Wesley United Church– Year A
March 1, 2026, Second Sunday in Lent
Sacrament of Communion
Worship Leader: Joan Chaisson
Reader: Linda Farrell
Music: Bev Bragg
Greeter: Linda Farrell
Bell Ringer: Ross Cooper
Gathering in the Spirit
Welcome to our worship service either online or in printed form.
Life and Work of the Church may be found at the end of the service.
Our Blessings & Birthdays for this week are:
Lighting of the Christ Candle
L. Today we light the Christ Candle, a sign of God’s presence among us. In this season of Lent, we journey with Jesus toward the cross, trusting in the light that no darkness can overcome.
P. Lord Jesus, You are the Light of the World. In our doubts, shine Your truth. In our weariness, shine Your strength. In our wandering, shine Your way.
L. As this flame burns, may it remind us that Your love is steadfast, Your mercy is new every morning, and Your call to follow is always before us.
P. Come, Lord Jesus, Light our path, and lead us deeper into Your grace. Amen
*Introit: VU # 114 Forty Days and Forty Nights vs 1 & 5
1 Forty days and forty nights
you were fasting in the wild;
forty days and forty nights
tempted, and yet undefiled.
2 Keep, oh keep us, Saviour dear,
ever constant by your side;
that with you we may appear
at the eternal Eastertide.
*Call to Worship
L. Come, beloved of God, and set your hearts on the One who calls you.
P. We come, ready to follow where Christ leads.
L. In the wilderness and on the mountaintop, in the valley and by still waters—God is with us.
P. We trust in the One who never leaves nor forsakes us.
L. Lift up your eyes to the Lord, our help and our hope.
P. We lift our hearts in worship, for God is our light and our salvation.
All: Let us worship the Lord with joy and with reverence, for God’s mercy endures forever!
*Opening Hymn: VU #315 Holy, Holy, Holy
1 Holy, holy, holy! Lord God almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee;
holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty,
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
2 Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee,
casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
Which wert, and art, and evermore shalt be.
3 Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee,
though the eye made blind by sin thy glory may not see,
only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,
perfect in power, in love, and purity.
4 Holy, holy, holy! Lord God almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name in earth
and sky and sea;
holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty,
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
Opening Prayer
Faithful God, You call us to follow, even when the way is uncertain. In this season of Lent, open our hearts to trust You renew our hope, and guide our steps in Your ways. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Invitation to Confession
As we journey deeper into this Lenten season, we are reminded that the path of discipleship is one of humility, honesty, and grace. God calls us not to hide our failings, but to bring them into the light of His mercy. In the presence of the One who knows us completely and loves us without condition, let us lay down our burdens, confess our sins, and open our hearts to be made new- first silently and then together.
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, we confess that we resist Your call to follow. We cling to our own ways, speak when we should be silent, and stay silent when we should speak. Forgive us, and turn our hearts toward Your mercy and our steps toward the way of Christ. Amen.
Words of Assurance
L. Even when our faith feels small, God’s promise remains steadfast. In Christ, we are not defined by our failures, but by God’s unshakable love. Hear the good news: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, renewed, and called to walk in the way of grace.
P. Thanks be to God! Amen.
Listening for the Spirit
Hymn: Video Jesus Paid It All
I hear the Saviour say
Thy strength indeed is small
Child of weakness watch and pray
Find in me thine all in all.
Jesus paid it all
All to Him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow.
Lord now indeed I find
Thy power and Thine alone
Can change the leper’s spots
And melt the heart of stone.
Jesus paid it all
All to Him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow.
And when before the throne
I stand in Him complete
Jesus died my soul to save
My lips shall still repeat.
Jesus paid it all
All to Him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow. (repeat)
He washed it white as snow.
He washed it white as snow.
Oh praise the One Who paid my debt
And raised this life up from the dead.
Oh praise the One Who paid my debt
And raised this life up from the dead.
Jesus paid it all
All to Him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow. (repeat)
Scripture Readings
Genesis 12:1-4
In this short verse we learn how Adam is called by God to embark on a journey of faith and obedience. He had to leave behind everything he knew- his home, his family, his security, and follow God’s command to go to a land that was yet to be revealed to him.
