March 15, 2026 The Way Home
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 Home”
Week Four
WE GATHER
Meeting One Another on The Way
Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts
Welcome
Introit
Grazioso
Arnold Sherman
Jubilee Bells
Preparing Together
Threshold Moment
Jackie Fletcher
“A Wilderness Wandering People”
Leader: We continue our worship series that invites us to contemplate our journeys in life. Yet even in the midst of journeys, we never lose a desire for “home.” No matter what we call “home” in this physical world, we yearn for a spiritual home within that offers serenity, acceptance, and belonging without question. The extravagant acceptance of the father for the son in Jesus’ parable of the wandering son is difficult for us to believe sometimes–that no matter what we have done, who we are, how far we are from what we want to become, we are welcomed home by the Loving Parent.
[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
Jackie Fletcher
Our God who is our Home,
be with us on The Way.
At times we aren’t sure about
the relationship of the road we travel
and the home we seek.
Will we ever feel like we have arrived?
We come hoping for the hearth of acceptance
in the home that Jesus promises.
And whether we are feeling lost or at home,
may we know you are always with us.
Amen.
Opening Hymn
He Leadeth Me: O Blessed Thought
v. 1-3 UMH #128
1. He leadeth me:
O blessed thought!
O words with heavenly
comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do,
where’er I be,
still ’tis God’s hand
that leadeth me.
Refrain
He leadeth me,
He leadeth me,
by His own hand
He leadeth me;
His faithful follower
I would be,
for by His hand
He leadeth me.
2. Sometimes mid scenes
of deepest gloom,
sometimes where
Eden’s bowers bloom,
by waters still,
o’er troubled sea,
still ’tis His hand
that leadeth me.
Refrain
He leadeth me,
He leadeth me,
by His own hand
He leadeth me;
His faithful follower
I would be,
for by His hand
He leadeth me.
3. Lord, I would place
my hand in Thine,
nor ever murmur
nor repine;
content, whatever
lot I see,
since ’tis my God
that leadeth me.
Refrain
He leadeth me,
He leadeth me,
by His own hand
He leadeth me;
His faithful follower
I would be,
for by His hand
He leadeth me.
Announcement/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 does ‘home’ feel like to you?” As we do this, I invite the children to come to the front for some time together.
Mystery Box
Week Four
WE GATHER
Meeting One Another on The Way
Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts
Welcome
Introit
Grazioso
Arnold Sherman
Jubilee Bells
Preparing Together
Threshold Moment
Jackie Fletcher
“A Wilderness Wandering People”
Leader: We continue our worship series that invites us to contemplate our journeys in life. Yet even in the midst of journeys, we never lose a desire for “home.” No matter what we call “home” in this physical world, we yearn for a spiritual home within that offers serenity, acceptance, and belonging without question. The extravagant acceptance of the father for the son in Jesus’ parable of the wandering son is difficult for us to believe sometimes–that no matter what we have done, who we are, how far we are from what we want to become, we are welcomed home by the Loving Parent.
[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
Jackie Fletcher
Our God who is our Home,
be with us on The Way.
At times we aren’t sure about
the relationship of the road we travel
and the home we seek.
Will we ever feel like we have arrived?
We come hoping for the hearth of acceptance
in the home that Jesus promises.
And whether we are feeling lost or at home,
may we know you are always with us.
Amen.
Opening Hymn
He Leadeth Me: O Blessed Thought
v. 1-3 UMH #128
1. He leadeth me:
O blessed thought!
O words with heavenly
comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do,
where’er I be,
still ’tis God’s hand
that leadeth me.
Refrain
He leadeth me,
He leadeth me,
by His own hand
He leadeth me;
His faithful follower
I would be,
for by His hand
He leadeth me.
2. Sometimes mid scenes
of deepest gloom,
sometimes where
Eden’s bowers bloom,
by waters still,
o’er troubled sea,
still ’tis His hand
that leadeth me.
Refrain
He leadeth me,
He leadeth me,
by His own hand
He leadeth me;
His faithful follower
I would be,
for by His hand
He leadeth me.
3. Lord, I would place
my hand in Thine,
nor ever murmur
nor repine;
content, whatever
lot I see,
since ’tis my God
that leadeth me.
Refrain
He leadeth me,
He leadeth me,
by His own hand
He leadeth me;
His faithful follower
I would be,
for by His hand
He leadeth me.
Announcement/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 does ‘home’ feel like to you?” As we do this, I invite the children to come to the front for some time together.
Mystery Box
Proclaiming
WE PROCLAIM
Discovering Ourselves on The Way
First Reading
Psalm 25:4-10 (inclusive Bible)
Jackie Fletcher
Show me your ways, YHWH!
Teach me your paths!
Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation.
I wait all the day long for you.
Remember your mercies, YHWH, your love—
your ancient and unwavering love!
