Transfiguration of Jesus A (15th February 2026): Finding God

 

Bible Readings: Exodus 24:12-18, Psalm 2 or Psalm 99, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9.

About the images:

Upper Left: I took this photo in the Australian high country at Danny's Lookout where it snows in winter.  Sometimes the light up there is really amazing and the mountains seem to glow. Please feel free to use this image for worship and related activities - for more information on the High Country visit: https://www.travelvictoria.com.au/regions/highcountry/

Upper Right: This is also my photo with biblical text added. This photo is taken looking down Duck Arm (to where we live) on the Gippsland Lakes (for more info: http://www.gippslandtourism.com.au/Gippsland-Lakes/).  Please feel free to use this image for worship and related activities.

Middle Left: This is a free Heartlight image.  Please see my links column at left.

Middle Right: This a is a free image from the wonderful Church galleries site which is down at present - see my link column to the left - and quite useful seeing Ash Wednesday is only three days away.

Lower Left: This is a free clipart from Cerrezo Barredo - see my link column at left

Lower Right: This is a free Heartlight image.  Please see my links column at left.

Bottom Left and Right: These are free images from the Sundaygraphx site. 

Listening Song: Shine

By the Newsboys on their album, Going Public (pictured at left) or on WOW 1996. This song uses words from the gospel reading.

Listening Song: Jubilate

By Robert Prizeman on the album, Libera (pictured at right). I used this with the Adult Response below.

Kid's Story: Westlandia
By Paul Fleischman (Author), Kevin Hawkes (Illustrator), Candlewick Press, ISBN 9780763600068 (pictured at left).

Discussion:
Share a time when you have experienced the presence of God?

Film Clip: The Work of Musalaha

Musalaha (Reconciliation) is an organisation in the Holy Land which brings together Christians, Jews and Muslims, Palestinians and Israelis.  They cut through the fear and disconnection and distraction of all that is going on in this divided Land and they talk and act out hope and love and dreams.  Their actions transfigure their world. Visit their site here at https://musalaha.org/ and watch some of their excellent videos. 

Story: The Job Applicant
Found in Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Youth Specialties Inc, 1994, ISBN 031040261, page 126 (pictured at left). This story is based on the Matthew reading.

Story: The Boy and the Circus
Found in Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Youth Specialties Inc, 1994, ISBN 031040261, page 56 (pictured at left). This story is based on the Matthew reading.

Adult Response:

Give everyone a pencil and a card with a mountain pictured on it.
Suggest: Let's think of ways we can "climb the mountain" and put ourselves in places where God can reveal His presence to us. Have a minute or so in silence. Play a piece of thinking music - Jubilate (above) works really well. Use the card to write a prayer, draw a picture, compose a poem or put down a resolution. Not sure where I got this idea from - let me know if it's not mine.

Poem and prayer: transfiguration.
Found in Dad and Daughter by Ron Gordon and Jennie Gordon, 2012, ISBN 9780646586601, page 18 (pictured at left).  These are based on the gospel reading.

Also:

Response Activity: Seeing the Face of God
Found in Bringing the Word To Life Together: Year A by Andrew Collis and Dorothy McRae-McMahon, Mediacom, Adelaide, 2010, ISBN 9780949656919, page 48ff (pictured at right). This is based on the Gospel reading and the Old Testament reading.

Lots of Useful Stuff

Found in The Abingdon Creative Preaching Annual by Jenee Woodard (Ed.), Abingdon Press, Nashville, 2013, page 53ff (pictured at left).

Drama: Transfiguration

Found in Mega Drama 1 by Verena Johnson (Ed.), Open Book, 2001, ISBN 0859109151v1, page 99 (pictured at right). This has been written for the gospel reading.

Drama for Ash Wednesday: If the Glove Fits....
Found in Mega Drama 1 by Verena Johnson (Ed.), Open Book, 2001, ISBN 0859109151v1, page 30 (pictured at right). This has been written for the 1 Corinthians reading.

Drama: Shining Clouds and Sweaty Palms

Found in Let's Make Another Scene 3 by Verena Johnson, Open Book, 1995, ISBN 0859107620, page 54 (pictured at left). This drama is based on the gospel reading. 

