02/22/2026
Community United Church
An Open and Affirming Congregation
Affiliated with the United Church of Christ & The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
The First Sunday in Lent
February 22, 2026
11:00 AM
Pastoral Team:
Rev. Dr. Rich McCarty & Pastor Joy L. Johnson
Prelude Cheryl Strecker
Welcome & Announcements
Centering Music “Change My Heart, O God” #373
Change my heart, O God, make it ever true.
Change my heart, O God, may I be like you.
You are the Potter, I am the clay;
Mold me and make me, this is what I pray.
Change my heart, O God, make it ever true.
Change my heart, O God, may I be like you.
(Repeat)
Invocation
One: Holy and loving God, as we step into the season of Lent, you offer steadfast love as
our strong refuge, and your boundless grace is our sheltering presence.
All: In the unity of worship, we trust that you, O God, will speak to us and through
us—as we walk anew the path of Christ. It will lead us to the mystery of his
cross, and then again, to his triumph over the grave. Amen!
* Opening Hymn “You, Lord, Are Both Lamb and Shepherd” #99
You, Lord, are both lamb and shepherd. You, Lord, are both prince and slave.
You, peacemaker and sword bringer—of the way you took and gave.
You, the everlasting instant; you, whom we both scorn and crave.
Clothed in light upon the mountain, stripped of might upon the cross,
Shining in eternal glory, beggared by a soldier’s toss,
You, the everlasting instant; you, who are both gift and cost.
You, who walk each day beside us, sit in pow-er at God’s side.
You, who preach a way that’s narrow, have a love that reaches wide.
You, the everlasting instant; you, who are our pilgrim guide.
Worthy is our earthly Jesus! Worthy is our cosmic Christ!
Worthy your defeat and victory. Worthy still your peace and strife.
You, the everlasting instant; you, who are our death and life.
*Opening Prayer
*Sign of Peace
One: The peace of Christ be with all of you.
All: And also with you.
One: Let us share with one another a sign of peace.
Confession
One: Christ Jesus, we sometimes forget that you—yourself—faced rejection,
condemnation, isolation, and death. Our perception can sometimes become so
narrow that we do not sense that you are with us in our troubles. We confess, we
have sometimes felt discouraged, abandoned, and even betrayed by you, O God,
when all manner of things have not gone well for us.
All: Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy, Lord, have mercy.
One: Instead of following where you lead, O God, at times we follow a tempter who shows
us a vision of the world that is a counterfeit of what you desire for us. We confess, at
times we have been deceived by imitations of love, abundance, and joy.
All: Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
One: Help us to trust you to journey with us and to guide us.
All: Help us to rest in your promise to never leave nor forsake us. Amen.
Lenten Meditation & Candles
Song of Reflection “Jesus Remember Me” #285
Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.
Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.
(Sing Three Times)
First Reading Paul’s Letter to the Romans 5:12-19
Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin,
and so death spread to all because all have sinned— 13 for sin was indeed in the world
before the law, but sin is not reckoned when there is no law. 14 Yet death reigned from
Adam to Moses, even over those who did not sin in the likeness of Adam, who is a pattern
of the one who was to come. 15But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died
through the one man’s trespass, much more surely have the grace of God and the gift in
the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded for the many. 16And the gift is not like the
effect of the one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought
condemnation, but the gift following many trespasses brings justification. 17 If, because of
the one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who
receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one
man, Jesus Christ. 18Therefore just as one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all, so
one man’s act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all. 19 For just as through
the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so through the one man’s
obedience the many will be made righteous.
Responsorial Psalm 32
One: Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
All: Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity and in whose spirit
there is no deceit.
One: Therefore, let all who are faithful offer prayer to you; at a time of distress, the rush
of mighty waters shall not reach them.
All: You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me
with glad cries of deliverance. Amen!
*Lenten Acclamation
“Throughout These Lenten Days and Nights” #250 V. 1
Throughout these Lenten days and nights we turn to walk the inward way,
Where meeting Christ, our guide and light, we live in hope till Easter Day.
