God's Loving Presence in a Hurting World

No Musings from the Pastor's Desk

Transfiguration of Our Lord

Last Sunday after Epiphany

February 15, 2026

Be Attentive

Dear friends in Christ,

Last week, I wrote about the image Jesus uses to encourage us to let the light of grace and mercy burn brightly in our lives for the world to see. “Let your light shine before others,” Jesus said.

But of course, that light is not about us. It is all about God. In this Sunday’s epistle reading, there’s another powerful image of light shining in the darkness.

St. Paul writes to encourage his readers to be attentive to the message of scripture, "as to a lamp shining in a dark place”. When it’s really dark out, you pay attention to the guiding light!

We live in a time that may fill us with despair. We may think that bad news defines our world. But, in fact, Jesus Christ is the light of the world. He always has been and always will be. The light shines, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Now is a good time for us to double down on attending to the messages and the promises of scripture. Now is a good time for us to pay more attention, not less, to the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus.

I’m so grateful Lent is coming. It will help me focus on the lamp of perfect love in Christ Jesus. Perhaps the coming season will be a gift for you, too.

Yours faithfully,

Scott Gunn

Executive Director, Forward Movement

Reprinted with permission

Join us on Sunday at 10:30 AM or on Facebook at Hopeclinton.

All are welcome!

Preparing for Sunday

Last Sunday after Epiphany

Exodus 24:12-18

Psalm 2

2 Peter 1:16-21

Matthew 17:1-9

Household Prayer: Morning

Holy One, you have made known to me the ways of life and have promised to fill me with the gladness of your presence. Keep me mindful of your guidance and your promise as I travel through this day, that my heart may be glad. Amen.

Household Prayer: Evening

Thank you, God, for giving me your counsel today. Tonight, as I sleep, may the dreams of my heart also serve to instruct me in your ways. In you I have a good heritage, and my heart, my soul, and my body rest in you. Amen.

Come sing with us

On most Sundays the choir rehearses right after the service.

All you singers, please join!

E-Waste and Household Hazardous Waste Disposal

Rain or Shine

Open to PG County residents only (ID may be required).

For a list of acceptable items Click Here

Drop-off Locations:

Saturday, March 14th:

PG Stadium, 4101 Cain Hwy, Bowie

Saturday, April 25th: Accokeek Library, 15773 Livingston Rd, Accokeek

Drop-off hours at both locations are 8AM - 1PM

Bible Study

When: This Friday @ 11AM

Where: Hope Lutheran Church

Ponder the Thought

To argue with a person who has renounced the use of reason is like administering medicine to the dead.

Thomas Paine

The second half of a man's life is made up of nothing but the habits he has acquired during the first half.

Fyodor Dostoyevsky,

"The Possessed"

Annual

Congregational Meeting

We will hold our annual meeting THIS Sunday @ 12noon.

GriefShare

Support Group

It’s not too late to sign-up! We hold the sessions on Wednesdays from 2-4PM. Please consider joining or referring a friend.

Baptismal Recognition

We will recognize Baptismal anniversaries throughout the year and look forward to hearing about your baptismal journey.

Please share your story (include date & church), send to

Veronica (office@hopeclinton.org)

Pastor Eric

(pastoreric@hopeclinton.org).

Valentine’s Day Potluck

Due to the weather, we changed the Valentine’s Day Potluck to THIS SUNDAY. It will be after the service and before the Congregational Meeting. Please bring a dish/item to share, if at all possible.

All are welcome.

6201 Coventry Way, Clinton, MD 20735

301.868.2678 | office@hopeclinton.org