Gathering in Grace • Growing in Faith • Going Forth to Serve
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Transfiguration Sunday
Sunday, February 23, 2020
Worship at 8:30 & 10:00am
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Please note that due to health precautions, Delaney's baptism was
postponed last week and will be celebrated this Sunday.
10:00am Worship Service
A Celebration of Baptism
Delaney Jane Sjolsvold
Born June 28, 2019
Parents
Tyler and Tiffany Sjolsvold
Sponsors
Tracy Schurstein & Shari Cummelin
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Accommodations throughout the church for those with disabilities.
Wireless hearing assist devices available for worship services.
Closed Captioning available with on-demand playback (not live) of worship services.
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Nursery available at both services.
Parent/children's Pray-Ground available in the Sanctuary during worship.
Hospitality & Social Activities from 9-11:30am in the Narthex and Fellowship Hall
Click on the live-stream logo below or visit
www.tlcgo.live
at
the time of the service to watch it on your media device.
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Sunday's Gospel
The Transfiguration
Matthew 17:1-9
(NRSV)
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Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves.
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And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white.
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Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.
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Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I
will make three dwellings
here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
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While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!”
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When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear.
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But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.”
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And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.
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As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
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Our Cross of the Transfiguration
The story inside
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This Sunday is “Transfiguration” Sunday, our namesake for this church, officially formed on April 4, 1957 just five months after the first worship service was held down the street in the gym of Westwood Elementary School. The name on our church charter reads, “Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Transfiguration.”
The stained glass cross in our sanctuary was installed in 1983 and is a brilliant representation of the Transfiguration of Jesus when he underwent a dramatic change in appearance in order that the disciples could behold Him in His glory. In Matthew 17:5, a voice from above speaks “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!”
“This is my Son, [the] Beloved”
is depicted counter-clockwise from the top of the cross.
The cross itself is portrayed as a stylized concept of the form of Christ looking heavenward to the Hand of God. To the sides and lower portion are simple symbols of James, Peter and John who were with Jesus at the mountain. The colors of the earth and rock wall are carried up into the figure. On the far left and right extensions of the cross are curved graphic forms of mountains where the Transfiguration took place.
The Hand of God at the top – the most common image of God, signifies creative power, protection and possession. The hand’s extended fingers suggest blessing.
A chalice can be seen on the right extension of the cross. It signifies Holy Communion, the cup of suffering and now the cup of salvation. The small serpent peering out of the top of the chalice represents poison departing from the cup which had been blessed by John. Jesus’ arms are lifted up on both the right and left extensions to show healing and protection. Jesus is seen as the giver of life so eloquently stated by John.
On the left extension are three symbols of shells to remind us of fishermen, pilgrimages and a zeal for missionary work, a symbolic reminder of James.
Finally, on the bottom of the cross are two keys, crossing each other. They suggest the power which Christ gave to the church to forgive or to retain sins; and Peter’s confession of faith.
By the way, also on the bottom is one small piece of stained glass with writing, a date and the name of a Minnesota town. Ask one of our founding members to tell you what it says.
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Wednesday, February 26
Deepen your faith in Lent
Ash Wednesday, February 26, service with Holy Communion and Imposition of Ashes at noon and 6:30pm.
All Wednesday evening services during the season of Lent will be live-streamed.
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Evening services feature music from Holden Evening Prayer
March 4 - March 11 - March 18 - March 25
Join us Wednesdays in Lent at Noon and 6:30pm for Lenten worship. Services will feature testimonies from TLC staff and members speaking of times when they have experienced “God Moments” in their lives or community. Evening services feature music from Holden Evening Prayer. Community meal at 5:30. Education hour following worship.
All Wednesday evening services during the season of Lent will be live-streamed.
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February has several memorable days, and as I write, it is Presidents' Day. It can be a very cold month, or—just when you wanted to go skiing, all the snow melts! With the sun shining, not much wind, it's beautiful.... Skeptics will say “Watch out... the temps are about to fall, or the TV version: “tumble.”
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The first things I see every morning are the neighborhood squirrels. We have ample bird feeders and they all know where to go, as the backyard can be seen for a block in every direction. Birdman has been frustrated over and over after just filling all the feeders and then watching as the rodents with the fluffy tails either tip the feed out on the ground, or just climb right in and scarf it down.
A few years ago now, I looked up “squirrels” on Google and was told that February is the month most squirrels have their first litter of the year.
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We've all seen the homes that they live in: flimsy piles of leaves that don't look very sturdy at all, and surely don't look like a place to nest. Odd that more of those nests don't fall on the ground. I'm not about to climb up and see how they're made either.
