A Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union
Transfiguration Sunday 10:30 am
Meditation
“Wherever you turn your eyes the world can shine like transfiguration. You don’t have to bring a thing to it except a little willingness to see. Only, who could have the courage to see it?” — Marilynne Robinson
From There to Here: We Gather
Gathering Music For Everyone Born Shirley Erena Murray Betty Sarafin, singer
Welcome
The Call Sue Peterson Blyth and Jeff From, Readers
One: Radiant God, source of light, as you surrounded Jesus with your glory, so you come to us in penetrating brightness. You catch us off guard and expose our weakness.
One: We choose the limelight while you call us to explore the shadows and brighten the darkness. We seek the spectacular while you bind up the broken in countless acts of mercy. We seek to stay on the mountain or in a comfortable pew while you walk to the valleys of need.
One: Radiant God, fill us with light and courage to carry good news into all the corners of the world and to bring back the joy of your presence. Amen.
-from Shaping Sanctuary: Proclaiming God’s Grace in an Inclusive Church Passing of the Peace
Building the Community: News that Connects Us
Lighting the Justice Candle
Today we light the Justice Candle in honor of Prisoner Visitation and Support (PVS), a volunteer program providing visitation for people incarcerated in Federal and Military Prisons throughout the US. It was founded in 1968 by Fay Honey Knopp, a Quaker minister, and Bob Horton who were visiting imprisoned Vietnam war conscientious objectors. Her exposure to the prison system let Ms. Knopp to become a prison abolitionist. Unfortunately, things went in the opposite direction in this country resulting in a huge increase in incarceration. PVS now has access for volunteer visitors to provide regular visits to persons incarcerated throughout the country. Prisoners in the US are truly the “forgotten ones.” Often rejected by family members and definitely rejected by society, they have extremely limited contact with the world outside of prison. This leaves them totally unprepared for reentry into society. PVS provides inconsistent outside contact in the form of a stable “friendship” with a volunteer visitor. Prior to Covid, prisoners received a visit every month; throughout the past two years, volunteers and prisoners have been allowed to write to each other in order to maintain the relationship. For additional information about this organization and stories told by both visitors and prisoners, one can read Reaching beyond Prison Walls by former PVS Coordinator Eric Corson. Volunteer visitors are always needed!
The Living Word Among Us
Hymn How Then Shall I Live?
1. Took a walk outside of my walking. Stepped inside another’s shoes. Walked the dusty borders between us. Paths I’d never chosen to choose. Refrain: How then shall I live? How then shall I live? How then shall I live, O God? How then shall I live?
2. Heard a sound outside of my list’ning. Felt the living hum of the ground. Waited on the voice of the spirit, singing with its new old sound. Refrain.
3. Saw the world outside of my looking. Gazed upon the eyes of its soul. Held the hopes and fears of tomorrow, found the pieces making a whole. Refrain.
4. Took a step outside of my walking. Found within a beat that we share. Walked with you the length of a lifetime, and made of life a living prayer. Refrain.
Epistle Lesson 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 Sue Peterson Blyth, Reader
Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, not like Moses, who put a veil over his face to keep the people of Israel from gazing at the end of the glory that was being set aside. But their minds were hardened. Indeed, to this very day, when they hear the reading of the old covenant, that same veil is still there, since only in Christ is it set aside. Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit. Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God’s word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God.
Children’s Moment Please join in singing as we bless children everywhere:
May God’s blessing 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.
Gospel Lesson Luke 9:28-36-43a
Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!’ When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen. On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. Just then a man from the crowd shouted, ‘Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child. Suddenly a spirit seizes him, and all at once he shrieks. It throws him into convulsions until he foams at the mouth; it mauls him and will scarcely leave him. I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.’ Jesus answered, ‘You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.’ While he was coming, the demon dashed him to the ground in convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. And all were astounded at the greatness of God.
Sermon Generations of Persistence and Change Rev. Kent Gilbert
Living Prayer
Call to Prayer and Offering
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.
