March 8, 2026 The Way Around
Liturgy
For more than 80 years, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has alleviated the suffering of individuals, families and communities affected by both natural and humanmade disaster.
UMCOR journeys with communities throughout a disaster’s cycle. It focuses on disasters that overwhelm a local community’s ability to respond, such as storms and flooding, earthquakes, fires, volcanoes, war and civil unrest.
Through a strong network of worldwide partners, UMCOR quickly assesses needs in the wake of disaster. UMCOR comes alongside communities at their invitation and encourages their involvement in and ownership of their recovery. UMCOR works collaboratively with local partners to connect survivors to the help they need to rebuild their lives.
From initial relief efforts such as distributing food, water, clothing and hygiene items, to long-term recovery projects like home repair, case management, psychosocial support and restoring livelihoods, UMCOR’s partners select beneficiaries based on need and vulnerability as opposed to other categories such as gender, race or religion.
In 2024 and 2025, UMCOR provided US relief with the Northwest and Los Angeles wild fires, hurricanes Helene, Ernesto, Debby, and Beryl, as well as flood and tornado recovery in Missouri and North Georgia. UMCOR has additionally provided disaster relief in the Philippians and Africa.
UMCOR’s ministry would not be possible without the support of others who give generously of their time and resources. Donations to UMCOR allow them to respond quickly and effectively to disasters as they arise. Your gifts this month will help underwrite UMCOR’s administrative and operating costs. This offering allows UMCOR to use 100% of all funds given to humanitarian response and recovery efforts directly to communities in need.
Together, we can alleviate the suffering of those affected by disaster, bringing hope and healing to communities worldwide.
UMCOR journeys with communities throughout a disaster’s cycle. It focuses on disasters that overwhelm a local community’s ability to respond, such as storms and flooding, earthquakes, fires, volcanoes, war and civil unrest.
Through a strong network of worldwide partners, UMCOR quickly assesses needs in the wake of disaster. UMCOR comes alongside communities at their invitation and encourages their involvement in and ownership of their recovery. UMCOR works collaboratively with local partners to connect survivors to the help they need to rebuild their lives.
From initial relief efforts such as distributing food, water, clothing and hygiene items, to long-term recovery projects like home repair, case management, psychosocial support and restoring livelihoods, UMCOR’s partners select beneficiaries based on need and vulnerability as opposed to other categories such as gender, race or religion.
In 2024 and 2025, UMCOR provided US relief with the Northwest and Los Angeles wild fires, hurricanes Helene, Ernesto, Debby, and Beryl, as well as flood and tornado recovery in Missouri and North Georgia. UMCOR has additionally provided disaster relief in the Philippians and Africa.
UMCOR’s ministry would not be possible without the support of others who give generously of their time and resources. Donations to UMCOR allow them to respond quickly and effectively to disasters as they arise. Your gifts this month will help underwrite UMCOR’s administrative and operating costs. This offering allows UMCOR to use 100% of all funds given to humanitarian response and recovery efforts directly to communities in need.
Together, we can alleviate the suffering of those affected by disaster, bringing hope and healing to communities worldwide.
February's mission is Tessa. In March we will have a "Hands on Mission” putting together children's Comfort Kits.
Often, the children spend hours sitting in a hospital, police station, courtroom or come into Tessa with nothing. These kits will offer them things to do during these long waiting times. The kits cost $5 each and will include mini-coloring books, crayons, a squishy toy, mini-playdough, a finger puppet and a mini-story book.
If you would like to donate to buy "Comfort Kits" please include the words Comfort Kit in the memo line of your check, on your envelope or designate the account for your online giving.
Thank You in advance for your generosity in giving
these kids a touch of normalcy in their lives.
Often, the children spend hours sitting in a hospital, police station, courtroom or come into Tessa with nothing. These kits will offer them things to do during these long waiting times. The kits cost $5 each and will include mini-coloring books, crayons, a squishy toy, mini-playdough, a finger puppet and a mini-story book.
If you would like to donate to buy "Comfort Kits" please include the words Comfort Kit in the memo line of your check, on your envelope or designate the account for your online giving.
Thank You in advance for your generosity in giving
these kids a touch of normalcy in their lives.
