10 am Sunday 16 th August 2020 – Jesus is Transfigured!

Good morning and welcome to our word document service. During this season of the pandemic, although St James’ building has now reopened for 10 am Sunday services, we're continuing to distribute this for anyone who won't be choosing to go to the service at church at this time.  It's sort of an equivalent of what will be happening at church and will match that in terms of theme and Bible readings, and much of the liturgy.  

Opening affirmation: -

The Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.

Let us rejoice and shout for joy.

Come, Holy Spirit,

fill the hearts of your faithful people,

and kindle in us the fire of your love;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Opening hymn: Light of the World

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MmRGSEG2LM&list=RD-MmRGSEG2LM&start_radio=1

Light of the worldYou stepped down into darknessOpened my eyes, let me seeBeauty that made this heart adore youHope of a life spent with you

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King of all daysSo highly exaltedGlorious in heaven aboveHumbly you came to the earth you createdAll for love's sake became poor

Here I am to worship…

I'll never know how much it costTo see my sin upon that cross

Here I am to worshipHere I am to bow downHere I am to say that you're my GodYou're altogether lovelyAltogether worthyAltogether wonderful to mePreparation for confession

Our Lord Jesus Christ said: -The first commandment is this:‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is the only Lord.You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind,and with all your strength.’

The second is this:‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’There is no other commandment greater than these. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Amen. Lord, have mercy.

Confession

Lord God, we have sinned against you;we have done evil in your sight.We are sorry and repent.Have mercy on us according to your love.Wash away our wrongdoing and cleanse us from our sin.Renew a right spirit within us and restore us to the joy of your salvation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who in his great mercy has promised forgiveness of sins to all those who with heartfelt repentance and true faith turn to him: have mercy on us; pardon and deliver us from all our sins; confirm and strengthen us in all goodness; and bring us to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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First Reading: Romans 11: 1-2a and 29-32This is the word of the Lord – Thanks be to God

Gospel Reading: Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew Glory to You, O Lord

Matthew 17: 1-9

This is the Gospel of the Lord Praise to you O Christ.

Message: Jesus is Transfigured (Matthew 17: 1-9)

11 years ago I had the wonderful privilege of going to work with a Christian

charity called the Family Connection Foundation in Thailand that provides a home,

care and education to children who have been orphaned and abandoned. There

was one child who especially stood out from the others as being upset and angry

many of the days that I was there. Almost three years later I was able to return and

see the amazing impact of the revelation of God’s love for him. It had taken the

foundation’s staff three years of steady, patient and perseverant care but then, this

child was a boy who had visibly received healing from the hurt of being abandoned

by his mother and wanted to collect everyone’s plates with a smiling face.

This morning’s message will focus on the transfiguration of Jesus and what

this teaches us about how God, because of His great love for us, reveals Himself to

us today.

So how was Jesus revealed to Peter, James and John and what does this

teach us about how God reveals Himself to us today?

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First, the event of Jesus’ Transfiguration demonstrates that God reveals

Himself to us in SOLITARY PLACES. Matthew 17: 1 tells us that Jesus took ‘Peter,

James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by

themselves’. There they couldn’t be distracted by daily tasks and could be totally

open to the revelation that they were about to receive. We know from Luke 5: 16,

too, and other verses that Jesus Himself ‘often withdrew’ from the crowds to ‘lonely

places’ to spend time with His Father in solitude. So if He needed to do this in order

to be open to His Father God’s revelation, how much more must we need to graft

one-to-one time with God into our weekly routines?

Prayer is the place where we open ourselves up to be impacted by God. At

this point we become more aware of His presence on a daily basis – like we know

Him rather than knowing about Him. For example, those of us who like walking

around parks from time to time know that a walk in a beautiful park on a summers’

day far surpasses any episode of even the most vibrant nature programme.

We must also remember that God wants us to continually develop our

prayerful relationship with Him in a way that helps us. So if you find going to a quiet

place enables you to concentrate on God – talking to Him and listening to Him in the

quietness and through Scripture – then feel free to set time aside to go somewhere

and do this. But if listening to some reflective music or walking helps you to connect

with God, make time for that.

