SONG
The opening song is, “Jesus calls us here to meet him”. If you have problems connecting, try this direct link to YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ModYoPReYYw
Welcome
We come to hear the Good News, to embody the love of God in Christ as we share our lives with others. .
You may like to light a candle at this time.
God’s truth is revealed in Jesus Christ the light of the world. May the light shine for the hope of the world.
Acknowledgment of country
As we begin, it is appropriate to recognise that this great land has been home to our first nations peoples for many thousands of years. Let us also acknowledge those Aboriginal peoples who are the first inhabitants of the regions in which we dwell, and honour them for their care of the land.
Prayer
Let’s pray.
Surprising God, whose love leads us to new experiences, help us to be open to your presence among us and within. Let us sense your glory in the sights and sounds of this day. Confront us with your law of compassion, mercy and love. That our lives may more fully reflect your purposes. May your Spirit move us to speak of the light that you reveal. Amen
From the Bible
The Bible reading for today is from Matthew 17:1-9. The words of the reading is below. There is also a video of a dramatic re-enactment of the Gospel reading underneath.
Matthew 17:1-9
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white.
Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then 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.” While 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!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear.
But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
Dramatic readings from Lumo
Here is the dramatic re-enactment of the Gospel reading by the Lumo group. If you have trouble connecting you can go directly to YouTube at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hE3SZiQuRq4&list=PLcJVIuhI8isJJgv2R7PgPTFK5hpZSwckj&index=28
Message
The message is brought to you by Tim Jensen of the Saltbush Community. We have a tendency to forget that God is in our everyday, ordinary lives. At times only believing God is in the extra-ordinary, ecstatic experiences. Jesus takes us to the places where we are graced in the ordinariness of life.
Where have you encountered God in the ordinariness of your days? What does this tell you about the nature of God? What does it tell you about yourself?
Before a time of prayer you may like to spend some time in silence sitting still. Close your eyes lightly. Sit relaxed but alert. Simply be still and open to God. You may prefer to do this while listening to the ‘Optional reflective music’ below.
Optional reflective music
The reflective music is “Be still”, sung by Aled Jones. If you have problems connecting, try this direct link to YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUr5HO-JKGU
Prayers for others
Let us pray,
Today, Lord, we pray that our light would shine
for people whose light may have grown dim,
for those whose light is almost gone out, or
for those who feel like they are walking in the dark.
We pray that your light of hope would shine on
those who are discouraged, dejected, or disappointed.
May your light of love shine
on those who are our enemies,
on those who may be hated, abused, or bullied,
or those who feel left behind.
May your light of grace shine on those who have given up,
or who don’t believe God loves them,
and on those who feel lonely and needy.
We pray that your light of faith would shine
on people who are hungry to believe but are not yet sure,
on people who have struggled a long time with chronic illnesses,
or frustration, anger or disbelief.
Lord, we take a moment now to bring to you any areas in our life, or in the lives of our family or friends, our community, our nation or our world where we want your light to shine today.
Awe-inspiring God, your glory and presence were revealed fully
in Jesus Christ, your beloved Son. Empower us to act as transformed people in his name so that we may carry your light into this world for all to see.
Blessing
Go now sure footed in faith, with eyes wide open and waiting for God’s glory to surprise you in unexpected ways.
And the blessing of God the Father, Son and Spirit, mystery, sign and hope, be with you and those whose lives you touch now and always. Amen
Song
The closing song is, “The things above”, compliments of Emu Music. If you have problems connecting, try this direct link to YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eAmyfHCN4A
Postlude
The postlude is ‘Transfiguration’ by Hillsong Worship. If you have trouble connecting go directly to YouTube at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwFZ0SJ5tHg
Resources
The opening prayer is based on content in the Saltbush service for this week, which can be found at:
https://saltbushcommunity.uca.org.au/video/the-word/transfiguration-an-ordinary-graced-life-matthew-171-9/