JANUARY 5, 2014 Second Sunday after Christmas Bible Study: Sermon: Matthew 2:1-12 John 1:1-18 Epiphany Celebration

A Celebration of Life

THEME IDEAS This seldom-celebrated Sunday of the lectionary year always falls between New Year and Epiphany and usually gets lost in the shuffle of those two celebrations. However, the readings offer a different perspective on Christmas, particularly for those congregations that do not celebrate Christmas Sunday with the reading from John 1. Focusing on Johns birth poem, this day celebrates light and life, as we move into the season following Epiphany. Call to Worship The light of the world is here. Christ is among us now. The light of life is ours. Christs life brings grace and truth. The light of God shines anew. Christs light brings love to a weary world. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------JANUARY 12, 2014 Baptism of the Lord Bible Study: Sermon: Mathew 3:13-17 Acts 10:34-43 Possibilities Unfolding Experiencing Our Witness of God

THEME IDEAS The Spirit of God brings reconciliation and justice. Todays scriptures remind us that the blessing of Gods Spirit in baptism is a call to ministrya ministry of justice and reconciliation. By inviting the Gentiles onto the path of discipleship, Peter reminds us that this path is for all who wish to follow Jesus way of justice and reconciliation. Gods Spirit brings both blessing and challenge, for baptism is both an invitation of gracious love and a call to discipleship. Call to Worship Come, servants of God. Gods Spirit has called us here. Come, servants of Love. Gods Spirit calls us to justice and peace. Come, followers of Christ. Gods Spirit calls us to reconciliation and love. Come, beloved children of God. Gods Spirit is a blessing for all.

JANUARY 19, 2014 Second Sunday after the Epiphany Bible Study: Sermon: John 1:29-42 I Corinthians 1:1-9 All That We Are Focusing On A Faithful God

THEME IDEAS Can one person make a difference? Todays scriptures answer with a resounding, Yes! Isaiah proclaims for all Israel to hear: Listen to me . . . pay attention, you peoples! (49:1 NRSV). The psalmist confesses that the Lord has put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise for our God (40:3). Paul preaches that he was called by Gods will to be an apostle of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:1). Andrew hears of Jesus from John the Baptist and says to his brother: We have found the Messiah (John 1:41). It is easy to see the impact of Isaiah, the psalmist, and Paul, but what of Andrew? What difference did he make? Andrew brought his brother Simon to Jesusa brother whom Jesus renames Peter, a brother whom Jesus calls the rock. If we follow Gods call, we can all make a difference, if only by inviting others onto the journey with us. Call to Worship Listen, O coastlands. Pay attention, you people of God. God has called each of us to be a light to the nations. The Lord has put a new song in our lives, a song of praise to our God. We will sing of Gods salvation. We will shout of Gods faithfulness. Listen, O coastlands. Pay attention, you people of God. God has called each of us to be a light to the nations. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------JANUARY 26, 2014 Third Sunday after the Epiphany SCRIPTURE READINGS Isaiah 9:1-4; Psalm 27:1, 4-9; 1 Corinthians 1:10-18; Matthew 4:12-23 Bible Study: Sermon: Matthew 4:12-33 TBD Called Together

THEME IDEAS Epiphany is the season of light, and these texts proclaim the light that has come into the world. This light has come particularly to those who sit in darkness: the darkness of exile, the darkness of division, the darkness of suffering, or the darkness of ignorance to the true word of God. And when the light dawns on their minds and souls and hearts, it calls forth a responserejoicing, renewed commitment to God, walking in Gods ways, and even following a stranger into an unknown, uncertain future.

Call to Worship To those who sit in darkness, light has dawned. To those who dwell in gloom and despair, Gods glorious presence has appeared. God is indeed our light and our salvation. We will follow, unafraid, where God and Jesus lead us. Let us worship our God of light and promise. Let us celebrate the hope and joy of our salvation.