The Rev. Nanette Lewis Head was welcomed on her return to St. Johns by the secretary.

After the choir had sung the intro, Nanette told us that the day was celebrated as Transfiguration Sunday.

After the opening lovely hymn, 'When morning guilds the sky,' Sue Powell read from Exodus, chapter 34, verses 29-35 and Luke, chapter 9, verses 28-36.

Nanette said that it is often difficult to visualise the glory of God. For most of us, time on a mountain top is exhilarating and she still misses the Beacons. We all know that having climbed the mountain, real or imaginary, we have to come down to every day life.

Jesus took his closest friends when he went to pray to his father. When he went up the mountain, he transfigured and became light itself. Words cannot explain the experience of God's glory. Jesus wanted to show the disciples the full amazing glory of God.

We are indebted to digital photographs to catch a moment in time, but Peter wanted to capture this moment by building tents.

When we as a church gather together, we do it to praise. We have all encountered moments such as when a child is born or times of grief when God comes to us. We have seen God working through the darkest moments to bring hope. Wherever we are, God's glory is there.

The disciples could not understand why Jesus kept talking about suffering and death. We don't have to climb the mountain to find God, for God is always there. The glory of God comes into all parts of our life. We can only imagine the tip of the iceberg which is the depth of his love.

The service ended with the hymn 'Lo he comes with clouds descending' and the saying of the grace to one another.

Many thanks to Nanette for her inspiring sermon and to all others who took part in the service.

This Sunday's service will be at 11 am and will be conducted by the Rev. Chris Tolley.

On Tuesday, there will be an Open Forum, at 7 pm, chaired by Rev. Chris Tolley, on Wednesday will be a coffee morning followed by a lenten lunch, and Thursday is Iona Worship. We would be delighted to see any of you at these events.