When I left church this morning there were no less than 5 people (who I didn’t know since I was a visitor to this church) that looked at me with radiant faces and told me to have a great day. I returned the sentiment to one fellow and he said, “I will… now!”

At this worship service, a lily-white choir sang a familiar gospel anthem of assurance with such enthusiasm and delight that nobody cared that the soloist didn’t even come within a mile of a Whitney-like voice. At this worship service, the silence penetrated so deeply after the congregation sang in hushed tones, “don’t be afraid” followed by a deep sigh. At this worship service, a substitute preacher whose real job is a hospice chaplain, was just the right one to bring a message of comfort in the face of fear. Children loved the cloud illustration as a big blanket covered them and the names lovingly lifted up in the prayers of the people felt specific and universal all at once.

And people, on this Transfiguration Sunday, were transfigured. Care of preparation and authenticity of presence in leadership combined into what makes church, church. Ordinary people came together and something about them was “transformed… revealing great beauty, spirituality or magnificence” as the dictionary says of transfiguration.

Nothing was spectacular or perfect about this service but everything was so right.  I heard exactly what I needed to hear. And I saw just what I needed to see. People being real before God. I needed to get real before God on this Sunday before we begin our Lenten journeys. Life is scary sometimes. Even on the mountaintop–or especially there. The voice of God says, “Listen to him, he’s my son” and the Son says, “Don’t be afraid.”

Yes, there is much to learn about making worship better–transfiguring worship. It’s my passion and call to help people do that. But I’m reminded that the most important reason we do this is to transfigure people.  And so I just have to say I’m so incredibly grateful for each and every church who, every Sunday, no matter what you do or how what you planned actually turned out, you are making space for the transfiguration of lives that so desperately need a word. Just like me… always a seeker, a doubter and a dreamer.

I say this as a most fervent prayer… “May God bless you!”