February 22, 2026
Liturgy
February's Mission focus is TESSA
TESSA was founded on January 1,1977. TESSA offers confidential support and services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking and their children through a number of services.
TESSA staff provide help in crisis situations through a Safe Line. Works with victims to create safety plans and connects victims with other community services.
TESSA's Safehouse provides shelter, food, case management, housing assistance, counseling and support to female survivors and their children.
The TESSA Team helps victims navigate the criminal justice system, provides legal assistance and connects victims with community resources.
TESSA team members provide counseling, case management, support groups and fun group activities for kids both in and out of the TESSA Safehouse.
Finally, TESSA Therapists provide individual and group psychotherapy, as well as the therapeutic support groups for domestic violence and sexual assault victims.
TESSA was founded on January 1,1977. TESSA offers confidential support and services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking and their children through a number of services.
TESSA staff provide help in crisis situations through a Safe Line. Works with victims to create safety plans and connects victims with other community services.
TESSA's Safehouse provides shelter, food, case management, housing assistance, counseling and support to female survivors and their children.
The TESSA Team helps victims navigate the criminal justice system, provides legal assistance and connects victims with community resources.
TESSA team members provide counseling, case management, support groups and fun group activities for kids both in and out of the TESSA Safehouse.
Finally, TESSA Therapists provide individual and group psychotherapy, as well as the therapeutic support groups for domestic violence and sexual assault victims.
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 Wandering Way”
Week One
WE GATHER
Meeting One Another on The Way
Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts
Welcome
Preparing Together
Threshold Moment
Bill Morr
Leader: Today we begin a new worship series called “The Way.” Making intentional journeys has been a ritual of humankind across time and traditions. Inspired by passages in the scriptures that talk about the journeys, roads and pathways of life, we will make our way together through this time. The popular and poignant movie, The Way, about a father’s pilgrimage in honor of his late son on the famed Camino de Santiago in France and Spain, accompanies us as our modern-day inspiration to live the life we’ve been given to the fullest.
Jesus went on a pilgrimage into the wilderness after his baptism by John in the Jordan River. A common practice among spiritual leaders of his day, this was a time to dig deep into the humanity of his soul. Along the way he encounters what we all encounter along the paths of life–temptations to stray from the path that God has intended for us. But “all who wander are not lost,” as the saying goes, for it is in the wandering often that we find our true selves.
[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
God of the Pilgrimage,
be with us on The Way.
At times, we don’t know if we are on the path
you would have us travel.
How do we know the direction for our lives?
We come seeking your guidance,
as Jesus showed us to do.
Help us to be at home even in our wanderings,
knowing that you are ever with us.
Amen.
Opening Hymn/Song
Just a Closer Walk with Thee
TFWS #2158
1. I am weak,
but Thou art strong;
Jesus keep me
from all wrong;
I’ll be satisfied as long
as I walk,
let me walk close to Thee.
Refrain
Just a closer walk
with Thee,
grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
daily walking close to Thee:
Let it be, dear Lord,
let it be.
2. Through this world
of toil and snares,
if I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me
my burden shares?
None but Thee,
dear Lord, none but Thee.
Refrain
Just a closer walk
with thee,
grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
daily walking close to Thee:
Let it be, dear Lord,
let it be.
3. When my feeble life is o’er,
time for me
will be no more;
guide me gently,
safely o’er
to Thy shore,
dear Lord, to Thy shore.
Refrain
Just a closer walk
with thee,
grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
daily walking close to Thee:
Let it be, dear Lord,
let it be.
Greeting Each Other
Rev. David Petty
Leader: The best part of having companions on The Way is the sharing that we get to do that makes us feel just a little less alone. During this series, we will share answers to a common question with each other. I invite you to turn to someone you did not come to church with and answer this question: “What is the scariest road you’ve ever been on?” As we do this, I invite the children to come to the front for some time together.
Week One
WE GATHER
Meeting One Another on The Way
Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts
Welcome
Preparing Together
Threshold Moment
Bill Morr
Leader: Today we begin a new worship series called “The Way.” Making intentional journeys has been a ritual of humankind across time and traditions. Inspired by passages in the scriptures that talk about the journeys, roads and pathways of life, we will make our way together through this time. The popular and poignant movie, The Way, about a father’s pilgrimage in honor of his late son on the famed Camino de Santiago in France and Spain, accompanies us as our modern-day inspiration to live the life we’ve been given to the fullest.
Jesus went on a pilgrimage into the wilderness after his baptism by John in the Jordan River. A common practice among spiritual leaders of his day, this was a time to dig deep into the humanity of his soul. Along the way he encounters what we all encounter along the paths of life–temptations to stray from the path that God has intended for us. But “all who wander are not lost,” as the saying goes, for it is in the wandering often that we find our true selves.
[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
God of the Pilgrimage,
be with us on The Way.
At times, we don’t know if we are on the path
you would have us travel.
How do we know the direction for our lives?
We come seeking your guidance,
as Jesus showed us to do.
Help us to be at home even in our wanderings,
knowing that you are ever with us.
Amen.
