Please join us each Sunday at 11:00 am for Morning Services
Second Sunday / 3rd Sunday of Lent
March 8th, 2026
Liturgist: Christal Marshall
Pastor: Rev. David W. Mantz
Music Director: Michael Petruzzi
*Congregation standing as they are able
Liturgist Greeting and Announcements
Breakfast with the Bunny – Saturday, March 21st, sittings at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Reservations Required, Pancakes/Sides/Crafts. Adults $10. Youth $6, Cash Only please, Reservations: (203)-802-0223 or (203)-217-7758
Easter Flowers – Order forms are now available in the narthex. The ordering deadline is Palm Sunday, March 29th.
Lenten Plans – Our Valley Parish of eight churches is partnering for several services this Lenten season. Watertown will host Ash Wednesday, Great Hill Seymour will host Maundy Thursday, while Good Friday will be in Naugatuck. All services will be at 7 p.m. Our New District Superintendent, Rev. Heather Sinclair, will be with us here in Naugatuck and participate in our Parish Good Friday Service!
New Monthly Men’s Breakfast – Began Saturday with eight of us attending. We usually meet on the 1st Saturday of the month at 9 a.m. for a time of fellowship and breakfast at Grandpa’s on Rubber Ave.
Food Share at the Salem School – On every other Wednesday from 12 – 1 p.m.
The Ecumenical Food Bank requires a consistent supply of instant oatmeal, ketchup, apple juice, pork and beans, canned fruit or fruit cups, instant coffee (both regular and decaf), sugar, and canned meat on a year-round basis. Additionally, they can use empty egg cartons if you have any; they would be greatly appreciated.
Future Dates for Your Calendar
Saturday, March 7th, 9 a.m. – Men’s Breakfast Fellowship at Grandpa’s
Sunday, March 8th-2nd Sunday of Lent, – Daylight Savings Time, Spring Forward
Thursday, March 19th, 7 p.m. – Church Council via Zoom
Saturday, March 21st, 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. – Breakfast with the Bunny
Saturday, March 21st, 7:30 p.m., – Naugatuck Community Band Spring Concert
Sunday, March 29th,11:00 a.m.- Palm Sunday
Bible Study – March 18th, 7:00 pm via Zoom. Please contact the pastor for the Zoom Link.
Intercessory Prayer – Monday at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. Please contact the pastor for the Zoom Link.
Memory Verse – 1 John 4:9
9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.
*Call to Worship (Read Responsively)
Leader: O God, let us see the heavens torn open, signaling an end to separation between us and you.
People: Let us feel the cool breeze of blessing, the warmth of your acknowledging smile, the shalom that comes from knowing that we are yours.
Leader: Let us see the heavens torn, veil rent, walls shattered, demons subdued.
People: Let us be aware of our own nakedness and tremble as we weep in repentance for our sins.
Leader: As we continue on our Lenten journey, may we see the heavens torn open above our heads and remember that you are God!
*Opening Hymn
Hymn # 98 “To God Be the Glory”
Verse 1
To God be the glory great things He has done
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin
And opened the life gate that all may go in
Chorus
Praise the Lord praise the Lord
Let the earth hear His voice
Praise the Lord praise the Lord
Let the people rejoice
O come to the Father through Jesus the Son
And give Him the glory great things He has done
Verse 2
O perfect redemption the purchase of blood
To every believer the promise of God
The vilest offender who truly believes
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives
Chorus
Praise the Lord praise the Lord
Let the earth hear His voice
Praise the Lord praise the Lord
Let the people rejoice
O come to the Father through Jesus the Son
And give Him the glory great things He has done
Verse 3
Great things He has taught us
Great things He has done
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son
But purer and higher and greater will be
Our wonder our transport when Jesus we see
Chorus
Praise the Lord praise the Lord
Let the earth hear His voice
Praise the Lord praise the Lord
Let the people rejoice
O come to the Father through Jesus the Son
And give Him the glory great things He has done
CCLI Song # 23426
Prayer of Confession (Together In Unison)
Gracious Father, who has lived from before time began, open our eyes. Open our eyes to see the reality of who we are as a people of God. Open our mines that we may understand who you really are. And open our hearts to comprehend the love you have for your creation. We strive to be the best that we can be. However, there are those occasions when we fall short. For those moments, we ask your forgiveness and pray that you will encourage and strengthen us for the journey ahead. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!
