March 29,2026
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.
Gathering
March 29, 2026
“The Other Way”
Week Six
WE GATHER
Meeting One Another on The Way
Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts
Welcome
Rev. David Petty
April Special Days
Procession of the Palms
Hosanna, Load Hosanna
UMH #278
1. Hosanna, loud hosanna,
the little children sang;
through pillared court
and temple
the lovely anthem rang.
To Jesus, who had
blessed them
close folded to his breast,
the children sang
their praises,
the simplest and the best.
2. From Olivet they followed
mid an exultant crowd,
the victor palm
branch waving,
and chanting clear and loud.
The Lord of earth
and heaven
rode on in lowly state,
nor scorned that
little children
should on his bidding wait.
3. “Hosanna in the highest!”
that ancient song we sing,
for Christ is our Redeemer,
the Lord of heaven
our King.
O may we ever praise him
with heart and
life and voice,
and in his blissful presence
eternally rejoice!
Preparing Together
Threshold Moment
CLM Twinkle Gordon
Leader: Today our worship series theme about journey takes on a very literal journey for Jesus. It likely felt like both the end and the beginning. Such are so many moments of our lives. A pilgrimage may reach its destination but the hope, the wisdom, the lessons learned along the way have offered a new starting point for us. What have we learned and what transformation–what “other way”–are we called to in the name of right relationship in our lives?
[sung]
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
CLM Twinkle Gordon
Jesus of Palm Sunday parades, be with us on The Way. We wonder if we have what it takes to truly march in the name of justice and love for all people. Are we able to sacrifice the paths that benefit only us for the ones that make a way in the wilderness for the least? We come seeking your courage and resolve in order to follow your way of love. Amen.
Opening Hymn
I Have Decided to Follow Jesus
T FWS #2129
1. I have decided
to follow Jesus,
I have decided
to follow Jesus,
I have decided
to follow Jesus
no turning back,
no turning back.
2. The world behind me,
the cross before me,
the world behind me,
the cross before me,
the world behind me,
the cross before me
no turning back,
no turning back.
3. Though none go with me,
still I will follow,
though none go with me,
still I will follow,
though none go with me,
still I will follow
no turning back,
no turning back.
Announcements/Greeting Each Other
Mystery Box
“The Other Way”
Week Six
WE GATHER
Meeting One Another on The Way
Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts
Welcome
Rev. David Petty
April Special Days
Procession of the Palms
Hosanna, Load Hosanna
UMH #278
1. Hosanna, loud hosanna,
the little children sang;
through pillared court
and temple
the lovely anthem rang.
To Jesus, who had
blessed them
close folded to his breast,
the children sang
their praises,
the simplest and the best.
2. From Olivet they followed
mid an exultant crowd,
the victor palm
branch waving,
and chanting clear and loud.
The Lord of earth
and heaven
rode on in lowly state,
nor scorned that
little children
should on his bidding wait.
3. “Hosanna in the highest!”
that ancient song we sing,
for Christ is our Redeemer,
the Lord of heaven
our King.
O may we ever praise him
with heart and
life and voice,
and in his blissful presence
eternally rejoice!
Preparing Together
Threshold Moment
CLM Twinkle Gordon
Leader: Today our worship series theme about journey takes on a very literal journey for Jesus. It likely felt like both the end and the beginning. Such are so many moments of our lives. A pilgrimage may reach its destination but the hope, the wisdom, the lessons learned along the way have offered a new starting point for us. What have we learned and what transformation–what “other way”–are we called to in the name of right relationship in our lives?
[sung]
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
CLM Twinkle Gordon
Jesus of Palm Sunday parades, be with us on The Way. We wonder if we have what it takes to truly march in the name of justice and love for all people. Are we able to sacrifice the paths that benefit only us for the ones that make a way in the wilderness for the least? We come seeking your courage and resolve in order to follow your way of love. Amen.
Opening Hymn
I Have Decided to Follow Jesus
T FWS #2129
1. I have decided
to follow Jesus,
I have decided
to follow Jesus,
I have decided
to follow Jesus
no turning back,
no turning back.
2. The world behind me,
the cross before me,
the world behind me,
the cross before me,
the world behind me,
the cross before me
no turning back,
no turning back.
