February 22, 2026

First Sunday in Lent

Order of Worship

In-Person Sunday Morning Service at 9:30 am

or Recorded Worship Service

To access our recorded service, please visit our website:

www.umcw.org/sermons

BOLD indicates congregational SPEAKING participation

GATHERING AS THE BODY OF CHRIST

Prelude

"Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah"

UMH #127

Welcome and Sharing of Announcements

A Time to Connections

(in-person service only)

Meditation Time

Introit

    “Call to Lent”  

adapted by J. Jerome Williams 

Adult Choir    

Call to Worship

Liturgist: Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness.

People: We, too, are led into this season of Lent.

Liturgist: In the wilderness, he faced hunger, doubt, and temptation.

People: In our wilderness places, we seek strength and clarity.

Liturgist: He refused the easy bread, the empty spectacle, the false glory.

People: He chose trust, obedience, and faithful worship.

Liturgist: The tempter whispered; God's Word endured.

People: We come to listen for every word that comes from the mouth of God.

Liturgist: Come, worship the Lord your God.

People: We will worship and serve God alone.

Opening Prayer

Faithful God, you led your Son into the wilderness, not to abandon him, but to strengthen him for the path ahead. Lead us now into this holy season of Lent. When we are tempted to seek quick comfort, ground us in your Word. When we are tempted to test your presence, teach us to trust your promises. When we are tempted by power, control, or false security, turn our hearts back to you alone. Form in us the mind of Christ — steady in trial, clear in conviction, and rooted in worship. As angels ministered to him, send your Spirit to sustain us, that we may walk this Lenten journey with courage and hope. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Opening Hymn

"Standing on the Promises"

based on Ephesians 6:14-17    

UMH #374

Children's Time

Pastor Jinyong Choi

Joys and Concerns

Lord's Prayer

Prayer Response
"Come and Fill Our Hearts"

TFWS #2157 (Two times)

ATTENTION TO THE WORD OF GOD

Scripture Readings: Matthew 4:1-11

1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tested by the devil. 2 He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterward he was famished. 3 The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written,

‘One does not live by bread alone,

  but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written,

‘He will command his angels concerning you,’

  and ‘On their hands they will bear you up,

so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’ ”

7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ”

8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory, 9 and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written,

‘Worship the Lord your God,

  and serve only him.’ ”



11 Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him. (NRSV) 

Liturgist: The word of God for the people of God.

People: Thanks be to God.

Message

 `True Bread, True Worship, True Power”

Pastor Jinyong Choi

WE RESPOND

Offering

"As the Deer"

based on Psalm 42:1

TFWS #2025 (2 times)

Doxology

UMH #95

Offertory Prayer

Gracious God, in the wilderness your Son refused the kingdoms of this world and chose the way of faithful obedience. As we offer our gifts today, guard us from giving out of pride, fear, or self-interest. Receive what we bring as an act of worship and trust. Use these offerings to feed those who hunger, to strengthen those who struggle, and to proclaim that we live not by bread alone, but by every word that comes from you. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Closing Hymn

   "Thy Word Is a Lamp"

based on Psalm 119:105

UMH #601

The Blessing and Sending Forth

Pastor: Go now into the wilderness places of your life, not alone, but led by the Spirit.

People: We go trusting that God goes with us.

Pastor: When temptation comes, remember the Word that sustains you.

People: We will hold fast to every word that comes from God.

Pastor: When you feel famished for hope, trust the God who provides daily bread and living grace.

People: We will trust the One who nourishes and sustains us.

Pastor: Worship the Lord your God, and serve God only.

People: We will worship and serve God with faithful hearts.

Pastor: And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the companionship of the Holy Spirit strengthen and keep you throughout this Lenten journey.

People: Amen.

Benediction Response

"We Shall Walk Through the Valley"

Traditional Spiritual

based on Psalm 23:4

Adult Choir

Postlude

"When I Survey the Wondrous Cross"

arr. Dale Wood

IN-PERSON WORSHIP SERVICE

Liturgists: Mark Beatty

Ushers/Greeters: Joe Solodiuk

Organist: Matt Cron

Sound: Ron Aldenberg

Projection: Carolyn Elmore

Video: Mark Beatty

Our Mission Statement

“God calls us to be disciples of Jesus, building community through service and fellowship and sharing the love of Christ with all.”

Our Openness Statement

“The United Methodist Church of Westford is an open and welcoming community of Christian Faith. Without any exceptions, we welcome anyone who seeks to love and to serve God.”

Please click here for “A Statement of Our Openness”.

www.umcw.org

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