#LetUsWorship Read the scripture and download the bulletin to prepare for Weekend Worship and Weekly Bible studies!
- YouTube & Facebook Live Worship on Sunday @ 8:30 am PST !!!!!!
After-Worship Zoom Fellowship instructions @ https://inglewoodfirst.org
Special Speaker:
Inglewood First UMC’s Melisa Arnold was born in Dangriga Town, Belize, Central America. She and 2 siblings emigrated to Los Angeles, CA, in 1978 to join their mother and 4 other siblings, already living in Los Angeles.
Melisa has one son, Delmas Arnold, II. She’s been a member of Inglewood First UMC since 1985; she loves her church and church family. She’s the Chairperson of the Church Council, and assists with Payroll and Finance matters for the church.
Melisa is a published poetess and published author, most recently of The Color Of Pain, a semi-autobiographical story of life growing up in Belize. She holds degrees in Economics and in Human Resources Management and is Payroll and Compensation Manager at a Lemon Law firm in Century City, CA.
Special Music:
The Iseiri Isanigu (New Generation) Cultural Group was formed by mostly first generation Garifuna young adults in 2012, with the main goal of furthering the impact of the Garifuna Culture in Los Angeles and the U S. Iseiri Isanigu has a passion for cultural preservation which is passed on to the youth in the Garifuna community.
They sing traditional Garifuna songs and dance to Punta music, played on Garifuna drums; they perform at many events throughout the year, and are a contributor to the Garifuna Survival Day celebration on April 12th each year as well.They are especially in high demand for Garifuna Settlement Day events, culminating on the 19th of November each year.
Inglewood First UMC reflects on the sermon and scripture from the previous Sunday’s worship. Below, you fill find questions that can be used for Bible Study, small groups or personal devotion. Let the scripture speak in to your life! Expect great things!
Opening Prayer (Wesley Covenant Prayer)
O God, Searcher of all our hearts,
you have formed us as a people and claimed us for your own.
As we come to acknowledge your sovereignty and grace,
and to enter anew into covenant with you,
reveal any reluctance or falsehood within us.
Let your Spirit impress your truth on our inmost being,
and receive us in mercy, for the sake of our Mediator, Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9 (Common English Bible)
Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them to the top of a very high mountain. 2 He was transformed in front of them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light.
3 Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus. 4 Peter reacted to all of this by saying to Jesus, “Lord, it’s good that we’re here. If you want, I’ll make three shrines: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
5 While he was still speaking, look, a bright cloud overshadowed them. A voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son whom I dearly love. I am very pleased with him. Listen to him!” 6 Hearing this, the disciples fell on their faces, filled with awe.
7 But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” 8 When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.
9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Don’t tell anybody about the vision until the Human One[a] is raised from the dead.”
Summary:
For two weeks in February and Black History Month, we explore foundations of faith from Black Heritage. For this service, we celebrate the heritage of the Garifuna people of Belize!
In this scripture, three disciples see Jesus is “transfigured” before them on top of a mountain. They they were afraid, but Jesus encouraged them and gave them the responsibility to hold the truth of his presence until it the right time. God gives us all truths of who we are and it is time to share! “Facing the rising sun / of our new day Begun / Let us march on till victory is Won!”
Reflection Questions:
- What is a word, phrase or image that comes to mind when you read or hear the text?
- In this scripture, the disciples Peter, James and John experience the transfiguration of Jesus and saw him in conversation with his ancestors, Moses and Elijah. What do you think they talked about? Who from our past would you like to talk to? What would you ask them? Why is it important to learn from those who have gone before us?
- What does this scripture teach about learning?
- What does God invite you to do, change or be through this passage?
Discipleship Huddle Questions:
- How is it with your soul?
- How does your soul prosper?
Closing Prayer
God who surprises us, help us to be surprised by an encounter with you. Keep us attentive to your presence as we go about our week.