Transfiguration Sunday

COLOR: White
SCRIPTURE READINGS: 2 Kings 2:1-12; Psalm 50:1-6; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6; Mark 9:2-9

THEME IDEAS

Today’s readings reveal God coming into the world. Each text presents a variation of the idea that God is active in the world and in the lives of the faithful. When this happens, it may leave us a bit awestruck or even dumbstruck. These readings also present an important vocal component: Elijah and Elisha’s conversation culminates in the transfer of power from the master to the pupil; the psalm proclaims that God does not keep silent; Paul acknowledges that we must proclaim Jesus Christ; and in contrast, Jesus instructs the disciples to keep silent about him until the proper time.

INVITATION AND GATHERING

Call to Worship (Psalm 50, 2 Corinthians 4)

Cry out!
God does not keep silent.
Cry out!
We long to hear God’s word.
Cry out!
Tell of God’s wonderful deeds.

Opening Prayer (2 Corinthians, Mark 9)

Almighty God, giver of life,
your light shines in our lives
and your glory is revealed
through your Son, Jesus Christ.
Reveal his glory to us
as you did to Peter, James, and John,
that we may be filled with his power
and our mouths may proclaim his presence
forevermore. Amen.

PROCLAMATION AND RESPONSE

Prayer of Confession

Mighty one of yesterday, today, and tomorrow,
do not be silent, but speak, that we may hear.
Speak justice, that we may correct our lawlessness.
Speak righteousness, that we may know your ways.
Speak compassion, that we may know your mercy.
Speak abundance, that we may serve others.
Speak understanding, that we may be peacemakers.
Speak glory, that we may know your Son.
Speak, and we will listen to you.
You promise forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace
when we speak our shortcomings.
We speak of mistakes we have made.
We speak of abandoning your ways.
We speak of failures to show compassion and mercy.
We speak of our need for forgiveness.
Mighty one of yesterday, today, and tomorrow,
hear our prayer and lead us into fullness of life. Amen.

Words of Assurance

God will not keep silent, but will gather us in
with the tender words: “You are forgiven.”
Glory to God!

Passing the Peace of Christ

As Elisha would not leave Elijah,
may God forever keep us close in Christ.
The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.

Response to the Word (Mark 9)

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered his disciples to tell no one about what they had seen, for his time was not at hand.
How can we keep silent when we have seen what we have seen and heard what we have heard? Will not the heavens proclaim it? Will not the earth announce such news?
Yes, now is the day and now is the time, for Jesus Christ has died and is raised in glory.
Shout it to the highest mountain and announce it in the lowest valley: Jesus Christ, the glory of God, the Son of righteousness, the Prince of Peace, is here!

THANKSGIVING AND COMMUNION

Invitation to the Offering

We proclaim Jesus Christ with our mouths, in our actions, and through our lives. Let us offer up our lives to Christ, that in our lives we may be servants of Jesus Christ.

Offering Prayer

Lord Jesus,
all that we have is yours,
and all that we are is yours.
In offering these tokens of our lives,
may all that we do
serve you to the glory of God. Amen.

SENDING FORTH

Benediction

Cry out!
God’s word has been spoken.
Cry out!
Our hearts are filled with praise.
Cry out!
Our lives proclaim God’s glory.
Cry out the bounty of God’s love.

CONTEMPORARY OPTIONS

Contemporary Gathering Words

(The response of “Jesus Christ” may be spoken in normal volume, or it may be whispered initially, increasing in volume each time it is spoken.)

Come to the light—
Jesus Christ
Come to the glory—
Jesus Christ
Come to the Word—
Jesus Christ
Come and worship—
Jesus Christ
Come and sing—
Jesus Christ
Come and praise—
Jesus Christ!

Praise Sentences

Shout out loud!
Sing with joy!
Rejoice with gladness!
Announce that the glory of God is here.

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From “The Abingdon Worship Annual” edited by Mary J. Scifres and B.J. Beu, Copyright © Abingdon Press.