April Monthly Mission

Dear friends at St. Paul’s,

I will share the two most recent changes at Crossfire.  When the food stamps shut down, our growth at Crossfire grew, averaging 30 new families daily.  It became apparent that we must look for a solution to be able to keep up with the growing needs.  Our parking lot was always overfilled, with people riding around trying to find a place to park, even though our volunteers park off site, and take a shuttle.

We explored various options, such as opening a second grocery pantry in another part of town.  We tried to work something out with District 20 but discovered that they did not want to partner with us because we are faith based.  When that deal collapsed, we asked God to show us what to do. It was two days later that we saw the old Family Dollar Store, only a mile east on Austin Bluffs, had gone on the market for sale, way below the market value.  If we moved the clothing and thrift store items out of our current building, it would not only free up parking spots but would also enlarge our current space for groceries and our growing educational needs.  We purchased that building and after doing the needed permits, stocking and setting up, we are scheduled to open it up on March 21.  Our hours there will be Tuesday through Saturdays from 10:00 to 4:00.  We hope to keep the missional emphasis there in various ways.  The proceeds will help offset the $30,000 per month food purchases that we are currently making.  It has a prayer center.  We are trying to keep the prices affordable.  We hope to reach out with educational craft demonstrations.  Guests facing tragedy situations may apply for help for their clothing and household needs.  And it is very different that your average thrift store, come and see.

The second big change is our educational outreach.  We are currently offering these educational programs with several classes in each series—Super Saver Saturday Frugal Living Series, Putting your Best Foot Forward Series for Career Development, Cooking Series for Frugal and Nutritional Living, Financial Management Series, and Sewing Workshops.  We offer sampling with recipes on Wednesdays to show our guests ways to use the food resources available and we do a written outreach Thrifty Tips for Trying Times.  We will eventually be able to use the old thrift store area for our increased class size.
Blessings to you all and thank you again for your prayers and support.

Leslie Miller, Co-Founder
Crossfire Ministries

Resurrection Story: Raised
Easter Sunday

?️ Gathering at the Tomb ?️

Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts
 
Call to Worship
Rev. David Petty
 
Leader: Christ is risen!
People: Christ is risen indeed!
 
Hymn
 
Christ the Lord is Risen Today
UMH #302
1. Christ the Lord is
risen today, Alleluia!
Earth and heaven in
chorus say, Alleluia!
 
Raise your joys
and triumphs high,
Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens
and earth reply,
Alleluia!
 
2. Love’s redeeming
work is done,
Alleluia!
Fought the fight,
the battle won,
Alleluia!
 
Death in vain
forbids him rise,
Alleluia!
Christ has opened
paradise,
Alleluia!
 
3. Lives again
our glorious King,
Alleluia!
Where, O death,
is now thy sting?
Alleluia!
 
Once he died
our souls to save,
Alleluia!
Where’s the victory,
boasting grave?
Alleluia!
 
4. Soar we now
where Christ has led,
Alleluia!
Following our
exalted Head,
Alleluia!
 
Made like him,
like him we rise,
Alleluia!
Ours the cross,
the grave, the skies,
Alleluia!
 
The Collective Story of Resurrection

Threshold Moment
CLM Twinkle Gordon

Leader: We find ourselves here today, and we know the story. But what does a fantastical resurrection story have to do with us? The ultimate message is this: no matter how dead you feel inside, or how dead your life dreams may feel, God is making a way for you! Today we kick off our “Resurrection Stories” series with the Story of all Stories and the reason why there is always hope. Can you turn your life around? Can you find new life when everything feels lifeless? Can light shine in what feels like a dark tomb? Yes. Yes. Yes!
 
David: Mary Magdalene made her way to the tomb, not expecting to see the stone rolled away from the entrance…
Twinkle: We sometimes simply accept the dead-ends of life,
and expect that closed doors are closed forever.
 
David: She ran back to get Simon Peter and another disciple, thinking that Jesus’ body had been stolen, taken away…
Twinkle: Expecting the worst is often our first thought.
 
David:  They ran to the tomb and went inside, seeing the linens left behind…
Twinkle: We sometimes see only the evidence that backs up our worst fears,
that feeds our imagined terrors.
 
David: The two disciples went home but Mary stayed at the tomb, crying…
Twinkle: Trying to escape our pain, we sometimes leave it too soon, not allowing love to show us an upside to the story.
 
David: A voice from behind Mary inquired after her weeping
but she did not recognize it at first…
Twinkle: When we are discouraged, it is difficult to recognize the Good News:
that we are not alone and that we are not at the end of our stories…
 
David: She exclaimed, “Teacher!” and after seeing it was indeed her very-alive friend,
she ran to tell the disciples “I have seen the Lord!” …
All: We open this day to the possibilities still in play,
that new beginnings can happen in the midst of what feels like endings, 
and resurrection from death-dealing forces is possible.
 
David: This is a Word of Life for the people who long for it.
All: Thanks be to the Living Word.
 
– based on John 20: 1-18

*Hymn
He Lives
UMH #310
WORDS: Alfred H. Ackley, 1933
© 1933, renewed 1961 The Rodeheaver Co
 
1. I serve a risen Savior,
he’s in the world today;
I know that he is living,
whatever foes may say.
 
I see his hand of mercy,
I hear his voice of cheer,
and just the time
I need him,
he’s always near.
 
Refrain
He lives, (he lives)
he lives, (he lives)
Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me
and talks with me
along life’s narrow way.
 
He lives, (he lives)
he lives, (he lives)
salvation to impart!
You asked me how
I know he lives?
He lives within my heart.
 
2. In all the
world around me
I see his loving care,
and though my heart
grows weary,
I never will despair.
 
I know that
he is leading
through all the stormy blast;
the day of
his appearing
will come at last.
 
Refrain
He lives, (he lives)
he lives, (he lives)
Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me
and talks with me
along life’s narrow way.
 
He lives, (he lives)
he lives, (he lives)
salvation to impart!
You asked me how
I know he lives?
He lives within my heart.
 
3. Rejoice, rejoice,
O Christian,
lift up your voice and sing
eternal hallelujahs
to Jesus Christ the King!
 
The hope of
all who seek him,
the help of all who find;
none other is
so loving,
so good and kind.
 
Refrain
He lives, (he lives)
he lives, (he lives)
Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me
and talks with me
along life’s narrow way.
 