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You've heard the words “empathy” and “sympathy” which mean understanding the lives or sorrows of others. We all need to think of how others feel, and that could mean animals, as well. What if you had just given birth to a few sweet little babies, you live up in a tree, and to keep up your milk supply you must eat more.... just like all mammals. I'll bet you'd scurry to our smorgasbord of bird seed that's readily available. Only moms can understand, maybe.
They can't sing to their little ones, but the old lullaby, “Rock a Bye Baby in the Treetop” would be very appropriate for a family living in tree! The bad part about “when the bough breaks the cradle will fall” probably happens when we're not looking. Think how you'd feel if your little family fell to the ground.
Empathy can be powerful. If we can imagine squirrel nests, we can imagine human beings, suddenly with no home, and nowhere to go either. Don't have to look far to find them either... Tents set up in summer, and then fall and winter come... what to do? The authorities come and tell you to move on, but don't say where.... Tents along the freeway look tacky? Okay tell us where to go then.
Let's be thinking of others instead of ourselves, and yes, even the squirrels need a place to call home. Singing a lullaby won't do it.
-Bloomington Bird Lady
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WHAT DOES THIS MEAN
FOR US?
-a continuing series-
By Pastor Al Dungan
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Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, dear Church! Happy birthday to you!
Wow! Are we ever getting OLD!! 21 centuries worth.
I guess Jesus really meant it when he said, “…and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Not that those gates of hell haven’t done everything in their power to destroy the Church—lied about it over and over again to this very day; persecution and killing of its members throughout all of its history; and horrible events like the Crusades, the Inquisition and all sorts of wars “in the name of Christ.” And, of course, the ongoing statements that the Church has lost its influence in the world and stuff like the “God is dead” movements. And the most recent one I saw online is Chinese authorities arresting people attending a Christian funeral, insisting that they use the secular funeral format. And, guess what? We’re still here proclaiming the good news of Jesus’ resurrection and a message of hope and love for a world that is starved for both.
50 days after Easter which is where the “penta” of Pentecost originates.
It was originally a harvest festival that the Jews celebrated in the spring which brought them from all over the Roman Empire to Jerusalem. That’s why there were Parthians, Medes, Elamites and all the rest who heard Peter’s sermon and experienced those tongues of flame that rested on the heads of the believers. It’s also why, when they heard the believers speaking in their own languages they accused them of being drunk. Oh, they were drunk all right, but with the Spirit of God moving through them so that everyone there could hear the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead and how that act of God changed everything from that point on in the history of the world.
Peter’s sermon on Pentecost; Phillip’s baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch; Saul’s conversion on the road to Damascus where he began his ministry to the Gentiles all spoke with authority of the power of God through Jesus’ resurrection from death.
From that day to this, the Christian community, even though seriously persecuted, has continued to bring good news to a hurting world—news that heals the sick, frees the prisoner, gives sight to the blind and on and on.
Happy birthday dear Church. And remember, “the gates of hell shall not prevail against you.”
Next time: Trinity Sunday—the forgotten festival.
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This February
Let's
'Do'
Lunch!
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TLC has a ‘mission field’ right here in Bloomington, Richfield, Edina and South Minneapolis.
We don’t need to ‘fly over a mission field to get to a mission field’ as Pastors’ Danny Givens
and Arthur Murray recently reminded us. We are ‘missionaries’ here in our neighborhood by
collecting healthy food for VEAP to distribute. Add some items for lunch to your next grocery
shopping list such as:
Peanut butter and jelly
Canned tuna, chicken or ham
Soups and crackers
Mayo, mustard, sandwich spread
Mac and cheese
When we all give a little, it adds up to a lot!
Let’s fill the bins!
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"Water Heart"
ELC Photographer: Nora, 8 years old
Nora has been taking photos since age six. Standing near the edge of this pond, she imagined an upside down heart. Her words, "I saw the heart right away in the ice, but then there were the 3 water holes. I really liked the way the edge of the ice on the water holes looked and it looks like a giant heart."
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Parents’ Night Out
– The next TLC-ELC parents’ night out will be Friday, March 6 from 6-8:30pm.
Parents are welcome to drop their children off at TLC's Fellowship Hall for supervised play time and arts/crafts. Donations accepted (no, you can't donate your children).
Please RSVP to Gretchen Schroeder at
ga.schroeder@yahoo.com
or 612-750-4231. Next dates will be on Fridays: April 3, May 1 and June 5.
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Do you ever need an extra prayer for yourself, a loved one, or a dear friend? TLC has a prayer team that prays often for members, their families and friends of the congregation. Send your prayer requests to merickson@tlcmn.com or on the
TLC website here
, or write your request on the yellow Life@TLC insert included in the bulletin each Sunday. These prayer needs are sent on to the Prayer Team and kept confidential – just between you, the pray-ers, and God. If you would like to be a member of the prayer team, please sign up on the yellow Life@TLC bulletin insert.
