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Philadelphia Lutheran Church
“Church of Brotherly Love”
January 18, 2026
Pastor Leonard Bolick
52 Pinewood Road
Granite Falls, NC 28630
Kim Ledford, Music Director Judy Parker, Organist

We welcome you to our service today! May God richly bless you as you worship here. If you are visiting for the first time this morning, we ask that you please sign the guest register found in the front entrance of the church. We greatly appreciate and welcome to PLC, The Rev. Dr. Gary Haddock, who will be leading our worship service this morning.

Gathering music
P: Welcome and announcements
Musical Prelude (Remain seated during prelude)
GATHERING: We have been gathered by the Holy Spirit.
*(As the music begins, we are invited to stand, facing the procession of the cross.)
*Gathering song: “arise, your light has come” elw#314
*greeting
P: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.
P: *confession and forgiveness
(All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.)
Blessed be the holy Trinity, Xone God,
the Creator of heaven and earth,
the Word who spoke life into being,
the Wind stirring the waters.
Amen.
Let us turn in confession to the one who knows us completely.
Silence is kept for reflection.
Mighty God, lover of justice,
you call us to life in community,
but we have served our own interests
at the expense of our neighbors.
We have sown deceit where honesty was needed.
We say the right words,
but our hearts are far from you.
Turn us to seek your face.
Knit us together and give us the mind of Christ,
that we may do justice, love mercy,
and walk humbly with you, our God.
Amen.
*greeting
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.
*Thanksgiving for Baptism
(The assembly stands. All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.)
Blessed be the holy Trinity, Xone God,
The fountain of living water,
The rock who gave us birth,
Our light and our salvation.
Amen.
Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism,
We are clothed with God’s mercy and forgiveness.
Let us give thanks for the gift of baptism.
(Water poured as all give thanks.)
We praise you for the gift of water that sustains life,
And above all we praise you for the gift of NEW life in Jesus Christ.
Shower us with your Spirit,
And RENEW our lives with your forgiveness, grace, and love.
To you be given honor and praise
Through Jesus Christ our Lord
In the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever.
Amen.

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*(Denotes when congregation stands.)
(Bold italicized print denotes when congregation speaks.)

The former things have passed away,
and new things God now declares:
Like a spring of water that never fails,
God covers you in the righteousness of Christ,
and forgives your sin in XJesus’ name.
May the Spirit give you strength to live for others,
and bless you with the gift of peace.
Amen.

P: *Kyrie

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CANTICLE OF PRAISE-assisting minister

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*PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray….

(The congregation may be seated .)

Children’s message

Word: God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song.

First Reading Isaiah 49: 1-7
Here the servant, identified as Israel, speaks for herself and describes her honored mission. Called before her birth like Jeremiah and John the Baptist, the servant is not only to restore Israel. The servant’s ultimate assignment is to bring news of God’s victory to the ends of the earth. God in faithfulness has chosen Israel for this task.
A reading from the forty-ninth chapter of Isaiah
1 Listen to me, O coastlands; pay attention, you peoples from far away! The Lord called me before I was born; while I was in my mother’s womb he named me. 2 He made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow; in his quiver he hid me away. 3 And he said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.” 4 But I said, “I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my cause is with the Lord and my reward with my God.” 5 And now the Lord says, who formed me in the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, and that Israel might be gathered to him, for I am honored in the sight of the Lord, and my God has become my strength— 6 he says, “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

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7 Thus says the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations, the slave of rulers, “Kings shall see and stand up; princes, and they shall prostrate themselves, because of the Lord, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.”
The word of the Lord
Thanks be to God

second reading 1 corinthians 1: 1-9
Though God’s church in Corinth is a fractious congregation beset with many conflicts, Paul opens this letter by spotlighting the multiple ways God has enriched and sustained its life as part of the divine call into the fellowship of our Lord Jesus Christ.
A reading from the first chapter of 1 Corinthians
1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, 2 To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, 5 for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind 6 just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you 7 so that you are not lacking in any gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the partnership of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
The word of the Lord
Thanks be to God