He lives, (he lives)
he lives, (he lives)
salvation to impart!
You asked me how
I know he lives?
He lives within my heart.
 
Announcements/The Key to Peace
Mystery Box

?️ Proclaiming Resurrection ?️
 
Prayers of the People
Rev. David Petty
Leader: When you came in today, you were given a key. Easter is not just a Sunday, it is a “week of weeks;” in other words, there are seven more Easter Season Sundays that end on Pentecost Sunday. Over the course of those weeks, we will be telling more Resurrection Stories about real people who faced death-dealing circumstances and found new life. When we end this series on Pentecost, the scripture that day will tell us that Jesus said, “I give you the keys to the kin-dom of heaven.” Just as we work to bring heaven on earth, we can also expect that resurrection is possible within our own life-times. We can be resurrected from despair over many things. It is not easy, for sure. But we are not alone and we already have in our possession the key to new life… anytime.
And so as we enter our prayer time today, let us hold these keys close, inviting the possibility of renewed life to approach any closed doors in our hearts…
 
Leader: Finally, we call upon the resurrected Christ to once again say to us “I give you the keys to the kin-dom of Heaven,” and we take a moment to contemplate the things we’d like to unlock in our lives, unbinding us and setting us on the road to our own resurrection story.
 
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
 
Scripture Reading
John 20:1-18
CLM Twinkle Gordon
 
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’s head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed, for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes.

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb, and she saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not touch me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and she told them that he had said these things to her.

Testimony to Resurrection
Raised
Rev. David Petty

?️ Responding to Resurrection ?️
Communion

Pastor: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Pastor: Lift up your hearts. The pastor may lift hands and keep them raised.
People: We lift them up to the Lord.
Pastor: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Pastor: It is right, and a good and joyful thing,
always and everywhere to give thanks to you,
Almighty God, creator of heaven and earth.
You formed us in your image and breathed into us the breath of life.
When we turned away, and our love failed, your love remained steadfast.
You delivered us from captivity, made covenant to be our sovereign God,
brought us to a land flowing with milk and honey,
and set before us the way of life.
And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
 
People: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Pastor: Holy are you, and blessed is your Son Jesus Christ.
By the baptism of his suffering, death, and resurrection you gave birth to your Church,
delivered us from slavery to sin and death,
and made with us a new covenant by water and the Spirit.
By your great mercy we have been born anew
to a living hope through the resurrection of your Son from the dead
and to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading.
Once we were no people, but now we are your people,
declaring your wonderful deeds in Christ,
who called us out of darkness into his marvelous light.
When the Lord Jesus ascended, he promised to be with us always,
in the power of your Word and Holy Spirit.
On the night in which he gave himself up for us, he took bread,
gave thanks to you, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, and said:
"Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you.
Do this in remembrance of me."
When the supper was over he took the cup,
gave thanks to you, gave it to his disciples, and said:
"Drink from this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."
On the day you raised him from the dead
he was recognized by his disciples in the breaking of the bread, and in the power of your Holy Spirit your Church has continued in the breaking of the bread and the sharing of the cup.
And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ's offering for us, as we proclaim the mystery of faith.
 
People: Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
Pastor: Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here,
and on these gifts of bread and wine.
Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ,
that we may be for the world the body of Christ, redeemed by his blood.
By your Spirit make us one with Christ,
one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world, until Christ comes and we feast at his heavenly banquet.
Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church,
all honor and glory is yours, almighty God, now and for ever.
 
All: Amen.

Opportunities to Live Resurrected
Invitation to Offering
CLM Twinkle Gordon
 
Offering
Exultation for Easter
By Arnold Sherman
Sanctuary Choir
Brass & Organ

Doxology
Praise God from Whom All Blessing 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!

?️ Unlocking Resurrection ?️

Hymn
Crown Him with Many Crowns
UMH #327
 
1. Crown him with
many crowns,
the Lamb upon his throne.
Hark! how the heavenly
anthem drowns
all music but its own.
 
Awake, my soul, and sing
of him who died for thee,
and hail him as
thy matchless King
through all eternity.
 
2. Crown him
the Lord of life,
who triumphed o’er the grave,
and rose victorious
in the strife
for those he came to save.
 
His glories now we sing,
who died, and rose on high,
who died, eternal
life to bring,
and lives that
death may die.
 
3. Crown him
the Lord of peace,
whose power a scepter sways
from pole to pole,
that wars may cease,
and all be prayer and praise.
 
His reign shall
know no end,
and round his pierced feet
fair flowers of
paradise extend
their fragrance ever sweet.
 
4. Crown him
the Lord of love;
behold his hands and side,
those wounds,
yet visible above,
in beauty glorified.
 
All hail, Redeemer, hail!
For thou hast
died for me;
thy praise and glory
shall not fail
throughout eternity.
 
Benediction
 
Whatever binds you, whatever locks you up,
whatever keeps you from the life for which you were created…
can be opened wide…
… for we believe our stories can be rewritten each and every day.
We know it isn’t this easy or quick, but let this be a vision of your life unlocked –
your life resurrected.
And now, may you go into the world,
unlocking new life in all the ways you discover you can,
for yourself, for others, for the world.
And may the God who created you to be raised up,
the Christ who showed you what resurrection looks like,
and the Spirit who is transforming your life even now,
be with you now and evermore.
Amen.
 
Postlude
Hallelujah Chorus

Palm Sunday Potluck, Ham will be provided. Please bring a side dish, salad or dessert to serve 10.

During holy week, we will journey from the table of grace to the cross, drawing us into Jesus’ path of suffering, service, and stubborn love that will not let us go. On Maundy Thursday, we will share a simple dinner service in the fellowship hall, gathering around the table to remember Jesus’ last supper with his friends, his washing of feet, and his command to love one another as he has loved us. As we eat, pray, and listen to Scripture, we will encounter the story of love in new and different ways.

During holy week, we will journey from the table of grace to the cross, drawing us into Jesus’ path of suffering, service, and stubborn love that will not let us go. On Good Friday, we continue this journey, moving with Jesus through betrayal, injustice, and the weight of the world’s pain. In a quiet, contemplative tenebrae service, we will hear the passion story, encounter the cross of Christ, and carry home reminder of God's love as we wait in the stillness for the hope of Easter morning.