Drama: Told Not to Tell

Found in Present on Earth by Wild Goose Worship Group, Wild Goose Publications, 2002, ISBN 0 901557 64 2, page 57ff (pictured at right).  This is based on the Matthew reading.

Activity: Scrapping Injustice

Found in Multi-Sensory Scripture by Sue Wallace, Scripture Union, 2005, ISBN 1 84427 166 8, number 12 (pictured at left). This is based on the Psalm 2 reading.

Epiphany 5 A (8th February 2026): Daring to Have A Go/Shine

 

Bible Readings: Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-10, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12(13-16), Matthew 5:13-20

About the images:

Upper Left and Right and Lower Left and Right: These are free Heartlight images. To visit the Heartlight site, please go to my Links column below left.

Middle left: This is a Microsoft free clipart with my text.

Middle Right: This is a free sample clip art from Church galleries which is not in operation at the moment.

Bottom Left: Another excellent free image from Cerezo Barredo - see my link column at left. 

Listening Song: Shine

By the Newsboys on their album, Shine: The Hits (pictured at left) or on WOW 1996. This song uses words from the gospel reading.

Discussion:

1. Salt and light have lost their preciousness in many ways to the Western world. What might Jesus say to us today if he was talking to us? You are like........
2. How do we shine God's light onto those around us?

Brainstorm:

Brainstorm definitions of the word "disciple".

Kids' Story: The Tawny Scrawny Lion

by Kathryn Jackson, Little Golden Book (pictured at right).  This goes well with the 1 Corinthians reading for both last week and this week.  It also goes well as a bit of a lead in conversation with kids about bullying.  I used it for both reasons at church today seeing that we celebrated the kids start of the school year here in Australia.  

Film Clip: True Fasting

This clip is from Work of the People - see my link column at left.  It goes well with the Isaiah reading: go to https://www.theworkofthepeople.com/true-fasting

Story: Why the Potatoes Sprouted

This story can be found at

http://wesley.nnu.edu/wesleyctr/books/1801-1900/HDM1876.pdf Story No. 1430. It is based on the gospel story.

Story: Thermometers and Themostat

Found in Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice, Youth Specialties Inc, 1994, ISBN 031040261, page 198 (pictured at right). This story is based on the Matthew reading.

Also:

Poem and prayer: salt and light.

Found in Dad and Daughter by Ron Gordon and Jennie Gordon, 2012, ISBN 9780646586601, page 14 (pictured at left).  These are based on the gospel reading.

Response Activity: Shout aloud!

Found in Bringing the Word To Life Together: Year A by Andrew Collis and Dorothy McRae-McMahon, Mediacom, Adelaide, 2010, ISBN 9780949656919, page 40ff (pictured at right). This is based on the Gospel reading and the Old Testament reading.

Lots of Useful Stuff

Found in The Abingdon Creative Preaching Annual by Jenee Woodard (Ed.), Abingdon Press, Nashville, 2013, page 39ff (pictured at left). 

Worship Activity: Prayer Lights

By Jim Burns and Robin Dugall in Worship Experiences, Gospel Light, 1999, ISBN 0830724044, page 43 (pictured at right).  This is based on the Matthew reading. 

Worship Resources: What's Wrong with the World?

Found in Multi-Sensory World by Craig Borlase, Scripture Union/Tear Fund, 2008, ISBN 9781844272662, page 15 (pictured at left). This is based on the Old Testament reading. 

Drama: The Colours of the Rainbow
Found in Mega Drama 1 by Verena Johnson (Ed.), Open Book, 2001, ISBN 0859109151v1, page 24 (pictured at right). This has been written for the gospel reading.

Sermon ideas: There is No End to the Work

Found in Life on the Road by Athol Gill, Herald Press, 1992, page 171 (pictured at left).  This is based on the Gospel reading. 

Drama: How Many Does it Take to Change a Light Bulb

Based on Acts 12 and found in Let's Make a Scene for..... by Verena Johnson, Open Book, 1998, ISBN 0859108937, page 23 (pictured at right). This goes well with the Matthew reading. 

Drama: Candles in the Bin

Found in All Age Sketches for The Christian Year by Peter Shaw, The Bible Reading Fellowship, 2006, ISBN 10 1 984101 458 3, page 51ff (pictured at left).  This is based on the Matthew reading.