Assisting minister: Psalm 140: 1-11 (Sung in unison)
1 I waited patiently up- | on the Lord, who stooped to me and | heard my cry. 2 The Lord lifted me out of the desolate pit, out of the | miry clay, and set my feet upon a high cliff, making my | footing sure. 3 The Lord put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise | to our God; many shall see, and stand in awe, and put their trust | in the Lord. 4 Happy are they who trust | in the Lord! They do not turn to enemies or to those who | follow lies. 5 Great are the wonders you have done, O Lord my God! In your plans for us, none can be com- | pared with you! Oh, that I could make them known and tell them! But they are more than | I can count. 6 Sacrifice and offering you do | not desire; you have opened my ears: burnt-offering and sin-offering you have | not required. 7 And so I said, “Here I | am; I come. In the scroll of the book it is writ- | ten of me: 8 ‘I love to do your will, | O my God; your law is | deep within me.’ ” 9 I proclaimed righteousness in the | great assembly; I have not restrained my lips, O | Lord, you know. 10 I have not hidden your righteousness in my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and | your deliverance; I have not concealed your steadfast love and truth from the | great assembly. 11 You are the Lord; do not withhold your compas- | sion from me; may your steadfast love and your truth continually | keep me safe.

*gospel acclamation-assisting minister

P*Holy Gospel john 1: 29-42
John the Baptist’s witness to Jesus initiates a chain of testimony as his disciples begin to share with others what they have found.
The Holy Gospel according to the first chapter of St. John
Glory to you, O Lord.
29 [John the Baptist] saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!30 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Chosen One.” 35 The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and as he watched Jesus walk by he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they

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remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. 40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). 42 He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).
Praise to You, O Christ (The assembly is seated.)

Sermon The rev. dr. David haddock

*hymn of the day “jesus calls us o’er the tumult” ELW# 696

P: And now as we respond to God’s Word, we confess our faith through the words of the Apostles’ Creed:

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

Prayers of Intercession
Assisting Minister: As God’s beloved children united in Christ, let us pray for the church, the whole human community, and the well-being of the earth, our home.
(A brief silence.....we kneel or sit.)
Gracious God, gather the church into one great fellowship. Equip your people to work together for justice and peace, following the example of Martin Luther King Jr., renewer of society, whose birth we remember this week. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Creating God, sustain the web of life on this planet. Protect wild places, endangered species, and vulnerable habitats. Come to the aid of those affected by natural disaster. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Just God, you desire respect and equality for everyone. Raise up prophets who speak truth to the nations. Embolden leaders and those in authority to advocate for people in need. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Healing God, you lift up those who are bowed down by trouble, oppression, or illness. Bring an end to social injustice and inequities of every kind, so that all people may have abundant life. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Abiding God, you are present with this congregation. Keep us mindful of our mission and guide our ministries in this community. Kindle in us a desire to help one another. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.
Faithful God, you promise to be with us always. We remember with gratitude the faithful departed who now rest in you. Strengthen us to the end, that we may see you face to face. Merciful God,
receive our prayer.

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P: Are there any other prayer requests?
P: Confident that the Holy Spirit receives our prayers and answers us, we commend all for whom we pray to God’s loving-kindness made known to us in Christ Jesus our Savior.
Amen.

*Sharing of the Peace
P: The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.

Offering (You may remain seated.)
(Giving to those in need, is a sign of the giving of our whole selves in grateful response for all God’s gifts.)
Offertory

MEAL: (God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ).

great Thanksgiving
The presiding minister greets the assembly and invites all present to give thanks.

The presiding minister continues:
P: It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise… here the minister continues with the preface for the day, concluding: ...we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

Sanctus

Words of remembrance
The presiding minister continues.
P: In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus 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, he 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.

