Welcome to worship on this Second Sunday after the Epiphany! During the Epiphany Season the Scriptures, hymns and collects point to Jesus revealed publicly as the Son of God: through His miracles, the authority of His preaching, and the testimony of others. With Epiphany's further emphasis on extending Christ's kingdom to all nations through missions, the liturgical color of green is used to symbolize such growth.

This year, 2022, marks the 500th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther's translation of the New Testament into German. With such a significant, world-changing anniversary, it is fitting that we begin this new year with a focus upon Scripture. This sermon series focuses our attention back on God’s Word, the Bible–-its contents and purpose in our lives. As we make our new year's resolutions let us resolve to know our Triune God better as we rediscover and read the Bible. In the beginning of this new year, let us fix our eyes on Jesus and His Word. In the beginning of each new week, let us join as God’s church in worship. In the beginning of each new day, let us look to God’s holy Word.

Todays Message will focus on Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10

1 All the people gathered together at the square in front of the Water Gate. They asked the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses that the Lord had given Israel. 2 On the first day of the seventh month, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly of men, women, and all who could listen with understanding. 3 While he was facing the square in front of the Water Gate, he read out of it from daybreak until noon before the men, the women, and those who could understand. All the people listened attentively to the book of the law...

5 Ezra opened the book in full view of all the people, since he was elevated above everyone. As he opened it, all the people stood up. 6 Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and with their hands uplifted all the people said, “Amen, Amen!” Then they knelt low and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground...

8 They read out of the book of the law of God, translating and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was read. 9 Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, because the joy of the Lord is your strength.”