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Transfiguration Sunday

Kurt Christenson

Sunday, March 2, 2025

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TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD

Magnifying Christ’s Light

March 2, 2025

10:00 a.m.

PRELUDE O Christ, Our Light, O Radiance true

settings by Paul Manz and Mark Sedio

"O Jesu Christe, wahres Licht" (literally: O Jesus Christ, true light) is a Lutheran hymn by the German Baroque poet, Lutheran minister and hymn-writer Johann Heermann. The text was first published in 1630 during the Thirty Years' War. It is a prayer for enlightenment of those who are ignorant, and of those who turned away. It was associated with a melody from Nürnberg, dating to 1676. It was translated to English as "O Christ, our true and only light". Heermann lived in Köben, Silesia, when he wrote the hymn, an area which suffered under the war. The town was plundered four times. Several times, he lost his possessions and had to flee for his life.He and his congregation also suffered under the Counter-Reformation.

“Shine on the darkened and the cold; | Recall the wand'rers to Your fold.

Unite all those who walk apart; | Confirm the weak and doubting heart,”

WELCOME

SOLA GRATIA +

THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM

Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, the fountain of living water, the rock who gave us birth, our light and our salvation. Amen.

Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism, we are clothed with God's mercy and forgiveness.

Let us give thanks for the gift of baptism.

We give you thanks, O God, for in the beginning your Spirit moved over the waters and by your Word you created the world, calling forth life in which you took delight.

Through the waters of the flood you delivered Noah and his family. Through the sea you led your people Israel from slavery into freedom. At the river your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Holy Spirit.

By water and your Word you claim us as daughters and sons,

making us heirs of your promise and servants of all.

We praise you for the gift of water that sustains life, and above all we praise you for the gift of new life in Jesus Christ.

Shower us with your Spirit, and renew our lives with your forgiveness, grace, and love.

To you be given honor and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

GATHERING HYMN Dazzling Presence on the Mountain

sung to the tune Nettleton, ”Come thou Font of Every Blessing”

Dazzling presence on the mountain: human eye had never seen

such a wonder, such resplendence, heav'n and earth in cloud convene.

"This is my Son, the beloved," thund'rous voice from cloud exclaimed.

Word made flesh to heal creation, to disciples God proclaimed.

From this mount of mystic splendor to the cross Christ presses on;

here no Moses nor Elijah, only thieves Christ's wings adorn.

"Lord, have mercy, Christ, have mercy," was one's penitential sigh.

With transfiguring assurance, Christ rejoins his fervent cry.

From the heights of new creation, Christ beholds his world, redeemed;

as with Peter and companions, brings us now to sights unseen.

Justice, mercy, and compassion: these the booths he bids us build,

that the earth he loves may flourish as each life with grace is filled.

Let our praise ring from each mountain, into deepest valleys pour,

where, with lives of grateful service, we adore Christ evermore.

To the Son, God's own beloved, and the Spirit endlessly,

may the church's praise be lifted to the blessed Trinity.

Text: Paul E. Hoffman, b. 1956

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Let us pray together: Holy God, mighty and immortal, you are beyond our knowing, yet we see your glory in the face of Jesus Christ. Transform us into the likeness of your Son, who renewed our humanity so that we may share in his divinity, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

SOLA SCRIPTURA +

READING FROM THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES: Exodus 34:29-35

Moses’ face shone with the reflected glory of God after he received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. The sight caused the Israelites to be afraid, so Moses wore a veil to mask the radiance of God’s glory, taking it off when he spoke directly with God.

29 Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. 30 When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him. 31 But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them. 32 Afterward all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. 33 When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; 34 but whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, 35 the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining; and Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him.

Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.

PSALM God, Give Us Eyes to See Your Reign Choir

God, give us eyes to see your reign, a slowly growing light

transfiguring our common world, restoring faith’s dim sight.

Illumine eyes in shadow’s gloom where hate and greed hold sway,

for darkness is as light to you and you make bright our way.

God, give us ears to hear your voice amid the noise of life

that speaks a word of faith and hope and calms our inner strife.

