Transfiguration of the Lord
February 11, 2024 | 10:00am
Laura Zhang-Choi, Seminary Student | Larry J. Carey, Director of Music
Thought for Worship: “There is a light that shines in the darkness, which is only visible there.” Barbara Brown Taylor, Learning to Walk in the Dark
GATHERING
Welcome
Prelude I Need Thee Every Hour | arr. Reske
Call to Worship
Votum
Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Amen
Opening Sentences
It is God who gathers us here.
It is not our denomination that gathers us, or our church staff or family, or our political parties.
It is God who gathers us here.
We find ourselves on the mountain this Transfiguration Day,
witnessing a last flash of glory before a forty-day journey.
It is not about us;
it is all about Jesus Christ.
From the river Jordan to this place,
it is all about Jesus Christ.
From Ash Wednesday toward Easter,
it is all about Jesus Christ.
Let us worship God!
Salutation
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
Amen.
*Hymn of Praise God of Grace and God of Glory
Call to Confession
Nothing can be hidden from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth,
whose wisdom is endless,
whose mercy is great. Isaiah 40:27–28
Prayer of Confession
God of transformation,
you make new life where there was old,
dazzling light where there were shadows,
peace where there was violence,
and friends where there were enemies.
Forgive us, O God, when we stand in the way
of your transformative love.
Forgive us when we do not live
as people who have been changed by your grace.
Call us to the mountain once more,
and send us out to be witnesses
of your transformative grace.
Silent Confession
Assurance of Pardon
Those who trust in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will rise up to fly like eagles,
they will run and not be weary,
they will walk and not grow faint. Isaiah 40:31
In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
Thanks be to God.
The Law of God:
*Gloria Patri | #579
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
*Commitment to Peace Keeping and Peace Seeking
One: May the peace of Christ be with you!
All: And also with you!
Share a sign of peace with one another. After sharing the peace, let us all sing together:
Together, by grace, we witness and work, remembering Jesus, in whom we grow strong. Together we serve in Spirit and truth, remembering love is the strength of our song.
THE WORD OF GOD
Anthem Swing Low/Swing Down | arr. Taylor
Prayer for Illumination
God of shining splendor, your voice makes the earth tremble in wonder. Overshadow us with your Spirit so that we may hear your Word and live as faithful disciples and covenant people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:3-6
This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
*Hymn: We are Standing on Holy Ground
Second Reading: Mark 9:2-9
Sermon: “Leaning Into the Mystery”
Silent Reflection
THE RESPONSE TO GOD
*Affirmation of Faith (Apostles’ Creed)
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Offering
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him all creatures here below;
Praise him above ye heavenly hosts;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen!
Prayer of Dedication
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession (ending with the Lord’s Prayer)
In Jesus’ Name, we pray as you 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 debts as we forgive our debtors, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory forever. Amen.
SENDING
*Hymn: I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light
Benediction
Postlude Holy God, We Praise Thy Name | arr. Bish
DEAR FRIENDS
Welcome to worship here at Peapack Reformed Church! If you are visiting with us, welcome! If you are a member, welcome back! Our mission is to be a congregation called by God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and committed to being the very presence of Jesus Christ in the world. This mission is the catalyst for all that we do, and is our aim for who we want to be.
If you are visiting with us via Facebook Live and would like more information about our church, send us a message on Facebook or email office@peapackreformed.org and we will be in touch with you. Even under these odd and anxious circumstances, we would love to be your church home. Our virtual doors are always open wide and our hearts are always ready to welcome new faces into our fellowship.
FOOD PANTRY NEWS
Many thanks for all those who have shared their abundance with neighbors in need.
Our church refrigerators have plenty of space to hold even more!
Mark your calendars now to pick up these important items
and bring to church by the dates listed:
Sunday, January 28 - gallon(s) whole milk
Sunday, February 4 - eggs
Sunday, February 11 - gallon(s) whole milk
Peapack Reformed Church is a congregation called by God, empowered by the Holy Spirit and committed to being the very presence of Jesus Christ in the world.
CALLED • EMPOWERED • COMMITTED