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  Authentic Worship

Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors.

Join Us in Worship!

In-person & Streaming  LIVE every Sunday at 10 a.m.

The virtual Order of Worship for Sunday is available here.​

Lent Worship Series

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The Lenten journey may seem overly familiar. Indeed, we have been here before. There is comfort in the familiar. Many of the rituals and practices of this season are comfortable. They give us a sense of place, like being home again. This can be a good starting place for the season, an invitation to walk the paths we have walked before. We encourage the community to gather once again. Yet, the Lenten journey and our discipleship path encourage us to grow, to go deeper, to climb higher, to reach further than we may have before.

Fourth Sunday in Lent

March 15, 2026

"Walking with the Shepherd"

Arvin Berner

Ephesians 5: 8-14 (NRSV)

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Join us on UMCOR Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Lent, as our Musical Director, Arvin Berner, leads us in worship to hear his sermon titled, "Walking with the Shepherd, " accompanied by the scripture reading from Ephesians 5:8-14.

Join us for Holy Week & Easter at First UMC Modesto

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Palm Sunday Worship: "Hosana in the Highest"

Sunday, March 29

10:00 a.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream

We are invited to meet in the Fireside Room before worship to join the procession with palms, commemorating Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. We will reflect on how the week began in joy and end the service by stripping the sanctuary in preparation for the dark days to come.

Maundy Thursday Dinner & Worship

Thursday April 2

5:30 p.m. | Fellowship Hall & Chapel

We will gather in the Fellowship Hall to enjoy a meal and "break bread together." Following the meal, we will offer Holy Communion, a labyrinth walk, and a handwashing blessing. A creative activity will be available for children and the young at heart. Childcare will be provided.

Good Friday Worship

Friday, April 3

7:00 p.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream

This evening service will bring us to "The Scene of the Cross" as we read the gospel accounts of Jesus' death, sing hymns, and pray together.

Easter Sunrise Service

Sunday, April 5

7:00 a.m. | Front Lawn

Dress warmly or bring a blanket as we worship together in the early morning light.

Easter Worship: "A New Life"

Sunday, April 5

10:00 a.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream

With joyful music and celebratory alleluias, we will experience Resurrection Sunday as we encounter the gospel through the lenses of beauty, wonder, meaning, curiosity, delight, and self-giving.

Easter Egg Hunt & Fellowship

Sunday, April 5

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Following Easter worship, all are invited to our annual Easter Egg Hunt on the front lawn for the kids, and a time of fellowship and fun as we celebrate the Risen King!

Children's Sunday School Lesson

In the Garden

Matthew 26: 36-46

Jesus went to the garden of Gethsemane to pray before his arrest and death. Jesus is sad and anxious, knowing what events are to come. He takes Peter, James, and John with him to the garden and begs them to stay awake with him.  The disciples failed to stay awake, and instead of praying, they fell asleep. Jesus knows what it feels like to be human. We can take comfort in the way he responded to these emotions. Jesus prayed. We can also pray and receive comfort when we are sad and anxious.

Press the play button to view this week's

Sunday School Video!

​Today's Blessing:

Dear God,

Open our hearts so that, in difficult times, we seek You and make time to pray. Thank you, Jesus, for showing us the way. Teach us to pray in good times and bad. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Childcare is available on Sunday mornings for ages birth to 4 years & Kinder to 5th Grade 

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NEW HERE?

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WELCOMING CHURCH

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ARCHIVED SERMONS

SUBMIT A PRAYER REQUEST

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Whatever your prayer needs, finding peace of mind provides a foundation of strength to face any situation. Your request is a sacred trust and is confidential.

STAY CONNECTED WITH US!

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Join the Friday Announcements electronic newsletter list and stay up-to-date with the latest church news and upcoming events. 

News & Events

UMCOR Sunday​

Sunday, March 15, 2026

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UMCOR Sunday is one of six churchwide Special Sundays designated to support ministries and causes important to the entire United Methodist Church. On this day, we support the United Methodist Committee on Relief—better known as UMCOR—the disaster response and humanitarian relief agency of our church.

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When people face crisis—whether from natural disaster, conflict, or hunger—UMCOR is there to help. But that kind of response doesn’t just happen. It requires trained staff, reliable systems, and the ability to act quickly and compassionately.

 

UMCOR Sunday matters because it sustains that foundation. By covering UMCOR’s administrative costs, this Special Sunday makes sure the Church is equipped to respond whenever and wherever help is needed—without delay.

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You can give by check (write UMCOR Sunday in the memo line) and mail it to the church or give online on the church's giving page here. 

FUMC Small Group Ministry​

Connect Relationally | Grow Spiritually

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Our Small Group Ministry gatherings have started. 

The time and location for each day are listed below.

  • Sunday | Fireside Room | 8:45 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

  • Sunday | Library and Fireside Room | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

  • Wednesday | Fireside Room | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

  • Thursday | Fireside Room | 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

​These groups are open to anyone at any time. A chair will always be open for you. 

FUMC Youth Group

2nd & 4th Sundays | Upstairs Youth Room | 11:20 a.m.

​If you are a youth in grades 6-12, join our next Youth Group gathering on Sunday, March 8! There will be great food, fun, fellowship, and games.

 

We will meet on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month. Lunch will be provided.

 

We hope to see you there!

English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes Offered at First UMC Modesto

Sundays | FUMC Library, 16th & I Streets, Modesto | 10:00 a.m.

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FUMC Modesto is excited to host an ESL (English as a Second Language) class every Sunday during worship. We aim to help adult learners become more comfortable with their English skills and expand our church community!  Childcare will be provided through our Children's Sunday School. No registration is required. â€‹If you are interested in attending and would like more information, please contact Alison Cruz at eslfumc@gmail.com.

Contact the church office at (209) 522-9046 or email fumc@firstumcmodesto.org for more event information.

More Upcoming Events​

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