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As a courtesy to others, please silence your cell phone. |
Prayers for the Week of January 18
For those who struggle with insecurity of any kind — in health, housing, food, or safety — that they may find stability, dignity, and compassionate support.
For those seeking justice, peace, and belonging, especially migrants, refugees, and all who long for welcome in unfamiliar places.
For those walking through grief, loss, or spiritual uncertainty, and for the healing of divisions within families, communities, and our nation.
For those on our parish prayer list: Patricia, Jim, Mary-Anna, Wayne, Judy, Juanita, Rob, Susan, the Darnell family, and Ann Philips.
For those celebrating January birthdays: 1/3 Libby Nicholson; 1/4 Madeline Reuter; 1/9 Laura Leach.
For those who suffer from illness, grief, or any other adversity:
Akiko, friend of Jim Tallman; Andrew, the Tallman’s son-in-law; Blaze, the Tallman’s grandson; Chip, Jim Rudd’s step-mother; Chris & family, friends of the Reuters; Chuck, friend of Tony Rubino; Clara, Pat Tallman’s cousin; Crystal, friend of the Rubinos; Emily, Ann Phillips’ niece; Emma, Lowell, & the Burton Family, friends of Juanita Limes and the Darnells; Katie, friend of the Reuters; Luann, Sean Weber’s mother; Natasha, the Tallman’s granddaughter; Patti, Norma Peachey’s daughter-in-law; Regina, Mary-Anna Welch’s sister; Renea, friend of Juanita and Lisa; Roberta, Tracey Swartz’s mother; Steve, friend of the Hoskinsons; Taryn, the Phillips’ cousin; Tonia, Juanita Limes’ daughter-in-law; Tony, Judy Rudd’s brother; the Younge Family, friends of Jackie Hoskinson.
For the mission work of this congregation: CARE House, Canterbury Court, St. Paul’s UMC Food Pantry, Hope4Riverside, Neighborhood Bridges, and for the seven non-profit groups who use our Community Building.
For our Diocesan Bishop: The Rt. Rev. Kristin White
For our Assisting Bishops: The Rt. Rev. Wendell Gibbs,
The Rt. Rev. Nedi Rivera, and The Rt. Rev. Kenneth Price
For our Presiding Bishop: The Most Rev. Sean Rowe
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PRELUDE: How Brightly Shines the Morning Star arr. Robert Hobby
PRAYER REQUESTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
PROCESSIONAL: Hymn #307, Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendor (vs. 1-3)
1 Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendor,
first-begotten from the dead.
Thou alone, our strong defender,
liftest up thy people’s head.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Jesus, true and living bread!
2 Here our humblest homage pay we,
here in loving reverence bow;
here for faith’s discernment pray we,
lest we fail to know thee now.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou art here, we ask not how.
3 Though the lowliest form doth veil thee
as of old in Bethlehem,
here as there thine angels hail thee,
branch and flower of Jesse’s stem.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
We in worship join with them.
Celebrant Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
Celebrant Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
SONG OF PRAISE, Hymn #135 (vs. 1,5) Songs of thankfulness and praise
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 man made manifest.
5 Grant us grace to see thee, Lord,
Present in thy holy Word;
Grace to imitate thee now, and be pure, as pure art thou;
That we might become like thee, at thy great epiphany,
and may praise thee, ever blest, God in flesh made manifest.
The Collect of the Day
Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Let us pray.
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Please be seated.
First Reading: Isaiah 49:1-7
A Reading from Isaiah
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.”
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
The Response: Psalm 40:1-12 (spoken responsively by all)
1 I waited patiently upon the Lord; *
he stooped to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the desolate pit, out of the mire and clay; *
he set my feet upon a high cliff and made my footing sure.
3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; *
many shall see, and stand in awe, and put their trust in the Lord.
4 Happy are they who trust in the Lord! *
they do not resort to evil spirits or turn to false gods.
5 Great things are they that you have done, O Lord my God! how great your wonders and your plans for us! * there is none who can be compared with you.
6 Oh, that I could make them known and tell them! *
but they are more than I can count.
7 In sacrifice and offering you take no pleasure *
(you have given me ears to hear you);
8 Burnt-offering and sin-offering you have not required, *
and so I said, “Behold, I come.
9 In the roll of the book it is written concerning me: *
‘I love to do your will, O my God; your law is deep in my heart.'”
10 I proclaimed righteousness in the great congregation; *
behold, I did not restrain my lips; and that, O Lord, you know.
11 Your righteousness have I not hidden in my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your deliverance; *
I have not concealed your love and faithfulness from the great congregation.
12 You are the Lord; do not withhold your compassion from me; *
let your love and your faithfulness keep me safe for ever.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
A Reading from Corinthians
Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind– just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you– so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Please stand if able.
