Third Sunday after Epiphany – 25 January 2026
Music:
Introit Hymn 541 – O for a thousand tongues to sing
Gradual Hymn 814 – When God Almighty came to earth
Offertory Hymn 321 – How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
Communion Hymn 391 – Jesus, Lord, we look to thee
Post-Communion Hymn 200 – Forth in the peace of Christ we go
Collect
Almighty God, by grace alone you call us and accept us in your service. Strengthen us by your Spirit, and make us worthy of your call; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
First Reading: 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. 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. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. 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.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1.10-18
Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you should be in agreement and that there should be no divisions among you, but that you should be united in the same mind and the same purpose. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. What I mean is that each of you says, ‘I belong to Paul’, or ‘I belong to Apollos’, or ‘I belong to Cephas’, or ‘I belong to Christ.’ Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one can say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power. For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Gospel: Matthew 4.12-23
Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the lake, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: ‘Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.’ From that time Jesus began to proclaim, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’ As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the lake—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.’ Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him. Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.
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Community Lunch:
This was a very enjoyable event and I was pleased to see so many members of our Congregation attend to spend time with our Ukrainian friends and their families over lunch on Saturday 17th January. Thanks go to our Catering Crew who as ever prepared such an excellent lunch and it was wonderful to sample lovely food prepared by the Ukrainians too. It was so nice to meet in such a friendly, relaxing and warm way. Several of the Ukrainian guests said “We must do this again”. Hopefully we can. Our thanks again to everyone who made it such an eventful time. George Bungay, People’s Warden
SIGN SUBSCRIPTIONS 2026:
If you would like a paper copy of ‘The Sign’ magazine each month in 2026, starting with the February issue, subscriptions are due by 31st January please. The Subscription Cost is £20. You can pay by the usual ways – cheque, cash or bank transfer. If paying by bank transfer, please let Marie know. If you need any further details, please contact Marie – stcuthbertscolinton@gmail.com Thank you!
The Sign:
The February issue of The Sign is now available. It has been sent out by email in the usual way, and can also be found on our website. Subscribed paper copies are available at the back of church to collect. If you have not yet paid for your paper copies, please do so by 31st January, and let Marie know. Thank you.
World Leprosy Day: Sunday 25 January 2026
World Leprosy Day always takes place on the last Sunday of January. This date was chosen by French humanitarian, Raoul Follereau as a tribute to the life of Mahatma Gandhi, who did much work with persons affected by leprosy and died at the end of January in 1948.
Thursday Afternoon Service: Candlemas in Poetry and Art
Thursday 5th February at 2.30pm – please join us for this informal service. Everyone is welcome and we hope to see you there. Refreshments will be served after the service.
Weekly Prayer:
Dear Lord, may there be no divisions amongst us as we strive to do your will. We are dependent on one another in so many ways in order to be able to praise you in your Father’s house and to spread your message of tolerance and love.
‘Free from anger and from pride, Let us thus in God abide.’ (Hymn 391) Amen.
Scottish Charity Number: SC007578
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