February 14, 2021 Transfiguration Sunday

 Happy Valentine’s Day! While the rest of the world may be celebrating Valentine’s Day, the Christian church will be observing Transfiguration Sunday, a bridge between the seasons of Epiphany and Lent. Did you discover something this season? Did you learn something or experience something new? As we prepare to begin a new season in the church year, what more are we going to be bringing with us? What have we learned? What may we need to leave behind? 

Hymn       Be Thou My Vision #642VU

Scripture Lessons:     II Corinthians 4:3-6

                                   Psalm 50:1-6 p. 775VU

                                   Mark9:2-9

Hymn        Jesus Bids Us Shine #585

Message

Prayer:  Let us pray this Valentine’s Day 

that broken hearts be mended     

Young hearts stay wonder-filled                                                                                                                       Old hearts discover their wisdom

Embittered hearts let go of hurt

Compassionate hearts find strength

Big hearts know their wealth

Betrayed hearts recover trust

Soft hearts not be wounded

Hardened hearts begin to soften

Sensitive hearts be vigilant

Happy hearts announce their joy

Courageous hearts keep risking

Passionate hearts tend the flames

Arrogant hearts learn humility

Sympathetic hearts benefit others

Determined hearts lessen their grip

Jealous hearts accept what they have

Lost hearts find their way home

Loving hearts reach out to others

Generous hearts receive in return

Fearful hearts turn toward trust 

empty hearts befriend loneliness 

tepid hearts stretch into action

Faithful hearts remain steadfast

Kindhearted Holy One, you gather all these hearts into your one great love. Thank you for reaching our heart through the hearts of others. The genuine love of each person reflects your divine affection. Keep us aware, when we hesitate or question our ability to share our love with another, that you dwell within our hearts. Amen. (A prayer by Joyce Rupp and printed in Prayer Seeds.)

Hymn.      Love Divine #333VU

I have had some takers for the Confirmation Class. I am thinking of holding it (on Zoom) on Sunday afternoons for about 45 minutes, I think. If you know of someone who would be interested, of high school age or older, please let me know, even if the time doesn’t work, and we will see how we can work it out.

In Howick, it is now time to renew your subscription for Broadview, the United Church’s newsmagazine. The deadline has snuck up on us, so Evie will be renewing the subscriptions and other names can be added if desired. The cost for the year is $25. Please let Evie know if you wish to make a change. You can get the money to her later.