Easter Sunday invites us to rejoice at the end of the road we’ve been walking with Jesus and to begin a new one. From the shadows of the cross, we arrive at an empty tomb and a risen Christ who meets us on The Way with resurrection hope. In this celebratory service, surrounded by music, Scripture, and gathered community, we’ll proclaim that love is stronger than death, that nothing can separate us from the grace of God, and that Christ now walks beside us as we continue our journey into a future made new.

WHO: Children of All Ages
WHAT: Easter Fair
WHERE: Waddill Hall
WHEN: Sunday, April 5, 2026
WHY: Celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus
Remember- right after the service is the annual Easter Egg Hunt. Kids will meet Val Cox in front of the Nursery. If you don’t have an extra basket to bring with you, don’t worry – we have extras. There will be a variety of crafts and don’t forget- live chicks.
We are asking for donations of individually wrapped candies for the Easter Egg Hunt.
Celebrate the resurrection and love of our Lord Jesus
with joy this Easter!

With love and blessings,

One of my favorite hymns to sing after Easter is “Easter People, Raise Your Voices.” There’s something about that opening line that captures the whole spirit of this season. Easter isn’t just one day. Easter is a way of living. It’s an attitude. It’s a direction. We are Easter people, living in the light of resurrection every day.

Although the wintertime reminds us that the world can be cold and dark and dreary, the springtime that sets the backdrop for our resurrection story is teeming with life from every corner, awakening new life, new hope, and new light. As Easter people, we get to carry that message of new life into a world that still aches for hope. When the world feels heavy and hearts are hurting, we offer the promise of resurrection in the face of death and despair. Every act of compassion, every prayer whispered for peace, every bit of love shared in Christ’s name is all resurrection work.

April always brings that beautiful tension of the season: the snow might still fall, but the grass pushes through anyway. There may be sheets of ice followed by torrential rain, and yet the bulbs begin to flower as an act of quiet defiance. It’s a perfect picture of what God’s grace does in us. Even when the ground feels cold and hard, the Spirit stirs something alive beneath the surface. Before long, the thaw gives way to life again.

This Easter season, we’ll be exploring that very truth together in our new worship series, “Resurrection Stories.” Each week, we’ll share powerful stories of rising up from grief, fear, illness, addiction, and despair into courage, hope, and new life. Inspired by Jesus’ words in John 11: “I am the resurrection and the life…”, this series reminds us that resurrection isn’t only something that happened two thousand years ago but also something God is still doing every day.

Maybe you’ve felt “locked up” by something recently, whether it’s worry, loss, uncertainty, exhaustion, or something else. These next several weeks will invite us to name those things and discover, by grace, the keys to unlocking freedom, healing, and renewal. I hope you’ll show up, not just to hear these stories, but to be a living part of them. Because together, as Easter people, we help write the next chapter of resurrection in our community and the world.

As we move through this season, may we keep singing with the joy of people who know the tomb is empty. May we be quick to celebrate, slow to despair, and eager to share the hope we have in Christ. Because friends, the good news is still good news.

Rev. David Petty

Dear friends at St. Paul’s,

I will share the two most recent changes at Crossfire.  When the food stamps shut down, our growth at Crossfire grew, averaging 30 new families daily.  It became apparent that we must look for a solution to be able to keep up with the growing needs.  Our parking lot was always overfilled, with people riding around trying to find a place to park, even though our volunteers park off site, and take a shuttle.

We explored various options, such as opening a second grocery pantry in another part of town.  We tried to work something out with District 20 but discovered that they did not want to partner with us because we are faith based.  When that deal collapsed, we asked God to show us what to do. It was two days later that we saw the old Family Dollar Store, only a mile east on Austin Bluffs, had gone on the market for sale, way below the market value.  If we moved the clothing and thrift store items out of our current building, it would not only free up parking spots but would also enlarge our current space for groceries and our growing educational needs.  We purchased that building and after doing the needed permits, stocking and setting up, we are scheduled to open it up on March 21.  Our hours there will be Tuesday through Saturdays from 10:00 to 4:00.  We hope to keep the missional emphasis there in various ways.  The proceeds will help offset the $30,000 per month food purchases that we are currently making.  It has a prayer center.  We are trying to keep the prices affordable.  We hope to reach out with educational craft demonstrations.  Guests facing tragedy situations may apply for help for their clothing and household needs.  And it is very different that your average thrift store, come and see.

The second big change is our educational outreach.  We are currently offering these educational programs with several classes in each series—Super Saver Saturday Frugal Living Series, Putting your Best Foot Forward Series for Career Development, Cooking Series for Frugal and Nutritional Living, Financial Management Series, and Sewing Workshops.  We offer sampling with recipes on Wednesdays to show our guests ways to use the food resources available and we do a written outreach Thrifty Tips for Trying Times.  We will eventually be able to use the old thrift store area for our increased class size.
Blessings to you all and thank you again for your prayers and support.

Leslie Miller, Co-Founder
Crossfire Ministries

Each communion Sunday thereafter we will have a basket for those who feel called to give above and beyond their pledge. This "second-mile" giving will help fund the pastor's discretionary fund, which helps meet community needs as they arise, such as gas, lodging, clothing, etc. Feel free to bring your spare cash and change to help make a change in the lives of those in need.

“I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” — John 11: 25-26, NRSVUE 
 
The Easter Season is a time of celebrating all the ways in which resurrection is possible in our lives. We can be in need of rising out of the depth of imprisonment, addiction, poverty, illness, and oppression — not just physically and literally, but also spiritually. What keeps us locked up inside? What holds us back from the joy of life? What binds us, keeping us from the fullness of who God created us to be? Join us for powerful testimonies of courage, kindness, strength, and overcoming — Resurrection Stories — from those who have found “resurrection” in their lives. It might just inspire you to unlock your own rising up!

St. Paul’s members- we need your help. If you know of anyone in our St. Paul’s family who is homebound, in a nursing home, or unable to come to church for a while, please let me know their name and phone number. I will be happy to contact them and see if they would appreciate having communion brought to them. Lu Petersen, 597-2824.

As the holidays approach, it’s never been a better time to purchase grocery cards from the church. They can be used at all Safeway and Kings Soopers stores. In addition to using them for your own grocery shopping, they make great gifts and stocking stuffers. They are as simple to use as a credit or debit card. You can purchase grocery cards for $25, $50, or $100. The cards never expire and you can use them multiple times until the entire balance on the card has been sent. Best of all, the church makes 5% of the face value of each card sold.

