Welcome to Lent 2026!

February 18 – April 5, 2026
Companion to “Plot Twists: Stories of Unsettling Grace”

Introduction: Lent is not a race to Easter. It is an unfolding story—one that refuses to move in a straight line.

This season leads us through moments we think we understand, only to surprise us with a turn we did not see coming. Dust becomes the beginning of breath. Loss opens into life. The cross does not end the story. Grace interrupts where we expected resolution.

This year, we walk the labyrinth together—a path shaped by turns rather than shortcuts. The labyrinth does not test us or trick us; it invites us to trust the path beneath our feet. Like the parables Jesus told, it draws us forward through reversals and interruptions, teaching us that God often works through surprise rather than certainty.

As we journey through Lent, we will listen again to stories marked by plot twists: seeds scattered without guarantee, lost things found in celebration, grace that feels unfair yet proves abundant, love that grows quietly until it shelters the world. Each story begins in familiar ground and then turns, asking us to see differently and live more deeply.

The path is not meant to be hurried. You may feel turned around at times—but disorientation is often where transformation begins. In God’s time, what feels like circling becomes a deeper movement inward, and every unexpected turn becomes an invitation into grace.

Walk slowly. Pay attention to the turns. Trust the story still unfolding.

How to Use This Devotional Each day offers three simple movements:

• Scripture: A single verse to center your attention and prayer.
• Wandering Deeper: A brief reflection or small action to guide your contemplation. Some are inward, others outward — each is an invitation, not an obligation.
• Prayer: A few lines to speak aloud or hold in silence.

Sundays are marked as “Little Easters.” They are pauses in the Lenten fast — reminders that even in the wilderness, resurrection hums beneath the surface. Use these days for rest, joy, and gratitude.You can walk this journey alone or with others. Families may adapt the reflections with simple gestures: lighting a candle, planting a seed, sharing one word of gratitude. The point is not to finish perfectly but to stay open to grace.

The God who formed you from dust will walk beside you through every turn — calling you deeper, not farther; wider, not faster; homeward, not elsewhere.

Wednesday, February 18, 2026
7:00 – 9:00 am | Justin Parking Lot
Registration Required

Volunteers Needed!

Thank you for your willingness to serve on this sacred day. We will gather in the main sanctuary narthex at 6:45 AM for our early birds. Please dress warmly as we prepare for a meaningful time of ministry.

We will operate two lanes from 5th and 7th Street:

Those entering on 5th Street will exit on 7th Street.

Those stationed at the entrance will have a tally sheet to track the total number of cars.

If you would like to receive ashes, I will be available, but you are also welcome to wait until the noon service or 7:00 pm.

For our sign holders, you will be paired in twos at Henderson & 7th and at each entrance.

To support you during the morning, we will have coffee and donuts available. Additionally, we have prepared goodie bags with information about everything happening at FUMC-Fort Worth for Lent.

Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Noon & 7:00 pm | Sanctuary
Livestream at 12:00 pm only
Dr. Mike Marshall – Noon | Rev. Brenda Brooks Alexander – 7:00 pm

Our Lenten journey begins with Ash Wednesday, marking the start of the season of Lent. Join us in the Sanctuary as we prepare for Lent with the imposition of ashes — a symbolic act of repentance and humility.

Wednesday, February 18, 2026
5:30 pm | Dinner | Third Floor
6:15 pm | Worship | Wesley Hall
“Why Do We Get Ashes On Our Heads?”

We will gather for dinner (donations are accepted but not required) followed by a special child-friendly service in which we will sing songs, participate in many different forms of prayer, and receive the imposition of ashes as we learn about Ash Wednesday and its significance.

Sundays, February 22, March 8, & March 22, 2026
9:00 am – 12:15 pm
Wesley Hall

Walk the Labyrinth in Wesley Hall

Step away from the noise.
Slow your pace.
Release what weighs you down.

You are invited to Wesley Hall to walk the Labyrinth—a sacred prayer practice used by the church for centuries. In a fast-paced world filled with anxiety, resentment, judgment, and the need for control, the labyrinth offers a gentle path toward stillness, surrender, and renewal.

There is no right or wrong way to walk. Simply follow the path, breathe deeply, and allow God to meet you where you are. Bring your questions, burdens, and hopes—or come with nothing at all. This is a space to let go and listen.

Walk at your own pace
Pray in silence or with Scripture
Release what no longer serves your spirit

Come as you are.
Leave lighter than you arrived.

