February 12, 2026

What Goes Up

Matthew 17:1-9

The law of gravity dictates that whatever goes up must come down. Even with its dazzling mountaintop revelation, the transfiguration story quickly reminds us that if Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us, then not even God’s beloved can escape death’s inevitable pull. Jesus leads Peter, James, and John up the mountain, but very soon they will be on their way down again. Suddenly, Jesus is gloriously transformed before the three disciples; then, just as suddenly, Jesus speaks of his impending death.

The transfiguration is a story of both fulfillment and foretaste. The appearance of Moses and Elijah reminds us of Jesus’ promise to fulfill the Law and the Prophets, during his sermon on another mountain (Matthew 5:17). The startling turn toward talk of his suffering and death gives us a foretaste of the “mountain” at Golgotha he has yet to climb.

For the church, coming down the Mount of Transfiguration leads directly into the season of Lent and a journey that draws out more fully for us the implications of baptism. For Jesus, his baptism by John at the Jordan was just the start of a journey to be fulfilled in all the ups and downs to come. This is how transformation tends to happen—not when we insist on playing it safe, but when we dare to enter more fully into life as it is. So, too, our baptism can be fulfilled only in the light of our mortality. God’s voice on the mountaintop calls us not simply to behold God’s beloved Son but also to follow where Jesus leads.

All this, however, is not meant to bring us down. Jesus’ transfiguration offers a glimpse of an even bigger picture that includes both gravity and grace. It foreshadows what is to come: death—and resurrection. This promise of new life is a bright cloud that leads the church now, as it did the ancient Israelites, through the wilderness ahead.

From sundaysandseasons.com.

• For our community of faith as we seek to do God’s work in the world.

• For those in our congregation and community who suffer silently with illness, financial burdens, and family obligation.

• For for all those affected by illness and those who care for them.

• For Ann Saar, Judy Kelly, Kay Marker Magneson, George Balcom, Thom Shagla, Jenny Theo, Macey Lundmark, Brenda Wagner, Dawn Arnet, Mark Kiendl, Tyler LaChapelle, Heather Miller, Lois Rumfelt, Nick Johnson, James Dieter, and those serving in the military and law enforcement and their families, including Sean Pecuch, Ben Wickerham, Paul Hebert, and Nicholas Hebert.

• For the ELCZ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe and ELCZa Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zambia.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Names will remain of the Prayer List for a month - at which

time it will be taken off unless, or course, there is still a continued need

for our prayers and we’re asked to keep the name on.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALENDAR

Feb. 15

Feb. 16 & 18

Feb.19

Feb. 20

Our Transition Pastor is Pastor Timothy Hoyer. His Cell Phone is (716) 490-5731 in case of an emergency.

Pastor Hoyer will have office hours at St. Timothy on Thursdays from 1 - 3 pm.

WE WELCOME BACK PASTOR MILLER AS OUR SUPPLY PASTOR

THIS WEEK!

Good News

Jesus shines like the sun so that our faith in him as God's Son is confirmed. We see Jesus shine with a glory we can understand. But soon we will see his glory when he is on a cross, and when he rises from the dead. Now that is glory.

We also hear God call Jesus his Son, just in case we didn't get the hint. Then God says, "Listen to him!"

God had told people to listen to Moses. God had told people to listen to the prophet Elijah. Now we are told to listen to Jesus.

When Elijah spoke, he reminded us of what Moses said. Is Jesus to do the same? Does he tell us to listen to Moses? When God tells us to listen to Jesus, is God again telling us to behave?

When God tells us to listen to Jesus, God is telling us that there is a new message. Something different is happening. Instead of the message of "behave," the message now is, "I forgive you. I give you eternal life." We trust God's promise because he raised Jesus from the dead. That is how God transfigures us.

Peace,

Pastor Hoyer

5 & 2 PACKING Tuesday, March 17at 7:00 pm

We can't thank our volunteers enough for all you do to make this happen! If you're looking for a wonderful way to give back to your community, please consider volunteering 1 time a month packing bags of food for area students. We're done by 8:00 pm!

We continuously collect food items for the 5 & 2 Ministry. Bring your donations and place in the black bin in church narthex. Lists detailing items needed are also available in the narthex. Monetary donations welcome! Contact Gale-Svenson-Campbell for details gales1949@gmail.com

If you can volunteer, please contact

Gale Svenson-Campbell at the link above. Thank you!!

Anyone that has any pictures or stories that they would like to share?

Send them to sttimothy2015@gmail.com

Thank you

Marge Fiore

Administrative Assistant

Transition Pastor Timothy Hoyer

Scripture readings

for Sunday, Feb. 15

Exodus 24:12-18

Psalm 2

2 Peter 1:16-21

Matthew 17:1-9

Worship with Pr. Timothy Miller

Transition Team Meeting

Church Council

Healthy Bones 9 am

Tai Chi 9:30 am and 12:00 pm

Choir 5:00 pm

Tai Chi 10:00 am and 11:15 am

We will not have an Ash Wednesday evening service this year.

However, we have ordered Lenten Devotional booklets. Also, First Lutheran has an Ash Wednesday service at noon in the Chapel followed by a luncheon – cost $7.

BARB SIMPSON

Brookdale Assisted Living Facility

Apt. 229 220 Southwestern Dr.

Lakewood, NY 14750