A Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union
Transfiguration Sunday
10:30 am
Meditation
“To put it simply: the Holy Spirit bothers us… He is the power of God, he is the one who gives us consolation and strength to move forward. But: to move forward! And this bothers us. It’s so much nicer to be comfortable.”
~Pope Francis, Encountering Truth: Meeting God in the Everyday
From there to Here: We Gather
Prelude
Welcome
¨ Call to Worship Charles Hoffman, Reader
One: When God called the world into being, God declared:
All: This is my beloved. With it I am well pleased.
One: When Jesus was baptized, and again when he was transfigured on the mountaintop, God declared:
All: This is my Son, the Beloved. With him I am well pleased. Listen to him.
One: When each of us enters into the communion of God through baptism, God declares:
All: You are my beloved. With you I am well pleased.
One: When the world is fraught with pain and peril, and despair threatens to drown out blessing, God speaks to us through all creation:
All: This is the world I have made and that I love. It is my beloved and it is meant for healing the hurt.
One: Beloved, we are always and forever in covenant with the ever-loving, ever-blessing God.
All: Let us remember, rejoice and be changed.
¨ Hymn #182 We Have Come at Christ’s Own Bidding Hyrydol
1 We have come at Christ’s own bidding to this high and holy place, where we wait with hope and longing for some token of God’s grace. Here we pray for new assurance that our faith is not in vain, searching like those first disciples for a sign both clear and plain.
2 Light breaks through our clouds and shadows, splendor bathes the flesh joined Word, Moses and Elijah marvel as the heavenly voice is heard. Eyes and hearts behold with wonder how the Law and Prophets meet: Christ with garments drenched in brightness, stands transfigured and complete.
3 Strengthened by this glimpse of glory, fearful lest our faith decline, we, like Peter, find it tempting to remain and build a shrine. But true worship gives us courage to proclaim what we profess, that our daily lives may prove us people of god we bless.
¨ Prayer of Approach and Confession
One: Forgive us, God, when we linger too long by the waters, and on the mountain tops, enthralled with the glory that flows from you. When we fail to listen to your voice leading and guiding us, shake us from our contentment and send us forward endowed with your power. Help us to hear and go forth to heal.
All: Amen.
¨ Words of Assurance
One: The God of Elijah, the God of Moses and the God of Jesus desires mercy more than sacrifice and a contrite heart rather than burnt offerings. Love God and do the right thing and forgiveness shall be your friend and mercy your true companion.
All: Amen.
¨ Passing the Peace of Christ
All who come to this sanctuary are welcome companions on this day! You are invited to turn to those nearest you and greet them with words of peace.
Word and Worship
Anthem Keep Your Lamps! Andre Thomas Union Church Choir
Keep your lamps trimmed and burning, the time is drawing nigh. Children, don’t get weary ‘til your work is done. Christian, journey soon be over, the time is drawing nigh.
Scripture Lesson 2 Kings 2:1-12
Now when the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. The company of prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?” And he said, “Yes, I know; keep silent.” Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here; for the Lord has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho. The company of prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the LORD will take your master away from you?” And he answered, “Yes, I know; be silent.” Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on.
Fifty men of the company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground. When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha said, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.” He responded, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not.”
As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha kept watching and crying out, “Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.
Children’s Moment as the children return to their seats we sing:
May God’s blessings guard, protect and guide you. God bless you, God bless you. Our savior’s loving arms be ever ’round you. God bless you, God bless you.
Scripture Lesson Mark 9:2-9
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He did not know what to say, for they were terrified.
Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
Sermon We See, Then We Don’t, Then We Do Rev. Kent Gilbert
Video Reflection
Living Prayer
Call to Prayer
Ringing of the Peace Bell
The Union Church Peace Bell was created by Jeff Enge in honor of Union Church member Carl Eschbach (1904-1998). A twin bell hangs in Berea’s sister province in Japan and is also rung in the hope of peace for all nations.
Offertory
A Chance for Generosity: www.easytithe.com/union
A community of caring relies on support. Your recurring or one-time donation will make a ministry of healing, justice, and teaching available to all in need.
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Your contribution is love made visible. Thank you!
Prayer and Reflection Questions
Considering the Rush of Change:
Like Elisha’s experience, momentous change can take our breath, singe our souls, and leave us in unfamiliar territory. If you are still reeling, what would you ask of God? What insight comes to you from Elisha’s experience? If you have come through such a fire, what grievances and gratitudes do you still carry? What are you being called to do with such knowledge?
Being Beloved:
Now or in a quiet time to come, breathe yourself carefully and intentionally into a place that allows you to set aside the deepest worries and heaviest burdens. See if you can think of “out” breaths as untying such thoughts, and “in” breaths as immersing in the cloud or fog described in the Gospel text. Breathe this way, letting go of expectation and taking in the belovedness of God. When you come back to your place in time, pray for what you need to do what you need to do.
