Here are the resources you need for this Sunday. Please feel free to choose what is suitable for your congregation’s needs. You will notice that the orders of service are available in different formats: choose the “pdf” format if you want something that is ready to print and photocopy, the “doc” or “rtf” format if you wish to change the formatting yourself or the “ppt” format if you use PowerPoint.
Altar colour: Green
Bible readings:
FIRST READING Isaiah 58:1-9a(9b-12) The Lord desires kindness and justice
PSALM Psalm 112:1-9(10)
SECOND READING 1 Corinthians 2:1-12(13-16) Christ crucified- God’s power and wisdom
GOSPEL Matthew 5:13-20 You are salt of the earth and light of the world
Sermons:
Lay-readers please note: the linked sermons have not been edited for general use. As part of your preparations, keep in mind that they have been written for specific people in a specific context, and for this reason the issues they address or the examples they use may not be entirely suitable for people in your congregation. If you feel this is the case, you may need to make minor adjustments or find another sermon.
Based on the gospel reading: edited for lay reading sermon – matthew 5 13-20 – year a – epiphany 5 ; sermon – commissioned – year a – epiphany 5 ; NEW Pr Vince Gerhardy
Based on first reading: NEW edited for lay reading sermon – isaiah 58 1-9 – year a – epiphany 5
Opening sentences:
When you call, the Lord will answer;
when you cry for help, he will say, Here I am. (Isa 58:9 NRSV)
OR
What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
nor the human heart conceived,
what God has prepared for those who love him –
these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit.
(1 Cor 2:9 NRSV)
Orders of service:
Epiphany Sunday Word and Prayer ( pdf / doc / ppt )
Service of the Word (pdf / rtf/ ppt)
Morning Praise (pdf/ rtf/ ppt)
Service without communion (pdf / doc /ppt )
Service orders with holy communion
Service with communion (page 6) (pdf / doc / ppt
Alternative form A (page 58) (pdf / doc/ ppt)
Sing the Feast (Chataway) (pdf / doc/ ppt)
Simplified Spoken (pdf / doc/ ppt)
Service with Five Songs of Faith (pdf / rtf/ ppt)
Prayer of the Day (Collect): Choose one of the following
Traditional
O Lord,
watch over your family
with your constant loving-kindness,
so that those who rely solely
on the hope of your heavenly grace
may always be defended by your protection;
through your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.
OR, modernised traditional
Lord, in your constant goodness
watch over your family.
May we who rely solely
on your undeserved love for us
always be defended by your power.
We ask this through your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.
OR, alternative
(Let us pray for faith in Christ. [silence])
Almighty and merciful God,
you sent your only Son as the word of life
for our eyes to see and our ears to hear.
Help us to believe with joy
what the Scriptures proclaim.
We ask this through your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.
OR, new
(Let us pray that we are light to those around us. [silence])
Faithful God,
you have called us to be a light shining in the world.
Make us reflect the light of Christ,
so that people see your love and goodness
in our words and actions.
We ask this through your Son, our Lord,
who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Alleluia Verse (to be used after the second reading):
Alleluia, alleluia.
Jesus said: You are the light of the world.
Let your light shine. (Matt 5:14,16 NRSV)
Alleluia.
Prayer after the gospel:
This is the gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for fulfilling the law and the prophets.
Make us faithful in doing what God requires,
so that we may be salt and light in the world.
Amen.
Offering prayer:
Almighty God,
we thank you that you have revealed your wisdom,
the wisdom of Christ crucified.
Teach us to live as your people.
Make us salt and light in the world,
and help us to give of ourselves to those in need.
Amen.
Prayer of the Church/ General Prayer: Prayer of the Church – Epiphany 5 A
Resources for services with Holy Communion
SEASONAL PREFACE
It is indeed right and good,
Lord God, holy Father,
that we should at all times and in all places
give thanks to you,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
You have sent your only Son
to appear among us as a human being,
and through him
you have fully revealed
the light of your presence to us.
And so, with angels and archangels,
and with all the company of heaven,
we adore and praise your glorious name:
COMMUNION INVITATION
Jesus says:
‘The bread that God gives
is he who comes down from heaven
and gives life to the world.’
(Thanks be to God.)
Come, everything is ready.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Heavenly Father,
in the beginning you created light
and at the right time
you sent your Son
to be the true light of the world.
Through the gift of his body and blood,
shine in our hearts and lives,
so that we may share
in the inheritance of all the saints in the light.
For he lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.
OR use the third prayer of the day (as listed above) at this point. It may be modified as follows.
Almighty and merciful God,
you sent your only Son as the word of life
for our eyes to see and our ears to hear.
Help us by your gifts of word and sacrament
to believe with joy what they proclaim.
We ask this through your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.
CLOSING SENTENCE (for use before or with the blessing)
The following sentence may be spoken entirely by the minister or responsively as indicated.