Gradual: Hymn #439, What wondrous love is this
1 What wondrous love is this,
O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this,
O my soul!
What wondrous love is this
that caused the Lord of bliss
to lay aside his crown
for my soul, for my soul,
to lay aside his crown for my soul.
2 To God and to the Lamb,
I will sing, I will sing,
to God and to the Lamb,
I will sing.
To God and to the Lamb
who is the great I AM,
while millions join the theme,
I will sing, I will sing,
while millions join the theme I will sing.
3 And when from death I’m free,
I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
and when from death I’m free,
I’ll sing on.
And when from death I’m free
I’ll sing and joyful be,
and through eternity
I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
and through eternity I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on.
The Gospel: John 1:29-42
Celebrant The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.
People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
John 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 Son of God.”
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).
Celebrant The Gospel of the Lord.
People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Homily The Rev. Jean Vargo
Silent Reflection
Please stand if able.
The Nicene Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth, of all that is,
seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God,
begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven:
by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the
dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Prayers of the People
In the Anglican cycle of prayer, we pray for The Anglican Church of Korea.
In the Diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for St. Andrew’s in Cincinnati, Christ Church in Xenia, and St. Mary’s in Hillsboro.
In our Parish cycle of prayer, we pray for Jack & Nanci Koepke; Chuck & Pam Kulhanek; and Laura, Ian, Annabelle, and Ainsley Leach.
Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church;
That we all may be one.
Grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you;
That your Name may be glorified by all people.
We pray for all bishops, priests, and deacons;
That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.
We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world;
That there may be justice and peace on the earth.
Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;
That our works may find favor in your sight.
Have compassion on those on our Parish Prayer List: Patricia, Jim, Mary-Anna, Wayne, Judy, Juanita, Rob, Susan, and the Darnell family; and for all who suffer from any grief or trouble;
That they may be delivered from their distress.
We praise you for your saints who have entered into joy;
May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom.
Give to the departed eternal rest;
Let light perpetual shine upon them.
Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.
Celebrant Almighty God, you sent your servant John the Baptist to prepare the way for the coming of your Son. Grant that those who proclaim your word may so guide our feet into the way of peace that we may stand with confidence before him when he comes in his glorious kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Judge and our Redeemer. Amen.
Please stand or kneel if able.
THE CONFESSION
Celebrant Let us confess our sins to God and our neighbors.
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves; we are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
Celebrant Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
The Peace
Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People And also with you.
The Offertory – The Ushers collect the offering at this time.
Please stand as the offerings are brought to the altar.
Offertory Music:
Christ, when for us You were Baptized arr. C. Callahan
Please stand if able.
Presentation Hymn #307, O for a thousand tongues to sing (vs 1-3)
1. O for a thousand tongues to sing
my great Redeemer’s praise,
the glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of his grace!
2. My gracious Master and my God,
assist me to proclaim
and spread through all the earth
abroad the honors of thy Name.
3. Jesus! the Name that charms our fears
and bids our sorrows cease;
‘tis music in the sinner’s ears,
‘tis life and health and peace.
The Holy Communion
The Great Thanksgiving
Eucharistic Prayer for Advent, Christmas & Epiphany
(from Evangelical Lutheran Worship Augsburg Fortress 2006)
Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Lift up your hearts.
People We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Celebrant It is indeed our joy, that we should at all times and in all places, give thanks and praise to you, gracious God, through our Saviour Jesus Christ. You comforted your people with the promise of the Redeemer, through whom you will make all things new. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join in their unending hymn:
Please stand or kneel if able.
Sanctus, LEVAS #256
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.
The Celebrant continues
Holy One, the beginning and the end, the giver of life:
Blessed are you for the birth of creation.
Blessed are you in the darkness and in the light.
Blessed are you for your promise made to your people.
Blessed are you in the prophets’ hopes and dreams.
Blessed are you for Mary’s openness to your will.
Blessed are you for your Son Jesus, the Word made flesh.
In the night in which he was betrayed, Our Lord Jesus Christ 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, Jesus 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.”
With this bread and cup we remember your Word, Jesus Christ, dwelling among us, full of grace and truth. We remember our new birth in Christ’s death and resurrection. We look with hope for his coming.
People Come, Lord Jesus.
Holy God, we long for your Spirit. Come among us. Bless this meal. May your Word take flesh in us. Awaken your people. Fill us with your light. Bring the gift of peace on earth.
People Come, Holy Spirit.
Blessing, praise and thanks to you, holy God, through Christ Jesus, by your Spirit, in your church, world without end. Amen.
