Sunday March 2, 2025 Worship Service
Livestream at 11:10 a.m.

Transfiguration Sunday
The last Sunday before Ash Wednesday is traditionally designated for celebrating the transfiguration of Jesus. At the transfiguration the great glory of God in the person of Jesus Christ was made clear to Peter, James, and John (Luke 9: 28-36). In this glory we see a fuller representation of Jesus’ identity, and we glimpse the glory he would receive at the completion of his redemptive work.  Transfiguration is the fourth celebration (after Christmas, Epiphany, and the Baptism of our Lord) that affirms the identity of Jesus as not only fully human but also fully divine. Together, these celebrations prepare us for the journey toward the cross and empty tomb.

Gathering in God’s Name

Prelude  — Recessional Toccata  Alfred V. Fedak
As the prelude begins, you are invited to begin your personal preparation for worship.

Silent Meditation
“We may ignore, but we can nowhere evade the presence of God. The world is crowded with Him. He walks everywhere incognito.” — C.S. Lewis

Call to Worship
Great is the Lord – exalted among the nations.
       Mighty is the Lord – King of heaven and earth.
Holy is the Lord – beyond our understanding.
       Let us worship our God and King!

Praise and Adoration

*Opening Hymn #12 — Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise — ST. DENIO                
(*Please stand, if you are able)

Confession and Pardon

Call to Confession

Prayer of Confession
Almighty God, you see us as we are and know our inmost thoughts. You know the ways we’ve fallen short. You know the work we’ve left undone, the mercy we’ve left ungiven, the love we’ve left unshared, the peace we’ve left unmade. You know the arrogance, pride and violence that we’ve chosen instead of your path of forgiveness and reconciliation. You know who we are. Help us to see who we might be. Forgive us, and transform us, that we might become who you imagine us to become, in your sight, and by your mercy. Amen.

Silent Prayers of Confession and Petition

Confessional Response (#434) — Restore in Us, O God — BAYLOR

Assurance of Pardon

*Gloria Patri (#581) — GLORIA PATRI (Greatorex)

*Welcome
During the welcome, children are invited to come forward for their time with Dr. Zieman.

Time for Young Disciples

Hymn #13 — The Mighty God with Power Speaks — KINGSFOLD

Announcements

Fellowship of Prayer

Joys and Concerns

Prayers of the People
The 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, forever. Amen.

Anthem — Hymn to Christ the Light — Zebulon M. Highben

Proclamation of God’s Word

Scripture Lesson 
Exodus 34: 29-35 — page 71 of the pew Bible
Luke 9: 28-36 — page 843 of the pew Bible

Sermon — “Sensing the Presence of God” — Dr. Zieman

Our Response to God’s Word

*Affirmation of Faith — from A Brief Statement of Faith (1991)
In a broken and fearful world the Spirit gives us courage to pray without ceasing, to witness among all peoples to Christ as Lord and Savior, to unmask idolatries in Church and culture, to hear the voices of peoples long silenced, and to work with others for justice, freedom, and peace. In gratitude to God, empowered by the Spirit, we strive to serve Christ in our daily tasks and to live holy and joyful lives, even as we watch for God’s new heaven and new earth, praying, Come, Lord Jesus!

*Sanctus — Holy, Holy, God Almighty — DIVINUM MYSTERIUM

Presentation of Tithes and Offerings

Offertory — Fairest Lord Jesus — Derek Hakes

*Doxology (#607) — “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” — OLD HUNDREDTH
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow. Praise Christ, all people here below;
praise Holy Spirit evermore; praise Triune God, whom we adore.  Amen.

*Prayer of Dedication
Living Christ, we offer these humble gifts as tokens of our thanks, and as signs of our hope in the world you are creating. In your hands and with our hands may these gifts be transformed: into bread for the hungry, comfort for the weak, shelter for the lost and peace for the world. Amen.

*Hymn of Dedication #25 — O Lord, Our God, How Excellent — WINCHESTER OLD

*Charge and Benediction      

*Benediction Response — “Go Now in Peace” — Don Besig

 Postlude — All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name  Setting by Stephen P. Johnson