A time of silent individual confessional prayer
Words of Assurance
Leader: Friends, believe the Good News of the Gospel!
People: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
Psalm 32:1-11 (Read Responsively)
UM Hymnal # 766
1 Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins is covered.
2 Blessed are those whom the Lord does not hold guilty,
and in whose spirit is no deceit.
3 When I did not declare my sin, my body wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.
5 I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not cover up my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.”
then you forgave the guilt of my sin.
6 Therefore let those who are godly
offer prayer to you;
at a time of distress, the rush of great waters
shall not reach them.
7 You are a hiding place for me,
you reserve me from trouble;
you encompass me with deliverance.
8 I will instruct you and teach you
the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
9 Do not be like an unruly horse or a mule, without
understanding
whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle.
or they will not come to you.
10 Many are the pangs of the wicked;
but the steadfast love surrounds who trusts in the Lord.
11 Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous;
shout for joy, all you upright in heart!
Pastor’s Greeting
Testimony Time- Joys, Prayers & Concerns
Lord’s Prayer
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 forever. Amen.
*Hymn of Preparation
Hymn #61 “Come, Thou Almighty King”
Verse 1
Come Thou Almighty King
Help us Thy name to sing
Help us to praise
Father all glorious
O’er all victorious
Come and reign over us
Ancient of Days
Verse 2
Come Thou Incarnate Word
Gird on Thy mighty sword
Our prayer attend
Come and Thy people bless
And give Thy Word success
Spirit of holiness
On us descend
Verse 3
Come Holy Comforter
Thy sacred witness bear
In this glad hour
Thou who almighty art
Now rule in every heart
And ne’er from us depart
Spirit of power
Verse 4
To Thee great One in Three
Eternal praises be
Hence evermore
Thy sovereign majesty
May we in glory see
And to eternity
Love and adore
CCLI Song # 29073
*Message Text
Mark 14:53-72
53 And they led Jesus to the high priest. And all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together.
54 And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he was sitting with the guards and warming himself at the fire.
55 Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none.
56 For many bore false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree.
57 And some stood up and bore false witness against him, saying,
58 “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’”
59 Yet even about this their testimony did not agree.
60 And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?”
61 But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?”
62 And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”
63 And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need?
64 You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death.
65 And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received him with blows.
66 And as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came,
67 and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus.”
68 But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you mean.” And he went out into the gateway and the rooster crowed.
69 And the servant girl saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.”
70 But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.”
71 But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.”
72 And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.
The Message – “Condemned by the Righteous”
Tithes And Offering
Offering Prayer
*Doxology
Hymn #94
Chorus
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow
Praise God all creatures here below
Alleluia alleluia
Praise God the source of all our gifts
Praise Christ Whose power uplifts
Praise the Spirit Holy Spirit
Alleluia alleluia alleluia
CCLI Song # 5100718
* Closing Hymn
Hymn 89 “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”
Verse 1
Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee
God of glory, Lord of love
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee
Opening to the sun above
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness
Drive the dark of doubt away
Giver of immortal gladness
Fill us with the light of day
Verse 2
All Thy works with joy surround Thee
Earth and heaven reflect Thy rays
Stars and angels sing around Thee
Center of unbroken praise
Field and forest vale and mountain
Flowery meadow flashing sea
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
Call us to rejoice in Thee
Verse 3
Thou art giving and forgiving
Ever blessing ever blest
Wellspring of the joy of living
Ocean depth of happy rest
Thou our Father, Christ our brother
All who live in love are Thine
Teach us how to love each other
Lift us to the joy divine
Verse 4
Mortals join the mighty chorus
Which the morning stars began
Love divine is reigning o’er us
binding all within its span
Ever singing march we onward
Victors in the midst of strife
Joyful music leads us sunward
In the triumph song of life
CCLI Song # 3788400
* Benediction
Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen
*Postlude
Hymn #672 “God Be With You Till We Meet Again”
Verse 1
God be with you till we meet again
By His counsels guide uphold you
With His sheep securely fold you
God be with you till we meet again
Chorus
Till we meet till we meet
Till we meet at Jesus’ feet
Till we meet till we meet
God be with you till we meet again
CCLI Song # 252747
Please Remember in Prayer
Prayers For Healing and Mercies
- Michael’s friend, her friend E, was in a bus accident.
