Church of the Transfiguration - Mountain Grove

06/14/2026

We are excited to be hosting a MomCo group! Check out MomCo at Transfiguration!

06/14/2026

Abraham runs to welcome three strangers with lavish hospitality, and discovers he is entertaining the Lord, who fulfills the impossible promise that brings laughter to Sarah’s lips, because nothing is too wonderful for God. Paul traces the arc of that same grace; justified by faith, we stand in hope that does not disappoint, because God’s love was poured out for us while we were still sinners. Jesus looks out at the harassed and helpless crowds with compassion, and sends his disciples out to do what he has done — proclaiming, healing, and giving freely what they have freely received. We are that church, called still to proclaim truth with boldness and minister justice with compassion, trusting the Spirit to speak through us.

06/14/2026

Due to many families being flooded, today's service is cancelled. See you next week!

06/13/2026

The Book of Common Prayer was first compiled in 1549, drawing from ancient liturgies, consolidating several books into one volume, and translating everything into English.

For those new to the Episcopal Church, you might be wondering about this book. You can think of it as similar to a church bulletin, laying out the order of service. In a Baptist church, congregants might pull out a hymnal and sing together. The words aren't improvised on the spot, but the deep theology is read (sung) in unity as they worship together.

The Book of Common Prayer (BCP) works very similar to this hymnal. Instead of just songs, it has the exact text for the opening greetings, the confession of sin, the prayers for the community, and the closing blessing. It ensures that the theology spoken by the congregation is sound, biblical, and unified. And that unity is shared around the world as each church in the Anglican Communion worship together.

The BCP is over 90% Scripture. Almost every line is a quote of a Bible verse. It also includes a Lectionary (a reading schedule) that allows the congregation to read through almost the entire Old Testament once, the New Testament twice, and the Book of Psalms multiple times every few years.

In contemporary churches, the theological safety of the service depends entirely on those on stage. In liturgical churches, the BCP acts as theological guardrails, ensuring that, regardless of the quality of the sermon, the congregation still confesses a flawless gospel, reads massive chunks of Scripture, and keeps the focus entirely on Jesus.

At the end of the day, whether we use a contemporary service order or the Book of Common Prayer, our goal is exactly the same: to approach a holy God with the deepest possible reverence.

06/11/2026

Today we celebrate the Feast of Saint Barnabas.

Grant, O God, that we may follow the example of your faithful servant Barnabas, who, seeking not his own renown but the well-being of your church, gave generously of his life and substance for the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Feast of St. Barnabas the Apostle honors one of the earliest followers of Christ and a key figure in the spread of the gospel. A Levite from Cyprus, Barnabas—whose name means “son of encouragement”—was known for his generosity and faith. He first appears in Acts as one who sold his land and gave the proceeds to the apostles, and later as the trusted disciple who welcomed Paul after his dramatic conversion, introducing him to the hesitant church in Jerusalem.

Barnabas and Paul became partners in ministry, serving the growing Christian community in Antioch, bringing relief to Jerusalem during famine, and embarking together on the first great missionary journey. Their preaching was so powerful that the people of Lystra mistook them for gods, calling Barnabas “Jupiter” for his commanding presence. Though Barnabas and Paul eventually parted ways over a disagreement about Mark, both continued their evangelizing work—Barnabas returning to Cyprus, where tradition says he founded the church and was later martyred.

Remembered for his generosity, courage, and encouragement of others, Barnabas embodies the spirit of one who sought not his own fame, but the flourishing of Christ’s church.

06/07/2026

Abram simply got up and went, leaving everything familiar behind on the strength of God’s promise alone. That leap of faith echoes through Paul’s letter as the very model of how grace works: not through law, but through trust in a God who gives life to the dead and calls into existence things that do not exist. Jesus embodies that same life-giving grace as he calls a despised tax collector, dines with sinners, heals a woman deemed untouchable, and raises a little girl from death; he came not for the righteous but for those who know their need of a physician. All good proceeds from this God who inspires, guides, and makes good on every promise.

06/02/2026

Blandina and Her Companions, the Martyrs of Lyons
Blandina was a Christian martyr who died during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius in 177.

According to the world, she was nothing important: a young woman, a slave. But her brothers and sisters in Christ, awaiting the same fate, drew strength from watching her honor Christ in her death. Their “outward eyes saw through their sister Him who was crucified for them.”

Prayer
Almighty God, who gave such courage and endurance to Blandina and her companions that by their deaths many hearts were turned to you; Grant that we, in accordance with their example, may also gladly endure all that is required of us as we witness to you in our own day; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

06/01/2026

06/01/2026

As we enter the season the Church calls “Ordinary Time,” it helps to know that “ordinary” doesn’t mean unimportant or dull. In the Anglican tradition, this season after Pentecost is a time for growth , a season focused on learning how to live faithfully in everyday life.

After celebrating the great events of Christ’s life, death, resurrection, and the coming of the Holy Spirit, Ordinary Time invites us to put those truths into practice. The Church calendar is more than remembering past events; it forms us week by week into people who follow Jesus more deeply.

This is the season of discipleship: praying, serving, loving our neighbors, and becoming more like Christ in the ordinary rhythms of daily life. And that is anything but ordinary!

05/31/2026

Celebrated exactly one week after Pentecost, this major Christian feast honors the doctrine of the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” - 2 Corinthians 13:14