A number of students attending the TESLA school across the street from the church have some needs that you can help supply. They need food cards, deodorant (boys and girls scents), hairbrushes, toothpaste/toothbrushes, hoodies/sweaters (all adult sizes), and boys’ and girls’ t-shirts and long sleeve t-shirts (all adult sizes).
They have also asked for help with a food drive. You can donate grocery cards or non-perishables. Any assistance you can provide will let the young people know that people care about them.

We will be collecting coats for Springs Rescue Mission. A box is located in the Narthex.

The Children’s Ministry has been called to collect pop tabs to donate to the Ronald McDonald House.
A jar will be placed in the Narthex on the information table.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact
Valerie Cox @ 660-2446 or Valerie.cox29@outlook.com

March 29th is Palm Sunday and we will be having our Annual Palm Sunday Potluck immediately after service. St. Paul’s is providing the Ham. As of now, no one has signed up to help with Hospitality for April. I will need help especially on the 5th (Easter) as we do extra goodies for Fellowship. The sign-up sheet is on the Volunteer Table.

On May 8th and 15th the Home School Music Program will be having their Spring Concerts. St. Pauls’ is providing goodies for intermission on both days. We need lots of cookies, brownies, lemon bars. Also, sugar-free and gluten free options. Items may be homemade or store bought and can be brought in between May 3-8. Please mark them “CONCERT” and bring them to the kitchen.

There will be a sign-up sheet on the Volunteer table starting in April for helpers. The concerts start at 6 pm, you would need to be there at 5:30.

Don Zimmerman 4/1
Rusty Lindell 4/2
Rachel Petty 4/2
Molly Carpenter 4/3
Daphne Sturgill 4/3
Kim Looney 4/3
Polly Cox 4/3
CLM Twinkle Gordon 4/4
Rachel Ford 4/5
Laurie Gabriel 4/8
Anne Sater 4/9
Pat Fleeman 4/11
Carol Lindell 4/11
Scarlett Brandt 4/13
Madge Burbach 4/14
Linda Patzke 4/15
Kailey Cox 4/20
Art Gibbens 4/21
Laurie Reese 4/21
Jeanne Marsh 4/26
Scott Mowery 4/26
Marje Erickson 4/27

Doug & Julie Coffee
April 18, 1981
45 Years

Rachel & Patrick Ford
April 19, 1997
29 Years

Alice & Don Shartran
April 22, 1989
37 Years

11:00a Adult Sunday School
5:00p Youth Group7:00p Vocal Fusion

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.

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

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

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

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!

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

     Michael Bayard Woods was born on July 14, 1947 on North Island Air Station in San Diego, CA. Growing up mostly between Pacific Beach and El Cajon, CA, surrounded by love and music, Michael had a good start in life. Michael and his wife Darlene met at a football game between their rival high schools. They enjoyed 6 years of dating before being wed for 56 years.

     He began his military career as a radio operator in Vietnam (1967–1968). It was very difficult to go into Vietnam as a radio operator and come home alive, but Michael managed to defy the odds and made it home with no time to spare, 12 days before his wedding to Darlene. It was at this time in his service that he was christened with the nickname, “Woody.” Michael left the Marine Corps in 1969. He was very proud of his service in the Marine Corps and was known for collecting anything related to the Corps. In 1972 Michael returned to the Marine Corps via the Marine Corps Officer Degree program. While stationed in Camp Pendleton, CA, he and Darlene welcomed a son, Jason. Five years later while stationed in Quantico, VA, they welcomed their daughter Rachel. His military service eventually brought him to Colorado Springs as the Communications Officer for the newly formed Joint Space Command Center. This is where Michael would eventually retire from his service in 1989, after having achieved the rank of Major, although he remained associated with the military throughout the rest of his life, including working at the Air Force Academy.

    Throughout his life, Michael had an enthusiasm for learning and sharing his knowledge. This began when he was a summer camp counselor at the YMCA in Sequoia National Park in 1963 and 1964. One skill that surprised people is that he loved to crochet, knit, and sew. His mother taught him to knit with him sitting on the floor across from her, as she was left-handed. He taught himself to crochet and sew. He received both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in computer science. He had an incredible mind for anything mathematical or analytical and was known for teaching this wherever he could, including solving problems with his grandkids. He also taught computer science part-time at Colorado Tech. With his intelligence came little nuances that his family loved, including keeping his mind busy with puzzles and sudoku, assigning a dinosaur name for each child that he would patiently teach them about, and testing people with new memory exercises. There were many card games, dominoes, chess, and checkers when his grandkids were too young for chess.

    With his curiosity also came a love for exploring the world around him. Always active, Michael loved to backpack, camp, race walk, and much more. He participated in the Senior World Racewalking competition in England. He also loved traveling to new places, whether on his motorcycle or flying across the world. He and Darlene particularly shared a love of visiting the British Isles. Once he had finished his travels, he loved returning home to his beloved dog and a nice glass of red wine or Scotch until he would get up early the next day and begin a new adventure.

    Michael was also incredibly passionate about music since childhood. He began by playing in the band and was known for his French Horn playing, most notably playing in the Rose Parade with his high school marching band in 1962. He was active in the church music setting, and later in life he was  beloved for playing the bells. He had over 50 years’ experience singing in barbershop, having participated in and worked as an administrator and judge for many competitions, becoming the head of the contest administrators for three years. He founded the Peak Experience chorus which meets at St. Paul’s. When they were at Sunrise he became the bell director. He and Darlene also sang in a folk group called The Old Crusty Minstrels, where he played the guitar and banjo for 20 years. While his achievements in his musical career were great, his children and grandchildren also had the joy of always being surrounded by music in his home, breaking into a song at a moment’s notice. To this day, his love of music lives on in those he loved.

    Michael passed on July 27, 2024. He was preceded in death by his loving mother and father, sister-in-law Yvonne Woods and his grandson Taylor Woods. He is survived by his wife Darlene Woods, his brother Chris Woods (Patti); their children Jason Woods (Heather) and Rachel (Patrick) Ford; their grandchildren Trevor and Olivia Woods, James (Beth) Ford, Aaron (Addi) Ford, Olivia and Kayla Bruce; and their great-grandchildren Daisy and Brantley Ford, and Iris Bruce.