Prayer: Salt

Found in Multi-Sensory Prayer by Sue Wallace, Scripture Union, 2001, ISBN 1859994652, page 29 (pictured at right) and based on the Matthew reading.

Prayer: Let Your Light Shine

Found in Multi-Sensory Prayer by Sue Wallace, Scripture Union, 2001, ISBN 1859994652, page 50 (pictured at right) and based on the Matthew reading.

Worship Activities: Salt and Light

Found in Welcome Mat by Beth Barnett and Keith Dyer, Scripture Union, 2011, ISBN 978 0 9871500 2 8, page 46 (pictured at left). These are based on the Matthew reading. 

Discussion: Love and Justice, Salt and Light

Found in Welcome Mat  by Beth Barnett and Keith Dyer, Scripture Union, 2011, ISBN 978 0 9871500 2 8, page 136 (pictured at left).  These are based on the Matthew reading. 

We Are Salt and Light: 

By Maria I. Tirrabassi and found in Before the Amen by Maren C Tirabassi and Maria I. Tirrabassi (Eds), Pilgrim Press, Cleveland, 2007, ISBN 978 0 8298 1750 8, page 37. Based on the Matthew reading.

Kids: The Lampstand 

This is another brilliant book  by Andrew McDonough, Lost Sheep Resources, 2023. This goes with the Matthew reading.  The great thing about these books is that they only around $A8 and for a further $A12 (or instead of) you can buy on line the story in any format you need to project the pictures in church.  There are also free activity sheets and for a cost activity books for both teachers and children.  Visit www.lostsheep.com.au to check out all the excellent resources.

Prayer for Healing 

By Rachel G Hackenberg and found in Before the Amen by Maren C Tirabassi and Maria I. Tirrabassi (Eds), Pilgrim Press, Cleveland, 2007, ISBN 978 0 8298 1750 8, page 221. Based on the Matthew reading.

Activity: The Dirty Mirror

Found in Multi-Sensory Scripture by Sue Wallace, Scripture Union, 2005, ISBN 1 84427 166 8, number 6. This is based on the Matthew reading.

Epiphany 4 A (1st February 2026): Paradox/Blessed Are the Up Side Down

 

Bible Readings: Micah 6:1-8, Psalm 15, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12

About the Images:

Upper Left: This is a microsoft free clipart image with my text.

Upper Right: This is a free Heartlight image. To visit the Heartlight site, please go to my Links column below left.

Middle left: This is a Microsoft free image with text from the song "God's Own Fool" (below).

Middle Right: This is another free Heartlight image. To visit the Heartlight site, please go to my Links column below left.

Lower Left: And another free Heartlight image! To visit the Heartlight site, please go to my Links column below left.

Lower Right: A creative commons image to which I added BE :) Gives a bit of room to preach around the beatitudes.

Bottom Left: Another free image from the Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.

Listening Song: God's Own Fool
By Michael Card on his album, Joy in the Journey (pictured at left). This goes well with the gospel reading and with the 1 Corinthians reading.

Listening Song: Psalm 15

By Sons of Korah on their album Light of Life, Wordsong, 1999 (pictured at right).

Call to Worship:

Heaps of good ones on Thom Shuman's site (with a handy archive) at Thom Shuman in http://lectionaryliturgies.blogspot.com/

Kid's Story: The Lion and the Mouse
This is an Aesop fable and can be found almost anywhere on or off line.  It goes really well with the gospel reading and the Corinthians reading.

Kids: Blessed are...  

Found in Saving the Ants by Ruth Gilmore, Augsburg, 2001, ISBN 0806640804, page 32 (pictured at left). This is based on the gospel reading,

Film Clip: The Beatitudes

This clip is found on the Work of the People site (see my links column at left).

http://www.theworkofthepeople.com/the-beatitudes

Drama: I Believe Congratulations Are In Order
By Tick Brereton and found in Mega Drama 2 by Verena Johnson (Ed.) Open Book, 2001, ISBN 085910916X, page 17 (pictured at left). This is a dramatic reading that looks at the Beatitudes and different approaches to what they really mean. I made this the basis of my sermon and added a couple more voices to each section who related directly to the struggles in our own community and lives and added prayers of reflection after each section as well.

