Call to Worship (adapted from Psalm 2)
One: Friends, we live in troubled times! The nations are in an uproar.
All: The people are divided; they mutter in anxiety and speak in anger.
One: But as a church we are united! We will neither fear nor rage!
All: For our Lord whose throne is in heaven is laughing, because nothing can surpass God’s Grace.
One: Let us announce the decree of the Lord!
All: God said, “You are my children; ask of me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance and the ends of the earth for your possession.”
One: Be warned of those who trust in worldly wealth and power. Be wise and submit to the Lord with fear and trembling.
All: The wicked shall perish, but happy are those who take refuge in the Lord!
Prayer of Renewal (adapted from RCL Collect)
Lord Jesus Christ, you made disciples of men and women, transforming their hearts and banishing their fear. O God, who before the passion of your only begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9
17 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. 4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” 8 When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”