Pardon the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
remember me because of your love,
because of your goodness, YHWH!
And how good and upright you are, YHWH!
You instruct sinners in the path,
you guide the humble in what is right,
and teach them your way.
All of your paths, YHWH,
are full of love and faithfulness
for those who keep your Covenant and Testimonies.
Second Reading
Luke 15: 11b-32 (The Voice)
Jackie Fletcher
Once there was this man who had two sons. One day the younger son came to his father and said, “Father, eventually I’m going to inherit my share of your estate. Rather than waiting until you die, I want you to give me my share now.” And so the father liquidated assets and divided them. A few days passed and this younger son gathered all his wealth and set off on a journey to a distant land. Once there he wasted everything he owned on wild living. He was broke, a terrible famine struck that land, and he felt desperately hungry and in need. He got a job with one of the locals, who sent him into the fields to feed the pigs. The young man felt so miserably hungry that he wished he could eat the slop the pigs were eating. Nobody gave him anything.
So he had this moment of self-reflection: “What am I doing here? Back home, my father’s hired servants have plenty of food. Why am I here starving to death? I’ll get up and return to my father, and I’ll say, ‘Father, I have done wrong—wrong against God and against you. I have forfeited any right to be treated like your son, but I’m wondering if you’d treat me as one of your hired servants?’” So he got up and returned to his father. The father looked off in the distance and saw the young man returning. He felt compassion for his son and ran out to him, enfolded him in an embrace, and kissed him.
The son said, “Father, I have done a terrible wrong in God’s sight and in your sight too. I have forfeited any right to be treated as your son.”
But the father turned to his servants and said, “Quick! Bring the best robe we have and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet. Go get the fattest calf and butcher it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate because my son was dead and is alive again. He was lost and has been found.” So they had this huge party.
Now the man’s older son was still out in the fields working. He came home at the end of the day and heard music and dancing. He called one of the servants and asked what was going on. The servant said, “Your brother has returned, and your father has butchered the fattest calf to celebrate his safe return.”
The older brother got really angry and refused to come inside, so his father came out and pleaded with him to join the celebration. But he argued back, “Listen, all these years I’ve worked hard for you. I’ve never disobeyed one of your orders. But how many times have you even given me a little goat to roast for a party with my friends? Not once! This is not fair! So this son of yours comes, this wasteful delinquent who has spent your hard-earned wealth on loose women, and what do you do? You butcher the fattest calf from our herd!”
The father replied, “My son, you are always with me, and all I have is yours. Isn’t it right to join in the celebration and be happy? This is your brother we’re talking about. He was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found again!”
Sermon
The Way Home
Rev. David Petty
Discovering Ourselves on The Way
First Reading
Psalm 25:4-10 (inclusive Bible)
Jackie Fletcher
Show me your ways, YHWH!
Teach me your paths!
Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation.
I wait all the day long for you.
Remember your mercies, YHWH, your love—
your ancient and unwavering love!
Pardon the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
remember me because of your love,
because of your goodness, YHWH!
And how good and upright you are, YHWH!
You instruct sinners in the path,
you guide the humble in what is right,
and teach them your way.
All of your paths, YHWH,
are full of love and faithfulness
for those who keep your Covenant and Testimonies.
Second Reading
Luke 15: 11b-32 (The Voice)
Jackie Fletcher
Once there was this man who had two sons. One day the younger son came to his father and said, “Father, eventually I’m going to inherit my share of your estate. Rather than waiting until you die, I want you to give me my share now.” And so the father liquidated assets and divided them. A few days passed and this younger son gathered all his wealth and set off on a journey to a distant land. Once there he wasted everything he owned on wild living. He was broke, a terrible famine struck that land, and he felt desperately hungry and in need. He got a job with one of the locals, who sent him into the fields to feed the pigs. The young man felt so miserably hungry that he wished he could eat the slop the pigs were eating. Nobody gave him anything.
So he had this moment of self-reflection: “What am I doing here? Back home, my father’s hired servants have plenty of food. Why am I here starving to death? I’ll get up and return to my father, and I’ll say, ‘Father, I have done wrong—wrong against God and against you. I have forfeited any right to be treated like your son, but I’m wondering if you’d treat me as one of your hired servants?’” So he got up and returned to his father. The father looked off in the distance and saw the young man returning. He felt compassion for his son and ran out to him, enfolded him in an embrace, and kissed him.
The son said, “Father, I have done a terrible wrong in God’s sight and in your sight too. I have forfeited any right to be treated as your son.”
But the father turned to his servants and said, “Quick! Bring the best robe we have and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet. Go get the fattest calf and butcher it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate because my son was dead and is alive again. He was lost and has been found.” So they had this huge party.
Now the man’s older son was still out in the fields working. He came home at the end of the day and heard music and dancing. He called one of the servants and asked what was going on. The servant said, “Your brother has returned, and your father has butchered the fattest calf to celebrate his safe return.”
