitment to justice and peace. May these offerings be used to carry your light into the dark places of our world and to serve your children in every nation. Transform these gifts—and transform us—into beacons of your universal love. In the name of Christ, who is for all people, all the beloved said: Amen.
Gracious God, just as the magi offered their treasures at the feet of the Christ child, we bring these gifts to you today. We offer more than just our gold; we offer our time, our talents, and our commitment to justice and peace. May these offerings be used to carry your light into the dark places of our world and to serve your children in every nation. Transform these gifts—and transform us—into beacons of your universal love. In the name of Christ, who is for all people, all the beloved said: Amen.
Doxology - Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow (UMH #95)
Doxology - Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow (UMH #95)
Prayer Hymn - King of Kings (Hillsong) - James
Prayer Hymn - King of Kings (Hillsong) - James
Sermon - Ephesians 3:1-12 (CEB) - Pastor Mary Beth (via video)
Sermon - Ephesians 3:1-12 (CEB) - Pastor Mary Beth (via video)
This is why I, Paul, am a prisoner of Christ for you Gentiles.
This is why I, Paul, am a prisoner of Christ for you Gentiles.
You’ve heard, of course, about the responsibility to distribute God’s grace, which God gave to me for you, right? God showed me a secret plan in a revelation, as I mentioned briefly before (when you read this, you’ll understand my insight into the secret plan about Christ). Earlier generations didn’t know this hidden plan that God has now revealed to the holy apostles and prophets through the Spirit. This plan is that the Gentiles would be coheirs and parts of the same body, and that they would share with the Jews in the promises of God in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I became a servant of the gospel because of the grace that God showed me through the exercise of God’s power.
You’ve heard, of course, about the responsibility to distribute God’s grace, which God gave to me for you, right? God showed me a secret plan in a revelation, as I mentioned briefly before (when you read this, you’ll understand my insight into the secret plan about Christ). Earlier generations didn’t know this hidden plan that God has now revealed to the holy apostles and prophets through the Spirit. This plan is that the Gentiles would be coheirs and parts of the same body, and that they would share with the Jews in the promises of God in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I became a servant of the gospel because of the grace that God showed me through the exercise of God’s power.
God gave this grace to me, the least of all God’s people, to preach the good news about the immeasurable riches of Christ to the Gentiles. God sent me to reveal the secret plan that had been hidden since the beginning of time by God, who created everything. God’s purpose is now to show the rulers and powers in the heavens the many different varieties of God’s wisdom through the church. This was consistent with the plan God had from the beginning of time that was accomplished through Christ Jesus our Lord. In Christ we have bold and confident access to God through faith in Christ.
God gave this grace to me, the least of all God’s people, to preach the good news about the immeasurable riches of Christ to the Gentiles. God sent me to reveal the secret plan that had been hidden since the beginning of time by God, who created everything. God’s purpose is now to show the rulers and powers in the heavens the many different varieties of God’s wisdom through the church. This was consistent with the plan God had from the beginning of time that was accomplished through Christ Jesus our Lord. In Christ we have bold and confident access to God through faith in Christ.
One: May the light these words reveal dwell within us,
One: May the light these words reveal dwell within us,
Many: And may we reflect this light to every neighbor we meet!
Many: And may we reflect this light to every neighbor we meet!
Sermon Hymn - The Blessing (Bethel Music & We the Kingdom) - James
Sermon Hymn - The Blessing (Bethel Music & We the Kingdom) - James
Benediction - James
Benediction - James
As you leave this place, may the light of God the Father, who created every nation and tribe, guide your feet into the paths of peace. May the grace of God the Son, the Light of the World born for all people, shine through your hands and your heart to everyone you meet. And may the power of God the Holy Spirit, who breathes life into all flesh, empower you to be beacons of hope to the ends of the earth. Go now in joy: the star has risen, the way is clear, and the love of God is for everyone. Amen.
As you leave this place, may the light of God the Father, who created every nation and tribe, guide your feet into the paths of peace. May the grace of God the Son, the Light of the World born for all people, shine through your hands and your heart to everyone you meet. And may the power of God the Holy Spirit, who breathes life into all flesh, empower you to be beacons of hope to the ends of the earth. Go now in joy: the star has risen, the way is clear, and the love of God is for everyone. Amen.
Sending Hymn: Song of Hope (TFWS #2186) - Debbie & James
Sending Hymn: Song of Hope (TFWS #2186) - Debbie & James
Postlude - James
Postlude - James
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