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.

February's mission was 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.

“The Free Way”
Week Five
WE GATHER
Meeting One Another on The Way
 
Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts
 
Welcome
Rev. David Petty
 
Preparing Together
Threshold Moment
 
“A Wilderness Wandering People”
 
Leader: Our worship series leads us along the path of our faith journey in a way that leads to new life in Jesus Christ, the message of Easter that we move towards. New paths are possible through freedom in Christ. And these ways can be made plain before us if we have eyes to see. Yes, we will strain against adversity–such is life. We don’t reach Easter until we’ve been through the agony of Holy Week that will soon be upon us. But new paths are always possible. New horizons are ours through relationship with God and with each other. There will be both stumbling blocks and stepping stones along the way. But God is our rock and our redeemer–God is with us in our every step.
 
[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
 
God our Rock,
be with us on The Way.
At times we are not sure how we will
carry the burdens of grief and disappointment
that accumulate in life.
We come asking for help
in lightening the load
so that we can be free to move in new directions.
Help us to help each other as Jesus asks us to do.
Amen.
 
Opening Hymn
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
UMH #349
WORDS: Helen H. Lemmel, 1922
© 1922, renewed 1950 Singspiration Music

Turn your eyes
upon Jesus,
look full in His
wonderful face, (wonderful face,)
 
and the things of earth
will grow strangely dim
in the light of His
glory and grace.

Announcements/Greeting Each Other

Mystery Box

Discovering Ourselves on The Way
 
First Reading
Isaiah 43: 16-19
CLM Twinkle Gordon

Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, who brings out chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
 
Second Reading
Philippians 3: 12-14
CLM Twinkle Gordon

Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.

Sermon
The Free Way
Rev. David Petty

WE RESPOND
Opening to the Holy on The Way
 
Prayers for Getting Out of Our Own Way
 
Leader: Let us pause along the way to turn towards the Holy One, the One whose way is freedom from fear. We come with our honesty about just how difficult it is to trust the path, trust our instincts, trust our inner compass. And we remember that God meets us even here.
 
O God,
There are times
when I feel hopeless and afraid.
I become confused and unsure
as to how to face the next moment.
What difference does my life make
in the midst of such a vast universe?
Sometimes the thought of my own death
stirs up feelings of doubt and uncertainty.
I feel as though I am on a treadmill,
rather than moving toward a destination.
Worst of all, in the midst of my anxiety,
I become impatient and angry with those
who mean the most to me.
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
 
 
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Today, inspired by the ritual action of pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, we will bring our rocks forward to place at the foot of the cross, offering gratitude for the presence of Christ on our journeys and the gift of relieving our burdens. You may want to think of a specific burden that you would like to lay down at this moment or it could simply be a sense of tiredness or fear or anxiety. I invite you to come when you are ready

Time for Contemplation
 
Hear this: You are already free because Jesus makes it so.
Whether or not you know it, believe it, or feel it quite yet,
your burden is shared by Jesus,
who is gentle and humble of heart.
You are forgiven and freed,
especially when your way needs the relief of less weight.
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

WE GO FORTH
Continuing with Jesus on The Way

Invitation to Offering
CLM Twinkle Gordon

Offering
Sanctuary Choir
 
Closing Hymn
My Hope Is Built
UMH #368
WORDS: Edward Mote, 1834
 
1. My hope is built
on nothing less
than Jesus’ blood
and righteousness.
 
I dare not trust
the sweetest frame,
but wholly lean
on Jesus’ name.
 
Refrain
On Christ the solid
rock I stand,
all other ground
is sinking sand;
all other ground
is sinking sand.
 
2. When darkness veils
his lovely face,
I rest on his
unchanging grace.
 
In every high
and stormy gale,
my anchor holds
within the veil.
 
Refrain
On Christ the solid
rock I stand,
all other ground
is sinking sand;
all other ground
is sinking sand.
 
3. His oath, his covenant,
his blood
support me in
the whelming flood.
 
When all around
my soul gives way,
he then is all
my hope and stay.
 
Refrain
On Christ the solid
rock I stand,
all other ground
is sinking sand;
all other ground
is sinking sand.
 
4. When he shall come
with trumpet sound,
O may I then
in him be found!
 
Dressed in his
righteousness alone,
faultless to stand
before the throne!
 
Refrain
On Christ the solid
rock I stand,
all other ground
is sinking sand;
all other ground
is sinking sand.
 
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
to let go of those things that no longer serve you,
and be on the lookout for ways to encourage the same in those you meet.
May it be so. Amen.
“Buen Camino!”

Postlude
Cynthia Hibbetts

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.

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.

“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

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

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

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

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.

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.

“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

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

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

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

March Mission
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 commu nity’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 was Tessa. On March 15th we will have a "Hands on Mission” putting together children's Comfort Kits.

Each communion Sunday thereafter we will have a basket for those who feel called to give above and beyond their pledge. This "second-mile" giving will help fund the pastor's discretionary fund, which helps meet community needs as they arise, such as gas, lodging, clothing, etc. Feel free to bring your spare cash and change to help make a change in the lives of those in need.

Lenten Study
Our Lenten Study is “The Way” Study by Adam Hamilton.
We will embark on a most significant journey, we will be walking in the footsteps of Jesus during the course of his ministry. Along the way we will listen to Jesus teach, watch him perform miracles, spend time with his friends (not always the top tier of society!). and find yourself transformed. The book and video components of this study will “put you on the ground,” seeing and experiencing the things Jesus saw as he traveled the length and breadth of Galilee and Judea. This is not just a study of geography or history. It is a call to discipleship.
The study book is available on Amazon:
Paperback - $10.39
Kindle - $9.87
Audiobook - $10.49

Lenten Soup Suppers at 6:00 pm on Thursdays

• March 5th - The High Way - The Grief of Lost Expectations - Join us for a discussion about the grief of things not going as you had planned.
• March 12th - The Way Around - The Grief of Unfairness - Join us for a discussion about the grief of unfair losses: like a job, mobility or housing, for example.
• March 19th - The Way Home - The Loss of Self or the Familiar - Join us for a discussion about the grief of losing the things that make you , you.
• March 26th - The Free Way - How to Move Forward after Loss - Join us for a discussion about: How we Move past our losses.