- Boys swim team and Coach Austin for a healthy and good season
- Denise ‘s family friend Jenny’s father is battling colon cancer.
- The Solomon Family for the loss of Elma’s mother.
- Wendy has the flu.
- The Litkey family for the loss of their loved one
- Michael’s friend Julia, her sister Natalie, found a mass on her breast, and Michael’s friend Dillian needs to sell his house and find an apartment
- Ethel’s brother, Oliver, finished his chemo and is doing well.
- Al’s sister Sally had knee surgery to pray for a speedy recovery.
- Kurt’s Bro Hal is going for kidney surgery and a pacemaker.
- Wendy’s mom, Hazel, is dealing with health issues.
- The Akinsanya family
- Christopher’s friend Steven, who is battling cancer, prays for the family.
- Wayne is now working; he finished training and delivers fuel on his own.
- Linda Dozier had knee surgery; she is recovering now.
- Pastor’s Brother-in-law Earl had a stroke.
- Special Protection, Lord, to bind any evil spirit that tries to get in the way of your people.
- Caroline’s dad’s recovery after surgery, mom, sister and the entire family.
- Esther Gaddis has a spinal tumor, going through radiation.
- William Braychack, who has cancer.
- Jenner’s co-worker Lavonne has cancer.
- The unsaved that they will come to know Christ.
- Permanent Revival all over the world.
- Jenner’s friend Debbie has a brain tumor and lung cancer.
- Sandra Beyerle – breast cancer
- Jenner’s Boss Sue with health issues
- Continual prayer for Dawn Mudry’s breathing issues.
- Sadia – tumor.
- Marilyn – fall & dementia.
- John Kearney – continual prayer.
- Charlotte accident
- Richie for anxiety.
- Jenny’s brain surgery
- Jessie – Stroke.
- Gary T’s anxiety.
- Ok Sun son and court.
- Warren Smith for acute Leukemia
- Jeff Crocker and family – he is fighting cancer
- Jan Mizeski – prostate cancer
- New Tribes Missionary Rich Agnew, Mexico, Fall.
- Our Home Bound: Lois Jordon, Linda Dozier, Cliff Young, Steve Cronin, Dale Sweet.
Our Church
- Church leaders, our Youth, Sunday School, Bible Study
- Our Valley Parish for all our Pastor’s and all our Churches
- Bishop Bickerton, DS Heather Sinclair
Our World
- Turkey & Syria earthquake and loss of Life over 35,000 +
- World peace; direction of our nation; immigration crisis: USA leaders
- Mayor Hess and Council; the economy
- The unsaved, Missionaries
- Parents and children; teachers and students
- Veterans, firemen, policemen and others who serve.
- Addiction struggles; mental health issues
- Other community churches and members
- Covid 19 Virus, Cold & Flu Season,
- The unsaved; missionaries
- Ukraine/Russia solution – safety of innocent people
- Methodist Church – unity in the midst of division
- Haitian people Afghan people, India people, Taiwan people
- Footsteps (TresDias)
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 forever. Amen.
Contact Information
Pastor: Rev David W Mantz
Email: dwmantz@gmail.com
Urgent – 845-546-4837 Personal Cell Phone
Pastor’s Office Hours: by appointment
Naugatuck UMC
208 Meadow Street, Naugatuck, CT 06770
Church Office:203-729-4236
Church Email:numcc@gmail.com