Let your light shine before others,
so that they may see your good works
and give glory to your Father in heaven. (Matt 5:16 NRSV)
DISMISSAL
Go in peace, for you have received the Spirit sent by God.
Thanks be to God. OR In the name of Christ. Amen.
Visual images: His Word in Pictures
Song/Hymn suggestions: * = Modernised version available (please click here to go to the Modernised hymns page) ;G3, G4 . . . = Guitar chords available in the Music Package 3, 4 . . .; GS = Guitar chords in the Supplement to LH
First reading: Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12)
LHS
355 May we Thy precepts, Lord, fulfil* G3
356 Lord of glory, who hast bought us* G3
804 The Church of Christ, in every age G5
816 O Fount of good, for all your love G7
817 O Jesus Christ, to you may hymns be rising G7
819 Wake us, O Lord, to human need GS
820 We thank you, God, for eyes to see GS
AT
110 Kyrie, good God
128 I am the light of the world
272 Help, O Lord, the thrown away
282 O Lord, hear my prayer
300 Practise love
301 Prayer for peace
308 We are called to follow Jesus
310 Yesu, Yesu, fill us with your love
402 God has chosen me
499 It was me
TIS
416 Great God, your Spirit, like the wind
473 Community of Christ
620 O Jesus Christ, may grateful hymns be rising
640 Kneels at the feet of his friends
657 God of freedom, God of justice
697 All the sleepy should have a place to sleep
Second reading: 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16)
LHS
54 When I survey the wondrous cross G5
64 Here at Thy cross I hail Thee now
75 We sing the praise of Him who died G5
132 Spirit of wisdom, turn our eyes (alt tune 245, G6)
163 Would you know what most I prize?* G9
171 In the cross of Christ I glory G4
379 Lord of creation, to Thee be all praise G6
500 Blessed Jesus, at Thy word*
776 Spirit of God, unseen as the wind GS
812 The Lord of wisdom made the earth
807 Lift high the cross GS
823 Your strong word broke through the darkness (esp vv 4,6) G5
AT
218 Spirit
251 God sends us his Spirit
264 Spirit of God
359 Holy Spirit, living water
372 Teach me your way
TIS
342 When I survey the wondrous cross
343 Nature with open volume stands
347 We sing the praise of him who died
349 In the cross of Christ I glory
351 Lift high the cross
408 O breath of God, breathe on us now
412 God sends us his Spirit
413 Holy Spirit, come confirm us
437 Blessed Jesus, at your word
548 Eternal light, shine in my heart
626 Lord of creation, to you be all praise
Gospel: Matthew 5:13-20
LHS
323 Blessed are the sons of God* G4
344 Our God is love, and all His saints* G6
345 O that the Lord would guide my ways* G6
355 May we Thy precepts, Lord, fulfil* G3
500 Blessed Jesus, at Thy word* G5
505 Father, who the light this day G4
516 O splendour of God’s glory bright G8
528 Christ, whose glory fills the skies G5
AT
175 The greatest commandment
184 Love is the law
205 What you hear in the dark
292 Because we bear your name
308 We are called to follow Jesus
582 Like a candle
583 May you go well
TIS
102 Praise to the living God
212 Christ, whose glory fills the skies
428 Help us, O Lord, to learn
474 Here in this place
542 Far beyond our mind’s grasp and our tongues declaring
622 Holy Father, God of might
686 Lord Jesus, we belong to you
Psalm 112
Here is a metrical paraphrase of Psalm 112 by David Schütz to be sung to the tune of ‘O Father, my Father’ (LHS 850, ATN 6). If reproducing this version, please put ‘Words (c) David Schütz’ at the beginning or the end of the psalm.
Sing praise to the Lord God! How happy are they
who honour the Lord and delight in his law.
Their children will prosper in all that they do,
and all their descendants will know the Lord’s love.
Their homes will be filled with far more than they need.
Their goodness and mercy will always endure.
As light in the darkness, their justice will shine,
for they are the merciful, righteous and kind.
All things will go well for the ones who are free
in giving and lending, who deal honestly.
They shall not be troubled; the kind things they do
will not be forgotten; they shall not be moved.
When evil things happen, their hearts will not fear,
their faith is made firm and secure in the Lord.
Their trust is well founded; they won’t be afraid;
they know they will conquer against all their foes.
The poor know their kindness; their justice will stand;
and they are exalted with honour and praise.
The wicked will view them with anger and rage,
but all of their evil will vanish away.
Music Resources Vol. 3– Psalm settings: Psalm 112 p184 , Psalm 112 p185
More song/hymn suggestions for Epiphany:
EPIPHANY SECTIONS OF ‘LUTHERAN HYMNAL WITH SUPPLEMENT’
All of the hymns in the Epiphany sections of the Lutheran Hymnal with Supplement (37-47, 747-751) will be suitable for this day, but be aware that they will also be applicable for the following Sundays, so don’t use them all at once! Here are a few suggestions for their use:
37 O wondrous type* Use this one for Transfiguration.
38 In peace and joy I now depart* Especially relevant to the festival of the Presentation (2 Feb). It may also be used as a post-communion canticle.
