Celebration in WorshipTransfiguration of Our Lord Sunday

February 23, 2020

We believe the words of Jesus reflect the heart of the Divine:

“I will never turn away anyone who comes to me.” John 6:37

GATHERING AROUND THE WORD

PRAYER OF PREPARATION Holy One, Light of light, God of all creation, long ago you showed yourself to the disciples in Jesus’ transfiguration— his face glowing like a field of daffodils on a bright, spring morning. Shine in us, around us, and through us, that the world may see your glory in the faces of your people— faces transfigured in the light of your love. Amen.

PRELUDE       Aria Flor Peeters

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS (Responsive)    The Lord be with you.        And also with you.

BELL CHOIR INTROIT The Good Shepherd arr. Michael Helman

*CALL TO WORSHIP (Exodus 24, Matthew 17)As God called to Moses from the mountain,we are called to be God’s people.As Jesus called the disciples to climb with him to the peak of another mountain,we are called to follow wherever Christ leads.As the disciples stood in awe at the sound of God’s voice,we are called to worship in wonder and praise.Let us meet together here, away from the distractions of the world.Come! Says Jesus. Come up to the Holy Mountain! Come! Says the Lord. Come up to the Holy Mountain! I am the Sovereign and Holy One. Do not be afraid.Come! Let us worship God!

*HYMN 191 We Have Come at Christ’s Own Bidding                  

CALL TO CONFESSIONWe wait for God to show up, and while waiting, do not notice the words we might have spoken, the good we could have done.  Let us confess to our God, who waits to surround us with grace and hope, as we pray together responsively:

PRAYER OF CONFESSIONGod of Mercy and Grace, you come to us in Jesus of Nazareth to break down the dividing walls of hostility between us: Yet we maintain walls that separate and isolate.You give us the ministry of reconciliation:

Yet we nurse our wounds and withhold mercy and forgiveness.You invite us to join with Peter, James, and John on the mountain of Transfiguration: Yet we deny the wonders you have worked in our own lives.You ask us to acknowledge and share our wealth:Yet we refuse to recognize and relieve the poverty around us.You bless our lives with boundless love: Yet we fail to witness to that love, and so keep others from knowing you.Holy God of Light, You know our hearts, our triumphs, and our disasters.Take us as we are; love us as we are; join with us and transform us into your holy ones.

A period of silent prayer is observed.

PROCLAIMING THE WORD

ASSURANCE OF GRACEOn mountaintops and in valleys, in moments when our lives are shrouded as well as when we reflect Christ’s light, God is with us, declaring we are the beloved!In this moment, in every moment, may we glimpse the grace of God which comes and transfigures our lives. Thanks be to God, we are forgiven and free!  Amen.

*SUNG RESPONSE 582Glory to God, whose goodness shines on me,

And to the Son, whose grace has pardoned me,And to the Spirit, whose love has set me free.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. Amen.

World without end, without end. Amen.World without end, without end. Amen.World without end, without end. Amen.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. Amen.

*PASSING THE PEACE  The Peace of Christ be with you        And also with you.            TIME FOR CHILDREN & YOUTHANTHEM Be Still for the Presence of the Lord

David Evans, arr. Richard ShephardSCRIPTURE LESSONS   Exodus 24:12-18 & Matthew 17:1-9SERMON

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

*HYMN 193 Jesus, Take Us to the Mountain

AN INVITATION TO OFFERING In the same way that Miriam, Moses, Aaron, and Samuel called on God’s name in their need, so also do God’s beloved ones call on God today. May the offerings received today serve as an example of God’s loving response today.

OFFERTORY           Voluntary in G John Stanley 

Please use the yellow prayer request cards found in the pew and place them in the offering plate to be included in the prayers of

the people and/or the email prayer ministry of CPC.

*DOXOLOGY (Unison)Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below:Alleluia! Alleluia!

Praise God, the source of all our gifts!Praise Christ, whose mighty power uplifts!

Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit!Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

PRAYER OF DEDICATION, PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER. Holy God, who revealed the Messiah on the mountain, receive these gifts as symbols of our trust in you. Bless the givers and those who desired to give. Multiply these offerings and the blessings they represent. Guide the disbursement of them according to your will. We pray also that you would fill us with praise, overflowing with deep joy and mysterious visions. Light our way, direct our course, and energize us, for we have more mountains to climb. Hear us now as we hold in your Light all those people and situations this community remembers in prayer. . . .

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors,And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from

evil.For thine is the kingdom and the power

and the glory, forever.  Amen.

* HYMN 192 Lord, the Light of Your Love Is Shining

* BLESSING         

POSTLUDE    Shine, Jesus, Shine Mark Hayes

* Indicates a time in the service when you are invited to rise in body or spirit.

