For the week of March 2 – Transfiguration Sunday
Morning Prayer: Eternal God, You revealed to the disciples the everlasting glory of Jesus Christ. Grant us, who have not seen and yet believe, the gift of Your Holy Spirit, that we may boldly live the gospel and shine with Your transforming glory, as people changed and changing through the redeeming presence of our Savior. Amen. (Lectionary prayers)
Opening Hymn: #77 How Great Thou Art
- O Lord my God!
When I in awesome wonder consider all the worlds Thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed.
Refrain: Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee;
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee; How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
- When through the woods and forest glades I wander,
and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur and hear the brook,
and feel the gentle breeze; Refrain:
- And when I think that God, His Son nor sparing, sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin; Refrain:
- When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation and take me home,
what joy shall fill my heart. Then I shall bow in humble adoration,
and there proclaim, my God, how great Thou art! Refrain:
Psalm 99:1-5 (CEB)
The Lord rules—
the nations shake!
He sits enthroned on the winged heavenly creatures—
the earth quakes!
2 The Lord is great in Zion;
He is exalted over all the nations.
3 Let them thank Your great and awesome name.
He is holy!
4 Strong king who loves justice,
You are the one who established what is fair.
You worked justice and righteousness in Jacob.
5 Magnify the Lord, our God!
Bow low at His footstool!
He is holy!
Prayers of Intercession: Thank You, Lord, for hearing our prayers for those dear to our hearts. We now pray as You have taught us: 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. Lead us, not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Offering spotlight: UMCOR Sunday offering and how we fund their operations:
Gifts given on UMCOR Sunday in the special offering envelopes play a vital role in enhancing the church's global humanitarian response because these funds cover UMCOR's administrative costs. This support ensures that 100% of donations given to UMCOR throughout the year can be directed toward on-the-ground relief and recovery efforts, allowing UMCOR to effectively respond to crises and provide assistance where it's needed most. You give now to support overhead and operational costs so that all funding given throughout the year goes directly to disaster and humanitarian relief.
By investing in UMCOR's operations, we empower the church to mobilize resources quickly and efficiently, making a meaningful impact in communities affected by disaster and hardship around the world.
This ministry is achieved exclusively through your generosity. UMCOR works in the United States and around the globe, providing food and basic necessities following natural or human-caused disasters. Through your giving, you also work with communities to seek environmental sustainability. You might not be able to physically go to Africa, or Louisiana, or Kentucky … but your finances can work in these places. Giving with these special offerings ensures UMCOR is ready to show Christ to the world in your stead.
Offering prayer: Glorious God, who reveals the light of Your presence, we bring these gifts as a testament to Your transforming power. Jesus was transfigured before His disciples; transform us to reflect Your love and grace. Use these offerings to shine Your light in the world, bringing hope and healing. In the name of Your beloved Son, we pray. Amen. (Discipleship Ministries)
Hymn of Preparation: #349 Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.
Scripture: Luke 9:28-36 (CEB)
28 About eight days after Jesus said these things, He took Peter, John, and James, and went up on a mountain to pray. 29 As He was praying, the appearance of His face changed and His clothes flashed white like lightning. 30 Two men, Moses and Elijah, were talking with Him. 31 They were clothed with heavenly splendor and spoke about Jesus’ departure, which He would achieve in Jerusalem. 32 Peter and those with Him were almost overcome by sleep, but they managed to stay awake and saw His glory as well as the two men with Him.
33 As the two men were about to leave Jesus, Peter said to Him, “Master, it’s good that we’re here. We should construct three shrines: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—but he didn’t know what he was saying. 34 Peter was still speaking when a cloud overshadowed them. As they entered the cloud, they were overcome with awe.
35 Then a voice from the cloud said, “This is My Son, My chosen one. Listen to Him!” 36 Even as the voice spoke, Jesus was found alone. They were speechless and at the time told no one what they had seen.
Message: Pastor Lisa Mitchell delivered a message while Pastor Becky was on vacation. Please worship with the Scriptures, prayers and hymns on these pages.
Closing Hymn: #156 I Love to Tell the Story
- I love to tell the story of unseen things above, of Jesus and His glory,
of Jesus and His love. I love to tell the story, because I know 'tis true;
it satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.
Refrain: I love to tell the story, 'twill be my theme in glory,
to tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.
- I love to tell the story; more wonderful it seems than all the golden fancies
of all our golden dreams. I love to tell the story, it did so much for me;
and that is just the reason I tell it now to thee. (Refrain) - I love to tell the story; 'tis pleasant to repeat what seems, each time I tell it,
more wonderfully sweet. I love to tell the story, for some have never heard
the message of salvation from God's own holy Word. (Refrain) - I love to tell the story, for those who know it best seem hungering and thirsting
to hear it like the rest. And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song,
'twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long. (Refrain)
The blessing: May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you this week.
