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February 8, 2026: Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

Rev Brian Goodings

Sunday, February 8, 2026

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February 8, 2026

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

Find this service at www.graceunitedthornbury.ca/live

Leading us today in Worship:
Minister: Rev. Dr. Brian Goodings
Director of Music: Dr. Christopher Burton
Lay Reader: Sandy Eagles

Leader: regular font ~ All: bold font ~ Sung words: bold italics.
Asterisk * Indicates when the congregation may stand if able.

Scripture for meditation: You are the light of the world. (Matthew 5:14a)

We Gather

PRELUDE: “Moment Musicale Opus 94 No. 6” - F. Schubert

A Stewardship Second
Incredible things—God-inspired things—will happen when we learn to live the way of generosity and grace.

WELCOME

LIGHTING the CHRIST CANDLE
With grateful hearts we light this Christ candle,
so that, with our hearts full of love and light
we might enter into the spirit of worship with joy.
May it be so!

*OPENING HYMN: VU #585 “Jesus Bids Us Shine”
1. Jesus bids us shine with a pure, clear light,
like a little candle burning in the night.
In this world is darkness, so let us shine,
you in your small corner, and I in mine.

2. Jesus bids us shine first of all for him;
well he sees and knows it if our light grows dim:
Jesus walks beside us to help us shine,
you in your small corner, and I in mine.

3. Jesus bids us shine, then, for all around;
many kinds of darkness in the world are found:
sin, and want and sorrow; so we must shine,
you in your small corner, and I in mine.

OUR COMMITMENT to SAFER SPACE & ACKNOWLEDGEMENT of the LAND
We believe all people are made in the image of God and are entitled to dignity and respect. At Grace United Church we try to offer a safer, inclusive and generous space for all who are seeking a faith community. We offer full participation of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, all races, ages and abilities in the life and work of the ministry.
Grace United Church is situated on the traditional territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation. We acknowledge that they are the first stewards of this land and we respect their histories and past and present cultures. We will work to recognize and remove barriers to reconciliation.

CALL to WORSHIP
As your church, O God, help us find your way.
May we learn not to confuse busy-work with
significant-work.
May we be wise enough to not expect truth to be painless.
Help us find our voice so we sing and live our songs
of faith and praise.
Give us enough courage to get us into trouble- if justice so calls us.
And when we are in trouble may we be humble
enough to seek your help.
As your church, O God, may we become the living Body of Jesus Christ,
And love our neighbours in creation who also have a
rightful place in You.

Silent Prayer (time for quiet reflection)

*HYMN: VU #87 – “I Am the Light of the World”
Refrain:
‘I am the light of the world!
You people come and follow me!’
If you follow and love you’ll learn the mystery
of what you were meant to do and be.

1. When the song of the angels is stilled,
when the star in the sky is gone,
when the kings and the shepherds have found
their way home,
the work of Christmas is begun:
Refrain:
‘I am the light of the world!
You people come and follow me!’
If you follow and love you’ll learn the mystery
of what you were meant to do and be.

2. To find the lost and lonely one,
to heal the broken soul with love,
to feed the hungry children with warmth
and good food,
to feel the earth below, the sky above!
Refrain:
‘I am the light of the world!
You people come and follow me!’
If you follow and love you’ll learn the mystery
of what you were meant to do and be.

3. To free the prisoner from all chains,
to make the powerful care,
to rebuild the nations with strength of good will,
to see God’s children everywhere!
Refrain:
‘I am the light of the world!
You people come and follow me!’
If you follow and love you’ll learn the mystery
of what you were meant to do and be.

4. To bring hope to every task you do,
to dance at a baby’s new birth,
to make music in an old person’s heart,
and sing to the colours of the earth!
Refrain:
‘I am the light of the world!
You people come and follow me!’
If you follow and love you’ll learn the mystery
of what you were meant to do and be.

Lighting the Children’s Lantern

Theme Conversation: Salt

We Listen

SCRIPTURE READINGS
In Scripture God calls us by name…

Psalm: 112 VU #834 (Responsive)
Refrain:
The just shall trust in God alone.

Blessed are those who fear God,
who greatly delight in God’s commandments.
Their descendants will be mighty in the land,
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Riches and plenty shall be in their house,
their righteousness enduring forever.
They are a light in the darkness for the upright,
being gracious, compassionate and just.
It goes well with those who lend generously,
who conduct their affairs with justice.
Refrain:
The just shall trust in God alone.

