LOVELY LANE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY, YEAR A
JANUARY 18, 2026
† Stand as you are able
Organ Prelude
Welcome and Announcements John Strawbridge, Lay Leader
Choral Introit “Praise the Lord, for He Is Good” Davies
Praise the Lord, for He is good,
For His mercies ever sure
From eternity have stood,
To eternity endure.
Let His ransomed people raise
Songs of their Redeemer’s praise.
Amen.
†Call to Worship
God has called us—sometimes from places we never thought mattered.
And God has named us for a purpose bigger than ourselves.
Christ is revealed among us—not only in glory, but in daily faithfulness.
So come: let your life shine with the light of the Gospel.
Let us worship God.
†Opening Hymn “Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies” UMH 173
Prayer for Illumination
Holy God, by your Spirit, shine your light through your Word—so we may recognize Christ, receive your call, and follow in faith. Amen.
A Reading from the Prophets Isaiah 49:1-7 NRSV
Listen to me, O coastlands; pay attention, you peoples from far away! The LORD called me before I was born; while I was in my mother’s womb he named me. He made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow; in his quiver he hid me away. And he said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.” But I said, “I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my cause is with the LORD and my reward with my God.” And now the LORD says, who formed me in the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, and that Israel might be gathered to him, for I am honored in the sight of the LORD, and my God has become my strength-he says, “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Thus says the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations, the slave of rulers, “Kings shall see and stand up; princes, and they shall prostrate themselves, because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.”
The word of God, for the people of God. Thanks be to God!
Congregational Prayer
Holy God, you call your people into the light—not to be admired, but to serve. When we are scattered by distraction, gather us. When we are worn thin by worry, strengthen us. When we are tempted to keep faith private and safe, remind us that Christ has come near for the sake of the world. Form this congregation to be a living witness: steady in prayer, generous in welcome, courageous in compassion, and faithful in truth. Make our words and our relationships reflect your glory revealed in Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Passing of the Peace “Sweet, Sweet Spirit” UMH 334
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
Lord’s Prayer
Choral Response “Spirit of the Living God” UMH 393
†A Reading from the Gospel John 1:29-42 NRSV
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Chosen One.” The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).
The Gospel of our Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Sermon Reverend. Levon D. Sutton, Pastor
Invitation to Offering
Offertory My Shepherd Will Supply My Need” arr. Larson
My Shepherd will supply my need,
The God of love supreme;
In pastures green You let me feed
Beside the living stream.
You bring my wondering spirit back
When I forsake your ways,
And lead me for Your mercy’s sake
In paths of truth and grace,
When I walk through the shades of death,
Your presence is my stay;
One word of Your supporting breath
Drives all my fears away.
Your hand, in sight of all my foes,
Does still my table spread;
My cup with blessings overflows,
Your oil anoints my head.
The sure provisions of my God
Attend me all my days.
O may Your house be my abode,
And all my work be praise!
There would I find a settled rest,
While others go and come,
No more a stranger nor a guest,
But like a child at home.
My Shepherd will supply my need;
The God of love supreme.
Offering Prayer
God of light, take what we give and let it brighten what is shadowed by need. Multiply these gifts into mercy, reconciliation, and hope. Amen.
†Closing Hymn “Jesus Calls Us” UMH 398
†Benediction
Go in peace – and go in purpose. God sends you as light for the world Christ loves. Amen
†Benediction Response “Amen” Storer
Amen!
Ringing the Bicentennial Bell
Organ Postlude