Worship Service -- Second Sunday After Epiphany

Introduction The Sundays after Epiphany continue to celebrate the revelation of God’s glory to us as it was made known to the magi and to those on Jordan’s banks at Jesus’ baptism—today using wedding imagery. Our God rejoices over God’s people as those being married rejoice over one another. 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. Readings Genesis 1:1-5 Then God said, “Let there be light!” Psalm 8 O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth (Psalm 8:1) 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 There are a variety of gifts but the same Spirit John 2:1-11 The wedding at Cana Music Prelude: Improvisation on “Two Oaks” Gathering Song: All Are Welcome (Two Oaks) Kyrie/Gloria: Everlasting Light Gospel Acclamation: Everlasting Light Hymn of the Day: Come, Share the Spirit (St. Paul’s Ardmore) Offertory Song: Let the Vineyards Be Fruitful (Haugen) Communion: Everlasting Light Sending Song: We All Are One in Mission (Kuortane) Postlude: Fanfare - John Cook Talk about Variety! Epiphanies don’t just happen in church—a sudden insight can lead to a “Eureka!” in scientific experiments, an “Aha!” in a detective’s casework, a “Checkmate!” in a fierce chess game, and even a self-satisfied “Yes!” in Sudoku, crosswords, or finding a set of lost keys. So, too, epiphanies about the true nature of Christ come in a variety of words, actions, and places in our gospel readings during the Sundays after Epiphany. First wise men from the east, then a dove from heaven and the voice of God, and now water into wine—all pointing to the glory and wonder of God-made-flesh. Just as we have been created and blessed with varieties of gifts, services, and activities, so too has God created and blessed us with varieties of epiphanies throughout human history. In our world that so often relies on an us-versus-them mentality, can we see the rich tapestry of differences as part of God’s glory? Will we be able to look past our traditions, our comfort zone, and our familiarities to see the glorious diversity of God’s revelation? Are we open to an epiphany in any form so that we can in fact “do whatever he tells you” (John 2:5)?