sunday february 15, 2026

Fruitland United Methodist Church
February 15, 2026

*(Please stand if you are comfortably able.)

Prelude: “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by J.S. Bach

Welcoming the Light of Christ and inviting the neighborhood to worship.
Welcome and Announcements Leona W. & Jorge R.

*Call to Worship Leona Whitcomb
The Lord calls us from the heights of the mountain.
We come to listen to the voice of God.
God declares, “You are my beloved Son.”
We recognize Christ as Lord of our lives.
God says, “Listen to him.”
We open our ears, our hearts, and our will.
Let us come to worship the God who reveals divine glory
And sends us into the world in love. Amen
*Sharing the Peace of Christ.

*Opening Hymn: “Shine, Jesus, Shine” TFWS 2173

Scripture: Psalm 2 Leona W.

Time With Young Christians Pastor Jorge
Please write prayer concerns and celebrations on yellow notes, to be collected.

Community Expressions Jorge & Leona W.
     Sing: “Holy, Holy, Holy” TFWS 2007
     Thanksgiving and Celebration
     Prayers for Healing and Wholeness
     Our Community and World

Let Us Pray
The Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name . . .”

Scripture Reading: Exodus 24:12-18

Hymn: How Great Is Our God TFWS #3003

Invitation to Generosity Rev Jorge R
     Offertory: “Open the eyes of my heart” by Paul Baloche
     *Doxology: “Praise God from whom all blessings flow . . .” UMH 95

Gospel Reading: Matthew 17: 1-9 Leona W.

*Hymn: “Here I Am, Lord” UMH 593

Sermon: “Listen to Him: When God Speaks from the Mountain” Rev. Jorge R.

Mathew 17 1-9
There are moments in life when we wish time could stand still— moments
so clear, so bright, so full of meaning that we think, “I wish this could last
forever.” Here in Fruitland, we know those moments well. Sometimes they
come quietly: a sunrise over the fields, a conversation around the church
kitchen table, a prayer whispered during a long workday, or a Sunday
morning when the hymns sound stronger and hope feels closer.

Peter knows that feeling. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high
mountain. He doesn’t explain much. Jesus often walks first and explains
later. On that mountain something happens that none of them expect. Jesus
changes. His face shines. His clothes become dazzling white. Moses and
Elijah appear—the Law and the Prophets, the whole story of God’s people
standing with Jesus. Peter, being Peter, doesn’t know what to say, but he
says something:

“Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will make three shelters.” It’s
an honest and human response. It sounds like us sometimes: “This feels
safe. This is familiar. Let’s stay right here.” In a community like Fruitland,
that makes sense. We value stability, relationships, tradition, and taking
care of one another.

But then the most important moment comes. A cloud covers them, and a
voice speaks—not Peter’s, not Moses’, not Elijah’s, but God’s:

“This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.”

Psalm 2 had said it long before: “You are my Son; today I have begotten
you.” God is not offering advice; God is revealing identity.
Jesus is not just a teacher, not just a prophet, not just a powerful spiritual
experience. He is God’s beloved Son. And God does not say, “Admire him,”
or “Build something permanent here,” or “Stay on the mountain.”
God says something far more demanding: “Listen to him.”
​
Listening is harder than watching. Watching keeps us comfortable; listening
calls us to respond. The story does not end on the mountain. It ends on the
way down. They do not stay. They return to the crowds, the questions, and
the needs of the world. Church is a safe place—but it is also a sending
place. The voice from the cloud is still clear: “Listen to him.”

May God give us ears to listen, hearts ready to obey, and feet willing to walk
wherever Jesus leads.
Amen.

Prayer of Confession:
God of light and glory, we confess that many times we prefer to speak
rather than listen, to build shelters rather than follow Jesus,
and to remain comfortable on the mountain instead of descending into
the valley of human pain.

Forgive us when we ignore your voice and fail to listen to your Son.
Turn us back to you, so that we may be transformed and sent in love.
Amen.

Words of Assurance...... Pastor Jorge R.

Hear the good news:
The voice that spoke from the cloud
is still speaking today with grace.
In Christ we are forgiven, restored,
and called to walk in God’s light.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
People: Thanks be to God! Amen.

Closing Hymn: “ Sent Out In Jesus’ Name” TFWS 2184

Pastoral Benediction: Brothers and sisters, you have seen the
glory of Christ, you have heard the voice of God. Now come down
from the mountain to listen to Jesus in the cries of the world and
to follow him faithfully. Go in peace. Amen.

Song of Blessing: We Are Marching in The Light Of God

Postlude: O How He Loves You And Me by Kurt Kaiser

                                          Pastor Jorge Rodriguez [email protected]