Mondays | February 23 – March 30, 2026
1:00 – 2:30 pm | Room 350
Registration Recommended
Book available to purchase | $13

Join us for our study of “The Third Day” by Bishop Tom Berlin and Mark A. Miller. Bishop Berlin was a longtime pastor of churches in Virginia and he was an important denominational leader in the recent reshaping of The United Methodist Church. He uses his gift of storytelling and scriptural understanding to connect us to the experiences of several people around Jesus in his last days. The book focuses on new life and redemption, rather than loss.

Sunday, March 29, 2026
9:30 & 11:00 am | Sanctuary

Come celebrate the triumphant entry of Jesus this Palm Sunday at 9:30 or 11:00 am. As we wave palms and join our children in leading worship, we mark the beginning of Holy Week and journey toward the cross and the hope of resurrection. During both services, we will also present Bibles to our third graders as they take this meaningful step in their faith journey.

Thursday, April 2, 2026
5:30 – 7:30 pm
Dinner in Wesley Hall | Free | Registration required
Worship Service in the Sanctuary

Come together with friends and family as we celebrate, just like Jesus did with His disciples. We’ll have dinner (with a children’s meal option), and then we’ll move to the Sanctuary for the Maundy Thursday Worship Service at 6:30 pm. The nursery will be available. This is a service for all ages and will include a children’s moment, communion, and music, including the Gathering Band, organ, and special musicians.

Friday, April 3, 2026
5:30 pm | Dinner | Third Floor
6:15 pm | Worship | Wesley Hall

“What Would Mister Rogers Tell Us?”

So often, after a challenging event or during a challenging time, I find myself asking, “What does Mister Rogers have to say about this?” And then I go find out. I look for video clips, I read his biographies, I research articles from the Fred Rogers Institute.

Over and over, his words have been a tremendous source of inspiration and encouragement, especially during those times when I truly wonder if I have what it takes to help others through hard things.

From that gentle soul, and ordained Presbyterian minister, we learn:

• To “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
• “Anything mentionable can be made more manageable.”
• “The only thing evil can’t stand is forgiveness.”

This Good Friday, we will explore the story of the day Jesus died, but in a slightly different way. We will invite Mister Rogers to share his words of comfort, kindness, and love so that we can have a deeper understanding of the beautiful, hard thing Jesus did that night. And so we can walk away heartened to face the beautiful, hard things that are part of our own human experience.

Friday, April 3, 2026
7:00 pm | Sanctuary

Tenebrae, meaning “service of shadows” or “darkness,” is a solemn retelling of Christ’s final hours through liturgy, Scripture, and music. This meaningful service gradually descends into darkness and concludes with the tearing of the veil and total silence. In remembering the cross, we hold fast to the mystery that through suffering comes peace, and through death, new life.

Saturday, April 4, 2026
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Lyle Lodge
7179 Peden Road | Azle, Texas 76020

Enjoy a petting zoo, face painting, a butterfly release — and more! Complimentary sliders, tacos, and pizza will be available from food trucks.

In case of inclement weather, please check our website for more information.

Activities | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Sandbox Station, Petting Zoo, Sidewalk Chalk, Face Painting, Bubble Station, and Cookie Decorating!

Egg Hunts
10:45 am | 2 years & under
11:15 am | 5, 6 & 7 years
11:00 am | 3 & 4 years
11:30 am | 8 years & older Butterfly Release | 11:40 am

Contact: Megan Ladd | 817-339-5093

Sanctuary Services
Sunday, April 5, 2026
Traditional Service | 8:00 and 11:00 am | DFW Brass and Choral Union | Sanctuary | Livestream at 11:00
The Gathering | 9: 30 am | The Gathering Band and Special Guests | Sanctuary | Livestream
The Gathering | 11:00 am | The Gathering Band | Wesley Hall

On Easter morning, Senior Pastor Lance Marshall will share the message of hope and the resurrection, concluding our Lenten series “Plot Twist.” We invite you to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord with us at the Traditional 8:00 and 11:00 am services, featuring music from DFW Brass and Choral Union. The 9:30 am Gathering service in the sanctuary will feature The Gathering Band and special guest musicians. We will have a Gathering style service in Wesley Hall at 11:00. Rev. Dr. Jenn Pick will preach.

Easter Offering

Help us support our church ministries and local community with our Easter Offering. Give online (choose Easter Offering from the drop-down menu) or with a check or donation envelope marked “Easter Offering” in the Sunday offertory, by mail, or in the Main Office.