Transfiguration Sunday
February 27, 2022
God places us in the world as his fellow workers-agents of transfiguration. We work with God so that injustice is transfigured into justice, so there will be more compassion and caring, that there will be more laughter and joy, that there will be more togetherness in God’s world.
Desmond Tutu
You are invited to participate during worship by speaking aloud the bolded text.
Please stand as you are able whenever an asterisk (*) precedes a heading.
Service Order
Welcome
The Reverend Dr. Cathy S. Gilliard
If this is your first time joining us, welcome to Park Avenue! Please fill out a visitor card so we know that you joined us today at paumcnyc.org/visitor.
*Christ’s Peace
The peace of the Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Please remain in your pew and greet one another with non-physical signs of peace.
*Gathering Hymn
United Methodist Hymnal #334
Sweet, Sweet Spirit
There’s a sweet, sweet spirit in this place,
and I know that it’s the Spirit of the Lord;
There are sweet expressions on each face,
and I know they feel the presence of the Lord.
Sweet, Holy Spirit, sweet heavenly Dove,
stay right here with us, filling us with your love;
And for these blessings we lift our hearts in praise
without a doubt we’ll know that we have been revived
when we shall leave this place.
Words & Music: Doris Akers, 1962; Tune: Sweet, Sweet Spirit; © 1962 Manna Music, Inc., from The United Methodist Hymnal, © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; CCLI License #11377965; Streaming License #20189579
*Call to Worship
The Lord our God reigns forever;
the Lord is exalted above the nations.
Our God is holy and worthy of praise and adoration.
The Lord is mighty and strong; bringing justice for all people.
Let us worship the Lord our God,
and recommit ourselves to being the people of God.
*Opening Hymn
United Methodist Hymnal #185
When Morning Gilds the Skies
When morning gilds the skies
my heart awaking cries:
May Jesus Christ be praised!
Alike at work and prayer,
to Jesus I repair:
May Jesus Christ be praised!
The night becomes as day
when from the heart we say:
May Jesus Christ be praised!
The powers of darkness fear
when this sweet chant they hear:
May Jesus Christ be praised!
Let all the earth around
ring joyous with the sound:
May Jesus Christ be praised!
In heaven’s eternal bliss
the loveliest strain is this:
May Jesus Christ be praised!
Be this, while life is mine,
my canticle divine:
May Jesus Christ be praised!
Be this th’ eternal song
through all the ages long:
May Jesus Christ be praised!
Words: Katholisches Gesangbuch, ca. 1744; sts. 1, 2, 4 trans. by Edward Caswall, 1854; st. 3 by Robert S. Bridges, 1899; Music: Joseph Barnby, 1868; Tune: Laudes Domini; from The United Methodist Hymnal, © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; CCLI License #11377965; Streaming License #20189579
The Gospel Lesson
Collin Thompson
Luke 9:28-36 from The New Revised Standard Version
Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 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. 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. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” 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.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Sermon
The Reverend Cathy S. Gilliard
Musical Reflection
Prayers of the People
Lord, in your mercy; Hear our prayer.
If you have a prayer request that you wish to share with the church, you may submit one online at paumcnyc.org/prayer or by texting your name and request to (914) 627-9286. If you wish to have your request mentioned during Prayers of the People, please send it by 10:00am on Sunday.
The Lord’s 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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
Solo
Benediction
Choral Benediction
“God Be With You” by Derrick Byars
Acknowledgements
All scripture quotations used during service and listed in this bulletin are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. All music and hymns from The United Methodist Hymnal, copyright © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House. Reprinted by permission. CCLI License #11377965; Streaming License #20189579