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January 18, 2026
Spiritual Affective Disorder Week 3: Lighten Up
TRADITIONAL Service
Union-Congregational Church

Gathering Music                                         

Welcome and Announcements                       

Introduction to Theme
Liturgist: Our current worship series is all about finding profound meaning and spiritual depth in the seemingly ordinary activities and experiences that make up our everyday lives. Life can be serious business. Certainly, watching the daily news can give the impression that there is little good to find in the world. This week we choose to lighten up–to “spin” life in a little different way as we look for the delight and especially, humor, in life.

A lot of people cite the ability to make us laugh as a number one thing they look for in friends and spouses. Many comedians have the knack for seeing everyday life in ways that make us laugh. Some even say that laughter is the best medicine. Today, we’ll experience words from the prophet Isaiah, which show us how to be joyful in spite of the lack of joy around us.

Call to Worship
One: Those who walked in darkness have seen a great light,
All: for you have sent us Christ, who has broken oppression, and overcome the forces of war.
 

One: You are our light and our salvation. Whom shall we fear?
All: May we dwell in your heart all our days, and behold your beauty.
 

One: Teach us your ways, O God, and lead us in a path of love and wisdom.
All: Alleluia! Come, Holy Spirit, and transform us by your grace. Alleluia!

Opening Prayer (unison)
God of Delight, we give you thanks for good humor and joy! 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: #502 Be Thou My Vision

Children’s Time

Reading of Scripture
Isaiah 9: 1-4
But 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. 2 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. 3 You have multiplied exultation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. 4 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.
 

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

Message: Why Are We Laughing?

Hymn: #551 As A Fire is Meant for Burning

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)
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 debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

We Offer Our Gifts
 

Doxology

Prayer of Dedication (unison)
Gracious God, we give you our lives, symbolized in our gifts. Receive them with love, bless them with grace and use them according to your will. Jesus goes before us and beckons us to follow. By your Spirit help us follow: help us live lives of love and courage, for the sake of the healing of the world, in the name of Christ. Amen.

Closing Hymn: #319 Shine, Jesus, Shine

Benediction

Sending Music                                    

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