We must be kind to ourselves when we are aiming to develop our prayer life

because God knows that it is only as we pray more that we gain more strength to

pray more. I remember feeling very frustrated with myself as a teenager when my

thoughts would wonder during prayer onto things like whether there were any Mars

bars in the kitchen, and even now thoughts of tasks to complete can threaten to

break the sense of communion with God in prayer. In all of this we can be certain

that God understands us and will get through to us what he wants to at the right

times.

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However, we cannot escape the reality that for all of us there is a cost of time

involved because there are only 24 hours in a day. The average person in the UK

watches 3.5 hours of television a day. And it is good for us to relax and to be aware

of what is going on the in media so that we can relate to people around us well. At

the same time if adjusting our time with such activities would give us more quality

time for praying then this is a step that we can take.

As we lose some time doing other things we will gain more access to ‘the light

of the knowledge of the glory of God riches of Christ’ that Paul talks about in 2

Corinthians 4: 6. And we discover increasingly that this is a privilege. As Brother

Lawrence taught. ‘when we are faithful to keep ourselves in His holy Presence’ we

are not only protected from doing wrong, but we also receive boldness to talk freely

with God.

Second, Jesus’ transfiguration teaches that God’s revelation to us is NOT

ALWAYS CLEAR– at least not immediately. Verse 4 tells us that Peter reacted by

stating that he should put up three shelters because he ‘was frightened’ and ‘’did not

know what to say’. This is a reference to the booths that were used by the Israelites

in Old Testament times to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, when they stayed in

booths for 7 days (Lev. 23:34–42). Peter wanted to stay in that safe place.

In the verses before the Transfiguration passage (from verse 21 of chapter 16

of Matthew) we see that before this event Jesus had predicted His upcoming death,

so seeing this revelation of Jesus with ‘dazzling white’ clothes would have given

these disciples some encouragement at this time. Yet it is unsurprising that such a

dramatic event would have sparked feelings of fear and confusion at first.

When God speaks to us, we too can feel afraid or confused. For example,

God may reveal to us that He wants us to visit someone who is depressed, ill or

grieving, and a feeling of inadequacy can fill our minds as we wonder what on earth

we can say or do to help. Yet as we are obedient to simply go and just be with

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those individuals, we point to the truth of how our God is faithful and stays with us

whatever we face. Like the staff at the Family Connection Foundation in Thailand, if

we are committed to do what God tells us to do even when progress is not clear and

certain, we can see lives changed.

As well as feeling fearful, Peter’s reaction shows that we can also be

DISTURBED by God’s revealing of His will to us. It can threaten to make us feel

overwhelmed or confused so as we question whether God really is speaking to us.

Time and time again in the Bible we read examples of people God chose to work

through who were far from content to just obediently submit to do what God had told

them to.

We might recall Jonah ending up in the belly of a large fish because he

wouldn’t go to Nineveh, or Moses in Exodus pleading with God because he knew

that he was not influential so as to presume to stand before the Pharaoh of Egypt

and ask for the Israelite’s freedom. Alternatively we might think in the New

Testament of the rich young ruler who was afraid to give up his wealth to follow

Jesus (Luke 18:18-23).

Third, in verses 9 of the Transfiguration passage we see that God gives us

revelation within time frames that He sets, and that this involves WAITING. We may

often think of times of waiting as passive times in which we are doing nothing and

that we just want to be ‘over’ so that we can be productive. Our society tells us that

we should be ‘doing’ things and that being busy means that we are successful. But

Jesus told Peter, James and John to wait before telling anyone about His identity.

Verse 9 says that Jesus instructed them to not to tell anyone’ until after the

resurrection of the Son of Man.

In the light of the disciples’ confusion, we learn that it was Jesus’ intention that

they experience a time of waiting – and that they experience the uncertainty and

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confusion that these times often bring. It was only long after Jesus’ resurrection that

Christians have been able to see the revelation clearly to enable a soundly confident

explanation of verse 9. It is only with this benefit of hindsight that Bible

commentators were able to explain simply that Jesus had told them not to tell

anyone about His Transfiguration because He wanted His identity to be proclaimed

to the world – once it had been fully shown through His resurrection.

