Opening Announcements
Good Morning and Welcome to Worship! Worship is often the first place that new people come into contact with this growing community of faith. And so, if you are joining us for the first time, I say to you what is said every Sunday: You are welcome here. Here is a place where all are welcome. For such is the love of God for God’s Very Good Creation.
Order of Worship
[please stand as you are able]Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below; praise God above, ye Heav'nly host: praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Translated from Aramaic directly into English. O cosmic Birther of all radiance and vibration, soften the ground of our being and carve out a space within us where your Presence can abide. Fill us with your creativity so that we may be empowered to bear the fruit of your mission. Let each of our actions bear fruit in accordance with our desire. Endow us with the wisdom to produce and share what each being needs to grow and flourish. Untie the tangled threads of destiny that bind us, as we release others from the entanglement of past mistakes. Do not let us be seduced by that which would divert us from our true purpose, but illuminate the opportunities of the present moment. For you are the ground and the fruitful vision, the birth, power, and fulfillment, as all is gathered and made whole once again. And So It Is!
Holy Ever-present God, you revealed your love and guidance for us on the Mount of Transfiguration, giving us a vision of how we live in equity and peace. Trusting in your care for us, we bring you our prayers.
We pray for your church, that it might be the light of love for all people.
We pray for the nations of the world, that our leaders may be wise and compassionate.
We pray for those who suffer illness or oppression, that our care for each other may bring your healing and liberation.
We pray for your creation, that we may be your wise and obedient stewards.
We pray for all those who are in search of you, especially those who are convinced church is no longer the place to find you; may we together walk by the lamp of your Spirit and be at peace in your light now and forever.
Amen.
God our light, make us attentive to your teachings as to a lamp in a dark place, that seeing your way of love, we may live faithful lives as the great day dawns and the morning star rises in our hearts. Amen.
The Transfiguration 1 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became bright as light. 3 Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will set up three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” 8 And when they raised their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.
God instructs The first followers of Jesus to listen to Jesus and Jesus instructs his followers to be not afraid. Where do we find ourselves giving in to our fear? Where do we find ourselves needing to hear again the teaching of Jesus — Love is more powerful than hate?
Our God has revealed to us a law and a love that leads us into the realization that we are children of God. Therefore, let us gratefully give from that which has first been given to us, our lives, our talents, and our possessions.
God of mountaintops and valleys, be our vision of you clouded or brilliantly clear, we faithfully add our gifts to those being given all around us. Bless these offerings that they may be transfigured into your presence in the world. Amen.
May the self-revealing God be a lamp on your way, that as the day dawns and rises within each of us, we might follow Jesus and transform the world. Go in love, work for peace. Amen.
Music Team
Prayer Requests
If you are in need of prayer for any specific concerns or challenges, please contact the Church Office at 562-431-2503. We’ll include your prayer request in this space.
Notes & Announcements
Today’s flowers and Fellowship refreshments are provided by Mo Ashley. See the new sign-up charts for 2026 to provide refreshments or cover the cost of altar flowers for future services. Altar flowers are $35. See Phyllis Spencer to coordinate the arrangements.
Saturday, February 7, 2026, LWCC soprano Jennifer Rudy delivered her babies, and is the proud mother of twin boys! Elias Ross Rudy was born at 8:39am weighing 5 pounds 12 ounces, and Orion Cooper Rudy was born at 9:02 am weighing 4 pounds 3 ounces. Congratulations, love, & blessings to the new family. Mom and babies are well, and doting dad David Rudy is very happy too!
Winners of both the Super Bowl and the SOUP-er Bowl, the Seahawks collected 70 items, and the Patriots collected 11 items. All LWCC food donations benefit We Care Family Support Center in Los Alamitos. THANK YOU to everyone who donated food for this year’s SOUP-er Bowl!
The Transfiguration Continues! Come be transfigured with glitter this Wednesday, February 18th, 8:30 to 10:30 am! Traditionally known as Ash Wednesday, as we continue to live into following the Way of Jesus, we also continue to refine and redefine our traditions. This Wednesday, come for glitter on either your forehead or your hand. Pastor Johan will be imposing red bio- degradable glitter in oil of gladness as we begin a Season of Lent as Jesus did — by turning things upside down.
On Thursday, February 12th at 10 AM, join us for “Coffee with Pastor.” Join Pastor Johan and other members of our congregation for a relaxed time to discuss any questions you may have, current events, or just to get something off your chest. Come share coffee & conversation.
A supply of protective undergarments and absorbent underpads was recently donated to LWCC. They can be found to the right of food donation tables and are free for the taking.
If you are interested in taking part in the efforts of our Care Team, please see Jeanette Williams. There has been some great love and blessing, coordinating with Nancy Westcott and the Prayer Shawl Ministry, in praying over and giving shawls to those in need of healing, warmth, and comfort.
If you wish to receive an End-of-Year Giving Statement of your 2025 donations, please see Phyllis Spencer.
Prayer Journal
Use this prayer in your time with God each day.
Loving God, as this new day dawns, may your Spirit guide my feet and reveal you to me in new ways as I walk through your world today. Amen.
Holy One, thank you for the gift of this day. Whatever has happened, whatever I’ve done and left undone, help me hear the voice of Jesus tonight, telling me to go to sleep as I am and to not be afraid. Amen.