Liturgy

Welcome, Vox family,
to this sacred space and time.
Let’s take a moment to pause,
take a deep breath,
and welcome the Spirit.

If you entered with shame today, release it,
for God does not define you by shame.

If you entered with pain today,
acknowledge it, for God
cares about your pain.

If you entered with fear today,
welcome it, for God will see
you through your fears.

We invite the Spirit into our
vulnerable places this morning.

May this love heal us and
unite us together as one family.

In the name of God, Our Creator,
Christ, Our Redeemer,
And the Holy Spirit, Our Breath of Life.
Amen.

(Gina Bastone-Trevino)

Scripture Reading

We invite you to hear from the reading of Matthew 17: 1-8.

1 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother
John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2 And he was
transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his
clothes became dazzling white.

3 Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking
with him. 4 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.”

5 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!”

6 When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and
were overcome by fear. 7 But Jesus came and touched them,
saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” 8 And when they looked
up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!
The Good News of Christ. Praise be to you, O Christ!

The grass withers and the flower fades,
but the Word of the Lord endures forever. Amen.

Sermon and Reflection

Sermon Podcast 2.23.20 – Facing Our Fear

How is fear shrinking my perspective on God, myself, others, or what’s possible?

What would happen if I allowed Jesus to come alongside me and give me a new perspective?

What “leap” am I afraid of taking in my relationship with God?

Benediction

Beloved family of God:
open your hands now and receive
these words from a God who loves you:

do not let your hearts be troubled,
do not let them be afraid.

Do not let your hearts be troubled, for I am
with you to the very ends of the age.

Do not let your hearts be troubled,
my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Do not let your hearts be troubled,
my peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you.

So go in the name
of God, the Creator,
of Christ, the Risen King,
and of the Holy Spirit, our Comforter.
Amen.

(Luke Helm)

Go in peace and live the church.
See you throughout the week.

[Photo by Sayaka M @ Flickr]