This Sunday
February 15, 2026
Dear Friends,
This Sunday we gather for Transfiguration Sunday as we continue to honor Black History Month, reflecting on Gospel of Mark 9:1–9, where Jesus is revealed in dazzling glory on the mountain. In that holy moment, the disciples glimpse who Jesus truly is and they hear the voice of God saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” Before they return to the valley, they are given light for the road ahead.
With Dr. Karl Lampley’s leadership and witness, we will investigate the transfiguration of Jesus on the high mountain as a lens for cross-cultural communication, racial reconciliation, and shining forth our God-given inner light of Christ. We will consider the revelation of Jesus' true light, inner nature, and supernatural, heavenly being in the Transfiguration story as a model and call to discipleship for the followers of Jesus. We are called by the Lord to shine forth, to show, and to share our true inner light, inmost Christ-like nature, and authentic being as children of God. We are called as peacemakers, mediators, and bridge-builders to the ministry of reconciliation. Examining the transfiguration of Jesus will enable us to see the light of Christ in fresh new ways.
We will also acknowledge that Lunar New Year begins February 17 and lasts for 16 days in the spirit of joy, blessings, and renewal. Just as the disciples came down the mountain changed, God invites us into new beginnings; to listen more closely, love more deeply, and walk more faithfully with Christ in the everyday moments of life. I invite you to join us on Tuesday, February 24, along with our Tuesday Friends at 10:30 am in Room 5, where we will celebrate Lunar New Year as a time of thanksgiving for God’s gift of new beginnings, honoring the cultures of our Asian siblings, and welcoming all into Christ’s hope for the year ahead. We celebrate not as adopting another religion, but as honoring our friends and neighbors while recognizing God’s grace-filled love is for all peoples.
This Sunday, come for worship.
Come to be renewed.
Come and listen again for the voice of Christ speaking hope into our lives.
All are welcome.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Akesa