EPIPHANY
The feast of Epiphany occurs on January 6th, immediately following the 12th and final day of Christmas. Epiphany (meaning "manifestation, or "appearance") marks the arrival of the Magi, and celebrates the revelation of Jesus as a Light for all the nations. In the weeks following Epiphany, the Church reflects on Jesus' baptism and his teaching and healing ministry that began with the first of his signs at the wedding feast in Cana.

REFLECTION

Jesus is the true and living Word of God. Jesus is what the Law and Prophets point toward and bow to. Jesus is what the Old Testament was trying to say, but could never fully articulate. Jesus is the perfect Word of God in the form of a human life. God couldn’t say all he wanted to say in the form of a book, so he said it in the form of Jesus. Jesus is what God has to say!

The Law and the Prophets were the lesser lights in the pre-Christ night sky. They were the moon and stars. Israel could grope forward by their soft light; the Hebrews could navigate through the pagan night by constellations. In a world of Stygian darkness, the moonlight and starlight emanating from the Torah and the Prophets made all the difference.

But with Christ, morning has broken, the new day has dawned, the sun of righteousness has risen with healing in its rays. Now the moon and the stars, Moses and Elijah, the Law and the Prophets are eclipsed by the full glory of God in Christ!

— Brain Zahnd

There are only two major paths by which the human soul comes to God: the path of great love, and the one of great suffering. Both finally come down to great suffering—because if we love anything greatly, we will eventually suffer for it. When we’re young, God hides this from us. We think it won’t have to be true for us. But to love anything in depth and over the long term, we eventually must suffer.

The disciples first respond to the Transfigured Christ with fear. In our global time of crisis, this is where many of us are today. The disciples mirror the itinerary of the spiritual journey: we start out with many concerns, fears, and worries. Our minds and hearts are all over the place. But Jesus comes, touches them, and says, “Get up and do not be afraid.” When the three disciples raise their eyes, they see nothing but one image: Jesus. Their lives have become fully focused and simplified on the one thing that is good, the one thing they desire, and the one thing that is necessary. What a moment of grace and encouragement!

— Richard Rohr

COLLECT
God unknown and unsheltered by our poor constructs: open to us the moments when heaven overshadows time and robs us of empty words; in the moment of silence help us to listen to the Chosen One, who goes to die that we might live, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

PRELUDE

Felix Mendelssohn - String Quartet in D major, Op. 44 No. 1: Minuetto. Un poco allegretto

GREETING
Rev. Stephen Gundlach (he/him), Worship Leader

Leader: The Lord be with you.    

ALL: And also with you.

PREPARATION

CALL TO WORSHIP
from Psalm 99

The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble!
God sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!

The Lord is great in Zion; the Lord is exalted over all the peoples.
Let them praise your great and awesome name. Holy is the Lord!

Mighty Ruler, lover of justice, you have established equity;
you have executed justice and righteousness on behalf of your people.

Let us proclaim the greatness of the Lord our God,
and worship at God’s holy mountain;
for the Lord our God is holy.

PRAYER OF ADORATION

PRAISE

SONGS

Our Great God
Mac Powell, Fernando Ortega, 2002

Come Thou Fount
Robert Robertson, 1758 · Asahel Netleton, 1825

RENEWAL

CALL TO CONFESSION
Psalm 27:1-4, NRSV

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh— my adversaries and foes— they shall stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident. One thing I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in God’s temple.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of glory, in Jesus Christ we behold your transforming light, yet we continue to live in darkness. 
Preoccupied with ourselves, we fail to see your work in the world. We speak when we should listen; we react when we should reflect. We are motivated by fear instead of love. Empower us to live in your light and to walk in your ways for the sake of the one who is the light of the world-Jesus Christ–our Lord, our Life, our Friend. Amen.

SILENT CONFESSION

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
John 8:12, NRSV

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” In Christ, we are loved and forgiven.

Thanks be to God!

PASSING THE PEACE

The peace of Christ be with you all.

And also with you.

SONG

Gloria Patri
Gloria Parti, 2nd cent. · Karl Digerness, 2009

BLESSING OUR CHILDREN & YOUTH    

Leader: People of God, what is our prayer for our children and youth? 

People: May the Lord be with you. 

Children: And also with you.

Leader:  Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.” May the Lord fill you with the love of Christ, and may your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

All: Thanks be to God!

SONG OF RENEWALL

We Are Not Overcome
Robert Heiskell, Isaac Wardell , 2012

COMMITMENT

WORDS OF WELCOME

Up Coming Events Here >

SCRIPTURE
Luke 9:28-36, NRSV

Kim Watson, Reader

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.

Reader: The Word of the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God.

SERMON
Rev. Fred Harrell (he/him)

Transfigured - Hinge Point to the Cross

OFFERING OURSELVES & OUR GIFTS

The offering is a way for Christians to support the mission and ministry of the church. Christians offer a sacrificial portion of their resources–time, talents, possessions–as an act of faith and gratitude in response to God’s grace. While many at City Church make their regular contributions through online giving and automated bill pay, offerings are a part of our worship service as an opportunity for the regular, proportionate and generous giving of the resources God has given us.

GIVE HERE

OFFERING PRAYER

God of light and life, you have blessed us to be a blessing to others. Use these offerings to bring renewal and hope to our city and our world. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

MUSICAL OFFERING

The Transfiguration
By Sufjan Stevens

COMMUNION

Guidelines for Reception of Communion

Communion, also called The Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist, is the family meal of Christians. We invite all committed followers of Jesus Christ to partake of this sacrament: those who are baptized members of a congregation that proclaims the gospel, who are at peace with God and with their neighbor, and who seek strength to live more faithfully for Christ. If you are not a Christian, or if you are not prepared to share in this meal, we encourage you to spend this time in prayer. We hope that this time is helpful to you as you consider your relationship with Jesus Christ and with His people, the church.

INVITATION TO THE LORDS TABLE

CONFESSION OF FAITH: Apostles Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. 
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. 
He 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, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 
He will come again 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.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts!

We lift them up to the Lord!

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

SONG

Sanctus
Karl Digerness, ©2012

Together we proclaim the mystery of the faith:

Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;

Therefore let us keep the feast.

DISTRIBUTION OF THE BREAD & CUP

The Gifts of God for the People of God

Song

Felix Mendelssohn - String Quartet in F minor, Op. 80: Adagio

COMMUNION PRAYER

Holy God,
 we see your glory in the face of Jesus Christ:
 may we who are partakers at his table
 reflect his life in word and deed,
 that all the world may know the transforming power of his love.
 This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

PASTORAL PRAYER

THE LORD'S PRAYER

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.

SONG

Christ Be All Around Me
David Leonard, Jack Mooring, Leeland Mooring, Leslie Jordan, 2014

BENEDICTION

May Christ, who draws the nations to himself, teach us to love our enemies; may Christ, who enters the water of baptism, lead us to die to all but love; may Christ, who gives new wine for the world, turn our bitterness into joy; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us go forth to serve the world as those who love our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Thanks be to God!

POSTLUDE

Felix Mendelssohn - String Quartet in D major, Op. 44 No. 1: Molto Allegro vivace

MUSICIANS

Jeff Marrs, drums
Jason Muscat, bass
Adam Shulman, piano
Minna Choi, vocals
Karl Digerness, guitar/vocals

Magik*Magik Quartet:

Liana Berube, violin
Stephanie Bibbo, violin
Ivo Bokulic, viola
Lucas Chen, cello
Jason Musca