This Service was conducted by Zoom.
Full details on how to access the Zoom Service can be found here.
A recording of the service is available here:

Preacher: Revd George Mwaura

Celebrant: Revd Ernesto Lozada-Uzuriaga

Introit: O Nata Lux de Lumine

Welcome

Prayer of the Week – the Transfiguration

Almighty God, we ask you to show us something more
of who you are and how awesome your presence is.
Overcome our fear of the unknown and lead us into a new experience of you.
May our worship today be as on a mountain-top,
a transforming encounter that empowers our discipleship.

Amen

Hymn: Sing for God’s glory that colours the dawn of creation

Sing for God’s glory that colours the dawn of creation,
racing across the sky, trailing bright clouds of elation,
sun of delight
succeeds the velvet of night,
warming the earth’s exultation.

Sing for God’s power that shatters the chains that would bind us,
searing the darkness and despair that could bind us,
touching our shame
with love that will not lay blame,
reaching out gently to find us.

Sing for God’s justice disturbing each easy illusion,
tearing down tyrants and putting our pride to confusion;
lifeblood of right,
resisting evil and slight,
offering freedom’s transfusion.

Sing for God’s saints who have travelled faith’s journey before us,
who in our weariness give us their hope to restore us;
in them we see
the new creation to be,
spirit of love made flesh for us.

Kathy Galloway (b. 1952)
CCL31580

Gathering Prayer

Jesus said: My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.

Welcome to the house of God.
We have come from all the corners of the earth.

Welcome to the hospitality of God.
We come as we are; we bring our life, our stories, our journey.

Welcome, brothers and sisters.
We are the rainbow people of God.

Welcome, chosen people.
May God our companion bind us in his love.

Amen

[Silence]

The Confession

For the things we have done and not done.
Forgive us.

For the things we have said and not said.
Forgive us.

For the life we have lived and not lived.
Forgive us.

[Silence]

Beloved God, help us to reflect the image of the one we profess to follow:
in thought, word and deed;
and in discovering our true self draw others into the light.

Amen

Bible readings

Psalm 50: 1–6

Read by Adrian/Jill Boynton

¹ The Mighty One, God, the Lord,
speaks and summons the earth
from the rising of the sun to where it sets.
² From Zion, perfect in beauty,
God shines forth.
³ Our God comes
and will not be silent;
a fire devours before him,
and around him a tempest rages.
⁴ He summons the heavens above,
and the earth, that he may judge his people:
⁵ ‘Gather to me this consecrated people,
who made a covenant with me by sacrifice.’
⁶ And the heavens proclaim his righteousness,
for he is a God of justice.

NIV®

This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Mark 9: 2–13

Read by Pat Kyd

The transfiguration

² After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. ³ His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. ⁴ And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.

⁵ Peter said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters – one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ ⁶ (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)

⁷ Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: ‘This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!’

⁸ Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.

⁹ As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. ¹⁰ They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what ‘rising from the dead’ meant.

¹¹ And they asked him, ‘Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?’

¹² Jesus replied, ‘To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? ¹³ But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him.’

NIV®

This is the Gospel of Christ.
Praise to Christ our light.

Meditation

By Revd George Mwaura

Lord, as we bow in prayer, we ask that you reveal yourself in the ordinary places we inhabit so we may behold your glory and receive the salvation wrought by your Son.

Amen

On 17 January this year, a team of climbers from Nepal became the first mountaineers successfully to complete a winter attempt on the summit of K2, the world’s second tallest peak. The group of Sherpas had paused at a point 70 metres short of their goal to wait for each other before climbing into the world’s history books together. Located on the Pakistan–China border, K2 is the only mountain over eight thousand metres that had not been summitted in winter. I am sure you watched all those images on your television sets. Their success was, however, marred by the death on the mountain of renowned Spanish climber Sergio, who fell down a crevasse as he attempted to make his way down to Base Camp.