Visitors, friends, members, welcome to worship! Please feel free to participate in ways that you feel led, and comfortable if you would just like to observe.  If you are interested in learning more about making Central Presbyterian your church home, please speak with Pastor Jennifer or the welcome greeter following the service.

Visitors, friends, members, welcome to worship!We are glad you are here and invite you to

Join us for coffee and snacks In the Fellowship Hall after the worship service.

TODAY AT CENTRAL10:00am Worship, Sanctuary

11:00am Fellowship/Adult EducationOFFICE HOURS THIS WEEK

Monday - Thursday, 8:30am-12:30pm, 1:30-4:00pmClosed Friday

Mon, Feb 24 11:00am Bible Study Parlor4:30pm Finance Pastor’s Office5:30pm Session Rm 121-A

Tue, Feb 25 10:30am All-Staff Meeting Pastor’s Office1:30pm Prayer Shawl Ministry Parlor5:15pm Bell Choir Rehearsal Westminster5:30pm Shrove Pancake Dinner

Fellowship HallWed, Feb 26 12:00pm Ash Wednesday Service Chapel

7:00pm Choir Rehearsal SanctuaryThur, Feb 27 6:00pm Deacons Parlor

SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER – with real maple syrup will be held on February 25th at 5:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. Pastor Jennifer will be making the pancakes, please join us!

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE WILL BE FEBRUARY 26th AT NOON. Pastor Jennifer will also offer imposition of ashes to people that evening from 5:30pm – 7:00pm for those who are unable to attend the service.

#METOO? LET’S GATHER TOGETHER 7:00PM MONDAY MARCH 2 IN THE CENTRAL LUTHERAN CHURCH CHAPEL -A FREE meditative gathering for those affected by abuse and other trauma. You—or someone you know—may have been affected by physical or emotional abuse. Even if it’s long past, you may be left with anxious, isolated feelings. Our gathering offers a safe space to be with others who have survived such experience or who want to acknowledge someone who has been abused. Come join us for our 3rd annual service in honor of all who are affected by abuse.

MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF CENTRAL – In an effort to make sure all forms of contact information is up to date, our office manager Sheryl Peterson has made a form for people to correct their information. If you have not yet finished yours, please look for it on the table in the Narthex, complete and leave in the Church Office. Thank you!

PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE USING PASTOR JENNIFER’S CURRENT EMAIL ADDRESS – Several people are using her old email or have indicated they need the current one. Her correct email contact is centralpcjen@gmail.com.

CENTRAL’S PUZZLE LIBRARY - There are donated puzzles in the Library to share with others who would like to put them together. Take a puzzle, complete it and return to the collection. Indicate if pieces are missing. Some puzzlers prefer 500 piece puzzles, others prefer challenges.  If you have puzzles to donate all are welcome! Put your initials on the back just for fun to see how many people have done them.

STRICTLY ORGANIC COFFEE - for $14 a pound, is available in the Narthex from Merle Bottge after worship today. Buy a bag of decaf or regular coffee; it's certified organic, shade grown, and farmer friendly. Any profit Central makes will be given to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.

COIN OFFERINGS FOR FEBRUARY – We will donate our Coin Offering to Catholic Community Services, specifically to their Cold Weather Shelter Program. This program activates when the Egan Warming Center opens and provides a motel room for the night to homeless families with children. The program opened in October. Nineteen families – 34 adults & 44 children - were able to stay in a

motel and enjoy hot showers, clean towels & TV, a dry and warm place to stay and a comfortable bed. The program will continue through March whenever temperatures are below freezing.

FISH welcomes donations of canned meals - Please donate ones that are both nutritious and easy to serve: stew, soup, chili and hash, pasta, or rice entrees. There are many choices, so pick the ones you enjoy when cooking facilities or time are limited. In 2019 FISH responded to 1,156 requests for food boxes and provided almost 32,500 meals. The need continues to grow. Place your donations in the wicker basket when you come to worship. Thank you.

We thank the following faithful people who are helping behind the scenes today:Ministers AllCoffee Hour Fellowship CommitteeDeacon on Call Louise deKluyverWelcome Greeter Janet EdmonsondLiturgist Nancy Richter Transport Team Linda AndersonOrganist Dan Rinnan

Choir Director Cole Blume Sound TechnicianAlex Pratt Building Host Joe Olney Child Care Audreay Ellien

A CARING, INQUIRING, INCLUSIVECOMMUNITY OF FAITH

February 23, 2020

CENTRALPRESBYTERI

ANCHURCH

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK

24 Stephen Kanaga

24 Marilyn Watson

Transfiguration of Jesus, Relief Sculptureby Laurentius Ulrich English (b.1939)

one station in the Light Rich Rosary located inNeviges, Marienberg, Germany.

555 East 15th Avenue, Eugene, OR 97401email: centralpresbyterianeugene@ gmail.com

www.centraleugene.church 541-345-8724

Find us on Facebook at Central Presbyterian Church Eugene, OR