SUNDAY ORDER OF WORSHIP
Transfiguration of the Lord
2-14-2021
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Come, let us go to the holy mountain
and worship Christ with the disciples!
We will see Christ transformed before us.
We will see our lives transformed before Christ.
Come, let us go to the holy mountain
and worship the Son of God.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Most holy God, the earth is filled with your glory, and in your presence angels stand in awe. Enlarge our vision, that we may recognize your power at work in your Son and join the apostles and prophets as heralds of your saving word. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
HYMN “Immortal, Invisible, God only Wise”
Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might;
Thy justice like mountains high soaring above
Thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.
To all, life Thou givest, to both great and small;
In all life Thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish like leaves on the tree,
Then wither and perish; but naught changeth Thee.
Thou reignest in glory, Thou rulest in light,
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
All praise we would render; O help us to see
‘Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee!
CALL TO CONFESSION
Nothing can be hidden from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth, whose wisdom is endless, whose mercy is great.
Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin.
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 reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Those who trust in God will renew their strength. They will run and not be weary, they will walk and not grow faint.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
Thanks be to God.
GLORIA PATRI (please stand)
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.
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.
Speak to us, Lord, for your servants are listening. (1 Samuel 3:9-10)
SCRIPTURE READINGS
1 Corinthians 13
1 If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. 9 For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; 10 but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. 13 And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.
2 Corinthians 4:3-6
3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. 6 For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Mark 9:2-9
2 Six 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, 3 and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. 4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5 Then 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.” 6 He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. 7 Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” 8 Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.
9 As 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.
A new teaching, with authority!
Thanks be to God. (Isaiah 40:8; Mark 13:31)
REFLECTION: “Transfigured, Perception, & Stained Glass” Rev. Norlita Kaul
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH - APOSTLE’S CREED
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
INVITATION TO OFFERING
There is only one Lord and God from whom all things come and for whom we live. Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
SPECIAL MUSIC “Be Thou My Vision” Dick & Judy Smith, Rev. Norlita Kaul with Bonnie Foster, pianist
DOXOLOGY (please stand)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Holy One, we seek your wisdom and guidance. Many people face growing economic uncertainty. The realities of the recession close in on our lives. We experience realities like job loss, deflated investment accounts, increased grocery prices, delayed retirement plans, and mounting debt. Lift us from the depth of self-pity and despair. Save us from overwhelming fear and anger. Free us from the bondage of money. We place this money upon your altar as a gesture of our trust in you. Despite challenging financial times, we give out of our love and gratitude for your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Mark 9: 2-9 (David S. Bell)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
OUR TIME TO PRAY:
-Judith (Judy & Mike’s sister-in-law)
-Carrie VB
Continued Health Requests:
-Gene G
-Bob & Jan J
-Sharon W
-LaVonne B
-Jan B
-Bev (Teri B’s mother)
-Harry (Bonnie S.’s father)
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew)
-Jack (Lee’s father)
-Sue (Bonnie F.’s mother)
-Kara (Richard & Dolores’ daughter)
-Ann (wife of Rev. Terry D)
-Sue (friend of Ella)
-Riley (son of Rev. Norlita’s friend)
-Bill (friend of Rev. Norlita)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Bruce & Lori W, Dorothy W.
Our homebound or in care members: Barb B, Delores K, Nona M, Rose P, Cliff R, Stephen & Carrie V B, Dee W. (Please reach out and call)
Those who mourn:
We continue to pray for the Fishback, Kennedy N., Watson, Boy, Peterson, and Larson families
For those who find themselves alone or away from friends, family, or loved ones this Valentine Day
Prayers for our sister churches First Presbyterian in Madison, SD, Pastor Mark Werner and Clerk of Session Trudi Nelson; Second Presbyterian in Flandreau, Pastor Ann Spitzenberger; our Presbytery of South Dakota; the PCUSA (leaders and staff); and our own Session, Deacons, members and friends, and Brookings United Church of Christ staff, church council, and members. We continue to pray for Christ’s church universal and at work here in Brookings.
Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus. God grant them all comfort and healing. Prayers for all hospital workers, especially doctors and nurses, and first responders across the world and their families.
