Communion & Transfiguration Sunday 14 February 2021 Knox Bayfield Rev Dolson
The Lord be with you … and also with you.
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The focus of the Mission Moment … A Meaningful Message
St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church in Creston, B.C., is a small, remote church tucked away in the Kootenay Valley. With a grant from Presbyterians Sharing to support ministry in remote communities, they called the Rev. Stephen Vangroonen to their congregation in the hope that he would help strengthen and grow their ministry. But shortly after he and his family arrived, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and the congregation found itself adapting quickly to move their services online. Then, when churches were permitted to reopen, they had to adapt to the new health and safety protocols. Throughout it all, the Rev. Vangroonen has blessed St. Stephen’s with a positive outlook, continually encouraging the new community he serves to trust God and share the love of Christ with others—a meaningful message during this turbulent time.
We are thankful to Jean Walker, organist, for her efforts in performing the hymns for the YouTube video. Remember to go to the end of the printed material for the lyrics to the hymns. This worship service is on our website https://pccweb.ca/knoxbayfieldpc/ and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTYgIPqvkMsDNal0b1gCiPg
Lent with the Moderator: Leaning into the Promises of God
When: Sunday, February 21st 4 pm You are invited to spend an hour with the Rev. Amanda Currie, Moderator of the General Assembly.We will consider both the blessings and obligations that come with covenant relationship. Please register for this gathering https://presbyterian.ca/2021/02/01/lent-with-the-moderator/
Kintail has created Easter-In-A-Basket These Holy Week activities will be low stress for busy folks, encourage family and community connection, and help you prepare for Easter! For more information check out the website https://www.campkintail.ca/easter-in-a-basket/ or call 519-529-7317 or email becca at campkintail.ca
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held in a virtual format using Zoom. Did you know you can access Zoom meetings with your landline phone? To use audio and visual you will need a tablet, smart phone, or computer. The annual reports will be available soon.
- Knox Bayfield AGM Sunday March 28th 1 pm
Hopefully you have prepared the communion elements of grape juice or wine and bread. If you are able, you may wish to include a candle, a cross, and of course, your bible. Although we are apart across space and time, we will join together virtually to share the Lord’s supper.
Call to Worship
2 Cor. 4:3–6; Mark 9:2–9
God said, “Let light shine in the darkness!” We see the glory of God in the face of Christ. Let us follow the light of Christ together. Let us worship God with thanks and praise.
Call to Confession and Assurance of Pardon
Psalm 50, Mark 9
God alone is righteous; God alone is perfect. This holy, righteous God comes to us in love. Join with me in prayer, God of all glory, beauty, and grace, we have tried to hide from you—to hide our faces, to hide our sin—yet you have never hidden your love for us. We have tried to search for you—in temples, in clouds, on mountaintops—to find that you are revealed in the face of Jesus Christ. We pray you will forgive us and transform us so that our lives may shine with your glory, beauty, and grace, through Jesus the Christ. Amen.
God does not keep silent. God speaks to us with grace and love, saying: You are my beloved child. This is the good news of the gospel: in Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Thanks be to God.
May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you.
Hymn #314 God is love: come heaven, adoring
Prayer For Illumination
Psalm 50; 2 Corinthians 4, Mark 9
Join me in the prayer for illumination. Speak to us, O God. Let the fire of your Spirit burn brightly in our hearts. Open our minds to receive the wisdom of the law, the hope of the prophets, and the life of the gospel: Jesus Christ, your living Word. Amen.
Readings
2 Kings 2:1-12; Psalm 50:1-6; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6; Mark 9:2-9
May God bless our understanding of God’s holy word.
This is transfiguration Sunday, which is followed by Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday and the first Sunday in Lent. Transfiguration Sunday speaks to the that which is revealed and heard in its proper time. It is a time to pause, to reflect. Augustine addressed the tension between time and eternity when he wrote that time is part of the created order, yet God is not restricted by the flow of time. God’s presence in history is mysterious, wrote Augustine, and it is not bound by the constraints of time. Augustine noted that we are bound by time, a window of time—the present. The past cannot be recovered and the future is beyond our reach. When I observe the people around me it seems that some are able to live in the present while others live between what was and what will be. We see this with the prophets and the disciples.
The readings focus on a theme of persistence and watchfulness. Elisha persists in accompanying Elijah. Elijah tells his disciple to leave. Elisha refuses. When Elijah ascends Elisha is transformed within the silence of a community of prophets.
The importance of relationship is visible in this passage. The covenant relationship between God and the prophets, the nurturing relationship between Elijah and Elisha, and the supportive connections within the group of prophets.
We are reminded that the prophets of each time live in the everyday reality of the community. They are in relationship with others as they prophesy the word of God. Walter Brueggemann suggests the ascension of Elijah is reflected by the time in between two human kings. A time of transition reflected in the transition of the prophets.
The gospel account of the transfiguration reveals Jesus in a different way, in a different light. High on the mountain, in a moment of awesome splendor, Jesus was covered in the dazzling light of God. This vision was unveiled, only to be veiled again. The impact on the disciples was significant. Mark writes that Peter was so terrified that he did not know what to say but kept talking. Perhaps we can all have compassion for Peter’s reaction.
