Gathering Music

“In the Bleak Midwinter” – Christina G. Rosetti

In the bleak midwinter
Frosty wind made moan
Earth stood hard as iron
Water like a stone
Snow had fallen
Snow on snow on snow
In the bleak midwinter
Long, long ago

What can I give him?
Poor as I am
If I were a shepherd
I would give a lamb
If I were a wise man
I would do my part
But what I can I give him
Give him my heart

Gathering Words

Brigid Dwyer

Adapted from Rev. Roddy Hamilton, Listening to the Stones

Behind all things
behind the grey surface
there is a glory escaping
born of heaven
and belongs to heaven

a light that welcomes
a more profound way of seeing things
that transfigures the world

that casts a spell of hope
that sees the glory in the cross
and life within death

it is a glory
that meets us here
on this mountain
where Jesus Christ
covered in the dust of the world
is caught up in the glory of heaven

welcome to the mountain

Opening Song

“We Have Come at Christ’s Own Bidding” – Carl P. Daw Jr.

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.

Light breaks in upon our darkness,
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.

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 the God we bless.

Opening Prayer

Marcel Okito

Adapted from Rev. Roddy Hamilton, Listening to the Stones

Leader: May we give way to glory, O God
May we let your glory tangle with our lives
that we may see what you see in us.

May we see what you see:
a love born in eternity
that find a home in our souls
and wants to be there

a word that lifts itself
from page into life
and tells a story
that begins with itself

May we see what you see:
a vision that brings past and future
into the one meeting place
and offers is all as present

a wisdom born of generations
where time nurtures the promise
and the longings of believers
wondering if this will the be the generation that breaks it open

May we give way to glory
and dare its splendor
to rekindle our faith
and transfigure our lives

So be it.
Amen.

Scripture Reading – Mark 9:2-9

Susana Namoa

2Six 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, 3and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. 4And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5Then 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.” 6He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. 7Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” 8Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.

9As 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.

Leader: The Word of God for the people of God.
All: Thanks be to God.

Sermon

Deaconess Leah Wandera

Musical Response

Prof. Mark Miller

Blessing

Deaconess Leah Wandera

Sending Song

“Home by Another Road” – Words: Lindy Thompson, Music: Mark A. Miller

You taught my heart
What love can be
So I’m headed back home
By another road

I once was bound
But now am free
So I’m headed back home
By another road
The lights are on
The welcome warm
As we’re headed back home
By another road

There’s room for
Every person born
As we’re headed back home
By another road

Join me now, the road is wide
All God’s people, side by side
Where justice will shine
And love abide
We’re headed back home
By another road
Yes, we’re headed back home
By another road.

Still worshipping
we’re on the way
As we’re headed back home
By another road

We’ll hold each other’s
Hearts this day
As we’re headed back home
By another road