Prayers for our nation as it moves forward during these months of transition.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
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, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
HYMN “O Wondrous Sight, O Vision Fair”
O wondrous sight, O vision fair
Of glory that the church shall share,
Which Christ upon the mountain shows,
Where brighter than the sun He glows!
From age to age the tale declare,
How with the three disciples there,
Where Moses and Elijah meet,
The Lord holds converse high and sweet.
The law and prophets there have place,
Two chosen witnesses of grace;
The Father's voice from out the cloud
Proclaims His only Son aloud.
With shining face and bright array
Christ deigns to manifest today
What glory shall be theirs above
Who joy in God with perfect love.
And faithful hearts are raised on high
By this great vision's mystery,
For which in joyful strains we raise
The voice of prayer, the hymn of praise.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ASH WEDNESDAY: Imposition of ashes and prayer are available individually from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM in the sanctuary. Worship service at 7:00 PM via zoom. (Please feel free to have either water or oil or ashes on hand to make the sign of the cross on your forehead at home during the service.)
ONLINE WORSHIP SERVICES: Worship services will be online via Zoom only during the months of January and February. There will be no in-sanctuary worship during those months per Session decision on December 30th.
YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL will resume when worship services begin again in the sanctuary.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at Perkins at 9:30ish.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom.
Birthdays and Anniversaries will be celebrated the first Sunday of the month.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY for February!
Judy S, Robin E, Betty G, Carol G, Pam L, Carol Ann G, Elizabeth F, Robert F, Bob J, and Terry S
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY for February!
Mike and Judy M
-For Kara’s new job
Lord, for these joys, we give thee thanks.
BENEDICTION
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
Thanks to everyone who helped out with our worship this morning. It takes a village to raise a child the saying says. It takes a village to do worship virtually, our new saying during these days of pandemic. Stay safe and well. Pray often. Love always! Blessings for your week!
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2020-2021 Year A Vo.54.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2019 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org. and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993; pg. 210
The Worship bulletin, music, and video sermon are available on our church’s website www.brookingspresbyterian.org for use at home during this time of COVID-19.
An e-mail copy of the message is available by request from the church office.
Transfiguration of the Lord
2-14-2021
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Come, let us go to the holy mountain
and worship Christ with the disciples!
We will see Christ transformed before us.
We will see our lives transformed before Christ.
Come, let us go to the holy mountain
and worship the Son of God.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Most holy God, the earth is filled with your glory, and in your presence angels stand in awe. Enlarge our vision, that we may recognize your power at work in your Son and join the apostles and prophets as heralds of your saving word. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
HYMN “Immortal, Invisible, God only Wise”
Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might;
Thy justice like mountains high soaring above
Thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.
To all, life Thou givest, to both great and small;
In all life Thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish like leaves on the tree,
Then wither and perish; but naught changeth Thee.
Thou reignest in glory, Thou rulest in light,
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
All praise we would render; O help us to see
‘Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee!
CALL TO CONFESSION
Nothing can be hidden from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth, whose wisdom is endless, whose mercy is great.
Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin.
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 reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Those who trust in God will renew their strength. They will run and not be weary, they will walk and not grow faint.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
Thanks be to God.
GLORIA PATRI (please stand)
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.
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.
Speak to us, Lord, for your servants are listening. (1 Samuel 3:9-10)
SCRIPTURE READINGS
1 Corinthians 13
1 If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. 9 For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; 10 but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. 13 And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.
2 Corinthians 4:3-6
3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. 6 For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Mark 9:2-9
2 Six 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, 3 and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. 4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5 Then 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.” 6 He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. 7 Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” 8 Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.
9 As 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.
A new teaching, with authority!
