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Transfiguration

By Vicar Lisa

The Rev. Stephen K. Preus wrote that, “To consider Christ’s glorious Transfiguration on its own is eye-opening; to hear how Luther describes this glory as yours nearly bursts the eyes from their sockets, bringing hope to the Christian heart."

Luther found deep theological significance in the Transfiguration event.

First, Luther saw the Transfiguration as Hope in the Resurrection. Luther saw the Transfiguration as a glimpse of future glory. When Jesus’ “face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light” (Matthew 17:2), it revealed the resurrection of the dead and the future brightness of our bodies. Luther pointed to the even greater glory awaiting believers when death would be replaced by immortality and glory.

Secondly, Luther believed the Transfiguration pointed toward Life Beyond Earthly Life. Moses and Elijah appearing with Jesus conveyed a powerful message. Their presence demonstrated that they had not truly died but had been transferred to another life beyond earthly existence. Luther encouraged believers to find comfort in this truth.

The Transfiguration also symbolized the Overcoming of Sin. Since death was conquered, sin was also defeated. Our present life paled in comparison to the glorious future life promised through Jesus.

Lastly, the Transfiguration revealed The Holy Trinity. The Father’s voice, the Son’s transfigured form, and the Holy Spirit in the bright cloud all appeared to strengthen believers.

In summary, Martin Luther used the Transfiguration to inspire hope, emphasize the resurrection, and point believers toward the glorious future that awaits them in Christ.

Thank you, Lord!

Annual Congregational Meeting

Zion's Annual Congregational Meeting was held on Feb. 4, 2024. Vicar Lisa led the group in a special litany. Minutes of the 2023 Annual Meeting were approved as submitted.  

Reports from Vicar Lisa, the Audit Committee, Worship & Music Committee, Safety & Security Committee, Angels-in-Aprons, Flower Guild, 5-Loaves & Thanksgiving Food Ministry, and the Building & Grounds Committee were reviewed and approved.

The Financial Secretary and Treasurer's reports were reviewed and approved.

The average attendance at Sunday worship in 2023 was 32. We are happy to note that 18 percent of all income received went back to the community in the form of mission support, special and glocal offerings, our food ministry, ACTS, and donations using gift cards.

A report on the Samuel's Trust Fund, primarily managed by Charles Schwab, was reviewed. The updated constitution, approved at the Dec. 17 special congregational meeting, was ratified.

Peggy Gustafson was elected to a one-year term on the church council, finishing the term vacated by Joni Jones. Kathy Broman was elected to a two-year term finishing the term vacated by Paula Little. Ruthie Culpepper, Julie Wersal, and Mark Moss were elected to three-year terms.

Elected to the Nominating Committee were Melodie Lanosga, David Lamb, and Tracy Wahl.

Melodie Lanosga and Sharon Sorenson volunteered to accompany Vicar Lisa to the Synod Assembly at the end of April. Delegates to this meeting will cast Zion's votes for the new Bishop. We can still take volunteers/nominations and will formally elect 2 delegates to go with Vicar Lisa at a special congregational meeting next month (for which we will give voting members a 30-day notice.) Candidates for Bishop have not yet been announced.

Having no other business, the meeting was adjourned followed by the Lord's Prayer. If you would like a copy of the meeting packet, please let Julie Wersal know.

Announcements

Feb 11 at 10 a.m. Worship with Communion

  • After Worship: Join us in the Fellowship Hall for coffee and conversation.
  • Please sign up! Sign-up sheets for our service at Cimino Park on Feb. 18 as well as our Lenten soup suppers are available on the table in the Fellowship Hall.
  • Weekday Bible Study: Our weekday Bible Study will move from Fridays to Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. and continue every other week. The next study is Feb. 14 (Ash Wednesday). Because “all are welcome”, please note that the study is open to everyone and no longer will be labeled “Women’s Bible Study”.
  • How Lutherans Read the Bible: Because of schedule conflicts, the Bible Study “How Lutherans Read the Bible” will be postponed until the first Sunday in March.
  • Ash Wednesday: Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on Feb. 14. We will have a soup supper at 6 p.m., followed by Ash Wednesday worship at 7 p.m.
  • Souper Bowl of Caring: We are starting to collect canned goods and other long-shelf-like items for the soup kitchen. These will be collected from February 4 through Super Bowl Sunday, February 11 in the big pot in the front of the sanctuary.
  • February Newsletter: Copies of the February newsletter have been sent via email. Printed copies are available in the back of the sanctuary and in the Fellowship Hall.

E-formation – Transfiguration Sunday

February 11, 2024

Over the Sundays after Epiphany, we have seen Jesus show himself to be Christ, the one anointed by God to be our Savior. This Sunday, the Transfiguration, concludes the time after Epiphany, as Jesus appears on a mountain in divine glory. Keep in mind that in three days, on Ash Wednesday, we begin the climb to the mountain of Jesus’ crucifixion. The church holds side by side the glory of God and the cross of Jesus.

Mark 9:2-9

Given importance by its placement near the center of Mark’s gospel, the narrative of the transfiguration reveals Jesus, the hidden messiah, as the apocalyptic Son of Man. Just as Moses, who represents the law, and Elijah, who represents the prophets, ascended to God at their death, so will Jesus. The mountain, the light, the cloud, and the voice denote God’s presence, as on Sinai. The dazzling white clothing is a frequent apocalyptic motif. The booths may refer to Hosea 12:9, a promise that the people will again live in tents. God’s adoption of Jesus as the beloved Son, heard first at his baptism in Mark 1, is repeated. The reference to six days probably means to cite Exodus 24:16. For Mark’s readers, the crucified Jesus is momentarily seen as the divine judge at the end of time.

2 Kings 2:1-12

Written in perhaps the sixth century BCE, the book we call 2 Kings continues the history of 1 Kings. Told from the theological perspective of Deuteronomy, 2 Kings narrates the career of the ninth-century prophet Elisha, beginning with Elijah’s ascension to God and the transfer of his authority to Elisha. This ascension takes place at the Jordan, where Elijah divides the waters, thus recapitulating Moses at the Exodus.

2 Corinthians 4:3-6

Concluding his arguments in 2 Corinthians 2–3 about his authority as apostle, Paul here uses the metaphor of light to connect God’s creative power, the gospel message, Christ’s face, and the believer’s heart. All are shining.

Zion's Lutheran Church

zionsluth@gmail.com

719-846-7785