This Sunday, March 17th, we continue to our journey home to God as we celebrate the second Sunday of Lent.  Our focus scripture is Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-21.  Lent is the season of awareness of sin and death and the possibilities of new life in Jesus Christ.  For many, it is also a time of increased devotion, added prayer disciplines, and fasting from a certain meal, food, or other indulgences.  With this attention to devotion and discipline also comes warning.  Our story from  Matthew’s Gospel reminds us of the dangers of sin, as close as the expressions of piety to which we are called.  Jesus says: “beware of practicing your piety before others.”  Words of warning.

Today’s scriptures begins with Jesus trying to teach his followers that the world is not a stage.  He uses the following words :

“Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theatre, but the God who made you won’t be applauding.”

Click below to view the Order of Service for worship:

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