Embedded Files
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 25th, 2026 [Epiphany]
Updated for Sunday, January 25th, 2026 [Epiphany]
Prelude
Prelude
Welcome/Announcements - MB
Welcome/Announcements - MB
Passing the Peace - MB
Passing the Peace - MB
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 - TBD - Debbie
Gathering Hymn - TBD - 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.
God of Blazing light, through the power of the cross you shattered our darkness, scattering the fears that bind us and setting us free to live as your children. Give us courage and conviction that we may joyfully turn and follow you into new adventures of faithful service, led by the light that shines through Jesus Christ our Savior. And all the beloved said: Amen.
God of Blazing light, through the power of the cross you shattered our darkness, scattering the fears that bind us and setting us free to live as your children. Give us courage and conviction that we may joyfully turn and follow you into new adventures of faithful service, led by the light that shines through Jesus Christ our Savior. And all the beloved said: Amen.
Scripture Reading - Isaiah 9:1-4 (CEB)
Scripture Reading - Isaiah 9:1-4 (CEB)
Nonetheless, those who were in distress won’t be exhausted. At an earlier time, God cursed the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but later God glorified the way of the sea, the far side of the Jordan, and the Galilee of the nations.
Nonetheless, those who were in distress won’t be exhausted. At an earlier time, God cursed the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but later God glorified the way of the sea, the far side of the Jordan, and the Galilee of the nations.
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in a pitch-dark land, light has dawned. You have made the nation great; you have increased its joy. They rejoiced before you as with joy at the harvest, as those who divide plunder rejoice. As on the day of Midian, you’ve shattered the yoke that burdened them, the staff on their shoulders, and the rod of their oppressor.
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in a pitch-dark land, light has dawned. You have made the nation great; you have increased its joy. They rejoiced before you as with joy at the harvest, as those who divide plunder rejoice. As on the day of Midian, you’ve shattered the yoke that burdened them, the staff on their shoulders, and the rod of their oppressor.
One: For the wisdom and the challenge in these ancient voices,
One: For the wisdom and the challenge in these ancient voices,
Many: We give our thanks!
Many: We give our thanks!
Lectionary Hymn - TBD - Debbie
Lectionary Hymn - TBD - Debbie
Prayers of the People - Pastor Mary Beth
Prayers of the People - Pastor Mary Beth
Perfect Light of revelation, as you shone in the life of Jesus, whose epiphany we celebrate, so shine in us and through us, that we may become beacons of truth and compassion, enlightening all creation with deeds of justice and mercy.
Perfect Light of revelation, as you shone in the life of Jesus, whose epiphany we celebrate, so shine in us and through us, that we may become beacons of truth and compassion, enlightening all creation with deeds of justice and mercy.
To God who welcomes all in love, let us pray for the good of the church and the concerns of those in need.
To God who welcomes all in love, let us pray for the good of the church and the concerns of those in need.
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.”)
God of every land and nation, you have created all people and you dwell among us in Jesus Christ. Listen to the cries of those who pray to you, and grant that, as we proclaim the greatness of your name, all people will know the power of love at work in the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. And all the beloved said: Amen.
God of every land and nation, you have created all people and you dwell among us in Jesus Christ. Listen to the cries of those who pray to you, and grant that, as we proclaim the greatness of your name, all people will know the power of love at work in the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. 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 - TBD - James
Prayer Hymn - TBD - James
Sermon - 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 (CEB) - Pastor Mary Beth
Sermon - 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 (CEB) - Pastor Mary Beth
Now I encourage you, beloved, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Agree with each other and don’t be divided into rival groups. Instead, be restored with the same mind and the same purpose. Beloved, Chloe’s people gave me some information about you, that you’re fighting with each other. What I mean is this: that each one of you says, “I belong to Paul,” “I belong to Apollos,” “I belong to Cephas,” “I belong to Christ.” Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you, or were you baptized in Paul’s name? Thank God that I didn’t baptize any of you, except Crispus and Gaius, so that nobody can say that you were baptized in my name! Oh, I baptized the house of Stephanas too. Otherwise, I don’t know if I baptized anyone else. Christ didn’t send me to baptize but to preach the good news. And Christ didn’t send me to preach the good news with clever words so that Christ’s cross won’t be emptied of its meaning.
Now I encourage you, beloved, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Agree with each other and don’t be divided into rival groups. Instead, be restored with the same mind and the same purpose. Beloved, Chloe’s people gave me some information about you, that you’re fighting with each other. What I mean is this: that each one of you says, “I belong to Paul,” “I belong to Apollos,” “I belong to Cephas,” “I belong to Christ.” Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you, or were you baptized in Paul’s name? Thank God that I didn’t baptize any of you, except Crispus and Gaius, so that nobody can say that you were baptized in my name! Oh, I baptized the house of Stephanas too. Otherwise, I don’t know if I baptized anyone else. Christ didn’t send me to baptize but to preach the good news. And Christ didn’t send me to preach the good news with clever words so that Christ’s cross won’t be emptied of its meaning.
The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are being destroyed. But it is the power of God for those of us who are being saved.
The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are being destroyed. But it is the power of God for those of us who are being saved.
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 - TBD - James
Sermon Hymn - TBD - James
Benediction - Pastor Mary Beth
Benediction - Pastor Mary Beth
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)
Sending Hymn: Song of Hope (TFWS #2186)
Postlude
Postlude
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