So we see that waiting is an important tool that God uses to mould and shape

us for His service, and that rather than being a passive process, it is active. Just like

for Peter, John and James, for us too today, it involves patient perseverance. When

we’re not sure what God is saying to us, we can have peace about this. As we aim

to walk with God each day we don’t need to worry about not having a clear picture of

what God is doing – just a willingness to be open to see and hear. God works in the

waiting to sanctify us. Amen.

Song: Great is Thy Faithfulnesshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTKIqmdfHSk

“Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father,There is no shadow of turning with Thee;Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail notAs Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be. “Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!” Morning by morning new mercies I see;All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—

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“Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,Join with all nature in manifold witnessTo Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

The CreedLet us affirm our faith in Jesus Christ the Son of God:

Though he was divine, he did not cling toequality with God, but made himself nothing.Taking the form of a slave, he was born in human likeness.He humbled himself and was obedient to death,even the death of the cross. Therefore God has raised him on high, and given him the name above every name:That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,and every voice proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Prayers of intercession

As children together in the family of God, let us pray now to our Father in heaven…

Lord, we pray that as Christians we may listen more attentively and with greater urgency than ever before to the words of Jesus; give us more awareness of your presence with us, both in our worship and in our daily lives and give us the courage to live out your truth with joy.

Lord in your mercy… Hear our prayer.

Lord of light, transfigure us, increase our vision and reveal your glory. We pray for the world-wide Christian Church in all its wonderful diversity, bringing the elements

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of different cultures into their worship and in the service of our Lord Jesus Christ. Especially we pray for those churches who meet together in difficult and often dangerous circumstances. Let them know and feel your all-abiding presence to both uphold their courage and strengthen their faith.

Transform our darkest places with your light. In our own church we pray for all those who give their time, talents and money generously to build your Kingdom here in this place. We pray for every member of this congregation and ask that you bless us all this coming week.

Lord in your mercy… Hear our prayer.

Lord of light; transfigure our towns and our cities. We pray for areas of danger, for places of corruption, for poor housing and for the homeless. Help us to be more like you in our dealings with the marginalised of our society, Lord and transform, through us, our places of poverty; change our attitudes for the better towards each other.

Lord in your mercy… Hear our prayer.

Lord of light; transfigure our homes, that they may be radiant with your presence. Make them homes of peace and kindliness, of holiness and hospitality, of grace and goodness; that you may be known to be among us. Lord help us to be more outward looking, to care for our neighbours, to be more aware of the needs of the people around us.

Lord in your mercy… Hear our prayer.

Lord of light and love; transfigure our hospitals and nursing homes. We pray for the work and devotion of Carers whose skill and compassion bring both material and spiritual comfort at times of need. We ask your loving compassion on all whose lives have been marred by tragedy of any kind. We pray for all who are downcast or fearful. We remember those who await a doctor’s diagnosis or an operation. We pray for all who seek healing and hope. We bring before you those most in need in our own community, the elderly, the housebound and those in care. From our own church family we pray for ………………………..(see the weekly notice sheet)

Lord in your mercy… Hear our prayer.

We give thanks for all who have passed beyond death and been transformed in your

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glorious kingdom: for the saints, for loved ones departed; that we like them may come to the fullness of your presence.

Father, we thank you for our brother Les’ life and for the glimpses of glory you give us in this life, for your friendship and your promise to be with us always.

Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

(adapted from: http://stcuthbertschurch.weebly.com/uploads/6/8/3/4/6

834541/04._prayers_for_sunday_next_before_lent_yearb.pdf)

An act of Spiritual Communion

Reflect on the day and on your relationships

What good things have come from God today? Where have I fallen short? What might I do tomorrow?

Lord have mercyChrist have mercyLord have mercy

Jesus said “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:35

Pray for the needs of the world, for your local community, and for those close to you. End with the Lord’s prayer

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.Give us today our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours.Now and forever. Amen

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Give thanks for the saving death and resurrection of Jesus and ask him to be with you now.

