Worship and Devotions

Last Sunday After Epiphany - Transfiguration Of Our Lord

February 15, 2026

Welcome visitors and old friends. Welcome regardless of belief, ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender, socio-economic status, marital status, age, abilities, or life situation. Welcome believers and doubters as well as doubting believers. Welcome to share the fullness of Christ's love for the world! (Adapted from The welcome message from the Thomas Community in Finland. "Celebrating milestone moments" by Rev. Jukka Joensuu. Canada Lutheran January/February 2024 Vol. 39 No. 1; chorus of ELW 523)

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.

Music

Shine, Jesus, Shine

Shine Jesus Shine (with lyrics)

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 Saviour and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Music

Dazzling Presence On The Mountain

Dazzling Presence on the Mountain - ELW/ACS 917

Readings

Exodus 24:12-18; Psalm 2; Psalm 99;2 Peter 1:16-21

Gospel - Matthew 17:1-9

Glory to you, O Lord.

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 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 bright as light. 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 set up three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud 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 raised their eyes, 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.”

Praise to you, O Christ.

Music

How Good, Lord, To Be Here

How Good, Lord, To Be Here - Elw 315

Sermon

https://youtu.be/2heSDzj3BF8

Prayers of Intercession

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.

Lord Jesus Christ, your own mother looked on when your life ended in violence. Our hearts are pierced with grief and anger at the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge. We commend the slain to your wounded hands, and their loved ones to your merciful heart, trusting only in the promise that your love is stronger than death, and that even now, you live and reign forever and ever. Amen. (ACS p. 49) Merciful God, receive our prayer.

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. Merciful God, receive 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. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Peacemaking God, the nations are in turmoil. We pray for an end to violent conflict. Give wisdom to negotiators. Bring calm where there is fear, clarity where there is confusion, and restraint where there is anger or despair. Where systems oppress and voices are silenced, raise up pathways of accountability, reconciliation and peace. May peace be built on justice, equality, and the recognition that every human life is sacred. Let your church in these places be a living sign of your grace and a place of truth, accompaniment, and hope for all who suffer. Give sanctuary to refugees and defend any who are in danger. Merciful God, receive our prayer. (Adapted from prayer from Bishop the Rev. Dr. Larry Kochendorfer and from Sundays & Seasons, © 2025 Augsburg Fortress)

Healing God, you desire wholeness for all people. Bring healing to any are experiencing illness, chronic pain, or mental anguish. Comfort the dying and those who grieve. Inspire all who prepare, lead, and participate in worship to serve you with reverence and joy. Merciful God, receive our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

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. Merciful God, receive 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 Saviour. Amen.