Worship Bulletin
Sunday, February 15, 2026
Transfiguration
Introduction
Today’s festival is a bridge between the Advent-Christmas-Epiphany cycle that comes to a close today and the Lent-Easter cycle that begins in several days. On a high mountain Jesus is revealed as God’s beloved Son, echoing the words at his baptism. This vision of glory sustains us as Jesus faces his impending death in Jerusalem. We turn this week to Ash Wednesday and our yearly baptismal journey from Lent to Easter. Some churches put aside the alleluia at the conclusion of today’s liturgy. This word of joy will be omitted during the penitential season of Lent and will be sung again at Easter.
GOD WELCOMES ALL
God welcomes all, strangers and friends; God's love is strong and it never ends.
Text: John L. Bell, b. 1949
Text © 2008 WGRG, Iona Community, admin. GIA Publications, Inc., giamusic.com. All rights reserved.
CONFESSION and FORGIVENESS
Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
People: Amen
L: Loving God, it is another Sunday and we come to worship you.
People: Hear us, Loving God
L: Wonderful God, we give you thanks for the gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
People: Thank you Lord.
L: Forgive us when we do not love our neighbors and you as we should.
People: Forgive us Lord.
L: Forgive us when we do not trust you in all things, but rely on ourselves and our own understanding.
People: Forgive us Lord.
L: Forgive us when we do not take time in our busy day to spend with you.
People: Forgive us Lord.
L: We have a loving, gracious, living God! As a called and ordained minister of the church of Christ and by his authority, I declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. We are forgiven. We have a new chance each day to show our love of God and other people. And that, my friends, is Good News!
or
L: We have a loving, gracious, living God! Because Jesus came to die for us and God wants a relationship with us, we are forgiven. We have a new chance each day to show our love of God and other people. And that, my friends, is Good News!
People: Amen, thanks be to God.
Gather Us In
1 Here in this place the new light is streaming,
now is the darkness vanished away;
see in this space our fears and our dreamings
brought here to you in the light of this day.
Gather us in, the lost and forsaken,
gather us in, the blind and the lame;
call to us now, and we shall awaken,
we shall arise at the sound of our name.
2 We are the young, our lives are a myst'ry,
we are the old who yearn for your face;
we have been sung throughout all of hist'ry,
called to be light to the whole human race.
Gather us in, the rich and the haughty,
gather us in, the proud and the strong;
give us a heart, so meek and so lowly,
give us the courage to enter the song.
3 Here we will take the wine and the water,
here we will take the bread of new birth,
here you shall call your sons and your daughters,
call us anew to be salt for the earth.
Give us to drink the wine of compassion,
give us to eat the bread that is you;
nourish us well, and teach us to fashion
lives that are holy and hearts that are true.
4 Not in the dark of buildings confining,
not in some heaven, light years away—
here in this place the new light is shining,
now is the kingdom, and now is the day.
Gather us in and hold us forever,
gather us in and make us your own;
gather us in, all peoples together,
fire of love in our flesh and our bone.
Text: Marty Haugen, b. 1950
Text © 1982 GIA Publications, Inc. All rights reserved.
Prayer of the Day
O God, in the transfiguration of your Son you confirmed the mysteries of the faith by the witness of Moses and Elijah, and in the voice from the bright cloud declaring Jesus your beloved Son, you foreshadowed our adoption as your children. Make us heirs with Christ of your glory, and bring us to enjoy its fullness, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
For Such a Time as This
Could it be (could it be) that we were born
for such a time as this?
Could it be (could it be) that we were born
for such a time as this?
Text: Jonathan Rundman, b. 1971
Text © 2015 Jonathan Rundman and Salt Lady Music (ASCAP), admin. Augsburg Fortress
First Reading: Exodus 24:12-18
At Mount Sinai, Moses experienced the presence of God for forty days and forty nights. The “glory of the Lord” settled on the mountain, and on the seventh day God called out to Moses. On the mountain God gave Moses the stone tablets inscribed with the ten commandments.
The Lord said to Moses, “Come to me on the mountain. I have written my teachings and laws on two stone tablets. These teachings and laws are for the people. I will give these stone tablets to you.”
So Moses and his helper, Joshua, went up the mountain of God. Moses said to the elders, “Wait here for us until we come back to you. While I am gone, Aaron and Hur will rule over you. Go to them if anyone has a problem.”
Then Moses went up the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The Glory of the Lord came down on Mount Sinai. The cloud covered the mountain for six days. On the seventh day, the Lord spoke to Moses from the cloud. The Israelites could see the Glory of the Lord. It was like a fire burning on top of the mountain.
Then Moses went higher up the mountain into the cloud. He was on the mountain for 40 days and 40 nights.
Word of God, Word of Life!
Thanks Be to God!
Thy Word is a Lamp
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
(Repeat)
Psalm 2
You are my son; this day have I begotten you. (Ps. 2:7)
Why are the nations so angry?
Why are the people making such foolish plans?
