Transfiguration of Jesus A: Finding God

There is an 2023 updated version of this post - see archive at left.  

                                    

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

About the images: Left:I took this photo in the Australian high country (for more info visit: http://www.visitvictoria.com/displayobject.cfm/objectid.00034C30-86B8-1ED6-869180C476A90000/) where it snows in winter. Sometimes the light up there is really amazing and the mountains seem to glow. Right: This is my photo with biblical text added. The 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/). Feel free to use both these images for worship and related activities.

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?

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

Adult Response: Give every one 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.

Proper 3 A Epiphany 8 A: God Never Forgets Us

Bible readings: Isaiah 49:8-16a, Psalm 131, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 6:24-34

About the Images:
Left: This is a Microsoft free clipart image with text from the Matthew reading.
Right: This is also a Microsoft free clipart image (for all who have asked; just type in "hands" in the search box). This wonderful image reminds me of the Isaiah reading.
Listening Song: Stilled My Soul
By Sons of Korah on their album, Resurrection. Based on Psalm 131 (pictured at left)
Listening Song: Treasure
By Iona on their album, Beyond These Shores (pictured at right). This song is based on the gospel reading.

Film Clip: China Cry
(pictured at right) This film is based on an actual true story and this clip is a good example of Jesus' words in Matthew to live one day at a time. You will find the clip at One Day At A Time - Movie Clip from China Cry at WingClips.com.
Drama: Where Do I Fit?
Found in Mega Drama 1 by Verena Johnson (Ed.), Open Book Publishers, 2001, ISBN 0859109151, page 13. This drama is based on the gospel reading.

Creative Reading: The Word on Worry
Found in Worship Ideas For Youth Ministry, Group, 1997, ISBN 076442002X, page 14. This goes well with the gospel reading.

Story: Worry or Life
Found in When You Walk by Adrian Plass, The Bible Reading Fellowship, 1997, ISBN 0745935524, page 20 (pictured at left) . This story is based on the gospel reading.
Story: Intimacy With God
Story 337 in 750 Engaging Illustrations for Preachers, Teachers and Writers by Craig Brian Larson and Leadership Journal, Baker Books, 2002, ISBN 0801091551. This story is matched with the Psalm.Response Activity: Pipe Cleaner Prayers In Multi-Sensory Scripture by Sue Wallace, Scripture Union, 2005, ISBN 1844271668, page 18. This activity is based on the Isaiah reading.

Also:

Poem/Meditation: The Cheerful Unrepentant Weeds
By Ruth Burgess in Dandelions and Thistles: Biblical Meditations from the Iona Community by Jan Sutch Pickard (ed.) Wild Goose Publications, 1999, ISBN 1901557146, page 13 (pictured at left).

Kids: Bob the Bird
By Andrew McDonough, Lost Sheep Resources, 2006. This goes with the Matthew reading.Absolutely the best story series around for kids and adults. My whole congregation is delighted every time we use one of these wonderful books. 

Worship Resources: Why Does My Wallet Ache?

Found in Multi-Sensory World by Craig Borlase, Scripture Union/Tear Fund, 2008, ISBN 9781844272662, page 52. This goes with the gospel reading.

Sermon ideas: Watch Out for the Fork in the Road

Found in Life on the Road by Athol Gill, Herald Press, 1992, page 101.  This is based on the Gospel reading. 

Meditation: Pethla
Found in He Was in the World by John L. Bell, Wild Goose Publications, 1995, ISBN 094798870X, page 30 and based on the Isaiah reading.

Nest and Bird

Found in Messy Church 2 by Lucy Moore, The Bible Reading Fellowship, 2008, ISBN 978 1 84101 602 3, page 174. This is based on the Matthew reading.

Prayer: Mirrors

Found in Multi-Sensory Prayer by Sue Wallace, Scripture Union, 2001, ISBN 1859994652, page 28 and based on the Matthew reading.

Prayer: Consequences

Found in Multi-Sensory Prayer by Sue Wallace, Scripture Union, 2001, ISBN 1859994652, page 35 and based on the 1 Corinthians reading.

Worship Activities: Worries

Found in Welcome by Beth Barnett and Keith Dyer, Scripture Union, 2011, ISBN 978 0 9871500 2 8, page 63. These are based on the Matthew reading. 

Sharing Stories: The Worry Free Family

Found in Welcome by Beth Barnett and Keith Dyer, Scripture Union, 2011, ISBN 978 0 9871500 2 8, page 101. These are based on the Matthew reading. 

Prayer/Action: Past, Future, Living in the Now

Found  in Going Home Another Way by Neil Paynter, Wild Goose Publications, 2008,pages 123 and based on the Matthew reading.