Thanks be to you, Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits you have given me, for all the pains and insults you have born for me.Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, I ask you to come spiritually into my heart. O most merciful redeemer, friend and brother, may I know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, day by day. Amen

You might then add one or more of the following prayers

Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your disciples, “I am with you always”. Be with me today, as I offer myself to you. Hear my prayers for others and for myself, and keep me in your care. Amen

O God, help me to trust you, help me to know that you are with me, help me to believe that nothing can separate me from your love, revealed in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Lord, in these days of mercy, make us quiet and prayerful; in these days of challenge, make us stronger in you; in these days of emptiness, take possession of us; in these days of waiting, open our hearts to the mystery of your cross. Amen

Conclude with the following: -

The Lord bless us, and preserve us from all evil, and keep us in eternal life. Amen

Final song: May the Fragrance

May the fragrance of Jesus fill this place. (Men)May the fragrance of Jesus fill this place. (Women)

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May the fragrance of Jesus fill this place. (Men)Lovely fragrance of Jesus, (Women)Rising from the sacrifice (All)Of lives laid down in adoration.

May the glory of Jesus fill His church. (Men)May the glory of Jesus fill His church. (Women)May the glory of Jesus fill His church. (Men)Radiant glory of Jesus, (Women)Shining from our faces (All)As we gaze in adoration.

May the beauty of Jesus fill my life. (Men)May the beauty of Jesus fill my life. (Women)May the beauty of Jesus fill my life. (Men)Perfect beauty of Jesus, (Women)Fill my thoughts, my words, my deeds, (All)My all I give in adoration. (Graham Kendrick, 1986)

BlessingMay Christ, who out of defeatbrings new hope and a new future,fill you with His new life;and the blessing of God Almighty: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be with you this morning and always. Amen.

God of power,may the boldness of your Spirit transform us,may the gentleness of your Spirit lead us,may the gifts of your Spirit equip us to serve and worship younow and always. Amen.

LET’S KEEP PRAYING FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY’S SAFETY, PEACE & JOY THIS WEEK…

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Resources for children and young people

A brief reminder of these resources that have previously been shared. More content for children and young people to be developed in the coming weeks…

For younger children: The free Bible App for Kids: Audio & Interactive Stories

= https://bibleappforkids.com/storybook

For 8-11s: For Children: Make & Pray videos = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNGBZJxEQXE

For Youth: The Way Youtube Channel = https://www.youtube.com/c/TheWaychannel/featured

Carol has provided the following activities for our children:-

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Matthew 17:1-9 - The Transfiguration

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After six days, Jesus took with Him Peter, James and John the brother of James,

and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before

them. His face shone like the sun and His clothes became as white as the light.

Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter

said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three

shelters – one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” While he was still

speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is

my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” When the

disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and

touched them. “Get up,” He said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw

no-one except Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed

them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised

from the dead.”

Can you answer these questions? Discuss the answers with an adult?

1. Who were Peter, James and John and why did Jesus only take these 3 up the

mountain?

2. What does transfigured mean and why do you think Jesus was transfigured?

3. Why did Jesus meet with Moses and Elijah? Who were they?

4. Why did Peter want to put up three shelters (tents)?

5. Who did the voice belong to?

6. What did Jesus ask the disciples not to do and why?

Prayer

Dear Father,2

Thank you for giving us your only Son, Jesus. Thank you for showing us His full

deity through the passage in Matthew 17:1-9. We acknowledge Jesus as our Lord

and Saviour. Help us to be obedient to you through Jesus, knowing you love us

more than we could ever imagine. In Jesus’ name.

Amen

Activities

1. Re-read the Bible passage and (making one model at a time with all of your

clay/play dough and changing the whole model to create the next word) create

a model for all the words in red and then, after a practise, tell the story to

someone using your models.

2. Create a picture of the story using paper, felt pens and cotton wool. Use

strands of orange, red and yellow cotton/string to surround Jesus, Elijah and

Moses.

3. Memorise this verse in this passage:

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from

the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.

Listen to him!”

Will you be able to remember this verse in a week’s time?

4. Colour in the picture.

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