Service Sunday February 15, 2026
HIGHLAND HILLS UNITED CHURCH
Minden, Ontario
All are Welcome!
Transfiguration Sunday
Worship Leader: Rev. David Moore
Music Director: Melissa Stephens
(For a Printer Friendly PDF version click this link)
The Gathering
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
FOCUSING MOMENT:
Quiet Preparation for Worship & Christ Candle Lighting:
Listen: what do you hear? What do you pay attention to? What do you ignore? What do you overlook, miss, discount as unimportant?
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF LAND:
We respectfully acknowledge that Highland Hills United Church is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations which include : Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoliel, and Georgina Island First Nations.
Highland Hills United Church respectfully acknowledges that the Williams Treaty First Nations are the Stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity, and that they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come.
Chief Phyllis Williams, Curve Lake First Nation
THE APPROACH
CALL TO WORSHIP:
One: On this Transfiguration Sunday, we gather on the mountaintop with Jesus, wondering what we will encounter.
ALL: We come to encounter God’s glory revealed.
One: We witness the revelation of Christ’s divinity made plain before us.
ALL: We come to witness God’s glory revealed.
One: We remember that God’s glory is not about spectacle but truth, not about show but about Love made real among us.
ALL: We come to remember God’s glory revealed.
One: We follow Jesus down from the mountaintop into the valleys, as God’s glory goes before us and behind us.
ALL: We come to be sent out to share God’s glory revealed. Thanks be to God! Amen.
HYMN: “You Lord, are both lamb and Shepherd” VU #210
1 You, Lord, are both lamb and shepherd.
You, Lord, are both prince and slave.
You, peacemaker and sword-bringer
of the way you took and gave.
You, the everlasting instant;
you, whom we both scorn and crave.
2 Clothed in light upon the mountain,
stripped of might upon the cross,
shining in eternal glory,
beggared by a soldier's toss.
You, the everlasting instant;
you who are both gift and cost.
3 You, who walk each day beside us,
sit in power at God's side.
You, who preach a way that's narrow,
have a love that reaches wide.
You, the everlasting instant;
you, who are our pilgrim guide.
4 Worthy is our earthly Jesus!
Worthy is our cosmic Christ!
Worthy your defeat and victory.
Worthy still your peace and strife.
You, the everlasting instant;
you, who are our death and life.
OPENING PRAYER: Spoken in Unison
Radiant God, we come to you on the mountaintop to experience your glory. You come to us in the valleys. We meet you in gladness in a place where heaven and earth collide. May our worship of you encourage us on the journey and make us aspire to reflect your kindom in the world. Transform us and keep us near to you. Amen.
MINISTRY OF MUSIC
LEARNING TOGETHER
HYMN: “Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life” VU #681
1 Where cross the crowded ways of life,
where sound the cries of race and clan,
above the noise of selfish strife,
we hear your words of life again.
2 In haunts of wretchedness and need,
on shadowed thresholds, dark with fears,
from paths where hide the lures of greed,
we catch the vision of your tears.
3 The cup of water given for you
still holds the freshness of your grace;
yet long these multitudes to view
the strong compassion of your face.
4 O Jesus, from the mountain side,
make haste to heal these hearts of pain;
among these restless throngs abide,
and tread the city's streets again,
5 till all the world shall learn your love
and follow where your feet have trod,
till glorious from your heaven above
shall come the city of our God.
THE WORD
Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9
Leader: Hear and listen to what the Spirit is saying to the church.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
MESSAGE:
“This, Not That. Definitely Not That!”
OUR RESPONSE
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE and THE LORD’S PRAYER:
HYMN: “Jesu, Joy of Our Desiring” VU #328
1 Jesu, joy of our desiring,
holy wisdom, love most bright;
drawn by you, our souls aspiring
soar to uncreated light.
Word of God, our flesh that fashioned,
with the fire of life impassioned,
striving still to truth unknown,
soaring, dying round your throne.
2 Through the way where hope is guiding,
hark, what peaceful music rings;
where the flock, in you confiding,
drink of joy from deathless springs.
Theirs is beauty's fairest pleasure;
theirs is wisdom's holiest treasure.
You, forever, lead your own
in the love of joys unknown.
PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERINGS
OFFERTORY PRAYER: In Unison
Radiant God, you meet us in moments of mystery and transformation, calling us to listen, to follow, and to give ourselves in love. As we offer these gifts, we confess our impatience with waiting and our longing for clarity, even when you speak from the cloud. Let these offerings be more than habit; let them reflect the light of Christ we have glimpsed on the mountaintop and the hope we carry into the valleys below. Use them—and us—to shine your love where shadows linger, until all your beloved children know they are seen, named, and cherished. In the name of your Beloved Son, we pray. Amen.
SUNG BLESSING: (VU #701)
1 What does the Lord require of you?
What does the Lord require of you?
2 Justice, kindness,
walk humbly with your God.
3 To seek justice, and love kindness,
and walk humbly with your God. ©
SENDING FORTH:
Come down from the mountain with mountain-like faith.
Walk on God's paths as bright, shining lights.
Live in God's ways with faith, hope, and love.
Go into the world transformed and renewed!
A Time of Fellowship
© Music Reproduced with permission under License number A-605748, Valid for: 26/10/2025 - 25/10/2026; One License - Copyright Cleared Music for Churches.
