Prelude
Announcements
Call to Worship based on Matthew 17 and Confession and Forgiveness
God touches the world,
People of God: and the world changes.
God touches us,
People of God: and we are transformed.
In the brightest of day,
People of God: in the deepest of night,
on mountain,
People of God: in valley,
everywhere.
People of God: In this time, together, we invite God to open our eyes to the transformation of our lives.
And through the change,
People of God: we worship God. Alleluia!
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, who makes all things new, whose mercy endures forever.
People of God: Amen.
Trusting in God’s mercy, let us confess our sin.
Silence is kept for reflection.
Holy One, source of our renewal,
People of God: we confess that we are wrapped up in sin, and cannot free ourselves. We have not practiced your righteousness. Our hearts have turned away from you. For the sake of the world you so love, forgive us, that we may be reconciled to one another for the glory of your holy name. Amen.
Thus says our God: “The former things have come to pass and new things I now declare.” God’s mercy makes us new. We are forgiven in the name of ☩ Christ our Savior.
People of God: Amen.
Hymn ELW#667 Take up your Cross, the Savior Said Played by Gloria Peetz
Prayer of the Day
Assisting Minister: Let us pray. Radiant God, you revealed yourself in your son, Jesus, when he was transfigured on the mountain before his disciples. Reveal yourself to us daily, so that we might enlighten others with the good news of your love. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
People of God: Amen.
Reading Matthew 16:24–17:8
Assisting Minister:
Chapter 16
24Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. 26For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? 27For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. 28Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
Chapter 17
1Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 3Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” 6When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” 8And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. The word of the Lord. People of God: Thanks be to God
Sermon Rev. Sarah Wilson
Prayers of the People
Assisting Minister: O God, as your Son drew apart to be in prayer with you, we offer our prayers for the transformation of the world and the church.
A brief silence.
Assisting Minister: Transfigure the church, O Lord, into the blessed community that you craft for us. Lord, in your mercy, People of God: hear our prayer.
Assisting Minister: Transfigure the earth, O Lord, into the beauty and glory you intend for all living things. Lord, in your mercy, People of God: hear our prayer.
Assisting Minister: Transfigure the nations, O Lord, into realms of peace and justice that are grounded in you. Lord, in your mercy, People of God: hear our prayer.
Assisting Minister: Transfigure our society, O Lord, into one that values all people and welcomes you in the least and lowly. Lord, in your mercy, People of God: hear our prayer.
Assisting Minister: Transfigure the suffering, O Lord, into people of vibrant health and hope, especially Denise, Leslie, Norma, the Hugg Family, Brian, Scott, Jessica, Alicia, Jeanne, Barb, Cecil (See-sil), Stan, Marlene, Ryleigh, Dylan, Sandy, Hopie (Hope-y), the Bredemus (bread-a-mus) family, Allen, Bunny, the Vogt (vote) family, Patricia, Michael, Nicholas and his family, Beth, Betty, Tom, Lorie and her family, Kara (car-a) and those we name silently or aloud <pause>). Lord, in your mercy, People of God: hear our prayer.
Assisting Minister: Transfigure this congregation, O Lord, into a place of worship and praise, service and community. Lord, in your mercy, People of God: hear our prayer.
Please offer your own prayers of joy or concern, ending with “Lord, in your mercy,”
We respond with “hear our prayer.”
Assisting Minister: Transfigure all your followers of all times and places, O Lord, into the blessed community of light. Lord, in your mercy, People of God: hear our prayer.
You revealed your glory and presence in your beloved Son, Jesus the Christ. In receiving our prayers, reveal the glory and presence of your Spirit alive in the world today, free us from all doubts, and empower us to act as a transfigured people. People of God: Amen.
Hymn ELW #315 How Good, Lord, to be Here Played by Gloria Peetz Sung by
Children’s Sermon Rev. Sarah Wilson
The Peace (Please share peace by waving or showing the peace sign.)
The peace of Christ be with you always. People of God: And also with you.
Offering
Let us pray. Liberating God, you break the bonds of injustice and let the oppressed go free. Receive these offerings in thanksgiving for all your works of merciful power, and shape us as people of your justice and freedom. You we magnify and adore, through Jesus our Savior, People of God: Amen.
Communion
The Lord be with you.
People of God: And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
People of God: We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People of God: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread and gave thanks; he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me. Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.
And now let us pray with confidence in the words that Jesus taught us:
People of God: 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Invitation to Communion
Assisting Minister: Come and taste the joy of God!
For our at-home worshippers, you may take communion using these words:
The body of Christ, given for you.
The blood of Christ, shed for you.
Table Blessing
And now may the body and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ, strengthen you and keep you in his grace. People of God: Amen.
Prayer after Communion
Assisting Minister: Let us pray. Holy One, we thank you for the healing that springs forth abundantly from this table. Renew our strength to do justice, love kindness, and journey humbly with you. People of God: Amen.
Blessing
The God who faithfully brings forth justice and breaks the oppressor’s rod ☩ bless, strengthen, and uphold you, today and always. People of God: Amen.
Sending Hymn ELW#660 Lift High the Cross Played by Gloria Peetz Sung by
Dismissal
Assisting Minister: Go in peace. Follow the way of Jesus. People of God: Thanks be to God.
Thank you to those serving us today
Pastor: Rev. Sarah Wilson
Worship Assistant: Andy Taylor
Acolyte: Mollie Shabino
Music: Gloria Peetz ~ Song Leader:
Altar Guild: Karen Barkley
Usher/Greeter: Adeline Zimmer
Sound Board: Phyllis Blumke
AV Tech: Mark Gates
Counter: Marianne Barstow and Sally Skalany
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Call to worship written by Richard Bott