For the righteous will never be shaken;
they will be kept in remembrance for ever.
They will not live in fear of bad news;
with resolute heart they trust in God.
Their heart is steady, they do not fear;
in the end they will see their enemies’ downfall.
They distribute freely to the poor,
their righteousness enduring forever;
they will hold up their heads in honour.
Refrain:
The just shall trust in God alone.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 5: 13-20 (New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition)
Salt and Light
"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything but is thrown out and trampled under foot.
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

The Law and the Prophets
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished.Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

RESPONSE: VU #371
Open my eyes, that I may see
glimpses of truth thou hast for me;
place in my hands the wonderful key
that shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!

ANTHEM: “Steal Away” - Spiritual

SERMON: “Light Seasoning” Rev. Brian Goodings

*HYMN: VU #639 “One More Step Along the World I Go”
1. One more step along the world I go,
one more step along the world I go,
from the old things to the new,
keep me travelling along with you:
Refrain:
And it’s from the old I travel to the new;
keep me travelling along with you.

2. Round the corner of the world I turn,
more and more about the world I learn;
all the new things that I see
you’ll be looking at along with me:
Refrain:
And it’s from the old I travel to the new;
keep me travelling along with you.

3. As I travel through the bad and good,
keep me travelling the way I should;
where I see no way to go
you’ll be telling me the way, I know:
Refrain:
And it’s from the old I travel to the new;
keep me travelling along with you.

4. Give me courage when the world is rough,
keep me loving though the world is tough,
leap and sing in all I do,
keep me travelling along with you:
Refrain:
And it’s from the old I travel to the new;
keep me travelling along with you.

5. You are older than the world can be,
you are younger than the life in me,
ever old and ever new,
keep me travelling along with you:
Refrain:
And it’s from the old I travel to the new;
keep me travelling along with you.

We Respond

INVITATION to the OFFERING
As I do each week, I invite you now to present your gifts. Through your offering, and the things your gifts make possible, you are lights to the world, shining brightly and pointing toward the incredible power of compassion, justice and faith. Let us give with joyful hearts.

PRAYER of DEDICATION of OUR OFFERINGS
Gracious and loving God, bless now our gifts and those given through PAR and online. May our giving be an inspiration to others, inviting them into your love. Amen.

Dedication Hymn: VU #538
For the gift of creation the gift of your love
And the gift of the spirit by which we live
We thank you and give you the fruit our hands
May your grace be proclaimed by the gifts that we give.

Donate online: www.graceunitedthornbury.ca, select “Donate”
or contact the office by email: accounting@graceunitedthornbury.ca
or phone: 519-599-2438 to arrange a cheque pick-up, or an e-transfer.
Mail: Grace UC, 140 Bruce St. S. PO Box 219, Thornbury, ON N0H 2P0
or Offering Plate at the back of the sanctuary.

Tap your debit card at the door of the church, or Donate to Grace United Church Thornbury through CanadaHelps.org. Our account is set up with them now and it is easy to register. Tax receipts are given automatically at the time of giving. Care, Prayer, Share

PASTORAL PRAYER &THE LORD’S PRAYER
(paraphrased by Edward Gabriele)
Tender God, who lives in heaven and earth, in human passion and reason, you are the Holy One in our midst. Your justice is our peace; your peace is our hope; your presence our delight! Make our hands, your hands; our hearts, your heart; our lives, your life! Give us this day and always the bread of freedom to share, a cup of hope to pour upon the earth. Forgive us our hatreds and walls. Teach us to forgive the walls of others too. Do not permit us tests beyond our strength. And deliver us from Evil’s death grip. For everything above us and under us, everything within us and without us, must bend the knee to the Glory of your Freedom, the everlasting Victory of Justice and Peace! AMEN; So Be It.

What’s up at Grace?

We Go Out

*CLOSING HYMN: VU #578 “As a Fire Is Meant for Burning”
1. As a fire is meant for burning
with a bright and warming flame,
so the church is meant for mission,
giving glory to God’s name.
Not to preach our creeds or customs,
but to build a bridge of care,
we join hands across the nations,
finding neighbours everywhere.

2. We are learners; we are teachers;
we are pilgrims on the way.
We are seekers; we are givers;
we are vessels made of clay.
By our gentle, loving actions,
we would show that Christ is light.
In a humble, listening Spirit,
we would live to God’s delight.

3. As a green bud in the springtime
is a sign of life renewed,
so may we be signs of oneness
mid earth’s peoples, many-hued.
As a rainbow lights the heavens
when a storm is past and gone,
may our lives reflect the radiance
of God’s new and glorious dawn.

*COMMISSIONING

*BENEDICTION: “Go Now In Peace”
Go now in peace. Never be afraid.
God will go with you each hour of every day,
Go now in faith, steadfast, strong and true,
Know God will guide you in all you do.
Go now in love, and show you believe.
Reach out to others so all the world can see.
God will be there, *within, around, above.
Go now in peace, in faith and in love.
Amen, amen, amen.