You are invited to the Sunday Service on March 8, 2026 at 10 am. The bulletin for this Sunday is available for viewing HERE.
You can worship live on ZOOM by clicking the link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9658816441 Meeting ID: 965 881 6441
You can also watch Sunday services at your convenience by going to our website “watsonville1stumc.org” and click YouTube or Facebook. Each Sunday worship will be uploaded on Sunday afternoon for your viewing.
Third Sunday in Lent
Sunday, March 8, 2026, 10 am
Children’s Time “The Pilgrim’s Tale” Pastor John
The Way of a Pilgrim or The Pilgrim’s Tale, is the English title of a 19th-century Russian work, recounting the narrator’s journey as a mendicant pilgrim in search of “pray without ceasing” as St. Paul instructed. The pilgrim’s travels take him through southern and central Ukraine, Russia, and Siberia where he discovers the power of the Jesus Prayer.
Choir Anthem
I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked
Words: Daniel S. Twohig , Music: Geoffrey O’Hara, Arr.: Kenneth Downing
Message “The Jesus Prayer: Prayer of the Heart” Rev. John Song
As a Lenten practice, I am going to introduce an ancient Christian prayer known as the “Jesus Prayer” or “Prayer of the Heart” that was used starting from the 3rd century. They believed that simply invoking the precious name of “Jesus” had a powerful effect. This practice is closely associated with the spirituality of the Eastern Orthodox Church and the mystical tradition called Hesychasm, which emphasizes inner stillness and continual prayer.
Luke 18:1-14
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other, for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Thessalonians 5:17
“Pray without ceasing.”
