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January 11, 2026
1st Sunday After Epiphany
TRADITIONAL Service
Union-Congregational Church

Gathering Music                                      

Welcome and Announcements                       

Sharing the Peace of Christ

Introduction to Theme
 

Liturgist: During this worship series, we are exploring how our everyday activities can become spiritual practices that bring more light and meaning to our lives. Maria von Trapp, the real Maria of “The Sound of Music,” said, “Music acts like a magic key, to which the most tightly closed heart opens.” Indeed, music is known to have a powerful effect on our moods with its ability to literally “move” us. The Psalmist proclaims that God can give us a new song, bringing us out of a “miry bog.” Today we affirm that attention to our music “playlists” can offer a transformative daily spiritual practice.

Call to Worship
One: Creator God, eternal Spirit of Love, we praise you!
All: Your grace is our salvation, and we thank you!
 

One: Risen Christ, Lamb of God, you have shown us the Way of Life.
All: Gentle One, give us your Spirit to follow on the Way of Love.
 

One: Holy Spirit, as you descended upon Christ, come to us, and remain with us.
All: Grant us the compassion to trust your love, to love others as ourselves, and to live only in love.
 

One: Glory be to you, O God of all Creation, God of our Salvation!
All: Alleluia! Come, Holy Spirit, and transform us by your grace. Alleluia!

Opening Prayer (unison)
God who sang all creation into being, we give you thanks for the sweet harmonies and soul-stirring rhythms that lift up our spirits in the dance of life. Open our hearts to the light of possibilities, even when the day ahead holds difficulties. Be with us, near us, beside us. Amen.

Opening Hymn: #68 Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

Children’s Time

Reading of Scripture
Psalm 40: 1-11
I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. 2 He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord. 4 Happy are those who make the Lord their trust, who do not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after false gods. 5 You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you. Were I to proclaim and tell of them, they would be more than can be counted. 6 Sacrifice and offering you do not desire, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required. 7 Then I said, “Here I am; in the scroll of the book it is written of me. 8 I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”
9 I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation;
see, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O Lord. 10 I have not hidden your saving help within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation. 11 Do not, O Lord, withhold your mercy from me; let your steadfast love and your faithfulness keep me safe forever.

After reading, please say, “Here end the readings for today. May God bless us as we learn from these holy words. Amen.”

Message: A Good Song Never Dies

Hymn: #424 How Can I Keep from Singing

Prayers of the People
Time for Silent Prayer
Joys and Concerns 
After each prayer petition, Jacob will say, “God in your mercy”, and the congregation is invited to respond: “Receive our prayer.” 
Pastoral Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer (unison)

We Offer Our Gifts

Doxology

Prayer of Dedication (unison)
Gracious God, in gratitude for all you have given us, and in faithful stewardship of what you have placed in our hands to share with the world, we give our lives, symbolized in these gifts. Receive them with love, bless them with grace and use them according to your will. Help us to follow Christ in setting this world free from fear, in the name of Christ and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Closing Hymn: #559 Here I Am, Lord (1,2)

Benediction
Now go into the world, feeling the wrap of love around your shoulders, the embrace of well-being encompassing your heart, the confidence that only requires one foot in front of the other, and the assurance that you are not alone. The world needs you and will patiently wait for your light to shine, illuminating just one small corner, speaking even a little bit of hope. We’re in it together,
along with the One who created us, the One who redeems us, the One who sustains us. So be it. Amen.

Sending Music                                
 

Attributions:
•   Call to Worship and Prayer of Dedication by Rev. Steve Garnaas-Holmes
•   Other liturgy and theme by Dr. Marcia McFee, Worship Design Studio