By Ariel Merivil
This Sunday marks Transfiguration Sunday on our liturgical calendar. If you’re not familiar with this tradition, don’t worry! Our church follows a calendar that, in the simplest terms, journeys through the life of Christ. Today, we celebrate a profound moment when Jesus took three of his disciples up a mountain to pray. There, the Spirit of God made itself known among them.
In this extraordinary encounter, Jesus’s face and garments shone with dazzling white light. Moses and Elijah appeared beside him, and the voice of God declared favor on Jesus, foreshadowing his redemptive mission to come. A powerful moment of divine revelation. Those disciples went up seeking God, and in their moment of need, God showed up and reaffirmed God’s constant presence — I was there (past — Moses and Elijah), I am present now (with you here) and I will be with you through the end.
This ancient story speaks directly to us even now. When we gather as a community — whether two or three or hundreds — God is here in our midst, reminding us of divine guidance through every season. We know this truth because God has always been faithful. The testimony of those who came before us confirms it, and your own story bears witness to God’s faithfulness and restorative power in our present.
I can think of no better example of God’s continuing presence than through our youth. Today, our Youth Choir leads us in worship with their music. Immediately following our service, they invite you to join them for our annual Youth Choir Spaghetti Luncheon and Silent Auction. This Wilshire tradition supports their upcoming summer mission tour to Chicago.
Each year, our youth immerse themselves in a new city, offering their gifts of music and service to missions and advocacy organizations. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing this firsthand, and I’m continually moved by how their presence impacts lives. Our singers radiate purpose and joy as they live out Christ’s love through their music and service — a transfiguration of its own kind.
Please consider supporting their journey by bidding on an auction item, tipping your servers generously or making a donation. Your investment in these young people reflects the same divine faithfulness we celebrate today — God’s presence extending through generations.
Friends, God is here. God is moving. God is moving through you — and through the hopeful voices of our youth.