Gathering
“The Way Around”
Week Three
WE GATHER
Meeting One Another on The Way
Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts
Welcome
Rev. David Petty
Preparing Together
Threshold Moment
Lori Thom
Leader: In our series about this journey called life, we focus today on how the journey changes us. This can lead to not always being understood. Jesus found this out as he pushed against the status quo of his day leading to a fair amount of rejection. Close family, friends and neighbors may cling to an idea of who we are and cannot imagine we have grown beyond that identity. And likewise, we may do the same to them. We are called to move ahead and do what we feel called to do, claiming who we know we are, taking the way around what others think we ought to do and be. And we offer the same steadfast love and encouragement to others.
Dominick Nors
We are a wilderness wandering people
on a journey of the soul.
May we find our destination
in our longing to be whole.
Our Holy God is calling to us.
With Jesus by our side
may compassion be our compass;
may the Spirit be our guide,
on The Way,
on The Way,
on The Way.
Prayer for the Path
Lori Thom
God of the Bending Road,
be with us on The Way.
We find ourselves changed
by the things we encounter and the people we meet.
We want to grow and yet sometimes
the growing pains can be disorienting for everyone.
Help us as we navigate the twists and turns,
and help us see that others are doing the same.
Amen.
Opening Hymn
Change My Heart, O God
TFWS #2152
WORDS: Eddie Espinosa (Isa. 64:8)
MUSIC: Eddie Espinosa
© 1982 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing
Change my heart, O God,
make it ever true.
Change my heart, O God,
may I be like you.
You are the Potter,
I am the clay.
Mold me and make me,
this is what I pray.
Change my heart, O God,
make it ever true.
Change my heart, O God,
may I be like you.
Announcement/Passing of the Peace
Rev. David Petty
Mystery Box
Week Three
WE GATHER
Meeting One Another on The Way
Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts
Welcome
Rev. David Petty
Preparing Together
Threshold Moment
Lori Thom
Leader: In our series about this journey called life, we focus today on how the journey changes us. This can lead to not always being understood. Jesus found this out as he pushed against the status quo of his day leading to a fair amount of rejection. Close family, friends and neighbors may cling to an idea of who we are and cannot imagine we have grown beyond that identity. And likewise, we may do the same to them. We are called to move ahead and do what we feel called to do, claiming who we know we are, taking the way around what others think we ought to do and be. And we offer the same steadfast love and encouragement to others.
Dominick Nors
We are a wilderness wandering people
on a journey of the soul.
May we find our destination
in our longing to be whole.
Our Holy God is calling to us.
With Jesus by our side
may compassion be our compass;
may the Spirit be our guide,
on The Way,
on The Way,
on The Way.
Prayer for the Path
Lori Thom
God of the Bending Road,
be with us on The Way.
We find ourselves changed
by the things we encounter and the people we meet.
We want to grow and yet sometimes
the growing pains can be disorienting for everyone.
Help us as we navigate the twists and turns,
and help us see that others are doing the same.
Amen.
Opening Hymn
Change My Heart, O God
TFWS #2152
WORDS: Eddie Espinosa (Isa. 64:8)
MUSIC: Eddie Espinosa
© 1982 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing
Change my heart, O God,
make it ever true.
Change my heart, O God,
may I be like you.
You are the Potter,
I am the clay.
Mold me and make me,
this is what I pray.
Change my heart, O God,
make it ever true.
Change my heart, O God,
may I be like you.
Announcement/Passing of the Peace
Rev. David Petty
Mystery Box
Proclaiming
WE PROCLAIM
Discovering Ourselves on The Way
First Reading
Psalm 32:1-11 (Inclusive Bible)
Lori Thom
Happiness comes from having your rebellion taken away, from having your failure completely covered. Happiness comes from YHWH not counting your mistakes, from having nothing to hide.
As long as I kept my stubborn silence, my bones grew weak because of my constant complaints. Day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped by a summer’s heat.
Finally I admitted my sin to you, and stopped hiding my guilt. I said, “I confess my rebellion, YHWH,” and you took away the guilt of my sin.
That’s why people of faith everywhere should pray to you—they’ll find you. Even when the flood begins rising, it will never touch them. You are my hiding place; you’ll protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of freedom.
“I’ll teach you and show you the way you should walk;I will counsel you, and keep watch over you.
