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
Call to worship
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. Therefore, let us also acknowledge those Aboriginal peoples who are the first habitants of the regions in which we dwell and honour them for their care of the land.
Prayer
Let us 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 Luke 9:28-43, and the words are included below. There is also an optional video by the Lumo group underneath the words.
Transfiguration of Jesus
Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” — not knowing what he said.
While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.
Jesus heals a boy
On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. Just then a man from the crowd shouted, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child. Suddenly a spirit seizes him, and all at once he shrieks. It convulses him until he foams at the mouth; it mauls him and will scarcely leave him. I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.”
Jesus answered, “You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.” While he was coming, the demon dashed him to the ground in convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. And all were astounded at the greatness of God.
Here is the dramatic re-enactment of the reading by the Lumo group. It includes an extra 7 verses at the end. If you have trouble connecting you can go directly to YouTube at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ww5wbMnqMY
Message
The message today is brought to us by Tim Jensen, from the Saltbush Community, who is speaking to us about the Transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain and the healing in the valley. He challenges us to see God in both agony and ecstasy.
If God is present to us in agony and in ecstasy, what does that mean for us today?
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 following music.
Reflective music: “Be still””
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
Drawn by God’s love and abundant faithfulness to us, let us pray.
Eternal God, where there is hope, you are there. Where there is compassion and the desire for wholeness, you are there. Where there is the struggle for peace, you are there. Where the hungry are fed, and the poor empowered, you are there. Where there is delight in the trees of the land, or the depths of the seas, you are there. Wherever love is announced, you are there. In you is such longing for your creation, and for humanity, and we thank you for that presence of you, in Spirit, in people, renewing, calling, and saving.
In that knowledge, and in our simple faith, we bring our prayers for your creation and for the people of this world.
O Christ we open ourselves in prayer for: [Silence for personal prayer or invite others to open prayer in between each]
Your creation … Silence
For others we have heard about throughout our world …Silence
For other people we know and are close to … Silence
For our church and our wider community … Silence
For ourselves … Silence
O God, in your presence, these are our prayers. Amen.
Blessing
Go now and make known the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Bow at God’s feet, and serve the Lord with joy.
And may God be your shelter; may Christ Jesus take away your fear; and may the Holy Spirit lead you in truth until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
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
Fun Activities
Make a labyrinth
The labyrinth is an ancient way of prayer. Walking a labyrinth is like taking a tiny Pilgrimage that we walk alone with God. It can be an intensely relaxing and releasing experience. It can also be challenging. If you have a small space, such as a patio, the following video shows you how to make a labyrinth. It is surprisingly simple, all you need is some chalk! If you have trouble connecting, the video can also be found at YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVLA0nLsAek
Finger labyrinth
See below for how to make a finger labyrinth! Walk the labyrinth with a finger. If you want you can download and print the file.
Take time to rest and refresh
Song
Follow the sun (Xavier Rudd) on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0E1bNmyPWww
Resources
- The prayers and message were largely based on the Saltbush service for the same week in 2022 (Transfiguration):
https://saltbushcommunity.uca.org.au/video/the-word/transfiguration-and-the-valley-luke-928-43a/
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