Most of you will also perhaps remember that amazing story in 1953 when a New Zealand beekeeper named Edmund Hillary and a Sherpa guide, became the first ever human beings to reach the summit of Mt Everest. Here was a mountain that was unreachable, fearsome, and deadly; a mountain that had defeated fifteen previous expeditions. Some of the planet’s most experienced climbers had perished on its slopes. For many, Everest represented the last of the earth’s greatest challenges, the last frontier, so to speak. The North Pole had been reached in 1909; the South Pole in 1911, but Everest, often referred to as the Third Pole, had defied all human efforts. Reaching its summit seemed like a feat beyond mere mortals. But now, at last, success! And to crown their success; their arrival at the summit was announced on the morning of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II: a truly mountaintop experience – literally.

It is heroic narratives like these that helped to coin the phrase mountaintop experience. The mountaintop experience which we encounter this morning in the Gospel of Mark has Jesus and his three closest disciples – Peter, James and John – going up on Mt Tabor. Mt Tabor, as those who have been to Israel will testify, is more of a hill than mountain, but that is beside the point. There was nothing unusual about Jesus going to such a place. He often went off from the crowds to pray and rest-ordinary stuff. After healing Simon Peter’s mother, the following morning, if you remember Ernesto’s sermon, Jesus withdrew to a quiet place to pray. That is how he fed his ministry. But from here onwards, nothing will be ordinary again in Jesus’ life.

No sooner do they arrive on top of this mountain than Jesus is suddenly transfigured: his clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. Not only extraordinary, but out of this world, which, of course, is precisely what the story wants to convey. And as if that is not extraordinary by itself, two of Judaism’s most honoured sons suddenly appear. Moses the law giver and Elijah the prophet par excellence both show up representing the Law and the Prophets. This is both literally and figuratively a mountaintop experience. It is like a gathering of Who’s Who in the cosmic pecking order! No wonder the disciples are terrified. But a little terror never stopped Peter from running with his mouth and, for lack of any bright ideas, he suggests erecting three tents to commemorate the event!

This is mindboggling; but wait, it is not even over! Suddenly a cloud overshadows the mountain covering everything and the voice of God is heard crystal clear booming like JEJ: This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him.

Wow, dazzling face and clothes, visits from famous figures of the past, hovering clouds, and heavenly voices; sounds like science fiction, doesn’t it? But it was not!

It was so extra ordinary that when it was all over, and the four of them were headed down the mountain, Jesus told them not to tell anyone about what they had seen. That kind of made sense to me, you know. Who would have believed them anyway?

But back they went, down the mountain into the real world. The mountaintop experience was wonderful, exceptional, and inspirational, but it came to an end because that is not where their calling was located.

That was true for Jesus and his disciples and it’s true for you and me. Back down the mountain we must go. Yes, we need to be inspired once in a while – or even twice in a while. But seeking religious thrills is not what Christian discipleship is all about. No mam, no sir! Our call is into the valleys and plains of the care homes and nursing homes, the schools and hospitals, the prisons and detentions centres, the churches and in the communities where we live, because that is where the needs are. That is where the people of God spend their ordinary lives.

Today is Racial Justice Sunday and as we mark this day, we remember that our place is not at the top of the mountain hobnobbing with those who oppose and oppress God’s children because of the colour of their skin, religion, or nationality. No, no! Our place is in the valleys and plains. On the streets with those demonstrating under the banners of BLM, #Me too, and other worthy courses that seek to free those for whom justice has been delayed and denied. In Christ Jesus, to paraphrase the Apostle Paul, there is no colour or gender. We are all one. We are all children of the same God.

