+ The Sundays after Epiphany continue to celebrate the revelation of God’s glory to us as it was made known to the magi and to those on Jordan’s banks at Jesus’ baptism—today using wedding imagery. Our God rejoices over God’s people as those being married rejoice over one another. By the power of the Spirit there are gifts galore for everyone. In Christ Jesus the best wine is saved for last. Taste and see. +
CONFESSION & FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God,
who creates us,
redeems us,
and calls us by name.
Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
+ Silence is kept for reflection. +
Most merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against you
and your beloved children.
We have turned our faces away from your glory
when it did not appear as we expected.
We have rejected your word
when it made us confront ourselves.
We have failed to show hospitality
to those you called us to welcome.
Accept our repentance for the things we have done
and the things we have left undone.
For the sake of Jesus Christ, have mercy on us.
Forgive us and lead us, that we may bathe
in the glory of your Son born among us,
and reflect your love for all creation.
Amen.
Rejoice in this good news:
In ☩ Christ Jesus, your sins are forgiven.
You are descendants of the Most High,
adopted into the household of Christ,
and inheritors of eternal life.
Live as freed and forgiven children of God.
Amen.
GATHERING HYMN: The Trumpets Sound, the Angels Sing (ELW #531 + Verses 1 & 2)
1 The trumpets sound, the angels sing
The feast is ready to begin.
The gates of heaven are open wide,
and Jesus welcomes you inside.
Refrain
Sing with thankfulness songs of pure delight.
Come and revel in heaven’s love and light.
Take your place at the table of the King.
The feast is ready to begin.
The feast is ready to begin
2 Tables are laden with good things.
Oh taste the peace and joy he brings.
He’ll fill you up with love divine.
He’ll turn your water into wine. Refrain
Text and music © 1989 Make Way Music, admin. by Music Services in the Western Hemisphere. All rights reserved. ASCAP
GREETING
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the love of God, and the communion
of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.
HYMN OF PRAISE: Lord, I Lift Your Name On High (ELW #857)
Lord, I lift your name on high.
Lord, I love to sing your praises.
I’m so glad you’re in my life,
I’m so glad you came to save us.
You came from heaven to earth to show the way,
from the earth to the cross, my debt to pay;
from the cross to the grave,
from the grave to the sky;
Lord, I lift your name on high.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Lord God, source of every blessing, you showed forth your glory and led many to faith by the works of your Son, who brought gladness and salvation to his people. Transform us by the Spirit of his love, that we may find our life together in him, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
READINGS
Isaiah 62:1-5
+ The people’s return to Judah after the exile was marred by economic and political troubles. Nevertheless, the prophet declares, Jerusalem and Judah will be restored. God will rejoice over Jerusalem as a bridegroom rejoices over the bride, and the people are called to the celebration. +
The first reading comes from Isaiah beginning at the 62nd chapter.
1For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent,
and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest,
until her vindication shines out like the dawn,
and her salvation like a burning torch.
2The nations shall see your vindication,
and all the kings your glory;
and you shall be called by a new name
that the mouth of the Lord will give.
3You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord,
and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
4You shall no more be termed Forsaken,
and your land shall no more be termed Desolate;
but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her,
and your land Married;
for the Lord delights in you,
and your land shall be married.
5For as a young man marries a young woman,
so shall your builder marry you,
and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,
so shall your God rejoice over you.
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 36:5-10
+ We feast upon the abundance of your house, O Lord. (Ps. 36:8) +
5Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens,
and your faithfulness to the clouds.
6Your righteousness is like the strong mountains, your justice like the great deep;
you save humankind and animals, O Lord.
7How priceless is your love, O God!
All people take refuge under the shadow of your wings.
8They feast upon the abundance of your house;
you give them drink from the river of your delights.
9For with you is the well of life,
and in your light we see light.
10Continue your lovingkindness to those who know you,
and your favor to those who are true of heart.
