February 15, 2026
WELCOME TO TRANSFIGURATION SUNDAY!!
BAPTISMAL SUNDAY
A Service of Prayer, of Song, of Meditation, and of a “Dramatic Change of Appearance”
Lead Minister: The Rev. Jope Langejans
Music Director: Cody Obst
Minister Emeritus: Rev. Gerry Scharff
Honorary Associate Ministers: Rev. Clint Mooney & Rev. Kelley Warner
Chair of Council: Vacant
Reader: Elizabeth Wegg
“My concept on the ‘Transfiguration’ is that it’s not about Jesus at all…it is really a way to get our attention so that God could tell us to stop talking and to truly listen.” (JL)
Gathering
(*Indicates that you may stand if you are able…)
PRELUDE
INTROIT MV # 162 “Christ, within Us Hidden”
LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE (Rev. Jope)
There are many troubling issues which face our world today. The desert fathers and mothers of the fourth century attempted to escape these sorts of realities by living in the desert and its mountains. However, they soon learned that the real fierce terrain they had to navigate was within themselves. The mountains around them were symbolic of the spiritual ascent to God they would need to make if they were to live without fear and fulfill God’s purpose for their lives. So, with these thoughts in mind, we open ourselves to this worship-time and we, together, light the candle of Christ and bring light into our worship-space and into our world…(Lighting of the Christ Candle)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ACKNOWLEDGING THE TERRITORY (Leader)
OPENING CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive)
Rev. Jope: As the season of Lent approaches, may we find ourselves bathed in the transfiguring brilliance of something new in our lives during this worship service.
ALL: May each of us know that what was…was. Through Epiphany, we have been walking in the light of Christ. Now we focus upon all of the new things which come.
Rev. Jope: Some of us may have had ‘mountain-top’ experiences and it is in this time of worship where we focus upon these. Next week, the light of our faith will guide us into the gathering shadows of Lent, so we need to change our focus and go deeper or possibly higher.
ALL: And it is in sharing and in caring where we come together and listen to each other’s hopes, dreams, and visions for our lives and for our faith community.
Rev. Jope: We come together to seek your presence and to bring your Spirit into our lives. It is through worship where we open our hearts to holiness.
ALL: We are now ready…may this time be meaningful, transforming, and truly transfiguring!
Rev. Jope: In this place and in this time, may we all come with open hearts and open minds as we journey once again into the heights of our ‘proverbial mountains’.
ALL: And we once again say, “Come, for now is the time to worship – come, for now is the time to open ourselves to the Spirit. All who are thirsty, come to the fountain and let us dip our hearts in the stream of life”.
Opening Prayer: (Unison) O Mysterious Spirit dancing in the shadows of our lives, filling each of us with your presence. Flow through our minds and our bodies so that we may become familiar with the unusual. Tear the fabric of our lives that we may be open to your source of unending love. Engage our being in the hospitable action of love that sources us at every turn. Open to us, experiences never imagined or expected. It is upon this Transfiguration Sunday where we climb together, up the mountainside, and sit in awe as the Spirit becomes oh so visible! As Jesus becomes transformed may each of us also herald the transformation within ourselves. Calm our fears, direct our sight to what is of importance, and move all of us in directions of your peace in our families, in the places we live, and in our world. Make this time of worship a time where positive changes happen inside ourselves…we pray these words in the name of the one who was sent to show us the way...Amen
ASSURANCE of PARDON (Rev. Jope)
Be assured of God’s steadfast love and compassion. We are never alone; never left to struggle alone in whatever guilt we feel or burdens we carry. Our Merciful God forgives us, guides us, and holds us, now and forever…Amen.
*HYMN MV # 161 “I Have called You by Your Name”
MEDITATION (Rev. Jope) What is Baptism?
Sacrament of Holy Baptism
Hart James Douglas
(During the Baptism, you will be invited to share in these words…)
ALL: We are not alone; we live in God’s world. We believe in God: who has created and is creating, who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh, to reconcile and make new, and who works in us and others by the Spirit. We trust in God. We are called to be the Church: to celebrate God’s presence, to live with respect in Creation, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope. In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God.
Hymn (following Baptism) VU # 454 “May God Who Creates You”
Engaging the Sacred Text
(Reader: Elizabeth Wegg)
FIRST SCRIPTURE
EXODUS 24:12-18 (62) God calls Moses up the mountain…
SECOND SCRIPTURE
2 PETER 1:16-21 (926) The morning star rises in your hearts…
HYMN of ILLUMINATION VU # 103 “How Good, Lord, to Be Here”
GOSPEL PASSAGE
MATTHEW 17:1-9 (798) Jesus transfigured on the mountain…
SERMON / MESSAGE / HOMILY
“Come With Me…Up The Mountain”
*HYMN MV # 58 “We Sing of Your Glory”
Responding
OFFERING INVITATION (Leader)
Creator God, we thank you for the ability to share our time, talents, and finances to further your work in this world. We ask that you bless these gifts that they may provide for our neighbours near and far. In the name of the Living Christ…Amen.
CHOIR’S MUSICAL SELECTION “Be the Change” by: Laura Farnell
PRAYER of DEDICATION (Rev. Jope)
CLOSING PRAYER (Rev. Jope) “Will You Be My Valentine?” (Joyce Rupp)
LORD’S PRAYER
Blessing
COMMISSIONING (unison)
You are strengthened by the glimpse of glory. Your true worship gives you courage to proclaim God’s love. Now, may the God of transformation give you power so that your lives prove you to be God’s people.. We go with joy to live out holy love …Amen.
*HYMN MV # 156 “Dance With the Spirit” (dance, move, sing, dance)
BLESSING (Rev. Jope)
RECESSIONAL
POSTLUDE MUSIC
GO IN TRANSFIGURATION WONDER
SCRIPTURE PASSAGES for SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22
First Sunday in the Season of Lent
GENESIS 2:15-17, 3:1-7
PSALM 32
ROMANS 5:12-19
MATTHEW 4:1-11