The Celebration of Christian Worship
Celebrating 175 Years of Faith & Hope
February 3, 2008 Transfiguration Sunday 10:00 a.m.
Prayer of the Day
O God, in the transfiguration of your Son you confirmed the mysteries of the faith by the witness of Moses and Elijah, and in the voice from the bright cloud declaring Jesus your beloved Son, you foreshadowed our adoption as your children. Make us heirs with Christ of your glory, and bring us to enjoy its fullness, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Prelude – “How Brightly Shines the Morning Star” Robert A. Hobby
Welcome and Announcements
OUR APPROACH TO GOD
Call to Worship – “Come Let us Worship God”
Votum
Sentences – Psalm 99 See Insert
Salutation
*Hymn #128 (green) – “Shine, Jesus, Shine
Ensemble Verses 1, 2, 3 – Refrain All
Summary of the Law
Prayer of Confession
Gracious God, we confess that we grow weary in following Christ. We often desire only glory and victory for ourselves and our families. We prefer to stay on the mountaintop, rather than serve in the valley. We fear the criticism of others and, then, give up quickly. Forgive our faint-hearted attempts to follow. Open our hearts and minds to the good news that Christ will never abandon us. Give us the faith to live for Christ and the promise of the kingdom for all eternity. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Words of Assurance
*Gloria Patri
Passing the Peace
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Lessons: 2 Peter 1:16-21
Matthew 17:1-9
Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
Children’s Minute
The children are invited to come forward for the children's message. After the message, children of Kindergarten age through Grade 5 will go with their teachers to Memorial Hall; younger children can be taken to the Schoolhouse Nursery by their parents. At 11:06 the teachers of school-aged children will close their lesson and walk the children to Cook Hall to meet parents. If it is necessary for parents to pick up their children at Memorial Hall, please wait in the front room until the lesson is finished. The younger children should be picked up in the nursery.
*Hymn #88 – “Fairest Lord Jesus”
Sermon – “A Head in the Clouds”
Prayer for Blessing on the Word
OUR RESPONSE TO THE WORD
*The Apostles’ 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.
Offering
Offertory – “Blessed Jesus, At Thy Word” Arr. Piet Post
*The Doxology: (Hymn #556): Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
God of love, we find it hard to believe the witness of the transfiguration. We resist your unfailing love for us and for others, and we turn our backs on the gift of new life. Instead, we choose the old way of sin that takes us away from you and leads us toward death. Free us from this power of sin, guide us by your Spirit, and help us in our weakness, that we may live as your children, restored to new and everlasting life. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Sacrament of Holy Communion See Insert
Family Prayers & 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 for ever. Amen.
*Hymn #228 – “Rejoice, the Lord is King”
*Benediction & Threefold Amen
*Postlude – “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow” Arr. Piet Post