Be wise! Don’t be like horses and mules, who need to be harnessed with bit and bridle before they’ll come to you.” Wrongdoers are prone to many sorrows, but those who trust in YHWH are surrounded with unfailing love.
Be glad in YHWH and rejoice, you who love justice! Exult, you upright of heart!
Second Reading
Luke 13: 31-34
Lori Thom
At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” He said to them, “Go and tell that fox for me, ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.’ Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’”
Sermon
The Way Around
Rev. David Petty
Discovering Ourselves on The Way
First Reading
Psalm 32:1-11 (Inclusive Bible)
Lori Thom
Happiness comes from having your rebellion taken away, from having your failure completely covered. Happiness comes from YHWH not counting your mistakes, from having nothing to hide.
As long as I kept my stubborn silence, my bones grew weak because of my constant complaints. Day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped by a summer’s heat.
Finally I admitted my sin to you, and stopped hiding my guilt. I said, “I confess my rebellion, YHWH,” and you took away the guilt of my sin.
That’s why people of faith everywhere should pray to you—they’ll find you. Even when the flood begins rising, it will never touch them. You are my hiding place; you’ll protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of freedom.
“I’ll teach you and show you the way you should walk;I will counsel you, and keep watch over you.
Be wise! Don’t be like horses and mules, who need to be harnessed with bit and bridle before they’ll come to you.” Wrongdoers are prone to many sorrows, but those who trust in YHWH are surrounded with unfailing love.
Be glad in YHWH and rejoice, you who love justice! Exult, you upright of heart!
Second Reading
Luke 13: 31-34
Lori Thom
At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” He said to them, “Go and tell that fox for me, ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.’ Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’”
Sermon
The Way Around
Rev. David Petty
Prayers
WE RESPOND
Opening to the Holy on The Way
Prayers for Getting Out of Our Own Way
Rev. David Petty
Leader: We pause along the way to offer our whole attention to God in prayer. This is especially necessary when bends in the road require decisions about the way we move forward or we find ourselves unsure. Let us meet God in the stillness, offering our most honest selves.
Dear God,
I am not always sure I know
what I want for myself.
I am surrounded by some people
who want me to be more than I am,
and others who want me to be less.
What is worse,
I have those same expectations of others.
Sometimes that makes it difficult for me
to get my head and my heart
having in the same direction.
If it is possible,
let that cup pass from me,
but if not…
Amen.
“Stillness” [chorus]
Dominick Nors
Meet me in the stillness, Lord
Be the air I breathe
Meet me in the stillness, Lord
Free me to receive
Time for Contemplation
Hear this: Whether or not you have any idea of your next steps,
or have felt the sting of doubt from others about your journey,
God will not abandon you in your quest.
Whether or not you know it, believe it, or feel it,
Jesus is with you now because Jesus knew rejection,
and knows just how hard it can be,
for you and for others in your wake.
You are forgiven and embraced,
especially when you think you may have taken a wrong turn.
May it be so.
Reprise chorus of “Stillness” prayer song
Dominick Nors
Meet me in the stillness, Lord
Be the air I breathe
Meet me in the stillness, Lord
Free me to receive
Praying for Others Along the Way
Rev. David Petty
Leader: We continue our prayers with intercessions for those whose journeys are difficult in this moment…
We pray all these things spoken aloud, and the ones lifted in the quiet of our hearts, and conclude our prayers with the one that Jesus taught us, saying…
The Prayer of Jesus
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.
Lead us not
into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the Kingdom,
and the Power
and the Glory forever.
Amen
Opening to the Holy on The Way
Prayers for Getting Out of Our Own Way
Rev. David Petty
Leader: We pause along the way to offer our whole attention to God in prayer. This is especially necessary when bends in the road require decisions about the way we move forward or we find ourselves unsure. Let us meet God in the stillness, offering our most honest selves.
Dear God,
I am not always sure I know
what I want for myself.
I am surrounded by some people
who want me to be more than I am,
and others who want me to be less.
What is worse,
I have those same expectations of others.
Sometimes that makes it difficult for me
to get my head and my heart
having in the same direction.
If it is possible,
let that cup pass from me,
but if not…
Amen.
