Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: The mighty one, God the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.
People: Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth (Psalm 50:1-2).
Leader: God’s glory fills the earth, but sometimes we, like Elisha, do not think we are ready to encounter glory.
People: And yet, God’s glory showed up anyway.
Leader: Sometimes we are like the disciples who witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration and wanted to cling to that one glorious moment.
People: And yet, God called them down from the mountain.
Leader: So, we gather today, some of us feeling ready and some of us feeling wholly unprepared, yet all are called together to worship and to be led by glory out into the world.
People: God, may we perceive your glory all around us, pointing us in the way you would have us go. Amen.
Opening Hymn
Open My Eyes, That I May See UMH 454
Why This Song:
We begin our worship asking God's Spirit to open our eyes that we might see, praise, and follow Christ.
Prayer of Confession
Holy God, we confess that we do not trust You fully. We put our hope in worldly gain and in human promises, and find ourselves defeated and lost when things fall apart.
You have given us a love more fully than anything we could experience in this world but we do not seek it, we do not hold on to it, and we look to our own means of assurance and security.
Forgive us.
Call us back to You that we may put our trust in You and not be afraid. May we hear the words so clearly as the disciples did on the day of the Transfiguration; may we rise up, and not be afraid.
In the name of Jesus, who loves us and offers us forgiveness, we pray. Amen.
Words of Assurance
You are God’s Beloved; with you, God is well pleased. You are renewed and restored. You are forgiven and loved. You are a new creation in Christ, everything old has passed away; see, everything is becoming new. Go and share the good news of God’s love.
Amen.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
Daniel 7:9-13
Second Reading:
Mark 8:27 – 9:8
Sermon:
The Transfiguration by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
Abide with Me UMH 700
Why This Song:
In our changing world, as we wait for the fulfillment of Christ's rain and the world to come, we rest in God who never changes.
Tithes and Offerings
Offertory Response
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
Gracious God, as we remember Christ’s transfiguration, we stand in awe of the glimpse of your glory revealed on the mountain. Just as Peter, James, and John witnessed the radiant presence of Christ, we, too, are transformed by your love and grace. As we offer our tithes and offerings, may these gifts reflect the warming light of your love in our lives. Just as Jesus was transfigured before them, may our hearts be transformed, and our actions reflect the love and truth Jesus embodies. Bless our giving and use it to bring your divine light to a world in need. In the name of Jesus, our Lord, we pray. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn
Christ Whose Glory Fills the Skies UMH 173
Benediction
Said Each Week as A Communal Prayer:
Send to us all the people who feel unwanted and unloved in other places, and if they can't come to us, send us to them.
Postlude
This Week's Reading Plan
| Day: |
Reading: |
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Monday
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Recognizing the Messiah: Mark 8:27-29
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Tuesday
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The Cost of Discipleship: Mark 8:34-35
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Wednesday
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The Glory of Transfiguration: Mark 9:2-8
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Thursday
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The Paradox of the Gospel: Mark 8:36-37
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Friday
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Living Out the Mission: Mark 9:35-37
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Sunday
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First Last and Last First: Mark 10:17-31
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Reflections and Caring Conversations
Please use the prompts and prayers below to aid you in your devotions for this week.
Morning Prayer: Gracious Lord, as I rise to meet the day, I pause to recall the radiant vision of Your Transfiguration. Illuminate my heart with the light that shone upon Peter, James, and John, that I may recognize You as my Messiah in each moment. Guide my steps in the way of self-denial and steadfast discipleship. Amen.
Reflection Question: Reflect on the various roles Jesus fulfills as teacher, savior, and the one who will right all wrongs. How does embracing these roles of Jesus enhance your spiritual growth and daily walk with Christ?
Evening Prayer: As the sun sets, O Lord, I give thanks for the moments of transfiguration in our my life. May the memory of Your glory, revealed on the mountaintop, continue to transform my understanding of Your mission. Protect me through the night, and renew my spirit, ready to serve You once more. Amen.
Reflection Question: Reflecting on Mark 8:27-30, what does the title "Messiah" mean to you, and how does it impact your understanding of Jesus's identity?
Reflection Question: Jesus speaks about the necessity of self-denial for His followers (Mark 8:34-35). What does it mean to "deny oneself" in the context of Christian discipleship, and how can we apply this teaching to our lives today?