“Viewpoints”

A Service of the Word for the Transfiguration of Our Lord
February 15, 2025: IN-PERSON and ONLINE at 10:30 a.m.
The Rev. Matthew Emery, lead minister, preaching
Matthew 17:1-9

This Sunday, our time in the season after Epiphany comes to a close and, as usual, we hear the story of Jesus' identity being revealed in a new way to some of his closest disciples as he is “transfigured” before them on a mountaintop. The scene comes at a turning point in Jesus' journey, just as can be those places in our own journey when we are treated to a new view. For what do we look, though, and what do we do after seeing it?

Seollal 설날 — Lunar New Year

The Lunar New Year celebrated among many East Asian cultures is coming up on Wednesday, February 17th! Known as 설날 (seollal) in Korean, 春节 or 春節 (Chūn jié) in Chinese, Tết Nguyên Đán in Vietnamese, and other names in other East and Southeast Asian cultures that observe it, it is one of the most important traditional holidays in these cultures. In Korean culture, for example, the holiday celebrations take place over several days, and are marked by the gathering of family members, performing Korean rituals, eating traditional foods, playing traditional folk games, and other traditional activities. Our Korean-speaking congregants are planning a wonderful opportunity for fellowship and connection during coffee hour this Sunday, the weekend preceding 설날 (seollal) / 春节 春節 (Chūn jié) / Tết Nguyên Đán. Plan to join in the festivities! 새해 복 많이 받으십시오! (saehae bok mani badeusipsio — Have lots of luck in the new year!)