Oddly enough, that incredible mountaintop experience at Mount Everest 68 years ago ended in a remarkably similar way to the story of the transfiguration. After Edmund Hillary had climbed Mount Everest, he was knighted by the Queen and became a household name round the world. Think Jessica Ennis Hill, Dame Kelly Homes, David Beckham, or Lewis Hamilton; that kind of fame. He became a spokesperson for Roebuck and his name appeared on many sporting goods. He could have lived for the rest of his life in his little tent on top of his Mt of success if he chose to, but he did not. Instead, he went back to Nepal, back to the Sherpas, whom he had grown to respect and love. Without them he would never have been able to conquer the mountain. In his book years later, Hillary recounted how an elderly Sherpa from the village of Khumjung, where most of the crew for his Everest climb came from, had come to him a few years after that expedition and said to him: Our children lack education. They are not prepared for the future. What we need more than anything is a school. So, Hillary founded the Himalayan Trust, and in 1961 a three-room schoolhouse was built with funds raised by the tireless mountaineer. To date the trust has built over thirty schools, two hospitals and fourteen medical clinics, plus numerous bridges, and airfields. In recent years, the trust has expanded its scope, devoting considerable funds to rebuilding Buddhist monasteries and to reforesting the valleys and slopes in the region.

Sir Edmund Hillary had his mountaintop experience and it moved him to a life of mission. And that is as it should be with all of us. Yes, we need mountaintop experiences, and the view from up there is incredible as well as inspirational. But we are never intended to stay up there. Peter never built his tents on Mt Tabor, Moses and Elijah went back to heaven. And Jesus; well, Jesus went back to where the people were, back to the valleys and plains to preach, to teach, to heal, and eventually to Jerusalem, to the last supper, to his betrayal, trial, the cross, death, resurrection, and salvation.

From mountaintop to mission: Yes, the mountain tops are wonderful and it’s where our batteries are recharged, and we gain inspiration. But we need to remember that our mission is in the valleys, the plains and meadows where the suffering people of God reside. That is where you will find Christ. That is where we must be. Let us meet there, shall we?

Amen

Musical Response

An Affirmation of Faith

We believe in the Creator:
the maker of all things.

We believe in the Son:
the redeemer of our broken world.

We believe in the Spirit:
The sacred wind that binds all things together in the family of God.

Creator Father, beloved Son and living Spirit.

Amen

Intercessions

By Robin Kyd

We pray for your Church here in Milton Keynes, The Church of Christ the Cornerstone. In these difficult times may we do all we can to maintain a visible sign of your presence in the city centre. We give thanks to you for all those who had the vision of a Church presence at the heart of this vibrant community. Today we face many challenges in looking to the future and how we, under the guidance of your Spirit, may find new ways to improve and expand the mission of your people to the community of Milton Keynes. Guide us, too, as we explore how to change our governance and structures to enable us more effectively to be your faithful disciples.

We pray also for Gentle Spaces, a service to help those suffering from bereavement, in which Cornerstone is committed to play a part. Bless and inspire those who are seeking ways to make our Cornerstone community more accessible and welcoming in these difficult times to those who are unable to take full advantage of the modern community technologies that most of us have come to depend upon.

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Gracious God, as we prepare ourselves for Lent, we pray that our Lent study groups will help us to reflect upon and develop our personal relationship with you, and our Christian responsibility to engage with the world. We ask that you encourage us to take what we have studied and reflected upon, and to put it inot practice in our everyday lives.

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Today we pray especially for the Milton Keynes Christian Foundation, based in Wolverton. This innovative local charity aims to help people and community grow through social enterprise. As for all charities, this year will continue to be difficult, but many of the Foundations enterprises are remaining open: ‘Childcare Pathways’, a nursery for children from three months to five years, is currently prioritising children of critical workers;. Cycle Saviours remains open, offering the essential services of cycle repairs, maintenance and sales. The Christian Foundation also has an online shop, still selling produce from Urban Beelievers, ‘Sew and Grow’ and cakes and other goodies from ‘Think Food’. We pray that you will bless the work of the Christian Foundation, and that we do all we can to advance this important Christian outreach.

Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Loving God, we pray for ourselves, and for our families and friends. In these difficult times it is tempting for us to seek out an isolated place, even though we may not be able to travel to a mountain top like Peter, James and John as Jesus took them with him at the Transfiguration, separating ourselves from the daily grind that is dragging so many people down. But you call us, and lead us from our mountain top to engage with the mundane here and now. Let us seek out new opportunities to live out our lives as your disciples, and so make a difference in the lives of others.

Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Amen

The Peace

Jesus says,

‘Peace I leave with you;
my peace I give you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled,
neither let them be afraid.’

The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.

Offering

Please give as generously as you are able.

Account name: The Ecumenical Partnership of Christ the Cornerstone Milton Keynes.

Metro Bank:

Sort code: 23 05 80
Business account number: 37995851
Please write ‘Cornerstone Appeal’ as the payment reference.

Please make a cheque payable to ‘Church of Christ the Cornerstone’ and post it to:

Cornerstone Appeal
Church of Christ the Cornerstone
300 Saxon Gate West
Milton Keynes   MK9 2ES

(If we already have a gift-aid declaration from you, we will automatically claim gift aid on your donation unless you tell us otherwise.)

Thank you

Holy Communion

Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation.
Through your goodness we have this bread to offer,
which earth has given and human hands have made.
It will become for us the bread of life.

Blessed be God for ever.

Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation.
Through your goodness we have this wine to offer,
fruit of the vine and work of human hands.
It will become our spiritual drink.

Blessed be God for ever.

The Lord be with you
and also with you.

Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give thanks and praise.

Father, you made the world and love your creation.
You gave your Son Jesus Christ to be our Saviour.
His dying and rising have set us free from sin and death.
By your Holy Spirit you make us your friends.
And so we gladly thank you,
with saints and angels praising you and saying:

Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
All glory to your name.

We praise and bless you, loving Father,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord;
send your Holy Spirit on us and on these gifts,
the broken bread and wine out-poured,
may be for us the body and blood of your Dear Son.

On the night before he died he had supper with his friends
and taking the bread he praised you.
He broke the bread, shared it with them and said,
‘Take – eat –this is my body, which is given for you.
Do this in remembrance of me.’

When supper was ended he took a cup of wine.
Again he gave you thanks, shared it and said,
‘Drink this, all of you;
this is my blood of the new covenant,
which is shed for you and many for the remission of sins.
Do this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’

So, Father, as we remember all that Jesus did,
we plead with confidence his sacrifice made once for all upon the cross.
Bringing before you the bread of life and cup of salvation,
we proclaim his death and resurrection until he comes in glory.

Great is the mystery of faith:

Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.

Lord of all life, help us to work together for that day
when your kingdom comes and justice and mercy will be seen in all the earth.

Look with favour on your people;
gather us in your loving arms
and bring us with all the saints
to feast at your table in heaven.

Through Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit
all honour and glory are yours, O loving Father,
for ever and ever.

Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

As our Saviour taught us, so we pray:

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.

Amen

Breaking of the Bread

We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.

Though we are many, we are one body,
because we all share in one bread.

Take this bread:
share this wine.
In these Christ comes to us with love from God.

The gifts of God for the people of God.

Amen

Prayer after Communion

Let us pray:

We thank you, Lord,
that you have fed us in this sacrament,
united us with Christ,
and given us a taste of the heavenly banquet
prepared for all peoples.

Amen

Notices

Hymn: Open the eyes of my heart, Lord

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord,
open the eyes of my heart:
I want to see you, I want to see you.
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
open the eyes of my heart:
I want to see you, I want to see you.

To see you high and lifted up,
shining in the light of your glory.
Pour out your power and love;
as we sing holy, holy, holy.

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord, …

To see you high and lifted up, …

Holy, holy, holy,
holy, holy, holy,
holy, holy, holy.
I want to see you.

Paul Baloche (b. 1962)
CCL31580

The Blessing

May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord make his face shine on you,
and be gracious to you;
may the Lord turn his face towards you
and give you peace.

And the blessing of God Almighty,
the Father,
the Son
and the Holy Spirit
be among you
and remain with you
today and always.

Amen

The Dismissal

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
In the name of Christ.

Amen

The following musical items, which could not be included in the Service, are available here:

Postlude: Allegro from Sonatina in E flat by Dussek

Open the eyes of my heart Lord