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St. John Lutheran Church (ELCA)Mineola, IA

Pastor Luke Kuenzli

Order of Service and Worship TextsFor Virtual and In-person Worship

Adapted from Evangelical Lutheran WorshipSetting 2 and from Sundays & Seasons

February 2021 during COVID-19 pandemic

THIS SUNDAY: February 14, 2021 – Transfiguration of Our Lord, Happy Valentine’s Day10:30 – In-person Worship with YouTube Live stream11:30 – Community Prayer and Listening regarding American Flag and Worship.

In-person or virtual at: meet.google.com/vfp-cudm-dfw

ACCOMPANIST: Barb MassREADER: Susan Carnahan

USHERS: Rob and Susan Simmon

Tues – 1:00 Quilting Mon – No Preschool Wed/Fri – Preschool 9:00-11:30Wed, Feb 17 – Ash Wednesday Worship 7pm; Imposition of Ashes anytime at the Church.

Wed/Thurs – Virtual Communion (times below)

NEXT SUNDAY: February 21, 2021 – First Sunday in Lent10:30 – In-person Worship with YouTube Live stream

Virtual Communion:During Sunday worship (when worship is virtual-only) ORWhen Sunday worship is in-person: (meeting address is the same each week) Wednesdays at 11am: meet.google.com/ixe-mnpg-eej AND Thursdays at 6:30pm: meet.google.com/uwh-pewk-hms ORby other arrangement with Pastor Luke.

If worshipping from home, pick up a prepackaged communion cup/wafer at the North entrance, near the Church office. (or use your own bread and wine/grape juice).

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St. John Lutheran ChurchMineola, Iowa Phone (712) 526-2268Website: stjohnluthchurchmineola.orgPastor Luke Kuenzli

February 14, 2021 10:30amTransfiguration of Our Lord

We are called to glorify God, grow in faith,

and build community.Mission Statement

Food DriveThe Women of St. John are having a food drive and collecting

for Mills County Ministerial Association food pantry all through the month of February.

Kid-friendly cereals, canned tuna, chicken, pears, peaches and mixed fruits, dry pastas, toilet paper and feminine hygiene products ALWAYS welcome and needed.

Items will be collected in the shopping cart. Only food items

SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION – COVID-19 Virtual and In-Person

Covid-19 Precautions for in-person worship We will require masks be worn while you are in the building (Ages 2 and

up). Refusal to wear a mask will result in your being asked to leave. We will be practicing social distancing of 6 feet. Closed pews are cordoned

off and labelled. Please don’t gather in the hallway or enter any closed spaces. Restrooms will

be limited to single-person/family use at any given time. Those who do not comply with social distancing policies will be asked to leave.

There will not be prolonged singing or unison speaking, communion, or fellowship time. Virtual communion will be held midweek.

We continue to advise (not require) that persons in the vulnerable population groups of 65+ years of age and anyone with underlying medical conditions remain home.

We ask that anyone with any respiratory symptoms (cough, sniffles, sneezing, sore throat) or fever please remain home. You will be asked to leave if you are displaying such symptoms.

We ask that if you are traveling to areas of high virus activity, you remain home for the Sunday following your travels.

Hand sanitizers are located throughout the open areas. Feel free to use them!

Have you been engaging in our Virtual Worship? Do you want this virtual ministry to continue? Would you support such an effort financially?

Council is looking at proposals to upgrade our technology to “transfigure” our current, clunky, temporary set-up into a permanent solution. This would include: - an installed Pan-Tilt-Zoom camera (PTZ 20x HD SDI) - an audio mixing board (Mackie SR32-4-VLZ Pro) - a dedicated livestream processing unit (AJA Helo) - a PC for running the camera and livestream - a new AV Station in the balcony, with wiring run to that locationTotal Cost (mostly labor) is estimated at $16,000.

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Evangelical Lutheran Worship (Setting 2) (*Stand)

Prelude Welcome/Announcements

GATHERING

Confession and ForgivenessBlessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, whose voice is upon the waters,whose mercy is poured out upon all people, whose goodness cascades over all creation. Amen.

Let us confess our sin, trusting in the abundant grace of God. Silence is kept for reflection.

Holy God, you search us and know us.You are acquainted with all our ways.We confess that our hearts are burdened by sin—our own sins and the broken systems that bind us.We turn inward, failing to follow your outward way of love.We distrust those who are not like us.We exploit the earth and its resourcesand fail to consider generations to come.Forgive us, gracious God, for all we have done and left undone.Even before the words are on our tongues, you know them;receive them in your divine mercy. Amen.

How vast is God’s grace!Through the power and promise of ☩ Christ Jesus, our sins are washed awayand we are claimed as God’s own beloved. Indeed, we are forgiven.In the wake of God’s forgiveness, we are called to be the beloved communityliving out Christ’s justice and the Spirit’s reconciling peace. Amen.