Through this reading, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in a higher power, even when the path ahead may see uncertain or challenging.
Genesis 12:1-4
Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
So Abram went, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God
Psalm 121
Psalm 121 is part of a group of psalms called the “Songs of Ascents” or “Pilgrim Songs.” These were songs that would have been sung by Jews traveling to Jerusalem for one of the annual festivals. Jerusalem was situated on a high hill, and during their ascent these songs would have been sung.
These songs center around God’s provision, care, and encouragement for his people. And we will see in Psalm 121 there is imagery of God’s provision during these travels.
And while today we might not make treks like the Jews did, we are all on this journey through life. The promises in this passage are the same for us today as it was for them many years ago.
Psalm 121
L. I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where will I look for help?
P. My help comes from God, who has made heaven and earth.
L. God will not let your foot stumble; the One who protects Israel will not slumber.
P. The One who protects you will neither slumber nor sleep.
Refrain:
Our help is in the name of our God who made heaven and earth.
L. It is God who protects you, your defence at your right hand.
P. The sun shall not strife you by day, nor the moon by night.
L. God will protect you from all evil, God will protect your life.
P. God will protect your going and coming, now and forever.
Refrain:
Our help is in the name of our God who made heaven and earth.
Response to Psalm
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen
Gospel Reading: John 3:1-17
This passage from the Bible has long been revered for its spiritual meaning. It tells the story of a conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, in which Jesus reveals his plan of salvation to the world. This powerful verse speaks to us of God’s love and mercy, and how we can tap into them to live lives filled with peace and joy.
The words reminds us to continue believing even when things seem impossible. Despite all odds being against him during his crucifixion on Calvary Hill, Jesus continued believing in God’s message of hope and redemption – something we should all strive to do every day.
This is to help us remember that although difficult times may come our way from time to time; if we place our trust in God’s hands and continue believing despite what seems impossible, then His grace will bring about healing in our lives – both spiritually and emotionally!
Gospel Reading: John 3:1-17
Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.’* Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?’ Jesus answered, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, “You must be born from above.”* The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.’ Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can these things be?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?
‘Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
‘Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God
Message: The Gift
Inspired by John Nadasi
As we continue into our Lenten season, let us look at what Lent is about. Lent represents one of the most profound spiritual seasons in the Christian calendar, offering believers a dedicated period for reflection, repentance, and renewal.
The season calls believers to have a “true inner conversion of heart” as we seek to follow Christ more faithfully. It gives us the time span to evaluate our spiritual progress in life and to examine ourselves to see if there is a gap between us and God.
The Gospel story was chosen to remind us of this gap that sometimes stands between us and God. It is perhaps the most popular in the entire Bible. Of course, I am talking about John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."- the very essence of the Christian faith. But, before we discuss this verse, I want to give some background information.
This particular text came from another man on a journey much like the Lenten journey we are on now together. His name was Nicodemus, and, like us, he was questioning his own mortality and sinful nature.
He too was seeking the kingdom of God.
Under the cover of night, we find that Nicodemus,
a Jewish Rabbi, has come to question Jesus and the miracles that he has performed.
Now, writers have made sure to tell us he came at night.
Why would this important? Well, it seems that nothing shows up in Scripture by accident. Nicodemus, is in the dark… literally. He doesn’t understand. Why? Because in John’s Gospel Nicodemus is referred to not just as teacher but "the teacher", pointing to his religious authority. If anyone should know the truth about God and God’s people, surely it would be this man. Yet, for all of his wisdom, Nicodemus is in the dark. Although he recognizes that there is a gap between himself and God, he does not know how to reconcile that distance. It is ironic that this man, perhaps the most educated of all the Pharisees, has to go before Jesus and ask him to explain his teachings.
And Jesus responds…
"I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So, it is with everyone born of the Spirit."
And, true to form, Nicodemus misunderstands yet again. He is still in the dark. So, Jesus has to explain it to him.
That’s what we have here in this passage from John this morning. Jesus makes God’s extraordinary plan for the world plain enough for anyone to understand. Even for this man, who by the world standards is brilliant, but by God’s standards is still very much in the dark.