The transfiguration calls to mind images of the high mountain and the heavenly voice from a cloud when Moses was called on Mount Sinai[1] We understand the transfiguration as a theophany … thee -aa·fuh·nee (thee like fee). The manifestation of God in a way that is understandable. When we experience the divine, we may be left speechless or gushing with a verbal response like Peter. Is this out of fear? Does the fear lead to an unwillingness to share our experience with others. We may hesitate to speak of the spiritual with our friends, family, and even within our faith communities. I wonder how we can become more vulnerable in our relationships to courageously share our experiences and our sense of spirituality. Are you eager to explore the ways in which Jesus and his way are revealed? It is not always a comfortable space yet the urge us to enter into this sacred space is compelling.
During this time of celebrating the transfiguration, as we enter into Lent, you are encouraged to reflect on and explore your spirituality in relationship with others. May you find the courage and the strength to give voice to your experience of Christ in your life.
Praise be to God.
# 376 Lord, the light of your love is shining
The Offering Of Our Life And Labour To The Lord
Quote: And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
The God who speaks and summons the earth into being speaks to us,
calling us to offer up our lives in praise.
Blessing Of Gifts & Prayers Of The People
Join me in prayer:
Mighty and merciful one, you have come to us in glory and we come to you in prayer. Gracious God, we give you thanks for the light of love around us
and the fire of faith within us. As we go forth from this place let our lives reflect the One who is the light of the world. We pray for your glorious creation. May we work together to stamp out fires of destruction, drive away clouds of pollution, and restore the beauty of this world. We pray for the body of Christ. May our hearts be open in faith and our minds enlightened with knowledge.
We pray for the people of all nations. May the people of this world witness your vision of justice and may the leaders take on your mantle of wisdom. Almighty God, you have made us for a holy purpose, to comfort and care for each other. We pray for those who are suffering. May we work together to feed the hungry, to comfort those suffer. We pray you will receive the dying into your arms. We pray for those whom we love. Bless our families, friends, and neighbors, help them in times of trouble, and be near when they are afraid. There are many within our church family in need of your special care at this time. We lift up the family and friends of Jennet Leslie as they mourn her death. We lift up Ron, Sandy, Rudy, Peggy, Betty Lou, Jane, Bonnie, Jessie, Marlene, Rob, Courtney, and Grace’s daughter Lisa. We lift up all those who prefer to remain un-named as they face immense challenges of health and finances.
O holy One, we pray for clarity, passion, and true fellowship to awake us to your presence. We pray in the name of Jesus the Christ, who taught his disciples to pray…Our Father who art in heaven, hallow’ed 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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Invitation to the Table
Hymn #534 All who hunger, gather gladly
Affirmation of Faith
#539 The Apostles’ Creed* [in unison]
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and 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.
Communion Prayer
(Responsive in Bold)
As we are called to come to The Table, we remember that this is the table of Jesus Christ, who has prepared a banquet for everyone.
All who seek to be nourished and sustained in the journey of faith, all who seek wholeness and compassionate paths to peace and justice, and all who walk in love and charity with your companions on the Way are called to gather around the Table.
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Blessed and holy are you, O God, creator of all things. In the beginning, you spoke… and at your word your Spirit moved over the waters, bringing order, light, and life out of chaos. You knit together our inward parts, made us in your image and breathed breath and life into us. When we turn away from you and our love fails, your love remains constant. When we wander off and follow ways of sin and death you call us from our scattered lives to repentance, unity and peace.
Therefore, with choirs of angels and archangels and with those of every time and place, we give you praise and glory:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Holy, mighty and tender God, in time you sent word to Mary that she would conceive a son and call him Jesus and in him we saw your promises made flesh. Dwelling among us we heard and saw Good News: he preached reconciliation and the Kingdom of God, he healed the sick, fed the hungry, and ate with sinners. In his suffering, death and resurrection, he delivered us from sin and death and revealed your living and redeeming hope for all people. And when he ascended into heaven, your Holy Spirit came to be our Counsellor and Comforter.
And so, remembering Christ’s life, love, death, and resurrection, we proclaim the mystery of faith
Christ was promised. Christ was born.
Christ has died. Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
Gracious God, pour out your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these your gifts of bread and wine, that the bread we break and the cup we share may be the communion of the body and blood of Christ. Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor are yours, almighty God, world without end.
O Holy One, although we are apart and we join our voices together across space and time to speak the words that Christ taught his disciples … Our Father who art in heaven, hallow’ed 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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen..
Words of Institution and Invitation
Jesus, in the night in which he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you: this do in remembrance of me.’
In the same way, he took the cup, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood: as often as you drink of it, do this in remembrance of me.’
We break this bread, the communion in Christ’s body once broken.
We drink this cup, communion in Christ’s blood once shed.
These are the gifts of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.
Prayer after Communion
Join me in prayer…
Eternal God, we thank you for this holy mystery in which you have given yourself to us and we praise you for breaking into the world. Send us out in peace for we have seen, have heard, and been fed by your grace.