Opening Hymn/Song
Just a Closer Walk with Thee
TFWS #2158
1. I am weak,
but Thou art strong;
Jesus keep me
from all wrong;
I’ll be satisfied as long
as I walk,
let me walk close to Thee.
Refrain
Just a closer walk
with Thee,
grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
daily walking close to Thee:
Let it be, dear Lord,
let it be.
2. Through this world
of toil and snares,
if I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me
my burden shares?
None but Thee,
dear Lord, none but Thee.
Refrain
Just a closer walk
with thee,
grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
daily walking close to Thee:
Let it be, dear Lord,
let it be.
3. When my feeble life is o’er,
time for me
will be no more;
guide me gently,
safely o’er
to Thy shore,
dear Lord, to Thy shore.
Refrain
Just a closer walk
with thee,
grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
daily walking close to Thee:
Let it be, dear Lord,
let it be.
Greeting Each Other
Rev. David Petty
Leader: The best part of having companions on The Way is the sharing that we get to do that makes us feel just a little less alone. During this series, we will share answers to a common question with each other. I invite you to turn to someone you did not come to church with and answer this question: “What is the scariest road you’ve ever been on?” As we do this, I invite the children to come to the front for some time together.
Proclaiming
WE PROCLAIM
Discovering Ourselves on The Way
First Reading
Psalm 1 (inclusive Bible)
Bill Morr
Happiness comes to those
who reject the path of violence,
who refuse to associate with criminals
or even to sit with people who belittle others.
Happiness comes to those
who delight in the Law of YHWH
and meditate on it day and night.
They’re like trees planted by flowing water—
they bear fruit in every season,
and their leaves never wither:
everything they do will prosper.
But not wrongdoers!
They’re like chaff that the wind blows away.
They won’t have a taproot to anchor them
when judgment comes,
nor will corrupt individuals be given a place
at the Gathering of the Just.
YHWH watches over the steps
of those who do justice;
but those on a path of violence and injustice
will find themselves irretrievably lost.
The Word in Music
Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley
TFWS #2112
1. Jesus walked
this lonesome valley;
he had to walk
it by himself.
Oh, nobody else
could walk it for him;
he had to walk
it by himself.
2. We must walk
this lonesome valley;
we have to walk
it by ourselves.
Oh, nobody else
can walk it for us;
we have to walk
it by ourselves.
3. You must go
and stand your trial;
you have to stand
it by yourself.
Oh, nobody else
can stand it for you;
you have to stand
it by yourself.
Second Reading
Luke 3: 21; Luke 4: 1-13
Bill Morr
Now when all the people were baptized and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tested by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over he was famished. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’ ”
Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered him, “It is written,
‘Worship the Lord your God,
and serve only him.’ ”
Then the devil led him to Jerusalem and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written,
‘He will command his angels concerning you,
to protect you,’
and
‘On their hands they will bear you up,
so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’ ”
Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.
Sermon
The Wandering Way
Rev. David Petty
Discovering Ourselves on The Way
First Reading
Psalm 1 (inclusive Bible)
Bill Morr
Happiness comes to those
who reject the path of violence,
who refuse to associate with criminals
or even to sit with people who belittle others.
Happiness comes to those
who delight in the Law of YHWH
and meditate on it day and night.
They’re like trees planted by flowing water—
they bear fruit in every season,
and their leaves never wither:
everything they do will prosper.
But not wrongdoers!
They’re like chaff that the wind blows away.
They won’t have a taproot to anchor them
when judgment comes,
nor will corrupt individuals be given a place
at the Gathering of the Just.
YHWH watches over the steps
of those who do justice;
but those on a path of violence and injustice
will find themselves irretrievably lost.
The Word in Music
Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley
TFWS #2112
1. Jesus walked
this lonesome valley;
he had to walk
it by himself.
Oh, nobody else
could walk it for him;
he had to walk
it by himself.
2. We must walk
this lonesome valley;
we have to walk
it by ourselves.
Oh, nobody else
can walk it for us;
we have to walk
it by ourselves.
3. You must go
and stand your trial;
you have to stand
it by yourself.
Oh, nobody else
can stand it for you;
you have to stand
it by yourself.
Second Reading
Luke 3: 21; Luke 4: 1-13
Bill Morr
Now when all the people were baptized and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tested by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over he was famished. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’ ”
Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered him, “It is written,
‘Worship the Lord your God,
and serve only him.’ ”
Then the devil led him to Jerusalem and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written,
‘He will command his angels concerning you,
to protect you,’
and
‘On their hands they will bear you up,
so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’ ”
Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.
Sermon
The Wandering Way
Rev. David Petty
Prayers
Opening to the Holy on The Way
Prayers for Getting Out of Our Own Way
Rev. David Petty
Leader: Because this series is about our life journeys, we will take our time of prayer as a kind of “pitstop” along the way. We cannot always be moving forward. We have to rest. We have to take time to pause in the stillness and reassess and remember to breathe. And so during this series, we will begin with a confessional prayer and a time of personal reflection and then lift our concerns and joys. Our musicians will help us find that stillness with a repeated song throughout the season that can take us deeper into the guiding presence of God.
