Transfiguration of Our Lord Worship Service
St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
Transfiguration of Our Lord Coronavirus
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
02-14-2021 10:00AM Worship
THE GREETING, CONFESSION, AND FORGIVENESS:
L The people who have walked in darkness have seen a great light.
The grace of (+) Jesus Christ, the mercy of the Holy One, and the Spirit of the living God be with you all.
Friends, we have indeed seen God’s glory shine forth in the person and ministry of his Son Jesus Christ.
But, although we have been called to bear Christ’s name and spirit and mission, we have sometimes been
a poor reflection. Let us confess as individuals and as a community of faith.
C O God, we have made you look really bad.
We confess that sometimes we have been ashamed of the Gospel.
We confess that sometimes we have been a shame to the Gospel.
We do not always follow faithfully, and sometimes we don’t even try.
We do not always love fervently, and sometimes we don’t really care.
Transform us on the inside so that we look, speak, act, and interact better on the outside.
We ask to be forgiven. We want to change. Help us to know and glow with the mind of Christ. Amen.
L My sisters, my brothers, Jesus Christ is a forgiving, loving, and life-giving presence.
If you are willing, he is shining upon you with his mercy and within you with his grace.
Today he offers you a new way to live, a new direction to go.
It demands your humility, your obedience, and your courage.
But there is no better life than this life in Christ! You are (+) forgiven! So live that way.
Hallelujah and Amen!
OPENING SONG: “MINE EYES HAVE SEEN THE GLORY”
THE PRAYER OF THE DAY:
God of the mountains and the valleys, we gather here, in this place apart, to experience your glory.
Whether you come in dazzling light or spoken word, in spirited song or broken bread, grant us a vision, refresh our souls, and transform our lives with the shining presence of Jesus.
Then give us the courage and conviction to be led by Jesus on the way of the cross as we follow him in service.
Lord, let the world see Jesus shining through our lives! So be it, Amen!
FIRST READING: 2 KINGS 2:1-12 [When ministry responsibility is passed on from one to another.]
BLACK HISTORY MOMENT: Spoken and Sung Word by various St. Peter’s Folk
SECOND READING: 2 CORINTHIANS 4:3-6 [Seeing and being the Light of Christ in a world of spiritual darkness.]
GOSPEL VERSE: “Always remember Jesus, Jesus.
Always remember Jesus, Jesus.
Always keep Him on your mind.”
THE GOSPEL: MARK 9:2-9 [A sustaining vision of glory before the pain of the cross.]
THE SERMON: Pastor Neil or Pastor Gwen
SONG SELECTION
OUR CONGREGATION’S “BLACK HISTORY MONTH” AFFIRMATION:
In a racist society where even the Church is shamefully divided by color, St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church affirms the gifts and celebrates the achievements of African Americans. We affirm that the need for Black History Month has not diminished since the inception of Black History week in 1915.
We remember with tears the many African peoples and lands that were exploited and enslaved over several centuries. We remember with tears the many Africans who died on slave ships and slave plantations, in revolts and lynchings, in race riots and freedom marches, and as an ultimate result of continued oppression and internalized despair.
We remember and celebrate the great abolitionists, inventors, scientists, entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, entertainers, ministers, soldiers, and educators of the past. We remember and celebrate the great parents, children, grandparents, teachers, leaders, examples, freedom fighters, and achievers of the present. We remember the political achievements of African Americans who paved a way in a country where its people have not always been free, even to vote, and we celebrate the election of the first African American President of the United States.
We remember this congregation’s own journey to become a more inclusive ministry, and we celebrate how the Light of Christ has enabled us to walk together in worship and witness, in love and faith. Not only do we remember and celebrate, but we also commit ourselves to shine forth with the liberating peace and justice of God’s love this day and our entire lives. May the Lord inspire us to be faithful and courageous! Amen.
OFFERING [We have seen the glow of the glory of Jesus Christ and have experienced how his Light changes the world. Now we are called and even challenged to shine forth in order to proclaim Jesus – not ourselves – through our daily living and our faithful giving!]
THE OFFERTORY SONG: “THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE”
- This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine… (3X)
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!
- Ev’rywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine… (3X)
- Jesus gave it to me, I’m gonna let it shine… (3X)
OFFERING PRAYER:
O Lord our God, You have anointed us to bring good news and to proclaim liberty, to bind up the brokenhearted and to liberate the oppressed. Help us to shine forth always and in all ways with the bright glory of Jesus Christ. Amen.
MUSIC SELECTION:
THE PRAYERS… We pray that the joy and light of JESUS CHRIST will touch all lives!
THE LORD’S PRAYER
SONG SELECTION: “LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING”, verse 2 saint valentine
THE BENEDICTION