After Nicodemus heard the Gospel reading as we did this morning, we are left wondering whether or not he ever understood what it is that Jesus was trying to tell him. Did he step out of the dark? Did he understand? Or did he go away as confused as he was before?
We really do not know. We aren’t given that part of the story.
But thankfully, our Gospel writer gives us the story that we might step out of the darkness ourselves. Jesus made it plain to Nicodemus over and over again, but he never quite seemed to get it.
As said before, many wondered why such a brilliant man, the teacher of teachers, couldn’t grasp such a simple concept? John Nadasi believes that the words and its meaning were just too simple to get. And that was a problem. Why? Because the Pharisees had taken all of God’s gifts that had been given to the people and made them extraordinarily complicated.
God’s gift that was given to the people had been hijacked by the religious elite. And now, when Jesus came to give it back to the people, it was so pure and simple that the religious elite could not even grasp the simplicity of the concept of God’s grace.
Nadasi believes, that like the Pharisees, we also tend to make the Gospel more complicated than what God ever intended for us. In our attempts to grow in our religion, we may have lost sight of our faith.
Religion, Unted Church for example, serves as a vehicle to keep us focused on our faith in Jesus Christ. Our religion serves as a theological lens that which we view God through, and we agree how to share our lives together because of how Christ shared his life with us.
But, our religion, in and of itself is nothing. It’s like a light bulb without the electricity. A car without the gas. A motor without a boat. The form remains, but in and of itself it is useless. In and of itself, religion is meaningless. We also need faith.
And that is where the Pharisees were. They had lost track of God and were serving a religion. We are capable of doing the exact same thing. It’s possible to get so swept up in activities, committee meetings, music, even the worship service itself, we may forget what we are here for.
We need to remember the good news- that we are here to remember Christ’s body redeemed by his blood.
Jesus told us that "God so loved the world that he sent his only Son." It doesn’t say that God liked, felt sorry or had a warm fuzzy feeling for the world-no, He “so loved the world”. That world includes us.
For us, God gave his only begotten Son to suffer and die for the forgiveness of our sins.
Receiving the light of God’s grace through his Son, our Savior Jesus Christ is truly our faith, and this is the foundation of our religion.
And this is so simple that it is easy to miss it. Nicodemus did, and even though we have learned it, we may at times forget it.
Our foundation is that God sent his only begotten Son, Jesus the Christ into this world. Jesus was crucified as a blood atonement for the forgiveness of sins.
This is God’s gift given to anyone who is willing to receive it. That means us. It is through the death of Jesus Christ that we are justified before God. But in order for us to have this gift, we must first receive it by grace through faith.
What does it take to receive the gift? All we have to do is ask for it. It really is that simple. It’s called grace. That’s why Nicodemus missed it. He tried to make it a lot more complicated than it really was.
The basis of our faith is not complicated. It never was meant to be.
You may notice that many times I have a time for silent confession. This is our time to acknowledge this gift and the foundation of our faith- ask for grace on a personal level and believe in God’s forgiveness.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
Responding to the Spirit
Sacrament of Communion
*Hymn: VU #477 I Come with Joy Vs 1-3
1 I come with joy, a child of God,
forgiven, loved and free,
the life of Jesus to recall
in love laid down for me,
in love laid down for me.
2 I come with Christians far and near
to find, as all are fed,
the new community of love
in Christ’s communion bread,
in Christ’s communion bread.
3 As Christ breaks bread, and bids us share,
each proud division ends.
The love that made us, makes us one,
and strangers now are friends,
and strangers now are friends.
Let us stay standing and say the New Creed of the United Church of Canada
We are not alone,
we live in God’s world.
We believe in God:
who has created and is creating,
who has come in Jesus,
the Word made flesh,
to reconcile and make new,
who works in us and others
by the Spirit.
We trust in God.
We are called to be the Church:
to celebrate God’s presence,
to live with respect in Creation,
to love and serve others,
to seek justice and resist evil,
to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen,
our judge and our hope.
In life, in death, in life beyond death,
God is with us.
We are not alone.
Thanks be to God.
As your Sacramental Elder, I invite all who profess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, and who are seeking to follow in his way and to live in unity, one with the other, to come to his Table with reverence, faith and thanksgiving. Eat and drink for your strengthening, that you may grow in grace and be blessed with all spiritual blessings, remembering that we, although many, are one body in him.
Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed!
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is good to give God thanks and praise.
We thank you, God, Creator of us all; from the beginning you made the world and all its creatures. You made people to live for you and for one another. We praise you, O God.
You created Adam and Eve and gave them a garden;
You showed Noah a rainbow;
You gave Moses strength to free your people
And taught Miriam to sing;
You gave courage to Esther
And loyalty to Ruth;
You gave David a harp to sing your praise,
And helped him defeat the giant.
We praise you, O God.
Yet, even they turned away from you and forgot about you, as we do too. But you did not forget. You sent Jesus to the world to show how much you love us and to bring us back to you again.
We praise you, O God.
He came as one of us, first an infant, then a child, later a youth, then an adult. He rejoiced with those who rejoiced and wept with those who wept. To the despairing, he spoke a word of hope. To the sick, he gave healing. To the hurting, he was a friend.
Still, people turned away from you. They betrayed Jesus and nailed him to a cross. But he was lifted from the grave and restored to life, that he might be with us and we with him, alive for evermore!
Therefore, with all the saints of every time and place, we join their angels in their praise:
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts!
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Heaven and earth praise you,
O God most high!
We gather at this table to remember that on the night before he died, Jesus ate with his friends. He took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it, he broke it and gave it to them, saying; “Take, eat. This is my body, given for you. Each time you do this, remember me.”
That same night, Jesus also took a cup, and after giving thanks, passed it to his friends, saying: “Drink. This cup, poured out for you, is the promise of God. Whenever you drink it, remember me.”
At this table, we remember Jesus’ death and celebrate his resurrection; we await with hope his coming again to bring peace and justice to the earth; and we proclaim the mystery of our faith.
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
Also, God, at this time we remember all those whom we wish that could be sharing the feast with you. We pray for all who are in sorrow or in pain, all who are ill or alone, all who would like to be here with us today but for personal reasons are not. Please God, hear the names of those we say aloud or silently in our hearts:____________.
We pray for your church and its varied ministries, for nations as they strive for peace and justice, for the earth, and the fragile web of life we share, for our families and friends. With Jesus we pray together, saying: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen
Send, O God, your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts, that all who share in this loaf and cup may be the body of Christ.
Through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory is yours, God most holy, now and forever. Amen
These are the holy gifts of God for you, the holy people of God. Come now, for all things are ready!
Sharing of Communion
The Body of Christ shed for you
The Blood of Christ poured for you
Prayer after Communion
For the bread we have eaten, for the juice we have tasted, for the life we have received, we thank you God. Grant that what we have done and have been given here, may so put its mark on us, that it may remain always in our hearts. Grant that we may grow in Christian love and understanding, and that ours may be lives of faithful action, in Christ’s name. Amen
Hymn: VU # 477 I Come with Joy vs 4-5
4 The Spirit of the risen Christ,
unseen, but ever near
is in such friendship better known,
alive among us here,
alive among us here.
5 Together met, together bound
by all that God has done,
we’ll go with joy, to give the world
the love that makes us one,
the love that makes us one.
Offering Invitation
Friends, we have been fed at Christ’s table, nourished by grace, and strengthened for the journey ahead. As we have received freely, so we are called to give freely enabling others to taste and see the goodness of God. Let our offerings be a reflection of the love we have just shared in this holy meal, so that Christ’s presence may be known in our community and beyond. Our offering will now be presented.
Offertory Hymn MV # 191 What Can I Do?
What can I do? What can I bring?
What can I say? What can I sing?
I’ll sing with joy. I’ll say a prayer.
I’ll bring my love. I’ll do my share.
*Offertory Prayer
Gracious and loving God, as we journey through this Lenton season, we bring these gifts as signs of our gratitude and trust. Bless these offerings, that they may bring hope to the weary, healing to the broken, and light to those in darkness. In the name of Jesus, our guide and Saviour, we pray. Amen
*Closing Hymn: VU # 675 Video Will Your Anchor Hold
1 Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
when the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,
will your anchor drift, or firm remain?
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
steadfast and sure while the billows roll;
fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love!