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Friends and family celebrated the life of Scott Longley, 56, last Friday, February 14 at TLC.
There you can view his video memorial photo montage, the live-stream archive of the entire service, the bulletin, homily, photo gallery, and a spot to enter your own words of comfort and care.
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-FAMILY NIGHT-
February 26
- Community Meal 5:30-6:00pm. Broccoli cheese soup. $5.00 suggested donation.
- 6:30-7:00pm Ash Wednesday service with Communion.
- Confirmation at 7:00pm
- Chancel Choir Practice
- Praise & Worship Group Practice
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February Mission of the Month
Come to
Wilderness Canoe Base
and let the Boundary Waters Canoe Area wilderness rejuvenate your soul. Our goal is for every person who visits Wilderness Canoe Base to realize that they are strong, loved, and welcome. We know that a retreat to wild places can help open our hearts to this reality. From the lakes to the trees, streams, and community, your time at Wilderness Canoe Base will leave you amazed at God’s marvelous creation and inspired after a Christ-centered wilderness experience.
What type of experiences are available at Wilderness Canoe Base?
Because of our unique program and location, there are
many different opportunities
to consider. The standard program options are: Canoe Trips, Island Camp, Work-Service, Inter-generational & Family Camp Experiences, and Retreats, but customized program options are also available based on the goals of your group. Transfiguration’s annual canoe trip is July 16-22.
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Team Building
–
Short Course
Sunday, Mar. 15 Adult Ed Room - Choose 8:30am or 10:00am class.
This helps teams make use of the methods and philosophy of TLC’s Leadership model. Sign up in Life at TLC. Experience in one hour the basics of team/group operations. All teams and small group members who have not attended a previous meeting are encouraged to attend. Contact Renee Jefferson for more information.
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Christian/Muslim Event
–
Saturday, Feb. 29, 8:30am-2:30pm -
A day of conversation, learning and relationship-building at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 8600 Fremont Ave. S., Bloomington. Cost $17 for adults, $10 for students. Register online here:
Minneapolis Area Synod events page
.
For more information see the flyer at the kiosk in the Narthex, or
[Click Here].
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SATURDAY NIGHT TO SUNDAY MORNING
MARCH 7-8
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The 2
nd
Annual Youth LOCK-In!
The youth will be taking over the church for 12 hours starting
Saturday night,March 7
.
Games, movies, food, door prizes, scavenger hunts, and even sardines! What?!
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Back Issues of the TLC Weekly
including this issue (Today!)
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[CLICK HERE]
to visit the TLC web page where you can choose to read from the past 16 months of weekly E-newsletters from Transfiguration Lutheran Church. This is also a great way to share TLC Weekly with those that don't receive it in email. Tell them to visit
tlcmn.com/tlcweekly
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Also, there are a limited number of TLC Weekly's in hard copy at the TLC Welcome desk next to the Chapel.
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Jan-Mar 2020 Transcripts
Is this a vision test compliments of TLC?
Hint: Look carefully and try to read it top to bottom in one continuous sentence.
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ELECTRONIC GIVING HELPS SUPPORT TLC
It’s important to know that we can depend on financial support from TLC members. Electronic giving is fast, secure, and reduces administrative costs, allowing more of every dollar to support the important work we are called to do. You can give anytime, anywhere to specific funds with our GivePlus Mobile app (free from the app store). You can also schedule and manage recurring donations by visiting our website and clicking on TLC ONLINE GIVING icon at the bottom of any page, or
[Click Here] to start the process, or contact the church office.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!
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Stop by TLC Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday to find out more!
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Picture for illustration purpose only.
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ALTAR FLOWERS
ORDER ONLINE
FOR 2020
See the chart online or stop in
at the church office to order.
The TLC website has an online form to order Chancel/Altar Flowers for any Sunday in 2020.
Click Here to access the form now
, or visit
www.tlcmn.com
later and look for the "Purchase Altar Flowers" button at the bottom of any page.
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Free Subscriptions, sign up to be a volunteer, request care ministry and more!
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Subscribe a friend to this newsletter, TLC Weekly, or subscribe yourself and others to the TLC publication, Transcripts. Interested in TLC membership? Sunday school? Our renowned TLC music program, volunteering and more are choices on this easy online TLC Request Form. Just
[Click Here]
or the "Sign Me Up" button on the left.
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A Reconciling in Christ Congregation
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A Culture of Diversity and Inclusion
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