The older brother got really angry and refused to come inside, so his father came out and pleaded with him to join the celebration. But he argued back, “Listen, all these years I’ve worked hard for you. I’ve never disobeyed one of your orders. But how many times have you even given me a little goat to roast for a party with my friends? Not once! This is not fair! So this son of yours comes, this wasteful delinquent who has spent your hard-earned wealth on loose women, and what do you do? You butcher the fattest calf from our herd!”
The father replied, “My son, you are always with me, and all I have is yours. Isn’t it right to join in the celebration and be happy? This is your brother we’re talking about. He was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found again!”
Sermon
The Way Home
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: Our prayer song in this series asks God to “be the air I breathe.” When God is our very breath, we are always Home, even in the midst of feeling lost. We ask to be freed to receive this sense of home that is Love.
Dear Lord,
You have shown me
what a bridge Love is across my wild rivers
of anger and my deep valleys of mistrust;
how it can tame that uncompromising beast, Guilt,
and its constant companion, Anxiety.
You have shown me how Love
warms without burning,
cools without chilling,
holds without crushing.
Whenever I may be hungry,
Love can fill my emptiness.
Whenever I may be wounded,
Love can heal.
However down I may feel,
one touch of its pleasure
can make me a saint.
There are times, though, when Love
expects more of me than I have to give.
If it is possible,
let that cup pass from me,
but if not…
Amen.
[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 how worthy you feel of God’s acceptance,
you have it because that is just the way Love works.
Whether or not you know it, believe it, or feel it,
Jesus is with you now because Jesus knows God’s welcome
and shared it without hesitation.
You are forgiven because Love is Home,
no matter how far you think you’ve strayed.
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 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: Our prayer song in this series asks God to “be the air I breathe.” When God is our very breath, we are always Home, even in the midst of feeling lost. We ask to be freed to receive this sense of home that is Love.
Dear Lord,
You have shown me
what a bridge Love is across my wild rivers
of anger and my deep valleys of mistrust;
how it can tame that uncompromising beast, Guilt,
and its constant companion, Anxiety.
You have shown me how Love
warms without burning,
cools without chilling,
holds without crushing.
Whenever I may be hungry,
Love can fill my emptiness.
Whenever I may be wounded,
Love can heal.
However down I may feel,
one touch of its pleasure
can make me a saint.
There are times, though, when Love
expects more of me than I have to give.
If it is possible,
let that cup pass from me,
but if not…
Amen.
[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 how worthy you feel of God’s acceptance,
you have it because that is just the way Love works.
Whether or not you know it, believe it, or feel it,
Jesus is with you now because Jesus knows God’s welcome
and shared it without hesitation.
You are forgiven because Love is Home,
no matter how far you think you’ve strayed.
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 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
Jackie Fletcher
Offering
Sanctuary Choir
Closing Hymn
Precious Lord, Take My Hand
UMH #474
1. Precious Lord,
take my hand,
lead me on, let me stand,
I am tired, I am weak,
I am worn;
through the storm,
through the night,
lead me on
to the light:
Refrain
Take my hand,
precious Lord,
lead me home.
2. When my way
grows drear,
precious Lord, linger near,
when my life
is almost gone,
hear my cry,
hear my call,
hold my hand
lest I fall:
Refrain
Take my hand,
precious Lord,
lead me home.
3. When the
darkness appears
and the night draws near,
and the day is
past and gone,
at the river I stand,
guide my feet,
hold my hand:
Refrain
Take my hand,
precious Lord,
lead me home.
Benediction
Rev. David Petty
Our blessing, or “benediction,” for this season is a call and response form.
Your response is:
Postlude
Cynthia Hibbetts
Continuing with Jesus on The Way
Invitation to Offering
Jackie Fletcher
Offering
Sanctuary Choir
Closing Hymn
Precious Lord, Take My Hand
UMH #474
1. Precious Lord,
take my hand,
lead me on, let me stand,
I am tired, I am weak,
I am worn;
through the storm,
through the night,
lead me on
to the light:
Refrain
Take my hand,
precious Lord,
lead me home.
2. When my way
grows drear,
precious Lord, linger near,
when my life
is almost gone,
hear my cry,
hear my call,
hold my hand
lest I fall:
Refrain
Take my hand,
precious Lord,
lead me home.
3. When the
darkness appears
and the night draws near,
and the day is
past and gone,
at the river I stand,
guide my feet,
hold my hand:
Refrain
Take my hand,
precious Lord,
lead me home.
Benediction
Rev. David Petty
Our blessing, or “benediction,” for this season is a call and response form.
Your response is:
Postlude
Cynthia Hibbetts
Posted in Liturgies
Recent
Archive
2026
2025
January
March
April
May
September
October
November
2024
February
March
No Comments