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Gathering Hymn “Arise Your Light Has Come” #314Those at home may sing along.

Those in-person, please listen and meditate on the words as one person sings.

Text © 1992 GIA Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Greeting The grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you.

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Kyrie (sung or hummed quietly) p. 120

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*This is the Feast (sung or hummed quietly) p.122

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Salutation The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Prayer of the Day (spoken quietly)Almighty God, the resplendent light of your truth shines from the mountaintop into our hearts. Transfigure us by your beloved Son, and illumine the world with your image, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

WORDFirst Reading: A reading from 2 Kings 2:1-12.

1Now when the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. 2Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; for the LORD has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. 3The company of prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the LORD will take your master away from you?” And he said, “Yes, I know; keep silent.” 4Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here; for the LORD has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho. 5The company of prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the LORD will take your master away from you?” And he answered, “Yes, I know; be silent.” 6Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; for the LORD has sent me to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on. 7Fifty men of the company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. 8Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground. 9When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha said, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.” 10He responded, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not.” 11As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. 12Elisha kept watching and crying out, “Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. ...Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God!

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Psalm 50:1-6 Two lectors read responsively by whole verse.1The mighty one, God the LORD, has spoken;

calling the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.2Out of Zion, perfect in its beauty, God shines forth in glory. 3Our God will come and will not keep silence;

with a consuming flame before, and round about a raging storm.4God calls the heavens and the earth from above

to witness the judgment of the people. 5“Gather before me my loyal followers,

those who have made a covenant with me and sealed it with sacrifice.”6The heavens declare the rightness of God’s cause, for it is God who is judge.

Second Reading: A reading from 2 Corinthians 4:3-63Even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4In their

case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. 6For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

…Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God!

*Gospel Acclamation (sung or hummed quietly)

This is my Son, my Beloved, | lis - ten to him!

*Announcement of the Gospel The holy gospel according to Mark 9:2-9. Glory to you, O Lord.

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*The Gospel is proclaimed 2Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them

up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. 4And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. 7Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” 8Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus. 9As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

… The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon Pastor Luke KuenzliJesus, transfigured on the mountain – what a sight to behold, what an

experience to undergo! The dazzling clothes, the appearance of the two great

prophets Moses and Elijah, the overshadowing could thundering with the voice of

God! It must have been an amazing event in the lives of the three disciples

privileged to have been with Jesus on that mountaintop – James, John, and Peter.

When you picture their faces as they bear witness to the unveiling of Jesus’

glory, what is the expression you imagine? Those of you watching online, feel free

to use the chat box to show us the emoji-version of the expression to show us what

you think they might have been feeling. Those of you in-person, I’ll ask you to

make the expression on your own face! Don’t worry, the camera can’t see you to

record your expressions for posterity…

I see a whole lot of joyous, awed, amazed, star-struck, wide-eyed, jaws-

dropped kinds of expressions. And I’m sure this is part of what the three disciples

of Jesus’ inner circle felt… If I were to try telling the story with emojis, it would

probably look something like this:

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Six days later, 😇took with him 🗿and 🤓and 😎, and 👣them ⬆️ a high 🏔

apart, by themselves 😏. And he was 🐛🦋before them, and his 🧥became

🤩 🥼, such as no one on 🌍could bleach them. And there ✨to them 🦸

♂ with 🧙, who were 💬with 😇. Then 🗿 said to 😇, “👨 🏫, it is 👍for us to

be here; let us make ⛺️⛺️⛺️, one for 😇, one for 🧙, and one for 🦸 ♂ .” He

did not know 😕what to 💭, for they were 😱 💩. Then a ☁️overshadowed

them, and from the ☁️there came 📢, “This is my Son, the 🥰💓; 👂 to 😇!”

Suddenly when they 👀 🔄, they 👀 🚫with them any more, but only 😇.

As they were 👣 ⬇️the 🏔, he ordered them to 🔇about what they had 👀,

until after the Son of Man had risen from the ☠ . 🤯

I find it interesting that only one of the disciples’ emotions is actually

named in this whole story. It isn’t awe, or amazement, or joy, or adoration… It is

terror. “[Peter] did not know what to say, for they were terrified.”

I find it perhaps even more interesting that in the midst of that fear, Peter

didn’t seek to run away, didn’t seek to avoid his terror, didn’t seek to cower…

instead, he chose to confront it, and even showed a willingness to dwell with his

anxiety. He invited Moses and Elijah and his transfigured teacher Jesus, even as

he was terrified, to stay with him, with them. Despite his fear, he offered

hospitality.

