From Rev. Ben –
Laissez les bons temps rouler! I’ve never been to New Orleans, but I love the exclamation folks are rumored to shout on Mardi Gras, which, when translated from the Cajun French, means “let the good times roll!” I suspect that for many people, it is more of an aspiration than an actuality, and that turns the phrase into a wonderful prayer: “Laissez les bons temps rouler!” (Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.)
The season of Lent begins this week on Ash Wednesday, which means that Tuesday is Mardi Gras (or Fat Tuesday). In celebration this week we are calling to mind both the exuberance of Mardi Gras and the penitential austerity of Lent as we reflect on the story of the transfiguration, when Jesus took three of his disciples up a mountain, where Jesus was transfigured as he met with great prophets of old (“Laissez les bons temps rouler!” said the disciples, who were then silenced by the voice of God).
This week’s online celebration organized around an attempt to impart tools that might help us endure through this season of stress and uncertainty.
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View February 14th Celebration online
- The prelude is, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson, performed by Kim Rankin and William Keys.
- Talitha will welcome us to celebration,
- The Zolezzi sisters will call us to celebration,
- The opening Hymn is “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise,”
- Our Commissioned Lay Pastor, Jim Allardice, will lead us in a prayer for peace,
- Mike Griffith will read Mark 9:2-9,
- I will preach a sermon on the Transfiguration,
- The special music is “If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments,”
- Talitha will lead us in a pastoral prayer,
- The closing hymn is “Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory,” and
- I will close the service with a family life video that includes a few important announcements.
The Charge (say together) Go out into the world in peace. Have courage; hold on to what is good. Return no one evil for evil. Strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak, and help the suffering. Honor all people. Love and serve God, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.