3. Though none go with me,
still I will follow,
though none go with me,
still I will follow,
though none go with me,
still I will follow
no turning back,
no turning back.
Announcements/Greeting Each Other
Mystery Box
Proclaiming
Discovering Ourselves on The Way
First Reading
Psalm 37:1-9 (Inclusive Bible)
CLM Twinkle Gordon
Don’t be vexed by evildoers, and don’t be envious of the corrupt! They’ll soon fade like the grass, and wither away like unwatered plants.
Trust in YHWH, and do good, and you’ll dwell in the land and enjoy security. Delight in YHWH, and you’ll be given the desires of your heart. Commit your way to YHWH, and trust in YHWH; God will take action, making your vindication as sure as the dawn and your integrity as bright as noonday.
Be still before YHWH and wait patiently; don’t fret about those who amass great fortunes and carry out their schemes unchallenged. Let go of your anger, and leave resentment behind. And stop worrying! It produces nothing but evil, and evildoers will be cut off.
But those who put their hope in YHWH—they will inherit the land.
Second Reading
Luke 19: 28b-40
CLM Twinkle Gordon
…[Jesus] went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.’ ” So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” They said, “The Lord needs it.” Then they brought it to Jesus, and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. Now as he was approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”
Sermon
The Other Way
Rev. David Petty
First Reading
Psalm 37:1-9 (Inclusive Bible)
CLM Twinkle Gordon
Don’t be vexed by evildoers, and don’t be envious of the corrupt! They’ll soon fade like the grass, and wither away like unwatered plants.
Trust in YHWH, and do good, and you’ll dwell in the land and enjoy security. Delight in YHWH, and you’ll be given the desires of your heart. Commit your way to YHWH, and trust in YHWH; God will take action, making your vindication as sure as the dawn and your integrity as bright as noonday.
Be still before YHWH and wait patiently; don’t fret about those who amass great fortunes and carry out their schemes unchallenged. Let go of your anger, and leave resentment behind. And stop worrying! It produces nothing but evil, and evildoers will be cut off.
But those who put their hope in YHWH—they will inherit the land.
Second Reading
Luke 19: 28b-40
CLM Twinkle Gordon
…[Jesus] went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.’ ” So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” They said, “The Lord needs it.” Then they brought it to Jesus, and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. Now as he was approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”
Sermon
The Other Way
Rev. David Petty
Prayers
WE RESPOND
Opening to the Holy on The Way
Prayers for Getting Out of Our Own Way
Leader: Jesus was constantly seeking out time in the stillness as respite to the times when he navigated the path alongside chaotic crowds. We pause our journey today at the threshold of entering the “what’s next” of life to meet God in the stillness.
Dear Lord,
I, too, can feel the excitement
in the long-awaited coming of One
who can change shadows into sunlight,
despair into hope,
and even death into life.
With all inhibitions down I could
join in the parades, processionals, and testimonials
for such a One.
When I am asked, though,
to join with such a person on a march that might lead to
rejection, negation, and maybe even death,
I am not so sure.
If it is possible,
let that cup pass from me,
but if not…
Amen.
“Stillness”
[sung]
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 you find yourself in the midst of the parade for justice
or cheering on from the sidelines, your presence is a gift.
Whether or not you know it, believe it, or feel it,
Jesus knows your heart and your desire,
and knows just how hard it can be to take courageous steps into the fray.
You are forgiven and loved,
especially when you think you are not doing enough.
May it be so.
[sung]
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
Leader: We continue our prayers with intercessions for those whose journeys are difficult in this moment…
The 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.
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
Leader: Jesus was constantly seeking out time in the stillness as respite to the times when he navigated the path alongside chaotic crowds. We pause our journey today at the threshold of entering the “what’s next” of life to meet God in the stillness.
Dear Lord,
I, too, can feel the excitement
in the long-awaited coming of One
who can change shadows into sunlight,
despair into hope,
and even death into life.
With all inhibitions down I could
join in the parades, processionals, and testimonials
for such a One.
When I am asked, though,
to join with such a person on a march that might lead to
rejection, negation, and maybe even death,
I am not so sure.
If it is possible,
let that cup pass from me,
but if not…
Amen.
“Stillness”
[sung]
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 you find yourself in the midst of the parade for justice
or cheering on from the sidelines, your presence is a gift.