There are many things that cause us fear in our world today – there has

always been fear, and there will always be causes for anxiety and concern. But

our fears do not need to dictate our actions and reactions. As God’s people,

chosen and beloved through Jesus’ gift of salvation, we have been empowered to

allow love, rather than fear, to guide us and to change us for the sake of the world

around us.

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Today, we celebrate not only the Transfiguration of our Lord, but also,

coincidentally, St. Valentine’s Day. While only one of these is a major holiday in

the Christian tradition, the other has become a major holiday in American culture.

The tradition behind St. Valentine’s Day is a mixed-up mess of several different

stories and traditions from both Christian and Roman practice, but what historical

records can confirm is that there was a clergyman in the 3rd Century named

Valentinus who was put to death by the Roman Emperor Claudius II for

ministering to persecuted Christians, possibly helping many escape from prison

and death penalties. For the sake of showing this love to those suffering, he was

martyred.

One of the other stories, not confirmed by historical records, is that

Valentinus secretly officiated weddings for Christian couples, in defiance of

Emperor Claudius’ decree that no young men should wed, because single men

made better soldiers than married men, and he needed a strong army. In this

version of the story, it was for this reason that Valentinus was put to death, and

which may also give us the roots for the modern interpretation of St. Valentine’s

Day as a holiday of romance. Whatever the true story was, the martyrdom of

Valentinus is a commonality. In Valentinus, we see an example of faithfulness to

God’s calling to compassion – to love – in the face of fear, and even in the face

of death.

Both Peter and, nearly 250 years later, Valentinus, stood in the midst of

fear and chose to show love, hospitality, compassion. Peter, to the heroes of the

faith as they appeared before him unexpectedly; Valentinus, to a persecuted

population as they suffered every day under the weight of oppression.

Now, if you’re like most Americans, then you’ve probably purchased and

given, or you have received, a number of “Valentines” throughout your lifetime.

Cards expressing how much you love and appreciate and can’t live without your

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spouse or parent or friend – or little folded tear-off cardboard notes with a piece

of candy glued on given to each classmate or friend. Believe me, I appreciate any

excuse to eat sweets, and Valentine’s Day is one such excuse… But simple words

and sweet gifts are not really the point, are they? It seems fitting that Jesus

commanded Peter, James, and John to hold close their words, as they went down

the mountain after Jesus’ Transfiguration and God’s proclamation of love. Words

are OK – but a life of commitment to acts of compassion is more in keeping with

Christ’s example.

The traditional “romantic” gift of roses gets closer to that ideal – the gift of

love comes with thorns, with the potential for pain, and also with the potential for

joy. The greatest gift of love we have even been given is also the most painful

gift to have received – the life of Jesus, crowned with thorns, given in love for

you and for me. And in every age, Jesus comes to those who are oppressed,

though who are lonely, those who struggle to show us what love looks like.

It looks like servanthood: “For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim

Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake,” to quote Paul’s

second letter to the church in Corinth. It looks like not simple proclaiming, but

enacting “the captives’ liberty; good tidings to the poor,” to quote our opening

hymn, “Arise, Your Light Has Come!” It looks like the grace of God, which

changes us inside and out – not only affecting our words and how and when we

use them, but also how and to whom we show love through living deeds of

faithfulness to God’s ways of mercy and compassion.

Hospitality when unexpected strangers arrive, like Peter. Efforts to assist

those being oppressed, like Valentinus. A willingness to give up what we view as

ours for the sake of another or others, as Jesus gave his life for us. Most of all, a

knowledge that when we are loving as Jesus loved, there will be thorns, there will

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be pain, there will be fear – and there will be healing, there will be comfort, there

will be faith. Thanks be to God for the life-changing gift of love. 🙏 Amen.

*Nicene CreedWe believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,

eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light,true God from true God, begotten, not made,of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made.For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven,

was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Maryand became truly human.For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;he suffered death and was buried.On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures;he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,who proceeds from the Father and the Son,*who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,who has spoken through the prophets.We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.We look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Installation of CouncilThe assembly is seated. The presiding minister addresses the assembly.The following people have been elected by the congregation to positions of leadership. We give thanks for their willingness to serve. In baptism we are welcomed into the body of Christ and sent to share in the mission of God; we rejoice now that these sisters and brothers will lead us in our common life and our mutual mission as a congregation.

The offices and names of those who are to be installed are read.Newly elected members: Chris Clayton, Trustee; Marge Kahl, TreasurerRe-elected members: Chris Mead, Trustee; Frank Lilly & Carol Tedder (Pres.), Deacons

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Continuing members: Kris Sorensen, Secretary; Terry Tedder, Trustee; Leslie Speck & Dave Stickrod (V.P.), Elders

The presiding minister addresses those being installed.A reading from First Corinthians: There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)

You have been elected to positions of leadership and trust in this congregation.