“Stillness” [chorus]
Dominick Nors
Meet me in the stillness, Lord
Be the air I breathe
Meet me in the stillness, Lord
Free me to receive
Time for Contemplation
Hear this: Whether or not you have any idea of your next steps,
or have felt the sting of doubt from others about your journey,
God will not abandon you in your quest.
Whether or not you know it, believe it, or feel it,
Jesus is with you now because Jesus knew rejection,
and knows just how hard it can be,
for you and for others in your wake.
You are forgiven and embraced,
especially when you think you may have taken a wrong turn.
May it be so.
Reprise chorus of “Stillness” prayer song
Dominick Nors
Meet me in the stillness, Lord
Be the air I breathe
Meet me in the stillness, Lord
Free me to receive
Praying for Others Along the Way
Rev. David Petty
Leader: We continue our prayers with intercessions for those whose journeys are difficult in this moment…
We pray all these things spoken aloud, and the ones lifted in the quiet of our hearts, and conclude our prayers with the one that Jesus taught us, saying…
The Prayer of Jesus
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.
Lead us not
into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the Kingdom,
and the Power
and the Glory forever.
Amen
Offertory
Sending
WE GO FORTH
Continuing with Jesus on The Way
Invitation to Offering
Lori Thom
Offering
Sanctuary Choir
Closing Hymn
Guide My Feet
v. 1-3 TFWS #2208
1. Guide my feet
while I run this race.
(Yes, my Lord!)
Guide my feet
while I run this race.
(Yes, my Lord!)
Guide my feet
while I run this race,
for I don’t want to
run this race in vain!
(race in vain)
2. Hold my hand
while I run this race.
(Yes, my Lord!)
Hold my hand
while I run this race.
(Yes, my Lord!)
Hold my hand
while I run this race,
for I don’t want to
run this race in vain!
(race in vain)
3. Stand by me
while I run this race.
(Yes, my Lord!)
Stand by me
while I run this race.
(Yes, my Lord!)
Stand by me
while I run this race,
for I don’t want to
run this race in vain!
(race in vain)
Benediction
Rev. David Petty
Our blessing, or “benediction,” for this season is a call and response form.
Your response is:
“We will follow on The Way.”
“We will follow on The Way.”
The Creator God filled you with breath,
inviting you to this journey called Life.
We will follow on The Way.
Jesus, our Guide, showed us what it means
to make a new way with Love.
We will follow on The Way.
The Spirit gives us strength to move forward
with Courage and Compassion for all we meet.
We will follow on The Way.
May this week be filled with opportunities
to let others share with you their journey stories,
and for you to share yours
so you might come to know each other more fully.
May it be so. Amen.
“Buen Camino!”
Postlude
Cynthia Hibbetts
Continuing with Jesus on The Way
Invitation to Offering
Lori Thom
Offering
Sanctuary Choir
Closing Hymn
Guide My Feet
v. 1-3 TFWS #2208
1. Guide my feet
while I run this race.
(Yes, my Lord!)
Guide my feet
while I run this race.
(Yes, my Lord!)
Guide my feet
while I run this race,
for I don’t want to
run this race in vain!
(race in vain)
2. Hold my hand
while I run this race.
(Yes, my Lord!)
Hold my hand
while I run this race.
(Yes, my Lord!)
Hold my hand
while I run this race,
for I don’t want to
run this race in vain!
(race in vain)
3. Stand by me
while I run this race.
(Yes, my Lord!)
Stand by me
while I run this race.
(Yes, my Lord!)
Stand by me
while I run this race,
for I don’t want to
run this race in vain!
(race in vain)
Benediction
Rev. David Petty
Our blessing, or “benediction,” for this season is a call and response form.
Your response is:
“We will follow on The Way.”
“We will follow on The Way.”
The Creator God filled you with breath,
inviting you to this journey called Life.
We will follow on The Way.
Jesus, our Guide, showed us what it means
to make a new way with Love.
We will follow on The Way.
The Spirit gives us strength to move forward
with Courage and Compassion for all we meet.
We will follow on The Way.
May this week be filled with opportunities
to let others share with you their journey stories,
and for you to share yours
so you might come to know each other more fully.
May it be so. Amen.
“Buen Camino!”
Postlude
Cynthia Hibbetts
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