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
+ The congregation at Corinth experienced division as people were comparing their spiritual gifts, thinking some to be superior to others. Paul invites this fractured community to trust that God’s Holy Spirit has gifted them all perfectly for their mission together. +
The second reading comes from 1 Corinthians beginning at the 12th chapter.
1Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2You know that when you were pagans, you were enticed and led astray to idols that could not speak. 3Therefore 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.
4Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; 6and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. 7To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
John 2:1-11
+ Turning water to wine at the wedding at Cana is described as the first of Jesus’ signs. Through many such epiphanies, Jesus reveals that he bears God’s creative power and joyful presence into the world. +
The Holy Gospel according to John beginning at the 2nd chapter.
Glory to you, O Lord.
1On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” 4And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.” 5His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” 6Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7Jesus said to them, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.” So they took it. 9When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom 10and 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.” 11Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
SERMON Pastor Analyse Triolo
HYMN OF THE DAY: Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness ( ELW #488 + Verses 1 & 2 )
1 Soul, adorn thyself with gladness,
Leave behind all gloom and sadness;
Come into the daylight’s splendor,
There with joy thy praises render
Unto Him whose grace unbounded
Hath this wondrous Supper founded.
High o’er all the heav’ns He reigneth,
Yet to dwell with thee He deigneth.
2 Hasten as a bride to meet Him
And with loving rev’rence greet Him;
For with words of life immortal
Now He knocketh at thy portal.
Haste to ope the gates before Him,
Saying, while thou dost adore Him,
“Suffer, Lord, that I receive Thee,
And I nevermore will leave Thee.”
Text © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress
THE APOSTLES’ CREED
Let us confess our faith saying the words of the Apostles’ Creed.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ,
God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
The Spirit of the Lord is poured out upon us in abundance; so we are bold to pray for the church, the world, and all that God has made.
A brief silence.
By your Spirit, activate within your church gifts of faith, healing, and prophecy. Unite those who profess your name across congregations, denominations, and geographic boundaries. Open our hearts to recognize and celebrate surprising miracles. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
Your creation reflects your generosity. Bless farmers, migrant farmworkers, orchard-keepers, ranchers, and all who tend the abundance of the land. Protect food and water sources from destruction, that all can eat and drink and be satisfied. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
By your Spirit, grant wisdom, knowledge, and discernment to those who hold leadership positions at any level. Direct policymakers toward compassionate decisions that build up safe and just communities. Lead all authorities in seeking and serving the common good. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
As Jesus provided generously in a moment of need, provide generous gifts of healing for those in need this day especially Peter Klarman, Harry Lund, Evelyn Lund, Karen Campbell, Bob Hume, Laura Occhiograsso, all those affected by the high rise fire in the Bronx, and the Family of Albert Zahner. Provide abundantly for all who are hungry or thirsty, all seeking shelter, and all who seek peace. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
You see us for who we are and you delight in us. Embrace those struggling with self-worth, wrestling with self-identity, or facing significant life transition. Remind us that nothing can separate us from your love. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
Love heals those who cry out to you. Surround everyone in need of healing with your tender presence. Come to our aid in this Coronavirus pandemic, heal those who are sick, support and protect their families from being infected, grant access to vaccines for all. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
You come to us in cries for justice when God’s beloved children experience racism as part of their daily realities, who fear for their lives and that of those whom they love. May we do our part to learn about racism’s presence in our world, to accompany, and to advocate when members of your beloved community are not treated with the respect deserving of one created in your image. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
You bless us through the spiritual gifts of the saints who have gone before us. We give thanks for the life of Martin Luther King Jr. and all who have modeled the way of courageous faith. God of grace,
receive our prayer.
Since we have such great hope in your promises, O God, we lift these and all of our prayers to you in confidence and faith; through Jesus Christ our Savior.
Amen.
SHARING OF CHRIST’S PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you always!
And also with you!
Let us share Christ’s peace with one another.
OFFERING MESSAGE
Please consider continuing to mail in your offering or giving online! We continue to have expenses that need to be covered during this time. We are most grateful for your generosity.