*Gospel Matthew 4:1-11
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.” 10Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written, ‘Worship the Lord
your God, and serve only him.’ ” 11Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and
waited on him.
One: This is the Gospel of Christ for the people of God.
All: Come Holy Spirit! Thanks be to God!
Children’s Message
Song of Preparation “Oh How He Loves You and Me” #270
O how he loves you and me,
O how he loves you and me;
He gave his life—what more could he give?
O how he loves you, O how he loves me,
O how he loves you and me.
(Repeat)
Message Christ in the Desert Pastor Rich
Song of Response “Jesus, Your Name” #361
Jesus, your name is power,
Jesus, your name is might.
Jesus, your name will break every stronghold—
Jesus, your name is life.
Jesus, your name is healing,
Jesus, your name gives sight.
Jesus, your name will free every captive—
Jesus your name is life.
Jesus, your name is holy,
Jesus, your name is might.
Jesus, your name, above every other—
Jesus your name is life.
COMMUNION LITURGY
Pastor: People of God, come to the table! Christ promised that as we eat this bread
and drink this cup, we not only remember him, but we commune with him by
the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.
All: This is a table of grace. There is room around it for every soul that was,
and is, and is to come. We come to the table as a people who are learning
the way of Christ. We confess that we are not always right. But we share
this faith: that those who trust in Christ Jesus will grow in the assurance
of God’s eternal love.
Pastor: And so, here at this table we take bread and cup and ask the Holy Spirit to
make it for us: communion with Christ, who gave his life as the bread of
heaven and as the cup of eternal life.
All: Here at this table we remember that Christ gave his entire life as an
outpouring of God’s love—a love that will, one day, renew all things.
Amen.
Pastor: People of God, come to the table!
Communion Music “Oh, How I Love Jesus” Cheryl Strecker
“In Moments Like These”
Pastoral Prayer and Lord’s Prayer (“Debts and Debtors”)
One: The Lord be with you.
All: And also with you.
One: People of God, let us center our hearts and extend the spiritual power within us. Let
us pray: For the prayer requests that have come to us today, whether joys or
sorrows…[prayer requests are presented]…We also pray for everyone who has asked
their name to be on the prayer list [see last page of the bulletin]. Holy and Loving
God, in your wisdom, meet all of these needs in the perfect way of your grace.
All: God hear our prayer!
One: For all that we hold in the silence of our hearts, we come to you in the confidence of
quiet, O God, and lift our petitions privately to you. (Silent prayer)…Almighty God,
Sovereign of Heaven, shower your blessings upon all people! Move the mountains in
our lives, or help to move us so that we might be fully at peace. This we pray in the
name of Jesus, who taught us to pray…
All: “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 debts as we forgive our debtors—and lead us not into
temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power, and
the Glory forever.” Amen.
Offering
God is inviting us to serve in response to God’s great love for us, so that the whole world may know the fullness of God’s peace.
If you are not in the sanctuary, online donations can be made at: www.communityunited.church
Or, if you prefer to mail in a check, that can be addressed to the church at:
1011 West 38th Street – Erie, PA 16508
Offertory “Above All” Pastor Rich
Prayer of Thanksgiving
*Lenten Congregational Response #576
Make me a servant, humble and meek.
Lord, let me lift up those who are weak!
And may the prayer of my heart always be:
Make me a servant!
Make me a servant!
Make me a servant today!
*Departing Prayer
One: Holy and loving God, in the deserts of our lives we are reminded that we are not
alone. Christ is with us, knowing our every need.
All: Spirit of God, when we face our own trials and tribulations, grant us the
wisdom of heaven to guide our thinking and our actions. And when we are in
great need, send the angels of heaven to minister to us. Amen!
*Blessing
*Closing Hymn “Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days” #252
Lord, who throughout these forty days
For us did fast and pray,
Teach us with you to mourn our sins
And close by you to stay.
As you with Satan did contend,
And did the victory win,
O give us strength in you to fight,
In you to conquer sin.
