LOVELY LANE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY, YEAR A
JANUARY 25, 2026
† Stand as you are able
Prelude “Das Orgel-Büchlein: No. 35, Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier” Bach
Welcome and Announcements Reverend Levon D. Sutton
Introit “Welcome Into This Place”
Composed by O. Jaurez; Arranged by J. Abbington (performed by Morgan State Univ. Choir)
Welcome into this place
Welcome into this broken vessel
You desire to abide in the praises of Your people
As we lift our hands
And we lift our hearts
As we offer up this praise unto Your name
†Call to Worship
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
We come to worship the Light of the world.
Christ calls ordinary people into an extraordinary hope.
We come to follow—heart, mind, and life.
God is forming a community of good news.
Let us worship the One who calls us by name.
†Opening Hymn “Blessed Assurance” UMH 369
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 9:1-4 NRSV
But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness-on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.
The word of God, for the people of God. Thanks be to God!
Congregational Prayer
God of dawning light, we confess how easily we settle for dim faith—faith that stays quiet when your call is clear, faith that avoids the hard work of unity, faith that prefers comfort over discipleship. Yet you keep coming to us—calling, healing, teaching, and gathering a people for your kingdom. Make Lovely Lane a house of light: where fear is met with trust, where division gives way to reconciliation, and where your good news is not only proclaimed but practiced. Shape us into a community that follows Jesus with courage and joy, for the sake of the city you love. Amen.
Passing of the Peace “This Little Light of Mine” UMH 585
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
Lord’s Prayer
Response “Be Still, My Soul” UMH 746
†A Reading from the Gospel Matthew 4:12-23 NRSV
Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the gentiles–the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea for they were fishers. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fisher of people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. Jesus went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.
The Gospel of our Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Sermon Reverend. Levon D. Sutton, Pastor
Invitation to Offering
Offertory “We Shall Walk Through the Valley in Peace” Hatter
We shall walk through the valley in peace;
We shall walk through the valley in peace;
If Jesus Himself shall be our Leader,
We shall walk through the valley in peace.
There will be no sorrow there;
There will be no sorrow there.
If Jesus Himself shall be our Leader,
We shall walk through the valley in peace.
There will be no dying there;
There will be no dying there.
If Jesus Himself shall be our Leader,
We shall walk through the valley in peace.
Offering Prayer
Giver of every good gift, receive our offerings and make them instruments of your light. Use them to heal, to unite, and to bless. Amen.
†Closing Hymn “It Is Well With My Soul” UMH 377
†Benediction
†Benediction Response “God Will Take Care of You” UMH 130
Ringing the Bicentennial Bell
Organ Postlude