Lord, tune our ears to hear the pain of ev’ry child that cries,

who mourns injustice, hate, and war: your voice in human guise.

God, give us hands to do your work, to shape with love and care

the facets of your peaceful reign for all the world to share.

Restrain our hands from wasted work that strives for private gain,

that build up monuments of wealth and add to human pain.

God, give us tongues to praise your works, and voices to proclaim

the story of redeeming love, the glory of your Name.

Embolden us to join the sound of tortured cries unheard,

to call on all to hear your voice, the justice-speaking Word.

God, give us eyes to see your reign and ears to hear your voice,

strong hands to do your kingdom’s work and voices to rejoice—

that all our senses be employed in yet unfathomed ways

till work and worship are as one in lives of endless praise.

Music: GROWING LIGHT; Randall Sensmeier, b.1948

EPISTLE LESSON: 2 Corinthians 3:12 - 4:2

In his debates with the Corinthians, Paul contrasts the glory of Moses with the glory of Christ. The Israelites could not see Moses’ face because of the veil. But in Christ we see the unveiled glory of God and are transformed into Christ’s likeness.

12 Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, 13 not like Moses, who put a veil over his face to keep the people of Israel from gazing at the end of the glory that was being set aside. 14 But their minds were hardened. Indeed, to this very day, when they hear the reading of the old covenant, that same veil is still there, since only in Christ is it set aside. 15 Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; 16 but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.

4:1 Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God’s word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God.

Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

GOSPEL: Luke 9:28-36 Glory to you, O Lord.

The conversation about Jesus’ suffering and death is enclosed in a dazzling foreshadowing of the resurrection. God affirms Jesus’ identity, the disciples are stunned speechless, and Jesus resumes his mission with a demonstration of his power over evil.

28 Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. 30 Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. 31 They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33 Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. 34 While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. 35 Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” 36 When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.

37 On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. 38 Just then a man from the crowd shouted, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child. 39 Suddenly a spirit seizes him, and all at once he shrieks. It convulses him until he foams at the mouth; it mauls him and will scarcely leave him. 40 I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.” 41 Jesus answered, “You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.” 42 While he was coming, the demon dashed him to the ground in convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. 43a And all were astounded at the greatness of God.

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON Pastor Kurt

SOLA FIDE +

HYMN OF THE DAY How Good Lord To Be Here

MISSION MOMENT Magnifying Christ’s Light Erin Pfaff

OFFERING

Give online using the QR code to the right

or Text “Give” to (866) 870-5222

Music Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus

"Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus," is a hymn that encapsulates this process of learning to rise. Just as a seed is sown to rise again, and as a branch leafs out from its root, we too follow Jesus' leading, "full of faith and hope and love."

The text, written by the Bohemian poet Sigismund von Birken in the 1600s, speaks about this blending of our lives with the poured-out-and-risen life of Jesus in its fourth stanza: "Let us also live with Jesus. He has risen from the dead that to life we may awaken. Jesus, you are now our head, we are your own living members; Where you live, there we shall be in your presence constantly, living there with you forever. Jesus, let me faithful be, life eternal grant to me." Tune written in 1788 by the teacher and musician Georg Boltze who served as musician and teacher in an orphanage in Potsdam, Germany.

OFFERING PRAYER

God of mercy and grace, the eyes of all wait upon you; you open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. Fill us with all the good at your table that we may, in turn, come to the help of all in need through Jesus Christ, our redeemer, and Lord.

Amen.

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION *each petition will end with the phrase

“God of grace,” your response is “hear our prayer.”

APOSTLES CREED We share together in the ancient story of faith.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

EXCHANGE OF PEACE

The Peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you.

COMMUNION LITURGY FOR EPIPHANY

Come and see! …. Come, let us gather around the table and prepare to meet him.

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, … with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER

In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, …

… Send now, we pray, your Holy Spirit, that we who share in Christ’s body and blood may live to the praise of your glory and receive our inheritance with all your saints in light.

OUR LORD'S PRAYER

Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION

The joy of the Lord is our strength. Come, let us share this meal of gladness.

