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PRELUDE:
Come thou font of every blessing, arr. G. Martin
PRAYER REQUESTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
PROCESSIONAL: Hymn #126, The people who in darkness walked
1 The people who in darkness walked
have seen a glorious light;
on them broke forth the heavenly dawn
who dwelt in death and night.
2 To hail thy rising, Sun of life,
the gathering nations come,
joyous as when the reapers bear
their harvest treasures home.
3 To us the promised Child is born,
to us the Son is given;
him shall the tribes of earth obey,
and all the hosts of heaven.
4 His name shall be the Prince of Peace
for evermore adored,
the Wonderful, the Counselor,
the mighty God and Lord.
5 His power increasing still shall spread,
his reign no end shall know;
justice shall guard his throne above,
and peace abound below.
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) 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.
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 9:1-4
A Reading from Isaiah
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.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
The Response: Psalm 27:1,5-13 (spoken responsively by all)
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? *
the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid?
5 One thing have I asked of the Lord; one thing I seek; *
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life;
6 To behold the fair beauty of the Lord *
and to seek him in his temple.
7 For in the day of trouble he shall keep me safe in his shelter; *
he shall hide me in the secrecy of his dwelling and set me high upon a rock.
8 Even now he lifts up my head *
above my enemies round about me.
9 Therefore I will offer in his dwelling an oblation with sounds of great gladness; *
I will sing and make music to the Lord.
10 Hearken to my voice, O Lord, when I call; *
have mercy on me and answer me.
11 You speak in my heart and say, “Seek my face.” *
Your face, Lord, will I seek.
12 Hide not your face from me, *
nor turn away your servant in displeasure.
13 You have been my helper; cast me not away; *
do not forsake me, O God of my salvation.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:10-18
A Reading from Corinthians
Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. What I mean is that each of you says, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one can say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power. For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Please stand if able.
Gradual: Hymn #661, They cast their net in Galilee
1 They cast their nets in Galilee
just off the hills of brown;
such happy, simple fisherfolk,
before the Lord came down.
2 Contented, peaceful fishermen,
before they ever knew
the peace of God that filled their hearts
brimful, and broke them too.
3 Young John who trimmed the flapping sail,
homeless, in Patmos died.
Peter, who hauled the teeming net,
head-down was crucified.
4 The peace of God, it is no peace,
but strife closed in the sod.
Yet let us pray for but one thing—
the marvelous peace of God.
The Gospel: Matthew 4:12-23
Celebrant The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.
People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
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 fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for 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 Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.
Celebrant The Gospel of the Lord.
People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Homily The Rev. Jean Vargo
Children’s Moment
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 Chile.
In the Diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for Ascension in Middletown, St. Anne in West Chester, and St. Paul in Chillicothe.
In our Parish cycle of prayer, we pray for Juanita Limes; René, Jack, Rosalia, & Holly Meadors; and Carol & Don Nancarrow.
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: Ann, George, 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 Thanksgiving, blessing and praise be yours, God of the incarnation; because you care for us and for our prayer. May our love for you and our likeness to you be strengthened every time we pray. 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: A flight of angels G.F. Handel
Please stand if able.
Presentation Hymn #493, 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
The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread.
A period of silence is kept.
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: Hymn #707, Take my life, and let it be
1 Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee;
take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of thy love;
take my heart, it is thine own; it shall be thy royal throne.
2 Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King;
take my intellect, and use every power as thou shalt choose.
Take my will, and make it thine; it shall be no longer mine.
Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for thee.
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 #381, Thy strong word did cleave the darkness
1 Thy strong word did cleave the darkness;
at thy speaking it was done;
for created light we thank thee,
while thine ordered seasons run:
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise to thee who light dost send!
Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia without end!
2 Lo, on those who dwelt in darkness,
dark as night and deep as death,
broke the light of thy salvation,
breathed thine own life-giving breath:
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise to thee who light dost send!
Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia without end!
3 Thy strong word bespeaks us righteous;
bright with thine own holiness,
glorious now, we press toward glory,
and our lives our hopes confess:
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise to thee who light dost send!
Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia without end!
4 God the Father, Light-Creator,
to thee laud and honor be;
to thee, Light of Light begotten,
praise be sung eternally;
Holy Spirit, Light-Revealer,
glory, glory be to thee;
mortals, angels, now and ever
praise the Holy Trinity.
The Dismissal
Celebrant Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
People Thanks be to God.
Postlude: Toccata in c minor J.G. Walther
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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 25, 2026: The Third
Sunday after the Epiphany
Holy Eucharist at 11:30am.
Readings:
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 Nancarrow & Kendall Rubino
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February 1, 2026: The Fourth
Sunday after the Epiphany
Holy Eucharist at 11:30am.
Readings:
Celebrant: The Rev. Jean Vargo
Organist: Barbara Acker-Mills
Acolyte: Gabriel Walch
Lay Readers: Jim Rudd, Laura Leach
Chalicists: Elizabeth Wagner-Weber, Jim Rudd
Tech & Facebook Live: Dave Reuter, Katherine Wagner
Ushers: Dave Reuter, Wayne Harper
Counters: Carol Nancarrow, Tony Rubino
Open/Close: Wagner/Nancarrow
January Altar Guild: Carol Nancarrow & Kendall Rubino
Prayers for the Week of January 25
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: Ann, George, Patricia, Jim, Mary-Anna, Wayne, Judy, Juanita, Rob, Susan, and the Darnell family.
For those celebrating February birthdays: 2/10 Gary Welch, 2/13 Jim Rudd, 2/18 Gail Harper, 2/26 Tracey Swartz, 2/28 Don Nancarrow.
For those celebrating February anniversaries: 2/27 Carol & Don Nancarrow
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; Jen, friend of the Wagners; Katie, friend of the Reuters; Luann, Sean Weber’s mother; Mary, friend of the Wagners; 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
Announcements for the Week of January 25
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- ALTAR FLOWERS are given in loving memory of Ruby Webster, in honor of her birthday, by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
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- THE CANDLE IN THE SANCTUARY LAMP shines through the week, bearing witness to the Holy One’s presence and the Epiphany light that guides us.
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- COFFEE HOUR is hosted by Rommell Festus-Abibo
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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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- Tuesday – January 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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- Sunday, February 1—CARE House Sunday
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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.
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- Wednesday, February 18—Ash Wednesday services noon and 7:00pm at St. Paul’s
(none at St. Mark’s)
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- Sunday, February 22 – Vestry meeting at St. Mark’s (moved from 2/15/26)
