SUNDAY SERVICE
January 25, 2026
Order of Service
Welcome & Series Introduction
As a new year begins, many of us start thinking about resolutions—hopes rooted in our desire to really flourish. But if we’re honest, those intentions often fade as life gets busy.
We’re kicking off Flourishing Faithfulness, a sermon series centered on what it truly means to flourish. Together, we’ll explore what flourishing looks like, name the internal and external barriers that get in the way, and discover practical, life-giving practices that help growth take root and last.
Worship
Begin … again (Spoken Word)
Embodiment Sunday Reminder
Embodiment Sundays offer space for rest, connection and embodiment of a spiritual practice, which is communicated through the WHCC digital newsletter the Thursday prior to Embodiment Sunday. During this season, Embodiment Sundays will focus on journaling, with sermon based prompts provided for all ages. Free journals are available at the back table—please take one!
Opening Prayer (all together)
God of light,
we gather as your people,
grateful that no darkness can overcome your light,
grateful for your abundant love that welcomes every person,
and for your peace that steadies us in an unsettled world.
Draw us toward you and toward one another as we worship today.
Amen.
Worship
So Will I (100 Billion X)
5 Minute Connection
Before we enter into a time of a brief time of connection with one another, we have two quick announcements:
Each Sunday, we’re grateful to share donuts and coffee as part of our time together. If you’d like to contribute, a free will donation is welcome. You can place your gift in the offering boxes at the back of the space. Thank you for helping make this shared hospitality possible.
Each January & July we offer an opportunity to sign-up to participate in God’s good work happening among us through volunteer opportunities. Check out the back table for more information and sign-up for an area you may be interested in participating in for the next 6 months.
At this time, let us turn toward one another and offer God’s peace by simply saying May God’s Peace Be With You.
After extending peace to one another, children are invited to upstairs for Children’s Ministry.
Announcements
Foundations Class What does it look like to follow Jesus together—in our neighborhood, with our neighbors, and for the long haul?
This 4-week class happening February 4, 25 and March 4, 25 from 6:30-7:30 pm explores the core practices of Christian Community Development and how they shape our values at Wellington Heights Community Church.
Whether you’re new to WHCC or have been here for years, this class is an invitation to deepen your understanding of our shared values and discover how we can journey together.
RSVP to office@wellingtonheightscommunitychurch.org
Ashes to Go All ages are invited to participate in Ashes to Go on Ash Wednesday, February 18, from 6:30–7:30 PM. Stop by the church building to receive the imposition of ashes and a brief blessing from our Pastoral Team.
We are hiring an Office Coordinator (on-site, part-time position) and Events & Ministry Coordinator (hybrid, part-time position). Help us spread the word! Check out the website for a job description, resumes may be sent to stephanie@wellingtonheightscommunitychurch.org
Volunteer Opportunities Sign up for a volunteer team at the back table! Opportunities include assisting with tech on Sunday AM’s, Grounds Team assisting with simple projects around the church building and more. Volunteer sign-ups happen every six months (January & July), so take a moment to consider how you might invest your time and gifts at WHCC.
Flourishing Neighborhood Index Video & Update
Scripture Reading
Deuteronomy 30:11, 15-16, 19-20, MSG
“This commandment that I’m commanding you today isn’t too much for you, it’s not out of your reach…. Look what I’ve done for you today: I’ve placed in front of you Life and Good; Death and Evil. And I command you today: Love God, your God. Walk in God’s ways. Keep God’s commandments, regulations and rules so that you will live, really live, live exuberantly, blessed by God, your God. Choose life so that you and your children will live. And love God, your God, listening obediently to him, firmly embracing him. Oh yes, he is life itself!”
This is the word of God, for the people of God.
Sermon
Pastor Stephanie
Prayers of the People
As we begin a new year and celebrate the light of Christ revealed to the world,
let us pray for the world God loves, the Church God calls,
and all who long for hope and healing, saying:
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God of light,
you meet us at the threshold of a new year,
shining hope where we feel tired and uncertain.
We give thanks for your steady presence
that guides us even when the path ahead is unclear.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God of love,
your love reaches us before we are ready,
crossing boundaries we struggle to cross.
In a world marked by division and mistrust,
shape us into people of reconciliation,
quick to listen and slow to pass judgement.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God of hope,
you walk with us through ongoing challenges—
violence, community strain and the quiet burdens we carry into this year.
Calm our anxious hearts with your promised nearness
and renew our capacity to hope again.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God of joy,
you invite us into a life that delights in your goodness.
Free us from cynicism that dulls our ability to notice grace.
Teach us to celebrate your work among us
and to honor the beauty in one another.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God of wholeness,
nothing can separate us from your love.
Bring healing to the sick,
strength to the weary,
comfort to the grieving,
We lift before you those we name now silently
(pause)
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God of life and renewal,
you call us, through our baptism,
to care for a hurting world with humility and faithfulness.
Give us wisdom for the days ahead,
strength for the work you place before us,
and trust in your promise to make all things new.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Let us pray together how Jesus taught us to pray: (from the First Nations Translation)
O Great Spirit, our Father from above,
Your name is sacred and holy.
Bring your good road to us, where the beauty of your ways in the spirit world above is reflected in the earth below.
Provide for us each day. All the good things we need for each day.
Release us from the things we have done wrong, and in the same way, we release others for the things done wrong to us.
And guide us away from the things that tempt us to stray away from your good road,
And set us free from the evil one and his worthless ways.
May it be so!
Worship
Benediction
