The Second Sunday of Lent
Greetings!

Its the second Sunday of Lent. We are only beginning these 40 days of introspection and evaluation. At times we may not seem to be moving in a positive direction, in fact we may feel we are moving in reverse; but as long as we follow God's lead, we will succeed.

Let us use this time of worship to be joyful in the Lord and to thank Him for His patience and the many ways He leads us. Praise the Lord!
Opening Hymn - The God of Abraham Praise
Call To Worship
Lent calls us to journey, this and every day,
following Jesus wherever he leads us.
Lent calls us to journey:
to the place where God covenants with us,
to receive the new names we are given.
Lent calls us to worship together,
to tell future generations the good news.
Lent calls us to practice justice,
to bring God's hope to all people.
Lent calls us to faithful living,
to trust the One who gives us life.
Lent calls each of us to take up our cross,
to trust the One who bears it with us.
Lent calls us to journey with God.
Let us worship God, who walks with us,
this and every day.
The Opening Prayer

Choosing an aged, barren couple
to parent your holy people;
calling us to set aside ourselves
and to shoulder a cross;
showering us with love and mercy,
when we do nothing to deserve these gifts:
You always act in ways
which surprise us,
God of our parents.

In hospital rooms,
where we wait in anxious expectation;
in classrooms,
where we chew on pencils while taking tests;
in this unholy mess
we call life:
you always call us
to faithfulness and trust:
Cross Bearer for us all.

In the warmth of spring's approach,
we hear your voice;
in the moonlight of winter's last night,
we see your face;
in the silence of a child sleeping,
we are breathe in your grace:
you are always with us
in the ordinary moments of life:

Spirit of Holiness.God in Community, Holy in One,
May we see you, hear you,
and know you
as we move through this Lenten season,
even as we pray as Jesus has taught us, saying,

Our father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy will be done in earth,
as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory,
For ever and ever. Amen.
Praise Hymn:
Open the Eyes of My Heart
Praise Hymn:
Step BY Step
The Jewish Scripture: Genesis 17: 1-7, 15-16
Special Music: We Are Marching - Valhalla UMC Sanctuary Choir, Miles Walter, music director
The Gospel Lesson: Mark 8: 31-38
The Message - "How's the whole giving up something for Lent going for you?... How can we stop being a jerk?", Pastor Kevan explains how we can give up being a jerk for Lent.
The Morning Prayers

God of Love and Mercy, we turn to you as we continue our journey through Lent.   During these 40 days, we ask you to search our souls, create in us a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within us. Help us to heed Christ's call for a spiritual rebirth; enable us as you claim our lives and call us into a new land of your promise. Lord, we turn to you because you are our light and salvation. Keep us in your arms, bless us, and lead us by your mighty hand as we pray...

For all persons on the frontlines, especially Alayne Snyder, Dr Johnny and Riny Kovoor. and Erik Lindholm who are risking their lives to help those who are sick and dying

For Mary and Tom Kovoor who ask for prayers for the family of Siby Cherian. Tom’s cousin who passed away unexpectedly last week.

Please be with us on this Lenten journey and help us to remember that your own spirit can guide us in the right direction.

We pray for protection for the vulnerable the elderly, the poor, those with health issues and all who at risk..

For doctors and scientists diligently working to heal the sick.
For those prayers too personal to share with anyone but You.

Lord, we know you receive what is in our hearts. Let us be inspired by your words and by the actions of your son, Jesus.

We ask for guidance for parents, children, youth and teachers adjusting to new ways of learning.

Guide us to make sacrifices this Lent in the spirit of self-denial and with greater attention to you and to those around us.

Help us to use our lives to reflect your glory and to serve others as your son Jesus did.

We are saddened by the deaths of 500,000+ of our fellow citizens. We join everyone across our nation in mourning.

Help us to see your love in the passion, death and resurrection of your son.

Help us to observe Lent in a way that allows me to celebrate that love.

Sometimes our hearts turn in every direction except towards you. Help us
to turn our hearts toward you, to gaze upon you in trust and to seek your kingdom with all of our heart.
 
We pray for their families, friends and all those they influenced either directly or indirectly. That they may keep close the positive memories of those they have lost and carry on with their daily lives in peace..

God, you call us back to you with all of our hearts. We feel your call for us deep in our hearts and we know you want us back as much as we want to return. Give us the wisdom to know how to return. Make our journey back to you this Lent one of grace, forgiveness and gentle love.

O God our Father, we thank you for the gifts of life and love. We thank you that we live and worship in a country where such freedom is commonplace. Thank you for the opportunity to give up that which we want but don't need. But most of all, Lord, we thank you for the gift of Jesus who taught us how to live, how to die, and how to be raised to new life in the here and now. Amen
The Offertory
May these gifts represent our willingness to deny ourselves, so others might be blessed by your grace, your peace, as well as your hope, in every moment of their lives. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. 
Closing Hymn - Will You Come and Follow Me
The Benediction
Go now with God, on your journey through Lent.
We will discover the new name given to each one we meet.
Go now with Jesus, walking wherever he leads.
We will put all our fears, as well as our longings, behind us.
Go now with the Spirit, who is always full of surprises.
We will share the good news called Jesus with everyone.
Valhalla United Methodist Church | 200 Columbus Avenue, Valhalla NY 10595
914-949-6252 | valhallaumc@verizon.net