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“Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.” Matthew 17:3
Peter, James, and John found themselves alone with Jesus on the top of a mountain. Suddenly Jesus appearance changed, he glowed! Then two heroes of old, Moses and Elijah appeared next to Jesus, just chatting away. What they were talking about?
Luke (9:31) tells us that Jesus, Moses, and Elijah were talking about His upcoming departure, or in the original Greek, His exodus. Just as Moses led Israel out of Egypt, Jesus was preparing for a greater exodus—one that would lead humanity out our bondage to sin and death.
This coming week we will enter the season of Lent, beginning with Ash Wednesday (February 18). This is a season in the church where many choose to fast and pray, with a special emphasis on repentance. It also recalls the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness being tempted.
Transfiguration Sunday – this Sunday, is a kind of turning point between the season of Epiphany and the beginning of Lent. It is also a turning point for Jesus as he sets his eyes on Jerusalem and the cross. This mountain top experience – filled with glowing faces, bright clothes, heroes of old, clouds, and a voice from heaven that echoed words from his baptism – all come together to give these disciples a glimpse of Jesus’ divinity. It helps reassure them that his crucifixion was not a defeat, but a path to glory. Indeed, this was something important to talk about!
This next Wednesday, you will have the opportunity to make the transition into Lent. Stop by church and receive ashes and hear those familiar words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” We will be in the chapel from noon to 1:00 pm, or from 6-7 pm, ready to share those words and rub ashes on your forehead. Come, receive the ashes, repent, and pause to pray.
With that in mind, have you considered fasting – giving up something for Lent? Things like social media, alcohol, or fast food? How about a special focus on reducing gossip, complaining, or “doom scrolling” on your phone? On the positive, dedicate 10 minutes to prayer or reading your Bible each day. Donate money you saved to a charity or volunteer time to help others who needs it. These sacrifices can create space for reflection and a deeper connection with God.
Something else you could do is join us for our Lenten study on Wednesday evenings to rediscover the miracles of Jesus. Beginning on February 25th (6:30 soup supper, 7:00 study) we will watch a video of the artist and pastor, Paul Oman, paint a story depicting the miracles of Jesus from the gospels on large-scale canvas before your eyes.
Each week you will see something different: Jesus heals the Gerasene Demoniac, heals a Woman and Raises Jairus' Daughter from the Dead, Feeds the Five Thousand and Four Thousand, Heals the Man Born Blind, and Raises Lazarus from the Dead. Five weeks, five videos, with a time of discussion to help process these stories.
Each painting will be painted scene by scene, layer over layer, accompanied with first-person narration from the perspective of a character in each story. The videos have been professionally recorded and produced to help compliment the paintings, and bring the stories to life in fresh, new ways. This will be a wonderful introduction to the artist, who will join us in person for our Centennial Sunday morning worship, where he will paint live – a mural to help us celebrate our 100 years of ministry. You won’t want to miss it.
In Christ;
Pastor Dan
Sunday Announcements
- Remember to join us this Sunday for worship and a delicious lunch following in the Fellowship Hall.
- We are welcoming our former interim pastor, Carsten “Judd” and his wife Teresa Ludder as our special guests next Sunday as a part of our Centennial Celebrations this year.
- Check out our latest anniversary video: “Building A Dream” https://youtu.be/GDgdRw6tsuQ. The video helps tell the story of the dream Dr. Arnold had for this church and how it all came to be.
- Do you know someone who might be looking for a church home? Please contact the office or talk to one of the pastors for more information.
- Members of Holy Cross will meet after worship for the Annual Congregational Meeting.
- Join us on Ash Wednesday, February 18th, for the imposition of ashes. Drop by from Noon to 1:00 p.m. or 6:00-7:00 p.m. for a brief prayer and ashes.
- Beginning February 25th, we will have a Lenten study on the Miracles of Jesus. Come at 6:30 for a soup supper, and the study begins at 7:00 pm. in the Fellowship Hall.