You are to see that the words and deeds of this household of faith bear witness to God, who gathers us into one together with the whole church.You are to seek to involve all members of this congregation in worship, learning, witness, service, and support, so that the mission of Christ is carried out in this congregation, in the wider church, in this community, and in the whole world.You are to be faithful in your specific area of serving, that the Spirit who empowers you may be glorified.You are to be examples of faith active in love, fostering peace, harmony, and mutual understanding in this congregation.The presiding minister addresses those being installed.On behalf of your sisters and brothers in Christ, I ask you: Will you accept and faithfully carry out the duties of the offices to which you have been elected?Response: I will, and I ask God to help me.

The assembly stands. Those being installed face the assembly. The presiding minister addresses the assembly. People of God, I ask you: Will you support these, your elected leaders, and will you share in the mutual ministry that Christ has given to all who are baptized? Response: We will, and we ask God to help us.

Those being installed face the presiding minister, who addresses them.I now declare you installed as council members of this congregation.

Almighty God bless you, and direct your days and your deeds in peace,that you may be faithful servants of Christ. Amen.

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Prayers of Intercession Guided by Christ made known to the nations, let us offer our prayers for the

church, the world, and all people in need. A brief silence.

For the gospel proclaimed in word and deed, for communities of faith far and near, and for all who show the face of Christ throughout the world. Especially for Faith Lutheran in Harcourt and Trinity Lutheran in Boxholm and lay minister Rod Meyer; for Wild Hearts n Horses and the work being done by Bob and Carol Weilage, and for all ministries and ministers of compassion, let us pray. Have mercy, O God.

For creation: sun, moon and stars; life forming in the dark earth and ocean deep; mountains, clouds and storms, and creatures seen and unseen, and for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our stewardship of God’s creation, let us pray. Have mercy, O God.

For those responsible for safety and protection: for emergency responders and security guards, attorneys and advocates, civil servants and leaders of governments, that they witness to mercy and justice throughout the world, let us pray. Have mercy, O God.

For all who suffer this day (especially) Eileen Fleming, Terry Tedder, Mary Fertig, Kaidyn, Brian Benedict, Katie Hannasch, Tom Sperling, Randy Williams, , that Christ our healer transform sickness into health, loneliness into companionship, bereavement into consolation, and suffering into peace, let us pray. Have mercy, O God.

For companions on life’s journey in this worshiping community, for loved ones who cannot be with us this day, and for guidance during struggles we face, that God’s glory is revealed around and among us, let us pray. Have mercy, O God.

In thanksgiving for the faithful departed who now rest from their earthly pilgrimage, that their lives of service and prayer inspire us in our living; and for all servants of this and every congregation especially the members of our Congregation Council, let us pray. Have mercy, O God.

Merciful God, hear the prayers of your people, spoken or silent, for the sake of the one who dwells among us, your Son, Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

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Sharing of the PeaceThe peace of the Lord be with you all. And also with you.Please greet one another with a socially distanced sign of Christ’s Peace.

THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving for the WordPraise and thanks to you, holy God, for by your Word you made all things: you spoke light into darkness, called forth beauty from chaos, and brought life into being. For your Word of life, O God, we give you thanks and praise.

By your Word you called your people Israel to tell of your wonderful gifts: freedom from captivity, water on the desert journey, a pathway home from exile, wisdom for life with you. For your Word of life, O God, we give you thanks and praise.

Through Jesus, your Word made flesh, you speak to us and call us to witness: forgiveness through the cross, life to those entombed by death, the way of your self-giving love. For your Word of life, O God, we give you thanks and praise.

Send your Spirit of truth, O God; rekindle your gifts within us: renew our faith, increase our hope, and deepen our love, for the sake of a world in need. Faithful to your Word, O God, draw near to all who call on you; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory forever. Amen.

Lord’s PrayerGathered together by the Holy Spirit, we pray as Jesus taught us: (spoken quietly)Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory,

forever and ever. Amen.

Sending

BLESSINGGod the creator strengthen you; Jesus the beloved fill you;and the Holy Spirit the comforter ☩ keep you in peace. Amen.

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Sending Song “Beautiful Savior” #838Those at home may sing along.

Those in-person, please listen and meditate on the words as one person sings.

Public Domain

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Dismissal Go in peace. Be the light of Christ. Thanks be to God.Scripture quotations from New Revised Standard Version Bible, © 1989 National Council of the

Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Service adapted from Evangelical Lutheran Worship © 2006. All rights reserved.And/or from Sundays and Seasons.com. © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.

Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #46263.

“Arise, Your Light Has Come!” Text © 1992 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission from ONE LICENSE, License #731513-A. All rights reserved.

Permission to stream music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, License #731513-A. All rights reserved.

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