Thanks be to God. (Isaiah 40:8; Mark 13:31)
REFLECTION: “Transfigured, Perception, & Stained Glass” Rev. Norlita Kaul
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH - APOSTLE’S CREED
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
INVITATION TO OFFERING
There is only one Lord and God from whom all things come and for whom we live. Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
SPECIAL MUSIC “Be Thou My Vision” Dick & Judy Smith, Rev. Norlita Kaul with Bonnie Foster, pianist
DOXOLOGY (please stand)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Holy One, we seek your wisdom and guidance. Many people face growing economic uncertainty. The realities of the recession close in on our lives. We experience realities like job loss, deflated investment accounts, increased grocery prices, delayed retirement plans, and mounting debt. Lift us from the depth of self-pity and despair. Save us from overwhelming fear and anger. Free us from the bondage of money. We place this money upon your altar as a gesture of our trust in you. Despite challenging financial times, we give out of our love and gratitude for your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Mark 9: 2-9 (David S. Bell)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
OUR TIME TO PRAY:
-Judith (Judy & Mike’s sister-in-law)
-Carrie VB
Continued Health Requests:
-Gene G
-Bob & Jan J
-Sharon W
-LaVonne B
-Jan B
-Bev (Teri B’s mother)
-Harry (Bonnie S.’s father)
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew)
-Jack (Lee’s father)
-Sue (Bonnie F.’s mother)
-Kara (Richard & Dolores’ daughter)
-Ann (wife of Rev. Terry D)
-Sue (friend of Ella)
-Riley (son of Rev. Norlita’s friend)
-Bill (friend of Rev. Norlita)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Bruce & Lori W, Dorothy W.
Our homebound or in care members: Barb B, Delores K, Nona M, Rose P, Cliff R, Stephen & Carrie V B, Dee W. (Please reach out and call)
Those who mourn:
We continue to pray for the Fishback, Kennedy N., Watson, Boy, Peterson, and Larson families
For those who find themselves alone or away from friends, family, or loved ones this Valentine Day
Prayers for our sister churches First Presbyterian in Madison, SD, Pastor Mark Werner and Clerk of Session Trudi Nelson; Second Presbyterian in Flandreau, Pastor Ann Spitzenberger; our Presbytery of South Dakota; the PCUSA (leaders and staff); and our own Session, Deacons, members and friends, and Brookings United Church of Christ staff, church council, and members. We continue to pray for Christ’s church universal and at work here in Brookings.
Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus. God grant them all comfort and healing. Prayers for all hospital workers, especially doctors and nurses, and first responders across the world and their families.
Prayers for our nation as it moves forward during these months of transition.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
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, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
HYMN “O Wondrous Sight, O Vision Fair”
O wondrous sight, O vision fair
Of glory that the church shall share,
Which Christ upon the mountain shows,
Where brighter than the sun He glows!
From age to age the tale declare,
How with the three disciples there,
Where Moses and Elijah meet,
The Lord holds converse high and sweet.
The law and prophets there have place,
Two chosen witnesses of grace;
The Father's voice from out the cloud
Proclaims His only Son aloud.
With shining face and bright array
Christ deigns to manifest today
What glory shall be theirs above
Who joy in God with perfect love.
And faithful hearts are raised on high
By this great vision's mystery,
For which in joyful strains we raise
The voice of prayer, the hymn of praise.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ASH WEDNESDAY: Imposition of ashes and prayer are available individually from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM in the sanctuary. Worship service at 7:00 PM via zoom. (Please feel free to have either water or oil or ashes on hand to make the sign of the cross on your forehead at home during the service.)
ONLINE WORSHIP SERVICES: Worship services will be online via Zoom only during the months of January and February. There will be no in-sanctuary worship during those months per Session decision on December 30th.
YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL will resume when worship services begin again in the sanctuary.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at Perkins at 9:30ish.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom.
Birthdays and Anniversaries will be celebrated the first Sunday of the month.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY for February!
Judy S, Robin E, Betty G, Carol G, Pam L, Carol Ann G, Elizabeth F, Robert F, Bob J, and Terry S
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY for February!
Mike and Judy M
-For Kara’s new job
Lord, for these joys, we give thee thanks.
BENEDICTION
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
Thanks to everyone who helped out with our worship this morning. It takes a village to raise a child the saying says. It takes a village to do worship virtually, our new saying during these days of pandemic. Stay safe and well. Pray often. Love always! Blessings for your week!
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2020-2021 Year A Vo.54.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2019 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org. and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993; pg. 210
The Worship bulletin, music, and video sermon are available on our church’s website www.brookingspresbyterian.org for use at home during this time of COVID-19.
An e-mail copy of the message is available by request from the church office.