Palm Sunday Brunch - March 29th after the Worship Service
We will join together right after church for our Annual Palm Sunday Potluck. St. Paul's is providing the ham. There will be trollies upstairs at each door where you may put your dish. Please bring a side dish, salad or dessert to serve 10. We will need extra clean-up as some tables and chairs will need to be taken down and put away. This is always a special time for sharing food and fellowship, so put it on your calendar now.

Maundy Thursday Soup Supper Service
April 2nd  at 6:00 pm in Waddell Hall

Good Friday Service
April 3rd we will have a Good Friday service in the Sanctuary and online. The service will start at 7:00 pm.

WHO: Children of All Ages
WHAT: Easter Fair
WHERE: Waddill Hall
WHEN: Sunday, August 5, 2026
WHY: Celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus

Remember- right after the service is the annual Easter Egg Hunt. Kids will meet Val Cox in front of the Nursery. If you don’t have an extra basket to bring with you, don’t worry – we have extras. There will be a variety of crafts and don’t forget- live chicks.

Celebrate the resurrection and love of our Lord Jesus
with joy this Easter!

St. Paul’s members- we need your help. If you know of anyone in our St. Paul’s family who is homebound, in a nursing home, or unable to come to church for a while, please let me know their name and phone number. I will be happy to contact them and see if they would appreciate having communion brought to them. Lu Petersen, 597-2824.

As the holidays approach, it’s never been a better time to purchase grocery cards from the church. They can be used at all Safeway and Kings Soopers stores. In addition to using them for your own grocery shopping, they make great gifts and stocking stuffers. They are as simple to use as a credit or debit card. You can purchase grocery cards for $25, $50, or $100. The cards never expire and you can use them multiple times until the entire balance on the card has been sent. Best of all, the church makes 5% of the face value of each card sold.

A number of students attending the TESLA school across the street from the church have some needs that you can help supply. They need food cards, deodorant (boys and girls scents), hairbrushes, toothpaste/toothbrushes, hoodies/sweaters (all adult sizes), and boys’ and girls’ t-shirts and long sleeve t-shirts (all adult sizes).
They have also asked for help with a food drive. You can donate grocery cards or non-perishables. Any assistance you can provide will let the young people know that people care about them.

We will be collecting coats for Springs Rescue Mission. A box is located in the Narthex.

The Children’s Ministry has been called to collect pop tabs to donate to the Ronald McDonald House.
A jar will be placed in the Narthex on the information table.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact
Valerie Cox @ 660-2446 or Valerie.cox29@outlook.com

Aaron Ford 3/5
Kathy Litton 3/6
David Reither 3/11
Donna Rickett 3/14
Bailey Brandt 3/15
Darlene Woods 3/16
Rev. Sylvia Edwards 3/19
Meagan Horst 3/26

Doug & Betsy Meikle
March 8, 1997
29 Years

Dolly & Bob Morrow
March 20, 1976
50 Years

Susan & Barry Rizk
March 31, 2021
5 Years

11:00a Adult Sunday School
5:00p Youth Group7:00p Vocal Fusion

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.

February's mission was Tessa. On March 15th we will have a "Hands on Mission” putting together children's Comfort Kits.

“The High Way”
Week Two
Please note: this service can be moved around to a different week to coincide with a Communion Sunday if you do not celebrate communion every week. You might also consider following this service with a community meal or a time of preparing/serving meals in the community or at a shelter or food bank.
 
WE GATHER
Meeting One Another on The Way
 
Prelude
Cynthia Hibbets
Welcome
Rev. David Petty
Preparing Together
 
Threshold Moment
CLM Twinkle Gordon
Leader: Today, we continue our worship series called “The Way” that invites us to a spiritual journey during this season. Today we come to the table to be sustained for the road ahead. In our society, we are taught that everything costs. But our ways are not God’s ways, as we will hear in scripture. We are all invited to the table of Jesus without price. This is the abundance of God’s grace. This is the higher way that we are invited to embody for the sake of the world. The “rich food” that we are invited to partake is the richness of life when all have enough–not simply to survive–but to thrive. Hospitality is the way–even though we do not agree on everything, we are still one family at one table.
 
[sung]
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
CLM Twinkle Gordon
God of Grace,
we know you are with us on The Way.
But we need sustenance in order to make the journey. 
As we come seeking peace and a place at the table,
we find that you have already prepared and were expecting us.
Help us to set tables of abundance 
for all who travel this journey of life,
just as Jesus did.
Amen.
 
 
Opening Hymn
Come, We That Love the Lord
UMH # 732
WORDS: Isaac Watts, 1707
 
1. Come, we that love the Lord,
and let our joys be known;
join in a song
with sweet accord,
and thus surround the throne.
 
2. Let those refuse to sing
who never knew our God;
but children of
the heavenly King
may speak their joys abroad.
 
3. The hill of Zion yields
a thousand sacred sweets
before we reach
the heavenly fields,
or walk the golden streets.
 
4. Then let our songs abound,
and every tear be dry;
we’re marching through
Emmanuel’s ground,
to fairer worlds on high.
 
Announcements/Passing of the Peace

Mystery Box

Invitation to Offering
CLM Twinkle Gordon

Offertory
Lamb of God
Sanctuary Choir

Prayer of Thanksgiving
Rev. David Petty
 
*Doxology
Praise God from Who 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!

WE PROCLAIM
Discovering Ourselves on The Way
 
First Reading
Psalm 37: 23-27 (NRSVUE)
CLM Twinkle Gordon
 
Our steps are made firm by the Lord
when God delights in our way;
though we stumble, we shall not fall headlong,
for the Lord holds us by the hand.
I have been young and now am old,
yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
or their children begging bread.
They are ever giving liberally and lending,
and their children become a blessing.
Depart from evil, and do good;
so you shall abide forever.

Second Reading
Luke 5:29-32
CLM Twinkle Gordon

Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house, and there was a large crowd of tax collectors and others reclining at the table with them. The Pharisees and their scribes were complaining to his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician but those who are sick; I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”

Sermon
The High Way
Rev. David Petty

WE RESPOND
Opening to the Holy on The Way
 
Prayers for Getting Out of Our Own Way
Rev. David Petty
 
Leader: Prayer is a kind of “pitstop” along our journeys–a time when we pause in the stillness and reassess and remember to breathe. Let us take this moment to rest deeper into the guiding presence of The Giving One.
 