OFFERTORY HYMN: We Lift Our Voices (ELW #692)
We lift our voices. We lift our hands.
We lift our lives up to You.
We are an offering.
Lord use our voices. Lord use our hands
Lord use our lives they are yours.
We are an offering. We are an offering
All that I have. All that we are.
All that we hope to be
We give to You. We give to You.
We lift our voices. We lift our hands.
We lift our lives up to You.
We are an offering. We are an offering.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Let us pray.
Blessed are you, O God,
Sovereign of the universe.
You offer us new beginnings
and guide us on our journey.
Lead us to your table,
nourish us with this heavenly food,
and prepare us to carry your love
to a hungry world,
in the name of Christ our light.
Amen.
GREAT THANKSGIVING
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
PREFACE
It is indeed right our duty and our joy that we should at all times and in all places offer thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ; who on this day overcame death and the grave and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Remembering, therefore, his birth and life among us, his death and resurrection, we await his coming again when all things will be restored in him.
By your Spirit bless us and this bread and cup, that, held and nourished by you, we may live as your children, shining with the light of your Son.
Through him all glory and honor is yours, Almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit, in your holy Church, now and forever.
Amen
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Lord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power,
and the glory,
forever and ever.
Amen.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Come to God’s table.
There is a place for you and enough for all.
TABLE BLESSING & COMMUNION PRAYER
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
Amen
Blessed are you, O God,
Sovereign of the universe.
You offer us new beginnings
and guide us on our journey.
Lead us to your table,
nourish us with this heavenly food,
and prepare us to carry your love
to a hungry world,
in the name of Christ our light.
Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
T-SHIRT FUNDRAISER, CANDY SALE
The Youth will be selling Holy Trinity t-shirts for $15 a shirt to raise money for the Youth Gathering. Please contact Sharon Appadu to place your order. Her information is printed on the T-shirt order form.
The Youth are also selling chocolate for $1 a bar. It’ll be on sale during coffee hour downstairs. See Diane if you are interested in selling chocolate.
OFFICE VOLUNTEERS
If you are available and interested in helping to volunteer in the church office on weekday mornings from 9am until Noon. Please reach out to Ruth, myself or a member of council and we will get you plugged in.
OUR LITTLE ANGELS
“Our Little Angels” is looking for a part time teacher. If you know anyone who would be interested please have them look out.
THRIVENT CHOICE DOLLARS
Jan 15-Mar 31 designate choice dollars to go to Holy Trinity at no cost to you. If you don’t know how to designate choice dollars please reach out to Ken Henyan.
VIDEOGRAPHER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
If you are interested in learning how to run the camera to stream worship services, please contact the church office. The camera is really user friendly and we would really appreciate help getting a rotation together. Please contact Ruth or Pastor Analyse to get started!
SPAGHETTI DINNER
Several people have asked if we are having the annual spaghetti dinner this year. Due to the spike in COVID cases the event will not take place in January. We will keep you posted about other meal events later in the year.
Other announcements are located in the downloadable bulletin at the top of this webpage.
BLESSING
God, who leads you in pathways of righteousness,
who rejoices over you,
and who calls you by name,
☩ bless your going out and your coming in,
today and forever.
Amen.
SENDING HYMN: songs of Thankfulness and praise (ELW #310 + Verses 1 & 2)
1 Songs of thankfulness and praise,
Jesus, Lord, to thee we raise;
manifested by the star
to the sages from afar,
branch of royal David’s stem
in thy birth at Bethlehem:
anthems be to thee addressed,
God in flesh made manifest.
2 Manifest at Jordan’s stream,
prophet, priest, and king supreme;
and at Cana wedding guest
in thy Godhead manifest;
manifest in pow’r divine,
changing water into wine;
anthems be to thee addressed,
God in flesh made manifest.
Public Domain.
DISMISSAL
What is our Mission? Welcoming all to grow in faith; living Christ’s message of serving and loving neighbors near and far.
Go with Christ into a weary world.
Share the good news.
Thanks be to God.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Bellerose 