Our Sunday Service - Fifth Sunday of the Epiphany

February 9 at 10:00am



Pastor Kevan's Time With Our Children

(during the service)

Sunday School

(following Time With Our Children)

Special Music

Coffee Hour Fellowship

Worship brings us into the presence of God. - John Wesley.

A winter storm warning is in effect for our area on Saturday night into Sunday morning. Forecasts indicate a significant snowfall is possible. 

Please check your email or the church's Facebook page before heading out to church on Sunday morning for any change in the Sunday morning worship schedule.

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Do you feel the tension that seems to permeate the air of this world lately? Things just feel heavy. Hearts are hurting. People are discouraged and dissatisfied. It seems as if this whole world is worn down from struggles and it would be so very easy to just give in to the pull of weariness and discontent.

In the middle of the strife and struggles, we can start to feel overwhelmed, worn, and just plain weary. When these feelings come, and they linger far past their welcome, what can we do to keep our heads up? How do we remain hopeful when things just seem so difficult?

Maybe a good place to start is to look at someone else who was weary in the battle and see how they overcame it. In 2 Chronicles 20, Jehoshaphat is facing a multitude that has come against him. He’s going to have to fight his enemies. However, when he seeks God’s battle plan, he sees that it is a little different than the one he might have been considering.

Maybe like Jehoshaphat, God’s plan to overcome our battles looks a little different than ours.

Battle weary friend, we do not need to be overcome by the strife and the difficulties that surround us. Let’s give up our battle plan with all of the fear, worry, discouragement, wobbliness, and struggling that it brings and follow God’s plan instead. We can embrace the peace, hope, and assurance He offers. After all, His record for victory is pretty solid.

Onward Christian Soldiers

Battle Belongs

Prayer through the Ages

May we never feel forsaken, O Lord, whether in the quietness of our resting, in the storms of the day, in the cares of the world or in the journey of life. Amen. - - Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855)

Today we pray...

Lord, I admit, I am weary. Life is going a million miles an hour and I am just trying to hang on. I am tired and I am afraid when I look to the future and think about all that is coming. Lord, I know You want me to trust You through this. I know You want me to surrender this weariness to You. I surrender now. Fill me with Your strength. Fill me with Your presence. Help me find moments today of rest and rejuvenation. Thank You that You never abandon us in the midst of the battle. Thank you for your everlasting faithfulness as I pray: 

For Kathy Ferri, a friend of the Vaccaro family, who passed away suddenly this week and for the entire Ferri family, friends and colleagues.

For Valhalla United Methodist Church. Help us as we welcome some new families to our church family, work at our ministries, and continue the conversation with our Bishop about retaining Pastor Kevan for another year.

Help all those federal employees who have had their lives disrupted by the changes being made in an abrupt and impersonal manner.

For our leaders in Washington who are dealing with the changes being made. Help them to listen to those who have a different voice or offer a different perspective and work to keep the lines of communication open. Guide them to work together for the good of all Americans, putting aside their personal agendas.

For Eleanor Carney, who celebrated her birthday on January 30;

For Rita, the sister of Bill Carter who suffered a stroke while hiking a few weeks ago;

For Kristi Badi’s cousin, Courtney, who learned that her aggressive cancer has returned and is facing surgery and treatment;

For Jennifer Wolfthal, one of our Nursery School teachers who is recovering from surgery;

For Stacy Atkins, the stepdaughter of Pastor Kevan’s brother, Jon, whose cancer has metastasized;

For Marilyn VanTine, who is under palliative care on Martha’s Vineyard;

For the victims of the Los Angeles wildfires who lost their homes and loved ones;

For all those experiencing food insecurity, for all those who are suffering from depression, dealing with anxiety, fighting addiction,

For those who are lonely and alone, and all those who have no one to pray for them.

That as we observe Black History Month we will remember the important people and events in the history of the African diaspora.

For all those who are being affected by the new administration's decisions regarding federal employees and immigrants. Help them to cope with the impact the actions of the new administration is having on their lives.

We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

God of the Universe, thank you that every good and perfect gift comes from you, the Father of lights. Your word says that those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. Please bless your church financially that your work may continue in this world. Inspire your people to give generously to support the ministry of VUMC.

Thank You!