O God,
You so love the world
that you give and give and give:
the generous gift of Life itself,
freedom of choice,
sunrise in the morning,
sunset in the evening,
and all those surprises in between.
Then you give us all the time there is–eternity.
I confess that my schedule often crowds out
appreciation for these gifts and my numbness
allows me to take them for granted.
Everyday living requires
such a serious investment of my energy
that I easily neglect the grandeur
all around me.
Set me free to dance
to the rhythms of your Spirit.
Help me see that even times of sorrow and despair
often enable me to discover strength
I never knew I had.
Make me strong at the broken places.
Yet when the dark night of the soul approaches,
if it is possible,
let that cup pass from me,
but if not…
Amen.

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

“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: No matter whether you pause in gratitude for the gifts of God or not,
God never stops giving. We can begin a higher way at any time.
Whether or not you know it, believe it, or feel it,
Jesus is with you now because Jesus promised to
set the table along our journey of life over and over again.
You are forgiven and invited,
especially when you think you have no place.
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…

Communion Liturgy
 
The following prayer is based on the structure of the 2nd century Hippolytus prayer that is the ecumenical standard and contains all the traditional sections. Please adapt it to suit your particular tradition. If you will be offering live-streamed, hybrid, or pre-recorded worship, be sure to include an invitation to those participating online to gather something to eat and drink if they wish to participate in communion. Of course, adapt this invitation according to the practices that your denomination or community specifies. 
 
Invitation
 
Will you open yourselves to the grace of Jesus Christ
that is always and already available here at this table?
If so, say, “Open us to your grace, Lord.”
“Open us to your grace, Lord.”
Will you open yourselves once again to the call of Jesus Christ?
If so, say, “Open us to your call, Lord.”
“Open us to your call, Lord.”
Will you open yourselves to the possibility of transformation
through Jesus Christ?
If so, say, “Transform us, O Lord.”
“Transform us, O Lord.”

The Great Thanksgiving
 
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
It is right, and a good and joyful thing,
always and everywhere to give thanks to you,
Almighty God, Creator of all that was,
and is,
and is to come.
You formed us in your image,
creating all in goodness,
asking us to walk with You in love.
When we held back from Your invitation,
You sought us out, encouraging us on our way, time and again.
You led those who could not see by a road they did not know.
You have turned nighttime before them into light.
You have smoothed out the rough places and made them plain.
You have released the prisoners from the dungeon.
You have made all things new.
And so,
with your people on earth
and all the company of heaven,
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

[spoken]
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

Holy are you, and blessed is your Son Jesus Christ.
Your Spirit anointed him to walk with the poor, the captive, and the oppressed
and to proclaim freedom and abundance in your name.
On dusty paths and lakeside shores he encountered friends, strangers, and enemies,
inviting them to journey with him and to eat with him.
He offered newness of life and renewed covenants of love by water and the Spirit.
On the night that he gave himself up for the path of justice,
he was at the table with his friends.
He invited them… and he invites us,
to pause in our quest for destinations and savor the company of each other
and the ways in which he still is present in our gathering together.
He took the bread, he broke it and blessed it and shared it.
“Do this in remembrance of me.”
He took the cup, he poured into it, blessed it and shared it.
“Do this in remembrance of me.”
And so,
in remembrance of your mighty acts in Jesus Christ,
we offer ourselves as a holy and living sacrifice,
in union with Christ’s offering for us,
as we proclaim the mystery of faith.

Christ has died. Christ has risen. Christ will come again!

Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here,
and on these gifts of bread and wine.
Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ,
that we may be for the world the body of Christ,
redeemed by his blood.
By your Spirit make us one with Christ’s pilgrimage to the kin-dom,
walking together one with each other,
working together in ministry to all the world,
until Christ comes in final victory
and we feast at his heavenly banquet.
Through your Son Jesus Christ
with the Holy Spirit in your holy church,
all honor and glory is yours, almighty God,
now and forever.

Amen!

WE GO FORTH
Continuing with Jesus on The Way
 
Sending Hymn
Amazing Grace
v. 1, 3, 6
UMH #378
 
1. Amazing grace!
How sweet the sound
that saved a
wretch like me!
 
I once was lost,
but now am found;
was blind, but now I see.
 
3. Through many dangers,
toils, and snares,
I have already come;
 
’tis grace hath brought
me safe thus far,
and grace will
lead me home.
 
6. When we’ve been there
ten thousand years,
bright shining
as the sun,
 
we’ve no less days
to sing God’s praise
than when
we’d first begun.
 
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 choose
to take the higher ways of the Holy, offering friendship, grace, and sustenance to those you meet. May it be so. Amen.
“Buen Camino!”

Postlude
Cynthia Hibbetts

Lenten Study

Our Lenten Study is “The Way” Study by Adam Hamilton. We will embark on a most significant journey, we will be walking in the footsteps of Jesus during the course of his ministry. Along the way we will listen to Jesus teach, watch him perform miracles, spend time with his friends (not always the top tier of society!). and find yourself transformed. The book and video components of this study will “put you on the ground,” seeing and experiencing the things Jesus saw as he traveled the length and breadth of Galilee and Judea. This is not just a study of geography or history. It is a call to discipleship.
The study book is available on Amazon:
Paperback - $10.39
Kindle - $9.87
Audiobook - $10.49

Lenten Soup Suppers at 6:00 pm on Thursdays

March 12th - The Way Around - The Grief of Unfairness - Join us for a discussion about the grief of unfair losses: like a job, mobility or housing, for example.

March 19th - The Way Home - The Loss of Self or the Familiar - Join us for a discussion about the grief of losing the things that make you , you.

March 26th - The Free Way - How to Move Forward after Loss - Join us for a discussion about: How we Move past our losses.

 Palm Sunday Brunch - March 29th after the Worship Service
We will join together right after church for our Annual Palm Sunday Potluck. St. Paul's is providing the ham. There will be trollies upstairs at each door where you may put your dish. Please bring a side dish, salad or dessert to serve 10. We will need extra clean-up as some tables and chairs will need to be taken down and put away. This is always a special time for sharing food and fellowship, so put it on your calendar now.

Maundy Thursday Soup Supper Service
April 2nd  at 6:00 pm in Waddell Hall

Good Friday Service
April 3rd we will have a Good Friday service in the Sanctuary and online.
The service will start at 7:00 pm.