Response Activity:
I gave everyone a copy of the Mega Drama (above) version of the Beatitudes and gave them a space to read them over and then underline the one that they do best in one colour and the one that they need most help with in another colour. We then prayed together and for each other.

Response:  Based on the Gospel reading and the Micah reading

Found in Bringing the Word To Life Together A by Andrew Collis and Dorothy McRae-McMahon, Mediacom, 2010, ISBN 9780949656911, page 38-9 (pictured at left). 

Also:

Taize Service: Beatitudes

Found in Worship Feast by Taize, Abingdon Press, 2004, page 38 (pictured at left). This is based on the Matthew reading.

Drama: World Wise
Found in Mega Drama 1 by Verena Johnson (Ed.), Open Book, 2001, ISBN 0859109151v1, page 9 (pictured at right). This has been written for the 1 Corinthians reading.

Brilliant Comments on the Gospel

Found in Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth E. Bailey, SPCK, 2008, ISBN 9780281059751, pages 65-90 (pictured at left).

Drama: Blessed are the Poor

Found in Let's Make Another Scene 3 by Verena Johnson, Open Book, 1995, ISBN 0859107620, page 41 (pictured at right). This drama is based on the gospel reading. 

Poem: O That Land

Found in The Electric Bible by Peter Dainty, Kevin Mayhew Ltd, 2003, ISBN 1 84417 041 1, page 44 (pictured at left).  This poem is based on the Micah reading.  

Blessings  

Found in Messy Church 2 by Lucy Moore, The Bible Reading Fellowship, 2008, ISBN 978 1 84101 602 3, page 149 -150 (pictured at right). This is based on the Matthew reading.

Drama: Fair's Fair

Found in All Age Sketches for The Christian Year by Peter Shaw, The Bible Reading Fellowship, 2006, ISBN 10 1 984101 458 3, page 84ff (pictured at left).  This is based on the Matthew reading.

Worship Activities: God Blesses Those People

Found in Welcome by Beth Barnett and Keith Dyer, Scripture Union, 2011, ISBN 978 0 9871500 2 8, page 45 (pictured at right). These are based on the Matthew reading. 

Sharing Stories: The Family Framework

Found in Welcome by Beth Barnett and Keith Dyer, Scripture Union, 2011, ISBN 978 0 9871500 2 8, page 99 (pictured at right). These are based on the Matthew reading. 

Discussion: Transforming Values

Found in Welcome by Beth Barnett and Keith Dyer, Scripture Union, 2011, ISBN 978 0 9871500 2 8, page 132 (pictured at right). These are based on the Matthew reading. 

Confession and Assurance of Grace

By Wesley Brian Jamison and found in Before the Amen by Maren C Tirabassi and Maria I. Tirrabassi (Eds), Pilgrim Press, Cleveland, 2007, ISBN 978 0 8298 1750 8, page 55. Based on the Micah reading.

Reflection and Prayer: 
Found in Advent Readings from Iona by Brian Woodcock and Jan Sutch Pickard, Wild Goose Publications, 2005, ISBN 1901557332 (pictured at right). These are based on the 1 Corinthians reading and found under the heading: December 14th. This fits with next week also. 

Prayer/Action: Suffering

Found  in Going Home Another Way by Neil Paynter, Wild Goose Publications, 2008, pages 108 and based on the 1 Corinthians reading. 

Prayer/Action: Peace on Earth

Found  in Going Home Another Way by Neil Paynter, Wild Goose Publications, 2008,pages 112 and based on the Matthew reading. 

Prayer/Action: The Lord of Misrule

Found  in Going Home Another Way by Neil Paynter, Wild Goose Publications, 2008,pages 120 and based on the 1 Corinthians reading. 

Reading: God's Rainbow People

By Ann B Day and found in Before the Amen by Maren C Tirabassi and Maria I. Tirrabassi (Eds), Pilgrim Press, Cleveland, 2007, ISBN 978 0 8298 1750 8, page 218. Based on the Micah reading.

Sermon and Worship Suggestions: The Real Road Less Travelled

By Robert J Morgan and Joshua D Rowe in Nelson's Annual Preachers Source Book, Thomas Nelson, 2008, ISBN 1 4185 2536 7, page 228.  These resources are based on the Psalm reading.