February 25, 2007, 11:00 AM
First Sunday in Lent
WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE
Preparation for Worship
*Invocation
Lord God, in this season of Lent we look forward to our remembrance of Jesus’ death and our celebration of his resurrection. We pray that your Spirit will renew in us today our anticipation for these events and our awareness that Jesus’ death and resurrection are a sure source of hope and life. In the power of Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
*Opening Praise – 373:1,4,7 “Lift High the Cross”
*God Greets Us
*We Greet Each Other
*Continuing Praise – “As the Deer”
A Prayer of Lament
Where are you, O God?We are lost in the night; have you cast us from your presence?Temptations surround us; their masks grin through the darkness.
We run from them, but which way should we go?Where can we hide when all lies in shadow?Have mercy on us, O God.Our eyes are swollen from tears; our bones are cold with fear;Our souls have been broken – do you not hear, Lord?Save us! According to your steadfast love, answer us!Do not hide your face, but draw near and redeem us!Assurance of Pardon
Can a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you, says the Lord. (from Isaiah 49:15; 66:12-13)
*Song of Assurance – “There Is a Redeemer”
WE HEAR GOD’S WORDChildren’s Time
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Reading – Psalms 42, 43
Message – “Holy Tears: In Need of Hope”
Prayer
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING
*Song – 256 “Out of the Depths I Cry”
The Offerings –First: General Fund
Second: Franklin Graham FestivalSharing Joys and Concerns
Intercessory Prayer
WE ARE DISMISSED TO LOVE AND SERVE Opportunities for Ministry and Service
*God Blesses Us
*Parting Song – 573:1,4 “O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee”
Postlude
THIS WEEK IN THE LIFE OF VALLEY CHURCHMonday, 7:00 PM Franklin Graham Festival Leaders’ Rally
Tuesday, 7:00 PM Council meets
Wednesday, 11:30 AM Women’s Luncheon at Cracker Barrel
The second offering this morning is for the Franklin Graham Festival. Many churches in the NYPENN area are setting today apart as a Festival Support Sunday and we are glad to join them with our financial and prayer support.
There is a training and inspiration rally this Monday from 7-9 PM at the Forum in downtown Binghamton for all who are interested in being leaders in local churches for the Franklin Graham Festival. If you are interested in serving in a leadership role at Valley, let Bill Kutz know today. We know there will be several people from Valley attending the Rally and there is room for more.
If you are interested in being part of a small group in one of the “wish list” areas that were mentioned on Small Group Sunday, please check the lists that are on the table in the entry and sign in any areas you have interest. If enough people are interested in a given topic, the Small Group Team will try to find someone to coordinate and lead it.
As many of you saw in the e-mail prayer chain, we are continuing to pray for Louise LaGro’s brother Raymond Mc Nabb who has been diagnosed with cancer of the tongue and for Jim and Evelyn Moore following Jim’s heart attack while in Florida. Prayers are both needed and appreciated.
Next Sunday, March 4, 2007
SUNDAY SCHOOL: 9:45 AM Sunday School classes for all ages. The adults will continue a study of the life of David, “A King under Construction”.
MORNING WORSHIP: 11:00 AM Our worship will be led by Pastor Gelder. He will continue the series of messages for Lent which will center on biblical passages that mention tears. The theme for this week will be “Holy Tears: What God Does with Our Tears” based on Psalm 56:8