P: For as often as you eat of this bread, and drink from this cup...You remember our Lord’s death until He returns...
Christ has died
Christ has risen
Christ will come again.

*Lord's Prayer
Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray:
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,
forever and ever. Amen.

Invitation to Communion: P: Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! Come to the table; taste and see.
White grape juice is available in the center of the tray for those unable to drink wine.
When giving the bread and cup, the communion ministers say
The body of Christ, given for you. The blood of Christ, shed for you. and each person may respond: Amen.
**if you would like to take communion in your seat, please indicate to an usher and they will bring it to you.**

Communion Song

Communion music

*After all have returned to their places, the assembly stands; and the minister
continues:
The Body and Blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ, strengthen you and keep you in His Grace.

Post Communion Canticle

p: Prayer after communion
Radiant God,
we have seen your glory in the face of Jesus Christ.
In the sacrament of his body and blood
you have drawn us to your heart.
Send us from this table with delight,
that our lives may reflect the beauty of your love,
and bear witness to all we have seen and heard,
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.

P: blessing
May the triune God,
who has put a new song in your mouth
and tuned your heart for praise
Xbless you now and forever.
Amen

Sending: (God blesses us and sends us with gifts of grace in mission to the world.)

*sending song: “hail to the lord’s anointed” elw# 311

*Dismissal-assisting minister
Go in peace. Do justice. Show mercy.
Thanks be to God.
Postlude

The altar flowers are given to the Glory of God and in memory of My Family by Evelyn Phillips

The sanctuary lamp is given to the Glory of God and in memory of Walter Brock, Iona Mae, & Frederick Griffin by Jance Griffin

Beginning in February, the noisy money offering will be collected only on the second Sunday of each month. For those of you who are unaware of what the children’s noisy money supports, their collected money goes toward ELCA Good Gifts. This ministry supports eighty countries around the world with honeybees, cows, goats, chicks, piglets, seeds, etc. that will enable people to be self-sustainable. If you are interested in learning more, just search for ELCA Good Gifts on the internet.

December and January church council minutes are available on the table in the narthex.

The 2025 offering statements are on the table in the narthex. The 2026 offering envelopes are on the table in the parlor. Please check the altar flower and sanctuary lamp calendars to see if there are available dates you would like to sponsor. If you have any questions, please contact the church office.

The music and worship committee will meet after the worship service on Sunday, January 25th. Be prepared to discuss Lent/Easter activities and services.

Week of January 18th
Sunday 9:00 a.m. Sunday School
10:00 a.m. Worship
Monday 11:00 a.m. Staff Meeting
Tuesday 5:00 p.m. Girl Scouts
Wednesday
Thursday 6:00 p.m. Al-Afam
Friday 8:00 p.m. AA
Saturday 10:00 a.m. Al-Anon

Sunday Servants January 18th
Assisting Minister...........................................................................................Leah Isley
Lay Reader…………………………….....................…….............................Leah Isley
Ushers ………………...................................................................Dale & Stacie Myers
Greeter..................................................................... .................................Dot Fairchild
Acolyte………………..…………...............................................................Kelly Taylor
Crucifer.............................................................................................Amanda Pritchard
Tabulators………………...............................................................Ron & Lisa Herman
Altar Guild……..............………...........................................Leah Isley & Dot Fairchild
Presenters.....................................................................................Dale & Stacie Myers
Children’s Message..............................................................,.................Katie Hamann

build and was not able to finish.’ 31 Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he cannot, then while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. 33 So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.”

Almighty God, you have knit your people together in one communion in the mystical body of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Grant us grace to follow your blessed saints in lives of faith and commitment, and to know the inexpressible joys you have prepared for those who love you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Holy God, our strength and our redeemer, by your Spirit hold us forever, that through your grace we may worship you and faithfully serve you, follow you and joyfully find you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Amen.

Amen.

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