January 19, 2025 – Second Sunday After The Epiphany
A livestream of this service will take place on our YouTube channel on Sunday, January 19, at 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time. A video recording of the live stream will be available on our YouTube channel from 6:00 PM EDT on Sunday, January 19.
Previous livestreams and other worship and musical content is available on our YouTube channel. You can also check out our entire worship services archive. Our SoundCloud channel has yet more music and worship content.
Introit
Prelude
Lighting of the Christ Candle
This is the Christ Candle. We light the candle to help us remember that Jesus Christ, the light of the world, is with us in every place and every time.
Call to Worship
One: How precious is God’s steadfast love!
All: We will find refuge in the shelter of God’s wings.
One: Come and feast on God’s abundance.
All: We will drink from the river of God’s delights.
One: For with God is the fountain of life;
All: And in God’s light we will see light.
One: Let us worship God with joy and thanksgiving!
All: We will bring God our prayers and our praise with hearts full of love.
Opening Hymn
“Immortal, invisible,God only wise” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 290). Words (1867) by Scottish minister and hymnwriter Walter Chalmers Smith (1824–1908), based on 1 Timothy 1: 17. Tune (“St. Denio”), Welsh folk ballad, arranged and published in 1839 by Welsh musician and minister John Roberts (1822–1877), also known by his Welsh bardic name Ieuan Gwyllt. Words and music in the public domain.
Prayers of Approach and Confession, & Lord’s Prayer (sins)
God of light and life,
you shine into our lives in your Son, Jesus. Your Spirit strengthens us to face whatever this year will hold. And so we come to praise you for your love and grace which transforms our days and our lives, and for your wisdom which enlightens truth for our times. Shine through us, we pray, so that we may bear the light of Jesus in this world you love.
To begin again with you and one another, we confess to you our sins.
God of all life and our lives,
we gather in worship week by week, seeking your refreshing presence. But we confess sometimes we are discouraged by things happening around us. We don’t expect your presence to make a difference for us. Forgive us when we give up on you and end up feeling unfulfilled. By your grace, refresh us when we are weary or worried, and renew our trust in you.
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.
Amen.
Declaration of Pardon
Hear the good news! Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ, and Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us. No power in heaven or on earth can separate us from God’s great love. Take heart, and know that you are forgiven.
All: Thanks be to God.
The Peace
One: May the peace of Christ be with us all.
All: And also with you.
The Life and Work of the Church (Announcements)
Mission Moments
Musical Reflection
Fun with the Young at Heart (children’s story)
We sing verse 1 of “Jesus loves me this I know”.
“Jesus loves me, this I know“ (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 373). Words (1859 or 1860) by American writer Anna Bartlett Warner (1827–1915). Revisions to v2 and v3 by Canadian Anglican priest David Rutherford McGuire (1929–1971). Music (1862; tune: “Jesus loves me”) by American musician William Batchelder Bradbury (1816–1868). Words, revisions, and music in the public domain.
Scripture Readings
John 2:1–11 <– these link to on-line texts of the NRSV bible
1 Corinthians 12:1–11
Click here for additional scripture readings from today’s lectionary. Links courtesy of the Revised Common Lectionary, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
John 2:1–11
The Wedding at Cana
1 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” 4 And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern is that to me and to you? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” 6 Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to them, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the person in charge of the banquet.” So they took it. 9 When the person in charge tasted the water that had become wine and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), that person called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.” 11 Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee and revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
1 Corinthians 12:1–11
Spiritual Gifts
1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be ignorant. 2 You know that when you were gentiles you were enticed and led astray to idols that could not speak. 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says “Let Jesus be cursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit.
4 Now there are varieties of gifts but the same Spirit, 5 and there are varieties of services but the same Lord, 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of powerful deeds, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.
Sermon
Please, join our Sunday worship service at 11 am, in person or on-line, to hear the full version of the sermon.
Hymn
“As water to the thirsty” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 688). Words (1975) by English Church of England bishop and hymnwriter Timothy Dudley-Smith (1926–2024). Music (1979; tune: “Oasis”) by English Methodist minister T. Brian Coleman (1920–). Words copyright © 1979 Hope Publishing Co. Music copyright © 1979 Stainer & Bell Ltd. and Methodist Church (UK), Division of Education & Youth, admin. by Hope Publishing Co. Both words and music used by permission of One License, license number 722141-A.