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
The Lord’s Prayer, BCP 364
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,
for ever and ever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread BCP 364
Fraction Anthem: LEVAS #268
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Christ our passover is sacrificed for us; therefore let us keep the feast.
Christ our passover is sacrificed for us; therefore let us keep the feast.
Christ our passover is sacrificed for us; therefore let us keep the feast.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Celebrant The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance
that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.
Communion Music: LEVAS #136, I have decided to follow Jesus
1 I have decided to follow Jesus,
No turning back, no turning back!
2 Though no one join me, still I will follow,
No turning back, no turning back!
3 The world behind me, the cross before me,
No turning back, no turning back!
Please stand or kneel if able.
Post-Communion Prayer
Celebrant Let us pray.
Celebrant and People
Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Blessing of the People
Recessional: Hymn #550, Jesus calls us o’er the tumult
1 Jesus calls us; o’er the tumult
of our life’s wild, restless sea,
day by day his clear voice soundeth,
saying, “Christian, follow me;”
2 as, of old, Saint Andrew heard it
by the Galilean lake,
turned from home and toil and kindred,
leaving all for his dear sake.
3 Jesus calls us from the worship
of the vain world’s golden store;
from each idol that would keep us,
saying, “Christian, love me more.”
4 In our joys and in our sorrows,
days of toil and hours of ease,
still he calls, in cares and pleasures,
“Christian, love me more than these.”
5 Jesus calls us! By thy mercies,
Savior, make us hear thy call,
give our hearts to thine obedience,
serve and love thee best of all.
The Dismissal
Celebrant Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
People Thanks be to God.
Postlude: Maestoso in “C” by Noel Hawsthorne
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Announcements for the Week of January 18
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- ALTAR FLOWERS are given by Katherine Wagner in loving memory of Jim Veazey.
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- THE CANDLE IN THE SANCTUARY LAMP is given by Katherine Wagner in loving memory of Jim Veazey.
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- COFFEE HOUR is hosted by Norma Peachey & Ginny Tuxhorn
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- Tuesdays – January 20, & 27 – Crazy Christians Book Study with Rev. Jean 10:30am–12 noon at Epic Coffee Shop, 22 W Stroop Rd., Kettering. A Zoom session will also be offered at 6pm on each date (link forthcoming).
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- Thursday, January 22 – Movie Night at St. Paul’s The American President (1995). Light supper at 6:00pm, film at 6:30pm, with popcorn provided. All are welcome for fellowship and conversation.
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- Sunday, January 25 – ANNUAL PARISH MEETING We will elect Vestry members and Convention Delegates, review the proposed 2026 budget, and receive ministry reports. Your presence and voice strengthen our common life.
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- Sunday, February 8 – St. Paul’s 100th Anniversary Celebration 9:30am Musical Prelude & Eucharist, reception to follow. St. Mark’s is warmly invited. No service at St. Mark’s.
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- Sunday, February 15 – Morning Prayer at St. Mark’s. at 11:30 due to St. Paul’s Annual Meeting
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- Tuesday, February 17 – St. Mark’s and St. Paul’s Pancake Supper A shared Shrove Tuesday celebration for both congregations hosted at St. Paul’s.
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- Sunday, February 22 – Vestry meeting at St. Mark’s (moved from 2/15/26)
READINGS and MINISTRY SCHEDULE
10:30 AM Education and Fellowship
11:30 AM Holy Eucharist
SUNDAY SCHOOL START TIMES
High School 10:30 AM
Elementary 11:15 AM
Pre-K – 1st grade 11:15 AM
January 18, 2026: The Second
Sunday after the Epiphany
Holy Eucharist at 11:30am
Celebrant: The Rev. Jean Vargo
Guest Organist: Percy Jones
Acolyte: Jackie Hoskinson, Will Day
Lay Readers: Judy Rudd, Don Nancarrow
Chalicists: Jim Rudd, Judy Rudd
Tech & Facebook Live: Gary Welch, Katherine Wagner
Ushers: Ginny Tuxhorn, Tony Rubino
Counters: Pam Kulhanek, Katherine Wagner
Open/Close: Wagner/Welch
January Altar Guild: Carol & Kendall
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January 25, 2026: The Third
Sunday after the Epiphany
Holy Eucharist at 11:30am.
Celebrant: The Rev. Jean Vargo
Organist: Barbara Acker-Mills
Acolyte: Elizabeth Wagner-Weber
Lay Readers: Jackie Hoskinson, Carol Williamson
Chalicists: Carol Williamson, Don Nancarrow
Tech & Facebook Live: TJ Walch, Katherine Wagner
Ushers: Wayne Harper, Jim Rudd
Counters: Sandy Bultman, Gary Welch
Open/Close: Wagner/Welch
January Altar Guild: Carol & Kendall
