We are a small Episcopal Church on the banks of the Rappahannock in Port Royal, Virginia. We acknowledge that we gather on the traditional land of the first people of Port Royal, the Nandtaughtacund, who are still here, and we honor with gratitude the land itself and the life of the Rappahannock Tribe. Our mission statement is to do God’s Will in all that we do.

2023 Sun Feb 19

Sermon, Last Sunday after the Epiphany, Feb. 19, 2023

John Meng-Frecker – “Transfiguration of our Lord”

Jesus has traveled a long way since his baptism. 

That day, when John baptized him in the Jordan River, Matthew tells us that just as Jesus came up out of the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.  And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”

Can you imagine what Jesus must have felt that day?  His skin tingling as the cool river water poured down his face and over his body, his eyes squinting as brilliant light poured out of heaven, and from that light, he saw a dove descending and alighting on him. 

And in his ears, a voice ringing. 

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

It was after his baptism and his forty days in the wilderness that Jesus began to proclaim throughout Galilee, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 

He called his first disciples, Peter, Andrew, James, and John.  And the disciples went with him as he taught and healed, restored a girl to life, and as he did all of this, people could see what the kingdom of God could and would be like on this earth. 

The disciples watched and learned. 

And then Jesus asked the disciples, “Who do you say that I am?”

And Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.”

Soon after this, Jesus started explaining to the disciples that he would go to Jerusalem, undergo great suffering, that he would be killed, and on the third day be raised. 

Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him!

“God forbid it, Lord!  This must never happen to you.” 

Jesus said, “Get behind me, Satan!  You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.” 

Jesus then teaches the disciples that if any want to become his followers, they must take up their crosses and follow.

And then, only six days after Peter has said that Jesus is the Messiah, we come to today’s gospel. 

Read more of the sermon

The Transfiguration – Focus on the Disciples- and us

Source – “Five Ways Into Sunday’s Scripture from Faith Formation and Education”, Trinity Church NY

This week’s Gospel reading is Matthew’s account of the luminous transfiguration of Jesus in the presence of his close disciples, Peter, James, and John, on Mount Tabor. No one can see God and remain unchanged.

As on the Baptism of Jesus, here, at the last Sunday of Epiphany, God reveals who Jesus really is: the Divine Son, the Beloved, truly God. Bright light is a symbol of divine presence and the presence of the great figures of Moses and Elijah also attest to Jesus’ divine nature.  Thus they are changed. He opened their eyes so that instead of being blind they could see.

The disciples’ glimpse of this reality may have helped them (at least in retrospect — and with the eyes of their hearts) to deal with the abrupt and dramatic changes that would soon follow: Jesus’ turn to Jerusalem, his passion, death, and resurrection.

For us,  as we face into the Lenten season, we hold an image of this mountaintop experience, knowing full well that we, like they, must come down from the mountain and move out into the world proclaiming Good News to the poor, learning how to welcome God’s Beloved amid change, challenge, disappointment, and sacrifice

Sunday Links, Feb. 19, 2023. Last Sunday after the Epiphany – Congregational Meeting

Congregational Meeting this Sunday. Looking back at 2022, in this case Pentecost.

Feb. 19, 11:00am – Holy Eucharist, Congregational Meeting

  • Last Sunday after the Epiphany Zoom link Feb. 12, 2023 Meeting ID: 879 8071 6417 Passcode: 790929
  • Lectionary for Feb. 19, 2023,
    Last Sunday after the Epiphany
  • Bulletin for Feb. 19, 2023,
    Bulletin
  • Morning Meditation , Feb. 20, 6:30am Zoom link Meeting ID: 879 8071 6417 Passcode: 790929
  • Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, 5pm – 6:30pm

  • Ecumenical Bible Study, Wed., Feb. 22, 10am-12pm.
  • Ash Wednesday service, 7pm. Lent begins.

  • Lent at St. Peter’s. Everything Lent.
  • Sat. Feb 25 -Coldest Night of the Year. Participants register online to set up their personal Fundhub page. It’s easy to set your goal, add your photo message, and thank donors via email Walk. Meet at Hurkamp Park on Saturday, February 25th at 4PM to sign in and walk at 5pm

  • February, 2023
    Newsletter
  • All articles for Feb. 19, 2023

    • Congregational Meeting, Feb 19, 2023

    Feb. 19, 11am.  What were the key things that happened in 2022 ? What’s in store for St. Peter’s in 2023 ?

    These are other questions will be part of the 2023 congregational meeting held during the 11am service.    

    Read about the stories of what we have accomplished as a parish during this past year and to receive updates on our life together as a parish.

    We will be electing two members of the Vestry and there will be a presentation on the year passed.