In some mythologies there are places that are “thin”: spots where the divine is really close to the experienced word. Moderns Westerners, of course, believe all places are “thick”: essentially closed off to the transcendent world. But at the Transfiguration Jesus reveals that there are no thin or thick places – wherever Jesus is is ultimate reality.
Readings and sermon were delivered by Pastor Aaron Mueller.
Order of service:
Readings:
- Reflection on God's Forgiveness is from Isaiah 53:4-6
- Psalm reading is from Psalm 50:1–6
- Old Testament reading is from 2 Kings 2:1–12
- Epistle reading is from 2 Corinthians 3:12–18; 4:1–6
- Holy Gospel is from Mark 9:2–9
Songs and Hymns:
- O Bless the Lord, My Soul
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Text: Isaac Watts, 1674-1748
Tune: Aaron Williams, 1731-76
Public domain - Jesus on the Mountain Peak
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Text: Brian Wren, 1936
© 1977 Hope Publishing Co.
Tune: Theodore A. Beck, 1929–2003, alt.
© 1998 Theodore A. Beck.
Used with permission, LSB Hymn License no. 110001220 - There Is A Higher Throne
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Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty
© 2002 Thankyou Music
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740 - Ancient of Days
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Jesse Reeves, Jonny Robinson, Michael Farren, Rich Thompson;
© 2018 CityAlight Music.
Used with permission, CCLI license #20286740. - Before the Throne of God Above
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Text by Charitie Lees Bancroft
Tune by Vikki Cook
© 1997 Sovereign Grace Worship
Used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740 - My Song Is Love Unknown
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Text: Samuel Crossman, c. 1624–1683, public domain
Tune: John N. Ireland, 1879–1962, © John Ireland Trust
Used with permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220 - Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
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Text by Thomas Ken
Tune by Trente Quatre Pseaumes de David, 1551
Public domain
Recording:
- Audio:
- Video:
- Watch on YouTube
Announcements:
- Sunday, Feb 11:
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- Worship Service: 9 AM to 10:15 AM
- Sunday School: 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM
- Adult Bible Study: 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM
- Youth Confirmation: 11:45 AM to 12:45 PM
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Downstairs.
- Wednesday, Feb 14:
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- Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM
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Downstairs.
- Ash Wednesday Worship Service: 6:30 PM to 7:15 PM
- Sunday, Feb 25:
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- 2025 LCMS Youth Gathering – Information Meeting: 10:30 AM
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All youth who will be between the ages of 13-20 on July 15, 2025 are invited to a brief informational meeting right after worship on February 25th to learn more about the next Youth Gathering in New Orleans, LA. We will meet in the sanctuary immediately following the service.
- Ministry Spotlight – Altar Guild
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The role of the Altar Guild extends far beyond creating an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere, encompassing a variety of tasks that contribute to the smooth functioning of worship services. One of the primary responsibilities of the Altar Guild is preparing and maintaining the communion trays and their contents. This task involves attention to detail and a deep sense of reverence. The Guild not only sets up the trays but also ensures their cleanliness.
In addition to communion preparations, the Altar Guild takes charge of adorning the narthex and the church entrance with thematic decorations. These visually appealing displays serve as a warm welcome for worshippers and create an atmosphere that reflects our St. James community. The Guild’s creative touch contributes to the overall ambiance of the church, enhancing the worship experience for the congregation.
They are also instrumental in preparing for special ceremonies, ensuring that every detail aligns with the significance of the event.
The work of the Altar Guild requires a collaborative effort, and they are always in need of more helping hands. Volunteers, whether able to commit to one Sunday a month or desiring a more involved role, are welcome to join the team. Nic Schatte, the contact person for the Altar Guild, can be reached at nic@stjamesglencarbon.org.
- Did you notice the color change in the sanctuary?
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The decorations in the church have been changed to white to mark Transfiguration Sunday, the last Sunday in the season of Epiphany. White symbolizes divinity, purity, and joy. It is also a reminder of Jesus’ clothes that became as white as light, dazzling white, radiant, and intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them.
- Christianity and Islam – Craving Answers, Craving God Episode 84
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As a Christian, what is your understanding of the religion of Islam? Both religions are descended from Abraham. What are the similarities and differences between Christianity and Islam? If you had a chance to witness your faith to a Muslim, how would you do it? That’s the topic of our most recent episode of Craving Answers, Craving God. Check it out!
- Ministry Clarity – Intentionally Moving Forward with Mission & Ministry
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St. James held a congregational ministry planning event/dinner late last year. Our discussion was led by Pastor Tom Eggebrecht from the Lutheran Church Extension Fund. The purpose of this event was to present opportunities, previously defined by the Ministry Planning Team, that can help us bridge the gap between where we are now in ministry and where we want to be based on our Mission Pillars (Community, Healing, Restoration). This was a very successful event that provided great insight.
The Ministry Planning Team is now in the process of taking the information gathered at the event and using it to create a ministry plan for each of our three pillars. This is a very exciting process that should be completed by mid-Spring. At that time, it will be presented to the congregation for review/approval.
We encourage everyone to please:
- Pray for this process – That God would lead us to understand His will for St. James.
- Pray for our Ministry Team – That each member would seek God’s will and apply it to this process of creating a ministry plan to His glory.
- Approach any Ministry Team member with questions you may have.
- The Time of Easter
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Mark your calendars and join us for the following additional Easter season services:
- Ash Wednesday Worship Service, Wednesday, Feb. 14 @ 6:30 PM
- Midweek Lent Worship Service, Wednesday, Feb. 21 @ 6:30 PM
- Midweek Lent Worship Service, Wednesday, Feb. 28 @ 6:30 PM
- Midweek Lent Worship Service, Wednesday, March 6 @ 6:30 PM
- Midweek Lent Worship Service, Wednesday, March 13 @ 6:30 PM
- Midweek Lent Worship Service, Wednesday, March 20 @ 6:30 PM
- Holy Thursday Worship Service, Thursday, March 28 @ 6:30 PM
- Good Friday Worship Service, Friday, March 29 @ 6:30 PM
- Easter Worship Service, Sunday, March 31 @ 9:00 AM