Their kings and leaders join together
to fight against the Lord and his chosen king.
They say, “Let’s rebel against them.
Let’s break free from them!”
But the one who rules in heaven laughs at them.
The Lord makes fun of them.
He speaks to them in anger,
and it fills them with fear.
He says, “I have chosen this man to be king,
and he will rule on Zion, my holy mountain.”
Let me tell you about the Lord’s agreement:
He said to me, “Today I have become your father,
and you are my son.
If you ask, I will give you the nations.
Everyone on earth will be yours.
You will rule over them with great power.
You will scatter your enemies like broken pieces of pottery!”
So, kings and rulers, be smart
and learn this lesson.
Serve the Lord with fear and trembling.
Show that you are loyal to his son,
or the Lord will be angry and destroy you.
He is almost angry enough to do that now,
but those who go to him for protection will be blessed.
Thy Word is a Lamp
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
(Repeat)
Second Reading: 2 Peter 1:16-21
At the transfiguration, God’s voice was heard, declaring Jesus to be the beloved Son. By the activity of the Holy Spirit, God’s voice continues to be heard through the word of scripture.
We told you about the power of our Lord Jesus Christ. We told you about his coming. The things we told you were not just clever stories that people invented. No, we saw the greatness of Jesus with our own eyes. Jesus heard the voice of the great and glorious God. That was when he received honor and glory from God the Father. The voice said, “This is my Son, the one I love. I am very pleased with him.” And we heard that voice. It came from heaven while we were with Jesus on the holy mountain.
This makes us more sure about what the prophets said. And it is good for you to follow closely what they said, which is like a light shining in a dark place. You have that light until the day begins and the morning star brings new light to your minds. Most important of all, you must understand this: No prophecy in the Scriptures comes from the prophet’s own understanding. No prophecy ever came from what some person wanted to say. But people were led by the Holy Spirit and spoke words from God.
Word of God, Word of Life!
Thanks Be to God!
Together in One Spirit
One church, One body
One faith, One Lord
Together in one Spirit
Rejoicing in His word.
One church, One body
One faith, One Lord
Together in one Spirit
Rejoicing in His word.
All created equal,
Together we belong.
United in one body,
Rejoicing in one song.
One church, One body
One faith, One Lord
Together in one Spirit
Rejoicing in His word.
All created equal,
Together we belong.
United in one body,
Rejoicing in one song.
United in one body,
Rejoicing in one song.
Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9
Shortly before he enters Jerusalem, where he will be crucified, Jesus is revealed to Peter, James, and John in a mountaintop experience of divine glory called the transfiguration.
Six days later, Jesus took Peter, James, and John the brother of James and went up on a high mountain. They were all alone there. While these followers watched him, Jesus was changed. His face became bright like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. Then two men were there, talking with him. They were Moses and Elijah.
Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you want, I will put three tents here—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
While Peter was talking, a bright cloud came over them. A voice came from the cloud and said, “This is my Son, the one I love. I am very pleased with him. Obey him!”
The followers with Jesus heard this voice. They were very afraid, so they fell to the ground. But Jesus came to them and touched them. He said, “Stand up. Don’t be afraid.” The followers looked up, and they saw that Jesus was now alone.
As Jesus and the followers were coming down the mountain, he gave them this command: “Don’t tell anyone about what you saw on the mountain. Wait until the Son of Man has been raised from death. Then you can tell people about what you saw.”
The Gospel of the Lord
Thanks Be to God!
Thy Word is a Lamp
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
(Repeat)
Blest Are They
Blest are they, the poor in Spirit
Theirs is the kingdom of God
Blest are they, full of sorrow
They shall be consoled
Rejoice and be glad
Blessed are you, holy are you
Rejoice and be glad
Yours is the kingdom of God
Blest are they, the lowly ones
They shall inherit the Earth
Blest are they, who hunger and thirst
They shall have their fill
Rejoice and be glad
Blessed are you, holy are you
Rejoice and be glad
Yours is the kingdom of God
Blest are they, who show mercy
Mercy shall be theirs
Blest are they, the pure of heart
They shall see God
Rejoice and be glad
Blessed are you, holy are you
Rejoice and be glad
Yours is the kingdom of God
Blest are they, who seek peace
They are the children of God
Blest are they who suffer in faith
The glory of God is theirs
Rejoice and be glad (rejoice and be glad)
Blessed are you (blessed are you), holy are you
Rejoice and be glad
Yours is the kingdom of God
Blest are you, who suffer hate
All because of me
Rejoice and be glad, yours is the kingdom
Shine for all to see
Rejoice and be glad (rejoice and be glad)
Blessed are you (blessed are you), holy are you
Rejoice and be glad
Yours is the kingdom of God
Rejoice and be glad (rejoice and be glad)
Blessed are you (blessed are you), holy are you
Rejoice and be glad
Yours is the kingdom of God
Songwriters: Paul Tate / David Haas
Prayers of the People
As God’s beloved children united in Christ, let us pray for the church, the whole human community, and the well-being of the earth, our home.
