Third Sunday after Epiphany
January 25,2026
Scripture Texts: Isaiah 9:1–4; Psalm 27:1–14; 1 Corinthians 1:10–18; Matthew 4:12–25
Sermon: Leaving the Dark Lands
Because of the icy conditions, there will be no service today (either in-person or streamed). However, a sermon is posted below.
Crossword Puzzle based on today's readings
Today's Bulletin PDF • Today's Sermon Manuscript
Order of Worship
Download today's bulletin PDF for the entire order of worship and more.
Let us pray for the whole people of God, in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.
Oh God of salvation, teach us to seek you daily so we can confidently hold to your promise of salvation during trials and hardships. Always be our help in the tasks you set before us, guiding us to follow you faithfully and to share the light of your son with our neighbors through both words and actions. We lift up our brothers and sisters in the church affected by natural disasters, unseasonable weather, violence, and persecution around the world. We pray for your mercy on their lives and ask that your peace be with them according to your holy and divine will. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, we ask for healing and peace for your church and for those close to us who face health issues, are homebound, or are in care facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes. Grant us a confident hope that you are near to all who call out to you in distress, and protect them according to your holy will. Help us in moments of fear, and remind us that you alone are our stronghold and our salvation. When all have forsaken us, Lord, you will not. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Eternal Father, we thank you for our loved ones who have passed away and now witness your goodness and dwell in your eternal holy house. Comfort those who mourn. Grant patience and endurance in the coming weeks as we pray for Doris Jean Goodman Swartzenberg's family and friends. Be with them during their grief and suffering, and fill them with the peace, presence, and love of your son — peace that surpasses all understanding and love that endures all things. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, you bid us to follow you. Help us filter out the noise of this world so that we can hear your voice over all. Strengthen your church and its leaders to preach the gospel to a world full of darkness. Where we have divisions amongst ourselves, help us to reconcile quickly, that we may be united in the same mind and judgement. Let your light guide your church in our worship, our study, and meditations that we would know the nearness of your kingdom at all times. Give us courage and strength as we await your coming. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen
Teaching
Open or download this week's preview of the lessons. We send this to our homebound with a bulletin each week and thought you might like to have a copy as well. You may read it online or print it out. It includes prayers, brief teaching on each of the four lessons for Sunday, an overview, and an additional Word Search based on the Gospel Lesson.
Announcements
Please consult the bulletin and the current "Epistle" where you will find complete announcements.
• Brunswick Stew, Saturday, February 7, 2026. All proceeds go to the building project. Pre-sales on the church porch after services. $10/qt. Any remaining stew will be sold while supplies last. Drive-by pick up at shelter, 1:00pm.
Vespers
Worship with us this evening at 6:00 in the parsonage across the street. If you can't make it, the readings for the Third Sunday after Epiphany are Genesis 13:2–18; Galatians 2:1–10; Mark 7:31–37.
Morning Prayer
Join us for Morning Prayer in the chapel, Monday through Friday at 8:30am, where we read and discuss Scripture and pray together. Our readings for the week of the Third Sunday after Epiphany are as follows (If you use For All the Saints, these begin on page 298.):
Sunday: Genesis 13:2–18; Galatians 2:1–10; Mark 7:31–37
Monday: Genesis 14:1–24; Hebrews 8:1–13; John 4:43–54
Tuesday: Genesis 15:1–11, 17–21; Hebrews 9:1–14; John 5:1–18
Wednesday: Genesis 16:1–14; Hebrews 9:15–28; John 5:19–29
Thursday: Genesis 16:15–17:14; Hebrews 10:1–10; John 5:30–47
Friday: Genesis 17:15–27; Hebrews 10:11–25; John 6:1–15
*Saturday: Genesis 18:1–16; Hebrews 10:26–39; John 6:16–27* We do not meet in the chapel on Saturdays. On Sundays, we meet in the parsonage. See above.
Visitors Info
If you live in the area or are passing through, please worship with us in-person. We also livestream our services on this page.
Expect traditional worship with liturgy and Holy Communion each Sunday and a message grounded in the Scriptures and guided by the Lutheran Confessions — all in a friendly, multigenerational environment.
We welcome and encourage children to worship with us. Just before the sermon, our children take up a spare change offering for mission. Then they join one of our pastors on the chancel steps for a chat about today's Scriptures. We think you will love this part of the service.
Giving
You may give an offering online to the General Fund and to some specific funds, using this secure link. If you do not have an account with Tithely, it will only take a few minutes to set that up. If you need help, please call the church office at 704-633-0922. Please note that a small, typical percentage is retained by Tithely.
You may also mail offerings to:
St. Paul's Lutheran Church
205 St. Paul's Church Road
Salisbury, NC 28146
License
Streaming License: Licensee: St. Paul's Lutheran Church 205 St Paul Church Rd Salisbury, NC 28146 Term: Dec 22, 2021 - Dec 22, 2022 Average Weekly Attendance: 1 - 199 License #: 14408 URL: stpaulslutheran.church GRANT OF LICENSE. St. Paul's Lutheran Church is granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable license during the term of the agreement to publicly play, perform, and transmit via the website noted above, any musical composition controlled by one or more of the domestic Performing Rights Organizations (ASCAP, BMI and SESAC),as stated in the CCS WORSHIPcast License Terms and Conditions.
Performance License: Licensee: St. Paul's Lutheran Church 205 St Paul Church Rd Salisbury, NC 28146 Term: Dec 22, 2021 - Dec 22, 2022 Average Weekly Attendance: 1 - 199 License #: 14408 GRANT OF LICENSE. St. Paul's Lutheran Church is granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable license during the term of the agreement to publicly play and perform in any of the Licensee’s facilities within the United States any musical composition controlled by one or more of the domestic Performing Rights Organizations (ASCAP,BMI and SESAC), as stated in the CCS PERFORMmusic License Terms and Conditions.
CCLI License # 11395633