COMMUNION DISTRIBUTION

First Lutheran invites all who trust that God is fully present in the bread and wine, however rich in mystery that might be for you, to join us at the Table of Grace and Thanksgiving. In the center of each tray there is white grape juice for those who prefer. We also have gluten free wafers. If you wish for those please indicate when you reach Pastor.

AGNUS DEI

COMMUNION HYMN Beautiful Savior

COMMUNION BLESSING & PRAYER

Now may the body and blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ strengthen and keep you in his grace. Amen.

Nourishing God, at this table you have refreshed us with holy gifts of food and drink.

Strengthen us for service, and send us out to embody your good news of liberation and healing for the sake of the world. In the name of Christ we pray, Amen.

NUNC DIMITTIS

Lord, now you let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled.

My own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people: A light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen

SENDING SONG Christ Be Our Light

2 Longing for peace, our world is troubled. / Longing for hope, many despair.

Your word alone has pow'r to save us. / Make us your living voice. Refrain

4 Longing for shelter, many are homeless. / Longing for warmth, many are cold.

Make us your building, sheltering others, / walls made of living stone. Refrain

5 Light of the World and light of creation. / Shine in this place and teach us to be

Beacons of love for all your people / Hope for a world in need.

5 composed by Rev. Bill Radatz

BLESSING & BENEDICTION

The Spirit of the triune God bless you with joy, anoint you with compassion,

and send you in love. Amen.

Go in peace. Live in Hope. Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE

Beautiful Saviour arr. David Cherwien and Diane Bish

"Fairest Lord Jesus", also known as "Beautiful Savior" , was originally a hymn in German first printed in 1677, "Schönster Herr Jesu".The tune, originally a Silesian folk song, and the German text were printed together for the first time in 1842 by Hoffmann von Fallersleben and Richter under the name Schönster Herr Jesu (Most beautiful Lord Jesus). The most famous English arrangement of the hymn titled "Beautiful Savior" was composed by F. Melius Christiansen in 1919 and serves as the flagship choral anthem of The St. Olaf Choir to this day.

Flowers given to the Glory of Christ’s Radiance in All Our Lives by Paul and Bill Engel

The Rev. Kurt Christenson, Pastor

Bill Engel, Music Director

Earl Vaults, Tenor Sax

Paul Engel, Cantor

Jan Neuhaus, Lector

Mary Ann Horton, Assisting Minister

David Pohl, Joann Masters, Randy Sensmeier, Joyce Sensmeier, Paul Engel,

Ellen Beck Jan Neuhaus, Billie Thompson, Elizabeth Connolly, Victoria Pearson, Singers

Brian Jensen, Rebecca Kjonegaard, Melodie Baker, Sound, Video, & Computer

Ruth Clayton, Melinda Person, Dan Kjonegaard, Ushers

Hymns, Prayers, Liturgy

from Sundays and Seasons 2020, Year C

reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies annual license #SB137579

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Keeping it out Front…Our Strategic Ministry At Work

First Lutheran Church Congregational Priorities:

Connecting with each other
Fostering leadership
Attending to our Virtual Community
Incorporating Children, Youth, & Families into the Life of the Congregation.
Justice focus of Anti-Racism, Diversity and Racial Justice

“Magnifying Christ’s Light” Capital Appeal

TODAY after worship: Mardi Gras Brunch for all

Join us after worship for a grand Mardi Gras Brunch. We will feast like it’s Shrove Tuesday! At the brunch, we will be kicking off our Magnifying Christ's Light Capital Appeal. You will hear about the appeal, the plan for the funds, have the opportunity to ask questions, and receive your Appeal Packet all while enjoying delicious New Orleans Mardi Gras cuisine. Come for the food, come for the fellowship, come to hear how we are Magnifying Christ's Light here at the corner of Third and Ash!

Lenten Weekly Schedule

Ash Wednesday: March 5

Services will be held at 7:00am in the chapel, 12:00 (live-streamed), and 5:30pm in the sanctuary. This is a powerful time for reflection, confession and to acknowledge our human mortality with the ancient practice of imposition of ashes.

