Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church

Today we worshiped at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 399 State Street, Baden, PA 15005, 724.869.7635, www.lutheransonline.com/christoursaviors, Rev. Jill E. McGregor, Pastor.

Scripture

Exodus 24:12-18 –

The Lord said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain, and wait there; and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction.” So Moses set out with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up into the mountain of God. To the elders he had said, “Wait here for us, until we come to you again; for Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a dispute may go to them.”

Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the cloud. Now the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel. Moses entered the cloud, and went up on the mountain. Moses was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights.

2 Peter 1:16-21 –

We did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying “This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.

So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

Matthew 17:1-9 –

Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

Bob’s thoughts:

We revisited Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church today in part because it is close and to see what has changed since the last time we worshiped here. The pastor is a joy to talk to; she has a passion for Christ that barely lets her touch the ground.

Some things that come to mind from a visitor not well versed in Lutheran liturgy: the service was nearly over before I realized the hymns were not among the printed ones included in the bulletin. (I didn’t see anyone using a hymnal until the last selection.)

Directional signs to the restrooms and nursery from the sanctuary would be helpful.

The renovations are being done as the money is raised for each project. I would normally recommend against this as it seems to leave no room for Christ, but what this has done is give everyone time to refine their thinking on each project. This is a most important part of renovating an older church as this time of acceptance helps the members take ownership and makes for a smooth transition.

Jan’s thoughts:

This cold snowy morning seemed like a good time to visit with our Lutheran friends nearby.

This lovely church (by which I mean the people) has made noticeable attempts to reach out into the local community over the last few years, and I always enjoy their bold signs in the front lawn, visible reminders of God’s presence in the area.

Some interior changes have been made since our last visit, including painting. I don’t recall if there was signage the last time we were here, but there is some now, in spite of an obvious state of transition.

Before we could even sit down some folks stopped to welcome us.

As today is Transfiguration of the Lord Sunday, the untitled sermon centered on light. However the part that touched me was the pastor’s statement about the event on the Mount of Transfiguration.

When the disciples heard the voice of God telling them to listen to Jesus, they fell prostrate in fear. That was when Christ touched them. This was her point: Jesus touches the fearful…a simple and comforting thought, that when I am afraid, Jesus will comfort me and give me courage. I must listen for and to Him and depend on Him, but “the light will always prevail.”

The final three points included: we need to ask ourselves how we can listen better and where do our fears rule us, and then let Him touch us in those fear-filled places. Amen.

Our prayer for this church:

Father, we pray You open this church to all they can be for You. Empower them to go boldly forward in Your Name. Amen.