¨ Doxology Old Hundredth
To God, all glorious heavenly light; To Christ, revealed in earthly night;To God the Spirit, now we raise Our joyful songs of thankful praise. Amen.
Community Prayer Charles Hoffman, Reader
Maker of light, lighten our hearts. Mover of mountains, help us transcend ours. Sender of prophets, help us speak your truth. Helper of the fearful, remind us of your presence and protection. Builder of beloved communities, set us to work. Your vision and your care change us every day, Lord. As Christ was renewed for his purpose, so renew the light inside each one here. Build in our hearts the resolve to build the relationships that would make your beloved community a reality.
When we cannot see the way, take us up the mountain. And when we have seen the way, send us down to walk the walk with your Christ.
This we ask in his name as we reach to you as …
Our Lord’s Prayer
Our Maker, Our Mother, and Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
From Here to There
¨ Hymn Transform Us Lauda Anima
Text: Sylvia Dunstan, (c) 1993, GIA Publications, Inc
1. Transform us as you, transfigured, stood apart on Tabor’s height.
Lead us up our sacred mountains, search us with revealing light.
Lift us from where we have fallen, full of questions, filled with fright.
2. Transform us as you, transfigured, once spoke with those holy ones.
We, surrounded by the witness Of those saints whose work is done,
Live in this world as your Body, chosen daughters, chosen sons.
3. Transform us as you, transfigured, would not stay with in a shrine.
Keep us from our great temptation– Time and truth we quickly bind.
Lead us down those daily pathways where our love is not confined.
Community Connections
Announcements
We share opportunities for Beloved Community and ways to serve. Please see the listing of church & community evens, prayers, and notices in the pages following the service.
Lighting the Justice Candle to Lead us Forth
Celebrating St. Valentine , a revered figure in Christian history, often associated with the celebration of love on Valentine’s Day. While the origins of this day are shrouded in mystery, the essence of St. Valentine’s benevolence and compassion has left an indelible mark on the world.
St. Valentine, a Christian martyr of the Roman era, is believed to have lived during the third century. His compassionate deeds are deeply rooted in his commitment to love and service to others. One of the most famous stories attributes his acts of kindness to the assistance he provided to persecuted Christians during a time of religious oppression. Legend has it that St. Valentine defied the Roman emperor Claudius II by conducting Christian marriages, which were forbidden at the time. He believed in the sanctity of love and marriage, and his commitment to uniting couples in holy matrimony ultimately led to his imprisonment and subsequent execution. St. Valentine’s willingness to risk his life for the sake of love showcases the profound impact his compassionate actions had on the lives of others. Another tale associated with St. Valentine tells of his kindness towards a blind girl. It is said that he miraculously healed her sight through the power of prayer and compassion. This act of healing exemplifies St. Valentine’s belief in the transformative power of love and the importance of extending kindness to those in need.
¨ Benediction
Postlude (please be seated)
Our Prayers for Others
¨ Each week we join millions of Christians who pray for one another through the ecumenical prayer cycle and, locally, the Berea Ministerial Association’s prayer cycle (World Council of Churches Ecumenical Prayer cycle: union-church.org/ministries/prayer) Let us hold the people of Austria, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland; and our brothers and sisters at Wallace Chapel in our hearts, and pray for them today and throughout the week.
¨ All the people of Ukraine for their safety and sovereignty. Prayers also that the government of Russia will turn to reason & respect for their own peoples’ lives as well as for Ukrainian families.
¨ All those affected by the devastating losses in the current conflict in the Middle East.
¨ If you’d like to donate to those affected by the recent earthquakes in Japan, this is the most direct way to do so: Japan Red Cross: jrc.or.jp/english/
¨ Our church family members in nursing homes or who are homebound: Jan Hamilton, Betsy Hoefer, Dorie Hubbard, Lois Morgan, Sara Parker, Cheryl Payne, Alva Peloquin, Laura Robie, Sally Zimmerman.
¨ All those suffering from mental strain, trauma, and disease: may God soothe and heal all who are troubled.
¨ Members and Friends who need safer housing and income security.
¨ JoAnn Russell, Reda Hutton’s aunt, facing several medical challenges.
¨ Jeannette Davidson, having health problems.
¨ Prayers for Barb Taylor, recovering at home from a stroke.
¨ The family and friends of Scharme Price, Berea artist and friend of many, who passed away Feb. 7 of her cancer. Gwen Hensley of our church family is her sister, and the Brunner family is dear to many Bereans. There will be a celebration of Scharme’s life at a later time.
¨ Mary Lou Wiese at the death of her friend and partner, John.
¨ Celebrations with Prayers of Joy!
Birthdays: Today, Feb. 11 – Cora Livingston; 12 – Ashley Cochrane; 13 – Ben Livingston; 14 – Greg Lakes; 16 – Abigale Embry; 17 – Grace McKenzie; 18 – Lorilyn Howie-Kipphut, Brenda Campbell
If we haven’t got your important dates, let us know. We’ll help you get connected in FellowshipOne Go!
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