Vancouver First United Methodist ChurchVancouver First United Methodist ChurchGod’s promise for us is grace, love that transforms individuals and transforms the world. We have these 40 days to participate in the living promise of God’s eternal love.
A playlist has been created on Spotify for this season of Lent. To listen, click here.
We are currently working with volunteers to host prayer and communion after service. Stay tuned for selected Sundays.
Join us in the Hidden Chapel after service on the following Sundays during Lent for a time of prayer and to receive communion.
In-Person and Online via YouTube
Rescue Me
Deuteronomy 26:1-11Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13
Perhaps Jesus said it during his temptation in the wilderness. Certainly, the psalmist says it over and again in many ways. We call out to God to rescue us today, sometimes with a certainty that God will answer and other times out of desperation, hoping God will listen when it seems no one else will. As you listen to Andra Day’s “Rise Up,” let the words wash over you as a prayer and as an answer to prayer, and consider: “Where in your life are you calling out for rescue, and how might God be calling you to reach out in love to rescue your neighbor?”
Music this Sunday features New Song and First Church Handbell Ensemble.
Conceal Me
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27, Philippians 3:17-4:1, Luke 13:31-35
Like many of us, the writer of Psalm 27 knows trouble, as does Jesus when he is confronted by the Pharisees attempting to scare him into being quiet or, at the very least, getting out of town (Luke 13:31). Yet both the psalmist and Jesus do an odd thing when faced with threats: they stay the course. They refuse to be swallowed up and swayed by fear. Instead, they root themselves in God, whose steadfast love conceals and protects, whose love keeps their heads above water. As you listen to Avril Lavigne’s “Head Above Water,” consider the storms in your life that you need God to protect you and sustain you through. Do you trust that God will take care of you through those storms?
Music this Sunday features the Sanctuary Choir.
My Soul Clings
Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9
To what do you cling? Psalm 63 invites us to reflect on where we find security and sustenance when we are desperate, disillusioned, or in danger. Yes, we need food, water, and shelter. Yes, we need community that protects us when we feel threatened and alone. Yet underneath these basic needs is something even more necessary: God. As you listen to U2’s “Light of Home,” consider: “When you are surrounded by chaos and turmoil, how do you find security, confidence, and home in God?”
Music this Sunday features April Duvic with Martin Ellis on dual pianos.
Steadfast Love
Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Steadfast love. What does that mean? Much as we might like it to mean that we will never experience problems and life will be easy and happy all the time, that kind of love is a fairy tale—and not a very good fairy tale, at that. Psalm 32 offers a richer and more robust account of God’s steadfast love—a love that never ends and never fails, no matter what life throws at us. As you listen to Kacey Musgraves’ “Rainbow,” take a deep breath and consider how God might calling you to “let go of the umbrella” and trust in God’s steadfast love.
Music this Sunday features TBA
Fill Me With Laughter
Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126, Philippians 3:4b-14, John 12:1-8
“Fill me with laughter.” This is not what we expect so deep into the season of Lent. We are supposed to be getting more serious the closer we get to Good Friday, right? Or, perhaps Psalm 126 is right on time. Laughter, stories, and memories of God’s provision are necessary at all stages of our journey with God as individuals and as family in Christ. They shore up our faith and feed our hope. They remind us that God’s goodness still infuses all creation, and God’s love remains steadfast. So, as you listen to P!NK’s “Cover Me in Sunshine,” take in the words and consider how they might serve as a prayer, a call to God to bring sunshine and laughter as reminders of God’s sustaining and life-giving love.
Music this Sunday features New Song.
Open The Gates
Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29, Psalm 31:9-16, Luke 19:28-40
We have arrived at Holy Week. We followed Jesus into Jerusalem amidst joyful multitudes who hailed him as a king, yet we know Friday is coming. The triumphant multitudes will not stick around long. Yet, God’s steadfast love never fails. So, as we move into this holiest of weeks, listen to “You Will Be Found” from the musical Dear Evan Hansen and consider: “How does God’s steadfast love find you, even when you feel lost?”
Music this Sunday features First Church Handbells Ensemble.
You Have Loosed My Bonds
Exodus 12:1-4, (5-10) 11-14, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35
At the center of Maundy Thursday is a mandate, or a command, to love one another as Christ has loved us. “Stand Up” by Cynthia Erivo may seem unusual for Maundy Thursday, but at its core, it is a call to live into this new reality and to embody hope, care, and love with one another. Difficult days lie ahead, but God’s steadfast love frees us to move forward toward life together in Christ. As you listen to this powerful song, “Stand Up”, consider: “How does the command to love one another as Christ has loved us set you free?”
Do Not Be Far From Me
Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Psalm 22, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1-19:42
Holy Saturday is a day for waiting, sitting, pondering, and grieving…and hoping. We’ve been falling throughout Holy Week, stumbling over our brokenness and losing our sense of balance as we confront our sinfulness. Where will we find a safe place to land? As you listen to Sara Bareilles’ “A Safe Place to Land,” ponder and reflect on God as your safe place as we wait in hope for Resurrection.
The Bandstand is located on the Parade Ground at Vancouver Barracks, a part of Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. It is located just west of 1501 E Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver, WA.
Join us in our beautiful sanctuary to celebrate in joy together that Christ Has Risen!
In-Person and Online via YouTube