Offering
The season of Epiphany begins January 6, the day celebrating the journey of the Magi to greet Christ, the new-born king. They brought gold, frankincense and myrrh. Our gifts are not so exotic, but what we offer today and throughout the year honours Jesus as Lord of our lives and Saviour of the world.
Offering – Musical Reflection
We remind everyone that we must continue to pay our bills; in the absence of being present at Sunday worship, you may sign up for pre-authorized remittance (PAR), donate online, or drop off your offering envelope in the mailbox at the church. Do not leave a cash donation unattended in the mailbox; instead, please call the office (416.261.4037) to ensure someone will be there to receive it. The building will be checked daily for mail and phone messages. If you are not comfortable leaving an envelope, you are welcome to contact the office (once again, 416.261.4037) and someone will pick up your offering.
Dedication of our Gifts
Our offering will now be received.
Doxology 306
“Praise God from whom all blessings flow” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 306). Based on the tune “Old 100th“ with words (1989) by English hymnwriter Brian A. Wren (1936–). Words copyright © 1989 Hope Publishing Co.; used by permission of One License, license number 722141-A. Music public domain.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
praise God all creatures high and low;
praise God in Jesus fully known,
Creator Word and Spirit One.
Prayer of dedication
God of grace and mercy, receive all our gifts, offered in thanksgiving. We share the fruit of our labours with you, asking that you will multiply their effects in and through the Church. And we share the fruit of our time and talent, seeking to know how you would have us serve in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Hope
O God,
Jesus brought joy into lives that needed hope and a new beginning. We pray for all those who need a new beginning this year: Individuals trying to make a new start, Families trying to sort through difficulties, Groups hoping to accomplish good things for others, Refugees building new homes in a new land, Students and teachers beginning a new semester, Businesses and congregations trying to rebuild. Show each one how much they matter to you, and renew their courage and resolve to make a fresh start.
O God,
Jesus changed water into wine to show us that you can accomplish extraordinary things through ordinary lives. We pray for all those volunteering their energy and concern to make a difference for others in this community. We pray for our elected leaders and for all government workers trying to manage their responsibilities. We pray for those working for justice, raising awareness to problems in society and for the earth itself. And we pray for one another and for each good purpose we undertake with new resolve this year. Give us a glimpse of how our hands become your hands, blessed by the Spirit.
O God,
Jesus faced the suffering around him with compassion, reaching out to those in pain and grief with healing and hope. We remember before you those whose lives are wrapped in sorrow or despair, and those facing tragic death or critical illness…
We remember those rebuilding lives and communities after flooding and storm and all those burdened by pain or problems that seem to have no end… Embrace each one with your comfort and courage, and show us what we can offer to make a difference.
O God in whom we live and move and have our being, thank you for giving us the courage and commitment we need to follow Christ in good times and in hard times. Thank you for the strength we find together as part of your church and the gifts you give us in each other, gifts we can rely on as we plan for our ministry and mission in these ever-changing times. Help us trust in the promise of your love for us and energize us with your Spirit so that we can recognize the opportunities you give us to live out the grace and mercy we know in Jesus Christ. Amen.
Closing Hymn
“With the Lord as my guide” (Book of Praise 1997, Hymn 574). Words and music (both 1977; tune: “Ridgecrest”) by American composer Jim Strathdee (1941–). Words and music copyright © 1977 Desert Flower Music; used by permission of One License, license number 722141-A.
Changing the Light
Now, it is time to change the light. The light that was in one place can now be in every place and every time going with you wherever you go.
Benediction
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ (the risen Christ), the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you always. AMEN.
Blessing
“Celtic Blessing”. Words Irish traditional. Music by former GCPC Music Director Carmen Lappano. Words public domain. Music copyright © Carmen Lappano; used by permission.
Postlude
Copyright © 2025 Guildwood Community Presbyterian Church
Last updated 2025-01-17 22:55– First version.