A note from Pastor Travis 2/16/23

This Sunday, we will be discussing the Transfiguration. 

The Transfiguration is the story of Jesus taking his 3 closest disciples up a hill. While there, Jesus is transfigured. His face becomes as radiant as the sun and his clothes become dazzling white.

Then Moses and Elijah, two of the most important figures of the faith, appeared before Jesus. It was an amazing moment for the disciples. They even heard the voice of God. It was an important moment for Jesus too.

The Transfiguration took place right before Jesus started his journey to Jerusalem, where he would be crucified. The trip to Jerusalem must have been difficult. The experience of the transfiguration was a moment that he could look back on for strength and courage. It helped prepare him for all that was to come.

Every year on the Sunday before Lent begins, we read the story of the Transfiguration. It is the passage which centers us before we take the journey to Jerusalem with Jesus.

Each of us approaches Lent differently. People often give up something for the season, and many people take on extra spiritual practices.  The transfiguration reminds us that when God seems distance or the road too difficult, we can center our hearts in those moments that we have felt the presence of God most clearly.

This Sunday we will reflect on those “God moments,” and consider how they may help us to journey faithfully through Lent, that we may be filled with joy on Easter morning.

If you would like to read the story of the Transfiguration as a way to begin your dialogue with this passage before we reflect on it together on Sunday, follow this link: https://bible.oremus.org/?ql=543395063

Peace and Grace,

Pastor Travis

p.s. Scam Alert!

Over the past year, a number of my pastor colleagues have had their email spoofed. Members of the church will get an email they think is from their pastor (the email address is usually just one character off). The email either explains an emergence situation in which the pastor needs you to send money quickly to help someone. or asks you to email back, with little or no explanation.

Thankfully, this hasn’t happed at our church yet, but I encourage you to always be on alert for any email from me that seems a little odd.

I will NEVER ask you to send me money. If I ask you to email or text me, I will give sufficient reason why I am asking you to do it. However, even in those cases, do not hit the reply button to respond to me. Rather, start a new email, using the email address for me that is already saved in your email program.

If you have any questions about an email that claims to be from me, please don’t respond to the email. This is the best way to keep from being scammed.



Travis