A brief silence.
Revealing God, your Spirit sustains the church. Strengthen the faithful with the revelation of Christ transfigured, that we may joyfully follow him in the way of the cross. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Life-giving God, creation is full of your majesty. Nurture in us a deep respect for the interdependence of all life, and make us wise and vigilant stewards of your good earth. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Peacemaking God, the nations are in turmoil. We pray for an end to violent conflict. Give wisdom to negotiators and sanctuary to refugees. Defend any who are in danger. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Healing God, you desire wholeness for all people. Bring healing to any who are experiencing illness, chronic pain, or mental anguish. Come alongside all who are ill or struggling. By your grace, make your presence known among all who call to you for healing. We remember any who are sick or suffering those named in our prayer bowl, those on our prayer list, and those we name aloud or in the silence of our hearts. (PAUSE) Comfort the dying and those who grieve. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Holy God, in our worship we glimpse your glory, hear your voice, and receive assurance of your love. Inspire all who prepare, lead, and participate in worship to serve you with reverence and joy. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Please feel free to offer other petitions at this time. (PAUSE) God of Grace,
Hear our prayer.
Transforming God, you bring life from death. We give thanks for the witness of those who have died in faith, and we praise you for the hope we have in Christ, our Morning Star. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Confident that the Holy Spirit receives our prayers and answers us, we commend all for whom we pray to God’s loving-kindness made known to us in Christ Jesus our Savior.
Amen.
God Extends an Invitation
Nuestro Padre nos invita
God extends an invitation
to the table of creation,
where there's wine and light and bread.
Here we gather in thanksgiving
and we offer all our living.
Here the feast of life is spread;
here the feast of life is spread.
Nuestro Padre nos invita
a la mesa de la vida,
donde hay vino, luz y pan;
y nosotros nos reunimos,
y lo nuestro compartimos,
pues así es la comunión;
pues así es la comunión.
Text: Miria T. Kolling; Spanish and English tr. Gerhard M. Cartford, b. 1923
Spanish and English text © 1998 Augsburg Fortress.
Sharing of Peace
Leader: The peace of the Lord
be with you always.
People: And also with you.
Offering Prayer
Jesus, Bread of life,
you have set this table with your very self,
and called us to the feast of plenty.
Gather what has been sown among us,
and strengthen us in this meal.
Make us to be what we receive here,
your body for the life of the world.
—Amen
The Preface
P: The Lord be with you.
C: And also with you.
P: Lift up your hearts.
C: We lift them to the Lord.
P: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
C: It is right to give him thanks and praise.
P: It is indeed…
P: …unending hymn.
C: Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might:
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna. Hosanna. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
The Words of Institution
P: In the night in which he was betrayed,
our Lord Jesus took bread,
and gave thanks; broke it,
and gave it to his disciples, saying:
Take and eat; this is my body, given for you.
Do this for the remembrance of me.
After supper, he took the cup, gave thanks,
and gave it for all to drink, saying:
This cup is the new covenant in my blood,
shed for you and for all people
for the forgiveness of sin.
Do this for the remembrance of me.
With this bread and cup,
we remember Christ’s life among us;
his association with outcasts,
his eating with sinners,
his healing of the sick,
his care for the poor.
Send, we pray, your Holy Spirit
upon us and upon this bread and wine,
that we who share this meal
may become a holy communion,
the body of Christ in the world.
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 trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
Prayer after Communion
Shepherding God, you have prepared a table before us and nourished us with your love. Send us forth from this banquet to proclaim your goodness and share the abundant mercy of Jesus, our redeemer and friend.
C: Amen.
The Blessing
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
May the Lord look upon you with favor and grant you his peace.
Amen
The Sending
P: Go in peace and serve the Lord!
C: Gonna walk in peace and serve the Lord!
P: And let your light shine throughout the word!
C: Gonna shine my light all over this world!
P: Go in peace and serve the Lord!
C: Gonna walk in peace and serve the Lord!
P: And let your light shine throughout the word!
C: Gonna shine my light all over this world!
P: Christ is calling , “Follow me!”
C: Gonna let his shine for all to see!
P: As you work, live, play and trod!
C: He walks with me! Thanks be to God!
Amen
The Lord Now Sends
Us Forth
Enviado soy de Dios
The Lord now sends us forth
with hands to serve and give,
to make of all the earth
a better place to live. Repeat
The angels are not sent
into our world of pain
to do what we were meant
to do in Jesus' name;
that falls to you and me
and all who are made free.
Help us, O Lord, we pray,
to do your will today.
Enviado soy de Dios,
mi mano lista está
para construir con él
un mundo fraternal. Repitalo
Los ángeles no son
enviados a cambiar
un mundo de dolor
por un mundo mejor;
me ha tocado a mí
hacerlo realidad.
Ayúdame, Señor,
a hacer tu voluntad.
The Lord now sends us forth
with hands to serve and give,
to make of all the earth
a better place to live. Repeat
And all God’s people said,
Amen