Whether or not you know it, believe it, or feel it,
Jesus knows your heart and your desire,
and knows just how hard it can be to take courageous steps into the fray.
You are forgiven and loved,
especially when you think you are not doing enough.
May it be so.
[sung]
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
Leader: We continue our prayers with intercessions for those whose journeys are difficult in this moment…
The 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.
Lead us not
into temptation
but deliver us
from evil.
For Thine is the Kingdom,
and the Power
and the Glory forever.
Amen
Offertory
WE GO FORTH
Continuing with Jesus on The Way
Invitation to Offering
CLM Twinkle Gordon
Offering
When I Survey the Wonderous Cross
Gilbert Martin
Sanctuary Choir
Prayer of Thanks and Dedication
Rev. David Petty
Doxology
Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow
UMH #94
Praise God, from whom
all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures
here below: Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise God, the source
of all our gifts!
Praise Jesus Christ,
whose power uplifts!
Praise the Spirit,
Holy Spirit!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia!
Continuing with Jesus on The Way
Invitation to Offering
CLM Twinkle Gordon
Offering
When I Survey the Wonderous Cross
Gilbert Martin
Sanctuary Choir
Prayer of Thanks and Dedication
Rev. David Petty
Doxology
Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow
UMH #94
Praise God, from whom
all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures
here below: Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise God, the source
of all our gifts!
Praise Jesus Christ,
whose power uplifts!
Praise the Spirit,
Holy Spirit!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia!
Sending
Sending Hymn
In the Midst of New Dimensions
TFWS #2239
1. In the midst of
new dimensions,
in the face of
changing ways,
who will lead the
pilgrim peoples
wandering in their
separate ways?
Refrain
God of rainbow,
fiery pillar,
leading where the
eagles soar,
we your people,
ours the journey
now and ever,
now and ever,
now and evermore.
2. Through the flood
of starving people,
warring factions
and despair,
who will lift
the olive branches?
Who will light the
flame of care?
Refrain
God of rainbow,
fiery pillar,
leading where the
eagles soar,
we your people,
ours the journey
now and ever,
now and ever,
now and evermore.
3. As we stand
a world divided
by our own
self-seeking schemes,
grant that we,
your global village,
might envision
wider dreams.
Refrain
God of rainbow,
fiery pillar,
leading where the
eagles soar,
we your people,
ours the journey
now and ever,
now and ever,
now and evermore.
5. Should the threats
of dire predictions
cause us to
withdraw in pain,
may your blazing
phoenix spirit
resurrect the
church again.
Refrain
God of rainbow,
fiery pillar,
leading where the
eagles soar,
we your people,
ours the journey
now and ever,
now and ever,
now and evermore.
Benediction
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 choose a path that leads to more life for all people and to keep moving toward horizons of love. May it be so. Amen. “Buen Camino!”
Postlude
Cynthia Hibbetts
In the Midst of New Dimensions
TFWS #2239
1. In the midst of
new dimensions,
in the face of
changing ways,
who will lead the
pilgrim peoples
wandering in their
separate ways?
Refrain
God of rainbow,
fiery pillar,
leading where the
eagles soar,
we your people,
ours the journey
now and ever,
now and ever,
now and evermore.
2. Through the flood
of starving people,
warring factions
and despair,
who will lift
the olive branches?
Who will light the
flame of care?
Refrain
God of rainbow,
fiery pillar,
leading where the
eagles soar,
we your people,
ours the journey
now and ever,
now and ever,
now and evermore.
3. As we stand
a world divided
by our own
self-seeking schemes,
grant that we,
your global village,
might envision
wider dreams.
Refrain
God of rainbow,
fiery pillar,
leading where the
eagles soar,
we your people,
ours the journey
now and ever,
now and ever,
now and evermore.
5. Should the threats
of dire predictions
cause us to
withdraw in pain,
may your blazing
phoenix spirit
resurrect the
church again.
Refrain
God of rainbow,
fiery pillar,
leading where the
eagles soar,
we your people,
ours the journey
now and ever,
now and ever,
now and evermore.
Benediction
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 choose a path that leads to more life for all people and to keep moving toward horizons of love. May it be so. Amen. “Buen Camino!”
Postlude
Cynthia Hibbetts
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