[underscoring for the song begins under the prayer; you may want to accompany the prayer with a visual (still or moving media) of walking a path/road/labyrinth]
Dear God,
I am full of anxious questions.
I am short on reasonable answers.
I am trapped by my own inability
to make a decision.
I am reluctant to express my feelings.
I am afraid of the consequences.
I want a guarantee that everything
will work to my benefit.
There are times when I hope that
someone will take over for me.
There are times when I know
I must do it myself.
That is when I am fearful that
I am not strong enough.
I am not wise enough.
I am not caring enough.
If it is possible,
let that cup pass from me,
but if not…
Amen.
“Stillness” [chorus]
[Listen HERE]
[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: No matter what juncture you find yourself on in your journeys, you are never alone in your “wondering while wandering.”
Whether or not you know it, believe it, or feel it,
Jesus is with you now because Jesus has been on this road
and knows just how hard it can be.
You are forgiven and carried,
especially when you think you are at the end of the road.
May it be so.
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
Prayers for Getting Out of Our Own Way
Rev. David Petty
Leader: Because this series is about our life journeys, we will take our time of prayer as a kind of “pitstop” along the way. We cannot always be moving forward. We have to rest. We have to take time to pause in the stillness and reassess and remember to breathe. And so during this series, we will begin with a confessional prayer and a time of personal reflection and then lift our concerns and joys. Our musicians will help us find that stillness with a repeated song throughout the season that can take us deeper into the guiding presence of God.
[underscoring for the song begins under the prayer; you may want to accompany the prayer with a visual (still or moving media) of walking a path/road/labyrinth]
Dear God,
I am full of anxious questions.
I am short on reasonable answers.
I am trapped by my own inability
to make a decision.
I am reluctant to express my feelings.
I am afraid of the consequences.
I want a guarantee that everything
will work to my benefit.
There are times when I hope that
someone will take over for me.
There are times when I know
I must do it myself.
That is when I am fearful that
I am not strong enough.
I am not wise enough.
I am not caring enough.
If it is possible,
let that cup pass from me,
but if not…
Amen.
“Stillness” [chorus]
[Listen HERE]
[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: No matter what juncture you find yourself on in your journeys, you are never alone in your “wondering while wandering.”
Whether or not you know it, believe it, or feel it,
Jesus is with you now because Jesus has been on this road
and knows just how hard it can be.
You are forgiven and carried,
especially when you think you are at the end of the road.
May it be so.
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
Offertory
WE GO FORTH
Continuing with Jesus on The Way
Invitation to Offering
Bill Morr
Offering
We Are the Lord’s
Dominick Nors
Continuing with Jesus on The Way
Invitation to Offering
Bill Morr
Offering
We Are the Lord’s
Dominick Nors
Sending
Closing Hymn/Song
The Summons
TFWS #2130
1. Will you come
and follow me
if I but call your name?
Will you go
where you don’t know
and never be the same?
Will you let
my love be shown,
will you let
my name be known,
will you let
my life be grown in you
and you in me?
2. Will you leave
yourself behind
if I but call your name?
Will you care
for cruel and kind
and never be the same?
Will you risk
the hostile stare
should your life
attract or scare?
Will you let
me answer prayer in you
and you in me?
3. Will you let
the blinded see
if I but call your name?
Will you set
the prisoners free
and never be the same?
Will you kiss
the leper clean,
and do such
as this unseen,
and admit to
what I mean in you
and you in me?
4. Will you love
the “you” you hide
if I but call your name?
Will you quell
the fear inside
and never be the same?
Will you use the
faith you’ve found
to reshape the
world around,
through my sight and
touch and sound in you
and you in me?
5. Lord, your summons
echoes true
when you but
call my name.
Let me turn
and follow you
and never be the same.
In your company I’ll go
where your love
and footsteps show.
Thus I’ll move
and live and grow in you
and you in me.
*Benediction
Rev. David Petty
*Postlude
Cynthia Hibbetts
The Summons
TFWS #2130
1. Will you come
and follow me
if I but call your name?
Will you go
where you don’t know
and never be the same?
Will you let
my love be shown,
will you let
my name be known,
will you let
my life be grown in you
and you in me?
2. Will you leave
yourself behind
if I but call your name?
Will you care
for cruel and kind
and never be the same?
Will you risk
the hostile stare
should your life
attract or scare?
Will you let
me answer prayer in you
and you in me?
3. Will you let
the blinded see
if I but call your name?
Will you set
the prisoners free
and never be the same?
Will you kiss
the leper clean,
and do such
as this unseen,
and admit to
what I mean in you
and you in me?
4. Will you love
the “you” you hide
if I but call your name?
Will you quell
the fear inside
and never be the same?
Will you use the
faith you’ve found
to reshape the
world around,
through my sight and
touch and sound in you
and you in me?
5. Lord, your summons
echoes true
when you but
call my name.
Let me turn
and follow you
and never be the same.
In your company I’ll go
where your love
and footsteps show.
Thus I’ll move
and live and grow in you
and you in me.
*Benediction
Rev. David Petty
*Postlude
Cynthia Hibbetts
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