39 O Christ, thou Lord eternal* A beautiful, general Epiphany hymn, notable in that it is one of the few very early Reformation hymns written by a woman.
40 As with gladness men of old The classic Epiphany carol. Use this one as an offertory or pre-communion hymn.
41 O Jesus, king of glory* The heading in the Hymnal suggests that this is based on Matt 2:1-12, but really it is much more general, and can be used throughout the season.
42 Earth has many a noble city* Use this one on Epiphany itself.
43 Gentiles, rise to greet the morning An opening hymn for use in a morning service.
44 Thou light of gentile nations* A hymn for the festival of the Presentation (2 Feb). Especially appropriate in the evening or as a closing hymn, it may also be used for the post-communion canticle.
45 Hail, thou source of every blessing* Use this for an opening hymn, or for a pre-communion hymn.
46 Angels from the realms of glory A Christmas carol that doubles for an Epiphany hymn on the basis of verse 3. Note the traditional French tune Iris, not in LH, with the refrain ‘Gloria in excelsis Deo!’ which is probably better known. See the Oxford Book of Carols, or other popular Christmas carol book, or TIS.
47 Songs of thankfulness and praise* Use as a hymn of the day or even of the season. Covers all the Epiphany seasonal themes from the old 1-year lectionary.
747 How good, Lord, to be here Save this one for Transfiguration
748 When Christ our Lord to Jordan came Save this one for First Sunday after Epiphany (Baptism of our Lord), unless observing Epiphany on this day.
749 When Christ’s appearing was made known Covers the traditional Epiphany and post-Epiphany themes according to the old 1-year lectionary: Wise men, baptism of Jesus, changing water into wine.
750 When Jesus lived among us Applicable for the whole season from Christmas to Transfiguration. Note especially the transition into the Lenten theme in the last verse. The last verse also makes it a good pre-communion hymn.
751 Wise men, they came This one is probably best used on Epiphany itself. It could be a good offertory hymn.
*Modernised version available
‘ALL TOGETHER’ SONGS SUITABLE FOR EPIPHANY
17 Emmanuel: God is with us
104 Now, Lord, you let your servant go
126 The light of Christ Any songs to do with the light of Christ are appropriate.
128 I am the light of the world Probably the most appropriate of all the light-theme songs, this one is a good sending-out song.
132 Anna’s song
137 I heard the voice of Jesus
141 Mary’s child
162 King of kings and Lord of lords
165 He is the King of kings These choruses are appropriate for Epiphany. If a procession is held at Epiphany, these are easy to remember and could be sung for as long as the procession takes.
199 I know where I’m going Not a well-known song, but suitable for a soloist to sing at Epiphany.
214 The Lord is my light
217 Shine, Jesus, shine
221 They were waiting This may seem like an Advent hymn, but the second half of each verse proclaims the Advent as an accomplished event. Verse three touches on the wise men.
239 Listen to him
244 We have seen the Word of life (v 4)
262 Shine on me, Lord
307 Walking in the light of God (It is a great thing)
313 Christ, be our light
315 Drawn to the light
344 The New Road (esp vv 1-4, 8 )
358 Gift to the world Theme of gift-giving, a good offertory.
371 Singing glory OK for Christmas, excellent for Epiphany. Perhaps could be used for the hymn of adoration (instead of Gloria).
389 Light of the nations Especially good for the festival of the Presentation (2 Feb). Could be used as a response to prayers.
400 Deep peace
402 God has chosen me
409 We are marching in the light of God
425 God moving
441 Jesus was sent
604 No-one does the things my Lord…
623 Shine on us
673 Community in Christ
OTHER HELPFUL WEBSITES FOR CHURCH MUSIC
While the LCA does not necessarily endorse the content of these websites, you may find them helpful in your worship planning.
Small Church Music: You can download mp3 and midi files of popular hymn tunes from this site.
Together to Celebrate:lectionary based song and hymn suggestions from a variety of sources.
Singing from the Lectionary:has song and hymn suggestions based on the RCL from other hymnals.
Song Select: you can search for more contemporary songs by theme. If your congregation has a paid subscription you can also download sheet music.
Hymns Without Words: mp3 downloads of hymn tunes.
Song and Hymn Index. Contains all the indexes of the LHS and AT books in one Excel file. Download the file (zip file) here.
Metrical Psalms by Dale Schoening : Psalms set to well known hymn tunes.
Keyboard Accompaniments for Together in Song – CDs are available for purchase through ACR. CD 1 & 2 ; CD 3 & 4.
