SUNDAY WORSHIP AT 10 AM
850 16TH ST. MODESTO, CA 95354
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Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors.
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In-Person & Streaming LIVE every Sunday at 10 a.m.
Sunday, March 26, 2023 Order of Worship bulletin can be found here.
Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places
"Part V: Look for the Liberator"
Rev. Debra Brady
Psalm 130, John 11:1-45 (NRSVUE)
We too often look for security (love) in powerful figures, sure they can “fix” things for us. It was no different for the people of the First and Second Testaments. They were looking for Kings, Saviors, and Liberators who would offer peace and security in uncertain times. And they often looked “in all the wrong places.” The Pharisees just can’t believe that this trouble-maker, rule-breaker named Jesus is the One, the Son of God and Savior. Time and again, Jesus uses the metaphor of a Shepherd to teach us how we ought to love and care for each other. No wonder; the Shepherd does what is needed when it is needed, regardless of the “rules.”
Children's Sunday School Lesson for March 26, 2023
Press the play button to watch this week's Sunday school lesson.
"The Last Supper"
Mark 14:12-26 | Faith Word: Parables
The most well-known meal Jesus and his disciples shared is the Last Supper or the Lord’s Supper. The act of eating together fostered fellowship between God’s people. Each time you share a meal with someone, remember all the meals Jesus shared with his disciples and other followers. Fellowshipping with one another is one way we follow Jesus’ teaching to love one another.
Join Us for Holy Week & Easter!
Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places: "Love Looks for Us"
Holy Week is a progression of events that turns the concept of love on its head. Brokenness is shown to be part and parcel of what it is to love deeply. The culminating irony of our Love Story with the Holy is that we are not the ones who need to look for Love because Love comes looking for us, especially in our brokenness and sorrow. Love is here — already and always. This is the source of our ability to love one another.
Sunday, April 2
Procession of the Palms | Fireside Room | 9:55 a.m.
Sunday Worship | Sanctuary/ Livestream | 10:00 a.m.
On Palm Sunday, we reflect on Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem while riding on a donkey with shouts of Hosanna from the crowd by having our own procession waving palm fronds as we sing. If you want to participate in the "Procession of the Palms," please gather in the Fireside Room by 9:55 a.m. Those remaining in the sanctuary will be invited to stand and wave palm fronds as we sing. Join us for a joyous service as we begin our journey into Holy Week.
Our online community may participate at home by waving small branches or colorful scarves as we sing!
Thursday, April 6
Lunch & Worship | Fellowship Hall | 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Dinner & Worship | Fellowship Hall | 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Join us for a “Love Feast” around small tables as we commemorate Jesus’ final meal with his disciples. This meal is a celebration of love. It is a celebration of the beauty of being together. It is breaking and sharing of food in our lives. Our first step is to Set a Place for Love.
Planning to Attend?
Please RSVP by April 2, via the sheet at the church Info Center, on your attendance card or by emailing the church office at fumc@firstumcmodesto.org.
Friday, April 7
Midday Worship | Sanctuary/Livestream | 12:15 p.m.
All are welcome to a quiet service of reflection. Our liturgical service of scripture, music, and short reflections will lead us to ponder the words Jesus spoke from the cross in his final hours.
Sunday, April 9
Sunrise Service | Front Lawn | 7:00 a.m.
Traditional Worship | Sanctuary/Livestream | 10:00 a.m.
In the end (or is it the beginning?), love wins. And no matter how many “wrong places” we’ve looked for love, the graves give way to the light of a new day as we learn to love as Christ loves us. Join us as we joyously celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior!
Annual Easter Egg Hunt | Fellowship Hall/Church Lawn | after worship
Join us for our annual Easter Egg Hunt on the front lawn. After the Traditional Easter service, children will gather in the Fellowship Hall. Preschool children will be led to the playground area, and grade-school children will process to the front lawn as they all hunt for candy-filled Easter eggs.
Nursery Care & Children Sunday School Schedule
As United Methodists, we believe in welcoming and nurturing the children in our church family.
We offer Nursery Care and Children's Sunday School during Sunday worship and Donuts & Devotions Youth Group on the first Sunday of the month.
For information on our Children and Youth Ministries and activities, please contact the church office at
(209) 522-9046 or email us at fumc@firstumcmodesto.org.
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