Offering Music Let There Be Peace on Earth Union Church Orchestra
A Chance for Generosity: www.easytithe.com/union Our gifts help sustain this particular community of caring by sustaining the building, pastors and staff, and all the materials that make our ministry of healing, justice, and teaching available to all in need. In addition, a portion of our contributions flows out to aid those in need via many external agencies.
Many friends give online, and you can use your smart phone or computer and go to www.easytithe.com/union. You don’t have to register to make a contribution, but if you do, it can make future generosity that much easier.
You can even give by text! Text to 859-448-3403 (Example: Text “$50.00 Offering”)
You can also use US mail! Mail to: 200 Prospect St., Berea, KY 40403
Your contribution is love made visible. Thank you!
Community Prayer Jeff From, Reader
Maker of light, lighten our hearts in our moments of despair. Overshadow our plotting and planning with your greater wisdom and deeper concern. In the veils that cloud our vision, tempted too far to either complacence or elation, call again that we might listen, listen, listen to the one you have sent for our saving. Where we have disfigured your grace, transfigure every aspect of our hearts. Help us be healers. Help us be whole. Help us walk the path to shalom for all created beings as Jesus himself gave his life to do. We pray as he taught reaching to you now 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 #184 O Wondrous Sight, O Vision Fair Schumann
1. O wondrous sight, O vision fair of glory that the Church shall share, which Christ upon the mountain shows, where brighter than the sun Christ glows!
2. From age to age the tale declare, how with the three disciples there, where Moses and Elijah meet, they with the Christ God’s future greet.
3. The law and prophets there have place, two chosen witnesses of grace; the voice of God out from the cloud proclaims the human One aloud.
4. With shining face and bright array, Christ deigns to manifest today what glory shall be theirs beyond, who live within God’s loving bond.
5. And faithful hearts are raised on high by this great vision’s mystery, for which in joyful strains we raise the voice of prayer, the hymn of praise.
Reprinted with permission using OneLicense #A-723786
Benediction
Postlude How Firm a Foundation Union Church Orchestra
Come to Virtual Coffee Hour!! Zoom link — Join https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87387600761
OUR FELLOWSHIP PRINCIPLES:
“Union Church welcomes all followers of Christ and works with all who work with Him; respecting each person’s conscience; working by love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.”
Especially in Our Prayers
¨ 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. Let us hold the people of Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands; and our brothers and sisters at Dixie Park Cornerstone Baptist Church in our hearts, and pray for them. Please hold these concerns in your prayers, today and throughout the week.
¨ Prayers for all the people of Ukraine for their safety and sovereignty, and especially those in the city of Nikolaev where the family of former Berea International student daughter of Kevin and Carla, Yulia live. Prayers also that the government of Russia will turn to reason and respect for their own people’s lives as well as for Ukrainian families.
¨ All those feeling the oppression of depression and isolation. May God strengthen us all and build bridges to grace.
¨ All those seeking a new and just society and those fearful that they will be supplanted, may God open their hearts and include them in grace.
¨ Our church family members in nursing homes or who are homebound: Alva Peloquin, Loyal Jones, Lois Morgan, Jan Hamilton, Laura Robie, Tom & Dorie Hubbard, Betty Wray, Sally Zimmerman
¨ Families and Friends in Crises…may God be present to every need and heal every rift and wound and those who care for them.
¨ JoAnn Russell, Reda Hutton’s aunt, facing several medical challenges.
¨ Children in detention centers, that they may be reunited with their families soon.
¨ Those affected by the Covid-19 virus, their families and friends living with fear, anxiety, and feelings of isolation, may God bring peace to all who love them; and our wider community as we cope with the new realities of living, including the now over 13,700 Kentucky residents, and 247 Madison County residents, who have died to date from Covid-19.
¨ Raymond Binkley, Betty Wray’s brother, aged 94, and in ill health.
¨ Tom Hubbard now being cared for by hospice at Kenwood in Richmond.
¨ George Hardman, Joan English’s dad, receiving palliative care after cancer surgery and a nasty post-surgical infection.
¨ Important dates—if we haven’t got yours, let us know. We’ll help you get connected in FellowshipOne Go!
¨ Birthdays: Feb. 28—Rachael White; March 5—Jenny Bromley
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