As you did hunger and did thirst,
So teach us, gracious Lord,
To die to self, and so to live
By your most holy Word.
And thro’ these days of penitence,
And thro’ your Passion-tide,
Forever-more, in life and death,
O Lord, with us abide.
Abide with us, that through this life
Of doubts and hope and pain,
An Easter of unending joy
We may at last attain!
Postlude Cheryl Strecker
Thank you for worshipping with us this morning
at Community United Church!
Next Week:
Sunday, March 1:
The Second Sunday in Lent
Scriptures:
Genesis 12:1-4a
Romans 4:1-5, 13-17
Psalm 121
John 3:1-17
Theme:
Born Anew in Faith and Spirit
Need to contact us for prayer, conversation, or to connect with a
small group or church ministry?
1011 West 38th Street – Erie, PA 16508
(814) – 864 – 4429
www.communityunited.church
The altar flowers this morning are given to the glory of God and in honor of April’s 59th birthday
and Anna’s 80th birthday by Natalie Braddock. An additional arrangement is given in honor of Lorre Rapp’s
birthday, which was February 18th, by her sister, Kathy Koziol. Happy Birthday, all!
UPCOMING EVENTS
March 4: Bible Study with Pastor Rich: A Catholic and Protestant Dialogue (6:30 PM)
March 8: Worship Service in honor of International Women’s Day
March 10: Liberty House Meal Preparation and Sharing
March 11: Soup & Simplicity: Lenten Devotions and Social, Fellowship Hall (6:30 PM)
March 12: Crafternoon 1:30-3:30 PM, Fellowship Hall
March 15: Service Sunday
March 18: Resonate (7:00 PM)
SPECIAL INVITATION: In honor of Anna Silvia’s 80th birthday, her church family and friends are
invited to a reception here in Fellowship Hall this Tuesday, February 24th. Come and wish Anna a
happy birthday and enjoy some cake between 3 and 6 PM!
Need hearing assistance? We have four available units. Please talk to our tech crew in the back of the sanctuary.
WE REMEMBER THOSE IN OUR ARMED FORCES:
Jackson Feiock (Army), Jacob Snyder (Army), Nick Duncan (Army), Brittany Duncan (Army),
Matt Duncan (Army), Tyler Anderson (Army National Guard), Shelby Wescott (Army),
Jaden O’Hara (Army), Toby Charlton (Marines),
Cole Posnett (Army), Hunter Miaczynski (Army) & Mathew Anderson (Army)
Zachary Oliver (PA Army National Guard)
PRAYERS FOR:
Linda Hilbert, Anna Silvia, Dew Johnson, Harry Lamb, Ethel Davis, Celeste Eller & Family,
Michele Serafin, Toni Stevenson, Dave Wooledge, Sharon Cooper, Zoey Cathie Witmire, Sandra Ganley,
Celeste Peck, Linda Foll Johnson, Shirley Carrier, The Kuzma Family, Debra Jackman, Malcom Bauer,
the Schmidt and Smith families, Zoey Cathie Witmire, Laura Will, Paul Dietz, baby Elijah, Linda Weber
Meet your 2026 Church Council
Thea Hyatt, President, Ginnie Burger, Vice President, Tracy Davis, Treasurer,
Michele Vahey, Secretary (Interim), Justin Graff, Angel Conrad, Chuck Becker, Don Cameron
CUC IS LOOKING FOR A COUNCIL SECRETARY
We currently have an open position on the CUC Council and are looking for someone who can
provide valuable support as Secretary and serve as a voting member. If you are interested, please
speak with any Council member or contact the Church office. Thank you!
You may call the church office at 814-864-4429 for pastoral and administrative matters or use email:
[email protected]
Community United Church is committed to ethical and legal compliance in our music and
livestreaming: CCLI Church Copyright License: 11405428 Streaming License: 20856761
The unconditional love of God welcomes all, respects boundaries, stands for justice, and seeks healing and wholeness for our world.