Keep us faithful and alert for signs of Christ’s coming and lead us to live lives
marked by truth and light, in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Hymn* # 556 Now let us from this table rise
Benediction
Now go and tell the good news: the Lord of life and light is with us; Jesus the Christ. May the face of God shine upon you with beauty, blessing, and peace.
Postlude Let There Be Peace on Earth
Questions for Reflection
The Old Testament reading for today presents Elijah as a “new Moses”—striking the Jordan with his mantle and causing its waters to part so that he and Elisha could pass through on dry ground (2 Kings. 2:8). The Gospel reading builds on this comparison by placing Moses and Elijah together at Jesus’ transfiguration (Mark 9:4). There is also a parent-child dynamic in each of these passages. Elisha asks to receive a “double share” of Elijah’s spirit (2 Kings. 2:9)—the appointed inheritance of a firstborn son (see Deut. 21:17). At the transfiguration, God’s voice from the cloud bestows on Jesus the mantle of divine authority: “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” What do these constellations of relationships suggest to you? How do they help you to understand the transfiguration of Jesus? How is Jesus a fulfillment of the law (Moses) and the prophets (Elijah)? (See also Luke 24:44.) How is Jesus revealed to be God’s Son, and what does that mean for us? (See also Luke 3)
Morning Prayer
God of glory, I greet you at the dawning of this day. Let my life proclaim Christ Jesus and the good news of the gospel from the rising of the sun to its setting;
to the glory of your name. Amen.
Evening Prayer
God of glory, I greet you at the ending of this day. Overshadow me with your peace so that I may rest in your presence from the setting of the sun to its rising;
to the glory of your name. Amen.
Daily Prayer
Holy and mighty God, gather us among your faithful ones, the people of your covenant, to stand in the light of your glory and listen for the word of the Lord,
Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
Scripture readings next week
Genesis 9:8-17; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15
314 God is love: come heaven, adoring
God is love: come heaven, adoring;
God is love: come earth, rejoice.
Come creation, voices soaring, Sing exulting with one voice.
God who laid the earth’s foundation,
God who spread the heavens above,
God who breathes through all creation–
God is love, eternal love.
God is love, whose arms enfolding
All the world in one embrace,
With unfailing grasp are holding
Every child of every race,
And when human hearts are breaking
Under sorrow’s iron rod,
All the sorrow, all the aching
Wrings with pain the heart of God.
God is love, and though with blindness
Sin afflicts all human life,
God’s eternal loving-kindness
Guides us through all earthly strife.
Sin and death and hell shall never
O’er us final triumph gain;
God is love: so love forever
O’er the universe must reign.
376 Lord, the light of your love is shining or Shine Jesus Shine
Lord, the light of your love is shining
in the midst of your darkness, shining;
Jesus, Light of the World, shine upon us.
Set us free by the truth you now bring us.
Shine on me; shine on me.
Refrain: Shine, Jesus, shine; fill this land with the Father’s glory;
blaze, Spirit, blaze, set our hearts on fire.
Flow, river, flow; flood the nations with grace and mercy;
send forth your word, Lord, and let there be light!
Lord, I come to your awesome presence,
from the shadows into your radiance;
by your blood I may enter your brightness.
Search me, try me, consume all my darkness.
Shine on me; shine on me.
As we gaze on your kingly brightness,
so our faces display your likeness,
ever changing from glory to glory:
mirrored here may our lives tell your story.
Shine on me; shine on me.
534 All who hunger, gather gladly
All who hunger, gather gladly;
Holy manna is our bread.
Come from wilderness and wandering.
Here, in truth, we will be fed.
You that yearn for days of fullness,
All around us is our food.
Taste and see the grace eternal.
Taste and see that God is good.
All who hunger, never strangers,
Seeker, be a welcome guest.
Come from restlessness and roaming.
Here, in joy, we keep the feast.
We that once were lost and scattered
in communion’s love have stood.
Taste and see the grace eternal.
Taste and see that God is good.
All who hunger, sing together;
Jesus Christ is living bread.
Come from loneliness and longing.
Here, in peace, we have been led.
Blest are those who from this table
Live their days in gratitude.
Taste and see the grace eternal.
Taste and see that God is good.
| #556
Now let us from this Table Rise Now let us from this table rise Renewed in body, mind and soul; With Christ we die and live again, Whose selfless love has made us whole.
With minds alert, upheld by grace, To spread the Word in speech and deed, We follow in the steps of Christ, At one with all in hope and need.
To fill each human house with love, It is the sacrament of care; The work that Christ began to do We humbly pledge ourselves to share.
Then give us grace, companion-God, To choose again the pilgrim way, And help us to accept with joy The challenge of tomorrow’s day.
|
623 Holy, holy, holy Words: traditional Music: F Schubert
Refrain: Holy, holy, holy, God almighty, Lord!
Holy, holy, holy, everywhere adored!
God without beginning, God eternal One
reigns and rules forever all beneath the sun [Refrain]
Power and love and wonder circling round God’s throne
Praise our God most holy, Lord of Life alone [Refrain]
[1]Exod. 24:12-18