Order of Worship February 19, 2023
UJCC Sunday Worship Service
February 19, 2023 * Transfiguration Sunday
Do you memorialize wire, do you
ritualize joy? I want to fall nightly
to the sitting place where ghosts visit,
draw a bath for the goddess of all things
that flow: Water, words, time. Speech, sound,
knowledge.
-Brynn Saito, from her poem “Dear Reader”
We Gather Together
Having trouble viewing the service? Go to the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/ujccclovis/videos/879975209951704/
You are invited to the spiritual practice of returning thanks to God. You can try our online giving option HERE. Thank you and peace be with you!
Prelude
We recognize that some of you may have had a crazy week and need some space or quiet time. So, 5-10 minutes prior to the service, we will play some music that you can listen to while you meditate
Words of Welcome
During this time, our worship leader will offer a greeting, introduce special guests, or provide important information for the service. Ultimately, we want to show how much we appreciate you joining us today despite your busy schedule.
Passing The Peace
Passing of the peace may merely seem like a time to greet one another. However, it also serves as a reminder of the peace that we have with God and the peace that we have with each other due to Jesus’ sacrifice. Please take this time to greet one another!
Songs of Centering - For the Healing of The Nations
In the same way that we get ready for a date, it is important for us to get ready to hear God’s Word. So, during the songs of centering, we intentionally try to lay aside our busy lives, worries, and distractions in order to focus on God. For if we have too much noise in our minds, this can leave little room for God. Please feel free to sit quietly in meditation, close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, sing along, or use your body as you are able.
Call To Worship
In the call to worship, there is a call and a response. God calls us and we are supposed to respond accordingly. Please join us by responding with the section marked "All":
Leader: In a world filled with violence and war,
All: We gather together to celebrate the promise of peace.
Leader: In a world filled with tyranny and oppression,
All: We gather together to celebrate the promise of justice for all.
Leader: In a world filled with hunger and greed,
All: We gather together to celebrate the promise of plenty for all.
Leader: Our hope is in the name of the Almighty God,
All: The Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer of heaven and earth
Children's Song - I've Got Peace Like A River
At UJCC, we value families and children! One way we like to be more inclusive of children in our service is by singing fun songs together. But no one is too old to enjoy these songs! Please sing along and dance with us!
Scripture Reading
We believe God still speaks to us today through the Bible, people, and many other sources as well. During this time, feel free to listen to the Scripture reading and reflect upon what it might mean for your life in the present. Here is the passage we will be reading from today:
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.’
Time of Reflection
Today, we will be doing something a bit different than usual. We have stations setup in the back of the church. Please take some time to reflect upon the material you are viewing and then move to the next station when you feel ready. You can take as much or as little time at a station as you feel necessary. If you finish early, feel free to grab a seat and meditate quietly.
Choral Anthem - Yes, Jesus Loves Me
It is our responsibility to respond to God’s message. So, the song after the sermon gives us a little more time to digest God’s message and think about how we can respond appropriately. So, feel free to meditate on the message, pray, or simply enjoy the music.
Joys and Concerns
We believe God hears and answers our prayers. Not only that, but we believe in praying together so that we can encourage and support those going through difficult times, or celebrate our many blessings. For we are all God’s family. When one of us suffers, we all suffer. When one of us rejoices, we all rejoice. You are not alone. If you have any prayer requests, feel free to raise your hand until you are called upon. After each prayer request, we will say “O God of mercy” and everyone responds, “This is our prayer.” Finally, once all the prayer requests have been heard, we will close with a final prayer followed by the Lord’s prayer. If you do not know the Lord’s prayer, it will be up on the slideshow for you.
Doxology
We will first sing the doxology in English and then in Japanese.
Announcements
The announcements provide opportunities for us to put our faith into action throughout the week. Please try to see if anything interests you or challenge yourself to try something new. Volunteering is a great way to bless others, but we are often blessed ourselves in the process. You can check all the current announcements at www.ujcclife.com/events
Song of Sending Forth - O God, Our Help In Ages Past
The song of sending forth prepares our hearts to go back out into the world. You can use this song as a final opportunity to decide how to respond to the message, pray for God’s guidance, sing along, or simply enjoy the music.
Benediction
Benediction is another word for blessing. It is a short prayer said in order to bless everyone as we get ready to go back out into the world. Feel free to close your eyes and receive the blessing so that you may be strengthened and encouraged!
Postlude - Go Now In Peace
This is the final ending song for the worship service. Once the song is finished, feel free to talk to someone new, attend our small group, or make your way safely back home.