Transfiguration – February 14
Witness to Wonders
Service Prayers for Transfiguration Sunday
February 14, 2021
Since Congregations are returning to “in-person” services at different paces, Worship Ways for will be edited for online use. “Rubrics” for virtual services will be noted in red; take and adapt as you need!
2 Kings 2:1-12; Psalm 50:1-6; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6; Mark 9:2-9
Call to Community
Leader should speak the lines of the people, along with the Leader’s lines
One: Gathering in this sacred place
we anticipate new wonders each week.
Out loud, but muted
All: Wherever two or three are gathered to worship,
a holy spirit is present.
One: Open our eyes to witness
the fantastic love and wondrous joy waiting to be revealed,
even this day, even in this place.
Out loud, but muted
All: We will want to linger and camp in this sanctuary
but when we leave today may our hearts be open
to all the wonders of God’s beautiful world.
Invocation
O Holy One,
on mountaintops and valley floors
you reveal to us the light of your love.
Our hearts desire is to bask in the amazing glory
of the divine presence.
With each encounter we are changed and transformed.
Draw us nearer that we might receive a double portion of your Holy Spirit.
Help us, O Holy One, to live our lives as a reflection of divine glory.
May we walk among our siblings and friends as a blessing,
bearing light into dark places,
hope to displace despair,
and love that casts out hate.
Our world is hurting
and we need the followers of Jesus to follow more closely.
Maybe then we will hear your voice speaking to us and saying,
… “listen to my Child, the Beloved!” Amen.
Confession
Forgive us, God, when we linger too long by the waters,
and on the mountain tops,
enthralled with the glory that flows from you.
When we fail to listen to your voice, leading and guiding us,
shake us from our contentment
and send us forward endowed with your power. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
The God of Elijah, the God of Moses and the God of Jesus
desires mercy more than sacrifice
and a contrite heart rather than burnt offerings.
Love God and do the right thing
and forgiveness shall be your friend
and mercy your true companion. Amen.
Scripture, Sermon, Prayers of the People
Notes for the worship planners in 2021:
Consider a simple message or even an interactive Bible Study that engages people with the Scriptures for today.
- For the Prayers of the People, you might use a bidding prayer (“God, we pray today for those who are sick, including ….”) and encourage folk to type in their prayers using Zoom chat or Facebook Live; allow for more time in silence for those prayers to be typed and read. Consider a collective response at the end of each bidding prayer.
- A caution regarding prayers of the People online: Folks gathered in-person often recount a lot of detail in their prayers concerning other members or family (“Elderly Name, living alone, experiencing isolation…” In a private, in-person gathering, this information may be safe, but online, it can expose vulnerable people to harm, since we can’t control who will join the gathering or access it later online. Invite people to be prudent in offering prayers: “For First name only, in need of healing”; “For First name only, comfort in grief” etc.
Encourage people to contact the pastor directly with news of those needed extra pastoral care.
Offering Invitation
Peter offered to build a tabernacle on the mountain with Jesus.
But God does not dwell in houses made with human hands.
Let us offer ourselves in service to those God loves.
Let us offer our sacrifices to build community,
bring peace, and be a double blessing
to those in need throughout the world. Amen
Dedication
With these gifts we proclaim not ourselves but Jesus
and commit ourselves to follow a way that leads to love and life.
May our sacrifice be witness to our love for each other
and the God who loves us all. Amen
Benediction
Now may the God who said,
“Let light shine out of darkness”
and has shone in our hearts,
give us light to bear to the world
that all may see and know that God is love. Amen.
Witness to Wonders: Service Prayers for Transfiguration Sunday, was written by the Rev. Madison Shockley, pastor of Pilgrim United Church of Christ in Carlsbad, CA and a member of the board of directors of ProgressiveChristianity.org.
Copyright 2021 Faith INFO Ministry Team, United Church of Christ, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115-1100. Permission granted to reproduce or adapt this material for use in services of worship or church education. All publishing rights reserved.