Then each of the five Wednesdays in lent March 12-April 9 we gather for time together.

4:30 City Walk: this is an hour walk (stroll) together through our city. A reflection is offered at each stop along the way. Meet Pastor Kurt in the Courtyard.

5:45 Soup & Salad Dinner: we gather for a simple meal in the lounge for strengthening existing relationships and meeting new folks. Our meals echo the disciples gathering with Jesus for nourishment.

6:30 Evening Prayer: We gather in the sanctuary to sing evening prayer together. There are many musical settings to the classic form. We use one developed at Holden Village and written by Marty Haugen.

7:00 Classes: Following Evening Prayer it is traditional for us to share together in a new learning. This year Pastor Kurt will be teaching out of a new book titled Ordinary Mysteries: Faith, Doubt and Meaning by James Hazelwood. You can find it online in digital, paperback or hardcover form. If you are committed to the class but cannot afford a copy please contact Pastor Kurt. There will be five classes on the Wednesdays between Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday. The class will also be streamed on Zoom.

TOMORROW: FLC Night at TACO

Fellow FLC volunteers, March 3 is the first Monday of March and our evening to assist with serving dinner at TACO. Please consider giving 2 hours of your time for this worthwhile and heartwarming experience. If you can give of your time from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Monday March 3, please let Joann Masters know, either at church or by email: jbmasters56@gmail.com, and she'll take care of signing you up. Come join the fun! Looking forward to seeing you there.

March Book Group News

There will be no Book Group meeting in March so that we can immerse ourselves in Lent.

Our next meeting will be Thursday, April 24. That is the 4th Thursday instead of our usual third Tuesday, as April 17 falls in Holy Week. If you would like to get a head start, the April book is The Best of Us by Joyce Maynard. More details to follow in April.

Zydeco Mass on Fat Tuesday (March 4) at St. Paul’s

Each year, St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral holds the Zydeco Mass on Fat Tuesday. The service includes the historical liturgy for "Shrove Tuesday" (the day before Lent begins). Since this service is held on Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras, the Cathedral brings in The Zydeco Patrol (San Diego's favorite Zydeco band) to provide the worship music. Attendees are encouraged to wear their beads and feathers, and hats and costumes as they celebrate mass, and "Dance their offering" up to the plate in front. It is a church service you will never forget! Please join Beth and Joe Slevcove, and Pastor Kurt and Colleen at 5:45 pm on March 4 when the music begins. The actual service runs from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.

St. Paul's Cathedral is located at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Nutmeg Street in Hillcrest. For more information, or if you plan to go, call Beth Slevcove at 619-990-7538 to let her know, and to learn about an impromptu pre-dinner picnic across the street before the service begins.

Save the date: April 4th Shabbat Dinner at FLC

The Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center in La Jolla hosts Shine A Light Shabbat Dinners in churches across the county as part of a powerful effort to stand against anti-semitism and build one-on-one relationships. The JCC and our Jewish communal partners will handle all the logistics: food, staffing, and preparation. This initiative is a wonderful opportunity to share experiences, break bread together, and nurture fellowship between our communities. In times when division can feel overwhelming, moments of connection like these are more important than ever. Please join us! More details to come.

TACO Bites

TACO is welcoming a new chef to the team! Please welcome Chef Bobby if you see him around.
TACO is looking for a few committed helpers to plan the launch of a 30th anniversary giving campaign. If you're interested, please contact Lorena at lorena@tacosd.org.
It's winter, and TACO is in immediate need of bags, blankets, mens' pants, mens' shoes, and mens' hoodies. Any donations are always welcome, but these items are in great demand right now.

This week at FLC

Monday	12:00 AA in the lounge 3:00 FLC night at TACO
Tuesday	5:45 Zydeco Mass at St. Paul’s Episcopal
Wednesday	10:00 TACO Starbucks and snacks; Clothing closet
Thursday	12:00 Al Anon in the library
Friday	9:00 TACO meal 12:00 AA in the lobby
Sunday	9:00 Bible Study 10:00 Worship 3:00 Chinese Bible Church Worship