Second Sunday After Epiphany
INTRODUCTION TO THE DAY
The Sundays after Epiphany continue to celebrate the revelation of the glory of God to us as it was made known to the magi and to those on Jordan’s banks at the Baptism of Jesus—today using wedding imagery. Our God rejoices over God’s people “as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride.” 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.
SPECIAL DAY
Monday, Jan. 21 is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Please remember to continue to work for acceptance of others and changes that will make a difference.
FIRST READING: 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 his bride; and the people are called to the celebration.
PSALM: Psalm 36: 1-12
SECOND READING: 1st Corinthians 12: 1-11
The congregations at Corinth experienced division as people were comparing one another’s 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.
GOSPEL: John 2: 1-11
Turning water to wine at the wedding at Cana is described as the first of the signs of Jesus. Through many such epiphanies, Jesus reveals that he hears God’s creative power and joyful presence in the World.
Announcements
SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY
The Super Bowl will be played on Feb. 3 this year. We will have a SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY. We collect a free-will offering after the service to send to the Lutheran World Hunger campaign. This year, (because we cannot collect cans conveniently) instead of collecting cans of soup, we are asking that monetary donations be made and ear-marked for Tim so that we can let the Food Pantry get the soup through their resources. We will still have our soup kettle out for offerings to go to Lutheran World Hunger.
We would also ask that you pray for the ministry of the Hunger Network in Ohio and Deacon Nick Bates (Nick@Hungernetohio.com) so that in the near future we can see the end of hunger especially for children.
Also, on the 3rd, we are planning a fun little gathering after worship. Please dress casual and wear your team colors and plan to stay after worship for some snacks and fellowship -- even if you don’t like football or don’t care who wins.
GOD'S WORK. OUR HANDS.
The Worst Time to be on the Street
Dear Friends,
When you’re living on the streets during the winter, every day is filled with danger and despair. That’s why your support of the Winter Survival Fund is urgently needed.
So many of our homeless neighbors will turn to LSS Faith Mission for help this winter, when their struggle to survive is the hardest. They need food, shelter, warmth . . . and hope.
Right now your help is critical—maybe even lifesaving. In order to help everyone who comes through our doors, we must raise $228,000 in the next 60 days.
Your support will help provide safe shelter, hot meals, and warmth for women and men in Columbus who are struggling. Your Winter Survival Fund gift will also provide kindness and encouragement… and a second chance at life.
Your gift offers healing to people in need across the LSS Network of Hope—providing meals and shelter to homeless and hungry neighbors at the LSS Faith Mission in both Franklin and Fairfield counties, ensuring families struggling with hunger have access to nutritious food at the LSS Food Pantries, and blessing women and men facing domestic violence with a safe, secure place to stay and heal through LSS CHOICES.
Please help our homeless neighbors survive the brutal streets this winter.
Thank you, Sue Villilo Assistant Vice President of Community-Based Services, LSS
P.S. It’s heartbreaking to think of a poor, forgotten soul suffering alone on an icy bench or in a cold alley. Your support of the Winter Survival Fund will help save lives. Please respond quickly and generously today.
PRAYERS
Please keep these people in your prayers: Esther Mae Baker, Al Bausch, Don Brooks, Dortha Feddern, George Wendel and Carol Schiff. Please remember all of our shut-ins and sick. (Also, pray for the families and caretakers of those on the prayer list.)
THE BREAKFAST BUNCH
“The Breakfast Bunch” meets the first Saturday of every month at Der Dutchman in Plain City, at 8:30 a.m. “Come one, Come all” for a great breakfast, fellowship and more! Our next gathering will be Jan. 5, 2019.
SIGN-UPS
Please check the bulletin board behind the office door for all of the sign-up sheets for this year. Communion, birthday Sundays, and Worship Assistants/helpers. Thank you so much!
You can also remember special occasions or special people by contributing money that would normally be used for altar flowers. Instead the donation goes to our local food pantry.
