Worship Resources for
the Center for Faith and Giving
Transfiguration Sunday
Last Sunday after Epiphany
This is the final Sunday following Epiphany, and the last Sunday before Lent begins. Traditionally this is called Transfiguration Sunday. All three synoptic gospels tell a story of Peter, James, and John accompanying Jesus to the top of a holy mountain. There, before their eyes, Jesus is transfigured (changed), becoming dazzlingly bright.
Carolyn Brown suggests using all the candles of the liturgical year (Advent candles, little candle lighting services candles, regular Sunday candles, paschal candle…) Let the sanctuary become BRIGHT as you name them and light them. Then urge worshipers to watch for God’s glory and light in worship today.
Call to Worship (inspired by Psalm 99)`
One: We come together to worship the Lord our God!
Many: Today we celebrate, for God is holy, and lifted up over all people.
One: Rejoice! For we worship a lover of justice!
Many: The Lord establishes equity.
One: We call on the name of the Lord, who answers our plea.
Many: God answers, forgives, and gives us decrees for our lives.
All: Thanks be to the Holy One!
Opening Prayer
Mighty God, in the midst of the challenges of our lives, we turn to you.
We’re eager to call on your name!
Hear us, for we thank you for answering our prayers, forgiving our sins
and providing the opportunity for us to repent and turn back to you.
As we worship, open our hearts and minds to recognize you in our midst,
and claim the gift of your Holy Spirit at work among us. AMEN
Moment for Stewardship
The scriptural story of Jesus’ transfiguration is found in Matthew, Mark and Luke. The story takes place on the mountain, where Peter, James and John became witnesses to a confab of Jesus, Moses (representing “the law”) and Elijah (representing the prophets).
As we think about this scriptural story, each character has something to give. Peter (the impetuous disciple!) wanted to provide three tents for Jesus, Moses and Elijah. That would provide shelter, and perhaps encourage these three to stay together on the mountain.
On this last Sunday before the beginning of the 40 day season of Lent, what is it you would give as you find your place in our text? What would you offer Jesus?
It’s only been a few weeks since we celebrated Christmas, sharing gifts with family, friends, and others. For some of us, it’s been just a few weeks since we shared gifts for Valentine’s Day. But now, we join Peter in our desire to share a gift with Jesus.
How do you claim Jesus? As Lord? As the Christ? As a brilliant teacher? As a model?
However you claim him, I invite you to share something of yourself today as we receive our morning offering. What will you offer?
May your gift be something shared from the core of who you are, remembering and giving thanks for Jesus, who shared his life that we all might live.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Giving thanks to you, God of all Creation, we ask you to receive these signs of our love. Accept these gifts which we offer as symbols of the life you give us. Help us utilize this money, and each of our lives, to show your GLORY to a hurting world. In Jesus’ name we pray, AMEN.
Invitation to Communion
This last Sunday before the beginning of Lent means we’re right in the midst of Carnival! In many South American countries, as well as in New Orleans, the tradition of Carnival means big parties, festive music, huge costumes.
There is a sense of delight and joy, which moves in just a few days to a distinctly different mode on Ash Wednesday and the 40 day season of Lent.
While this table is not the feast of Carnival, it is a celebration.
Here, like Carnival, everyone is invited to participate.
Here, like Carnival, you are welcome whether you’ve been here for decades,
or are here for the very first time.
Here, like Carnival, there is a place for you, no matter how young, old, wealthy or wise you may be.
So come! The feast is simple, but profound.
In the symbols of bread and juice we recognize the body and blood of Jesus.
As you take the bread and drink from the cup, you’re invited to remember
the life of Jesus – his teaching, his healing, his connection to the Law and the Prophets, and his yearning to connect each one to the Creator.
It’s a life-giving celebration!