2 Will your anchor hold in the straits of fear,
when the breakers roar and the reef is near?
While the surges rave, and the wild winds blow,
shall the angry waves then your bark o’erflow?
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
steadfast and sure while the billows roll;
fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love!
3 Will your anchor hold in the floods of death,
when the waters cold chill your latest breath?
On the rising tide you can never fail,
while your anchor holds within the veil.
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
steadfast and sure while the billows roll;
fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love!
4 Will your eyes behold through the morning light,
the city of gold and the harbour bright?
Will you anchor safe by the heavenly shore,
when life’s storms are past for evermore?
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
steadfast and sure while the billows roll;
fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love!
*Benediction & Commissioning
Let us now go, walking in the footsteps of faith. May the God who calls us guide our steps with wisdom, guard our hearts with peace and fill our days with hope.
Go in the peace and love of our Lord.
Amen
*Sung Benediction: MV # 215 “Peace Be With You”
Peace be with you, peace forever,
Peace be with you, my friends.
Till we meet again, may God be with you.
Peace, peace, peace.
Life and Work of the Church
Today, on our Memory Board, we remember Elizabeth Alice Gibbons (May 18, 2011), Henry Kenneth Gibbons (Feb 12, 1929-May14,2018) and Jessie Catherine Buttery Sept 9, 1934-Feb 6, 2009)
Thank you to all who came to the Singing for Autism Music night. On behalf of AIM (Autism Involves Me), I thank you very much.
UCW’s soup luncheon was cancelled but will be held at a later date.
World Day of Prayer service will be held at the Salvation Army at 2:00pm on Friday, March 6. Please note the new time for this service.
Digital Memorial Fund- We are expecting our new digital to cost approximately five thousand dollars including shipping, US exchange and Tarriff expense. If you would like to donate towards this project, please mark the word “Digital” and the person you are remembering on your envelope. The digital is now at customs in Montreal.
Bible Discussion Group- Please let Evelyn or Joan know if you would like to be a part of a group to discuss the scripture readings of the previous Sunday. Also, the group would be open to studying favorite scriptures of the members or any other Biblical ideas.
Recovery Is Possible Support Group meetings are held in our church hall on Sunday nights at 7:00 pm. The coordinator for this group is Andrea Feaver.
Wesley United Library- in our former Choir Room. Please take time before or after our services to borrow, exchange or donate books.
Columbarium Niches: There is one niche left that can be reserved. Each niche, which can hold two urns, cost $2500.00. Please contact Mable Spencer if you are interested in purchasing a niche.
Walking Group meets on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:00 am. Dinah Carter is the coordinator for this group.
Darts – The group meets at 1:00pm on Tuesdays. The Coordinators are David Davis and Debbie Moss.
AIM’s Empower Rangers Group meet each Tuesday 4:00-6:00 in our church hall. This is a social club aimed toward empowering neurodivergent youth in everyday life here in town. It is open to youth from grade 6 onwards. Coordinator is Reed Bartlett.
Quilting, Sewing, Knitting, Crafts and Social get-togethers are held on Thursdays, at 1:00 pm. Evelyn MacDonald and Ruth Deveaux are coordinators for these groups.
Previous bulletins have been placed on the Information Table in case anyone would like one. These are nice to give out to people who are unable to attend.
Copies of “Our Daily Bread” are available on the Information Table.
Food Bank –The Food Bank needs sugar, can milk, tea bags, butter or any nonperishable item. You may bring your items to church or drop them off at the Thrift Store.
Recycling Depot Thank you to those who have been donating their recyclables to our account. Our account total is now $12.40. You may donate by using the pin number 6953434 (our telephone number) when you drop off your recyclables.
Sunday Morning services on our web site. You are able to read our worship service by clicking on the following link: www.wesleyunitedchurch.sitew.ca Once you are on the site, click Sunday Worship which will take you to the service.
Offerings Needed to Meet 2026 Budget
Local: $5000.00 Monthly
M & S: $200.00 Monthly
Date Local Account M & S
January 3739.00 127.00
February 1 467.00 47.00
February 8 398.00 43.00
February 15 216.00 21.00
February 22 726.00 107.00
Many blessing for this new week and let us understand that Christ is received by grace through faith.
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