Easter Egg Hunt
Join us for our Annual Easter Egg Hunt after the Easter Worship Service. Please bring your basket and your best Easter Egg finding peepers!
 
Easter Fair
WHO: Children of All Ages
WHAT: Easter Fair
WHERE: Waddill Hall
WHEN: Sunday, August 5, 2026
WHY: Celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus

Remember- right after the service is the annual Easter Egg Hunt. Kids will meet Val Cox in front of the Nursery. If you don’t have an extra basket to bring with you, don’t worry – we have extras. There will be a variety of crafts and don’t forget- live chicks.

Celebrate the resurrection and love of our Lord Jesus
with joy this Easter!

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.

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.

“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.

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

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

WE GO FORTH
Continuing with Jesus on The Way

Invitation to Offering
Bill Morr

Offering
We Are the Lord’s 
Dominick Nors

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

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.

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.

February 15, 2026 9:30 am Worship Service

Gathering

Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts

Welcome
Rev. David Petty

Crossing the Threshold

Call to Worship
Polly Cox
Leader: Come, gather in this place. God meets us here.
People: We gather to sing, to worship, to pray.
Leader: Although we gather here today, God will meet us wherever we are.
People: We are the people of God. Let us live like Christ each day.
Leader: This is the day that the Lord has made.
People: We shall rejoice and be glad in it!

*Opening Hymn
Jesus, Joy of Our Desiring
UMH #644
WORDS: Martin Janus, 1661; trans. anon.
 
1. Jesus, joy of our desiring,
holy wisdom,
love most bright;
 
drawn by thee,
our souls aspiring
soar to uncreated light.
 
Word of God,
our flesh that fashioned,
with the fire
of life impassioned,
 
striving still
to truths unknown,
soaring, dying
round thy throne.
 
2. Through the way
where hope is guiding,
hark, what peaceful
music rings;
 
where the flock,
in thee confiding,
drink of joy from
deathless springs.
 
Theirs is beauty’s
fairest pleasure;
theirs is wisdom’s
holiest treasure.
 
Thou dost ever
lead thine own
in the love
of joys unknown.

*Worship Hymn
Majesty, Worship His Majesty
UMH #176
WORDS: Jack Hayford, 1981
© 1981 Rocksmith Music c/o Trust Music Management
 
Majesty,
worship his majesty;
unto Jesus be all
glory, honor, and praise.
 
Majesty,
kingdom authority,
flow from his throne
unto his own;
his anthem raise.
 
So exalt,
lift up on high
the name of Jesus.
Magnify, come glorify
Christ Jesus, the King.
 
Majesty,
worship his majesty,
Jesus who died,
now glorified,
King of all kings.
 
*Greet Your Neighbor – Passing the Peace of Christ

Mystery Box

Scripture Reading
Polly Cox

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became bright as light. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will set up three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” And when they raised their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

Prayer for Illumination
Leader: May the words of my mouth,
People: and the meditations of all of our hearts
All: be acceptable in your sight, O Lord our rock and our redeemer.
Psalm 19:14

Message
Shine Jesus Shine
Rev. David Petty

Prayer Song

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
UMH #349
WORDS: Helen H. Lemmel, 1922 
© 1922, renewed 1950 Singspiration Music
 
Turn your eyes
upon Jesus,
look full in His
wonderful face, (wonderful face,)
 
and the things of earth
will grow strangely dim
in the light of His
glory and grace.
 
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer
Rev. David Petty
 
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

Invitation to Offering
Polly Cox

Offertory

Prayer of Thanksgiving
Rev. David Petty
 
*Doxology
Praise God from Who 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!

*Closing Hymn/Song
 
Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies
UMH #173
WORDS: Charles Wesley, 1740
 
1. Christ, whose glory
fills the skies,
Christ, the true,
the only light,
Sun of Righteousness, arise,
 
triumph o’er the
shades of night;
Dayspring from on
high, be near;
Daystar, in my
heart appear.
 
2. Dark and cheerless
is the morn
unaccompanied by thee;
joyless is the
day’s return,
 
till thy mercy’s
beams I see;
till they inward
light impart,
cheer my eyes and
warm my heart.
 
3. Visit then this
soul of mine;
pierce the gloom
of sin and grief;
fill me,
Radiancy divine,
 
scatter all my unbelief;
more and more
thyself display,
shining to the
perfect day.

*Benediction
Rev. David Petty

*Postlude
Cynthia Hibbetts

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.

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.

February 8, 2026 9:30 am Worship Service

Gathering

Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts

Welcome
Rev. David Petty

Crossing the Threshold

Call to Worship
Lu Petersen

Leader: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
People: Let us walk in the light of God
Leader: We receive the light of Christ, embody the light of Christ,
and share the light of Christ.
People: Let us BE the God's goodness and light, shining into the world.
Leader: This is the day that the Lord has made.
People: We shall rejoice and be glad in it!

*Worship Hymn
This Little Light of Mine
UMH #585
WORDS: African American spiritual (Mt. 5:14-16)
Adapt. © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House

1. This little light of mine,
I’m goin’a let it shine,
this little light of mine,
I’m goin’a let it shine;
 
this little light of mine,
I’m goin’a let it shine;
let it shine, let it shine,
let it shine. (let it shine)
 
2. Everywhere I go,
I’m goin’a let it shine,
 everywhere I go,
I’m goin’a let it shine;
 
everywhere I go,
I’m goin’a let it shine;
let it shine, let it shine,
let it shine. (let it shine)
 
3. All through the night,
I’m goin’a let it shine,
 all through the night,
I’m goin’a let it shine;
 
all through the night,
I’m goin’a let it shine;
let it shine, let it shine,
let it shine. (let it shine)
 
*Opening Hymn
Keep Your Lamps

1. Keep your lamps
Trimmed and burning;
Keep your lamps
Trimmed and burning;
 
Keep your lamps
Trimmed and burning,
For the time
Is drawing nigh.
 
Refrain
Sisters,
don’t grow weary;
Brothers,
don’t grow weary;
 
Children,
don’t grow weary,
For the time
Is drawing nigh.
 
2. It’s our faith
Makes us happy;
It’s our faith
Makes us happy;
 
It’s our faith
Makes us happy;
For the time
Is drawing nigh.
 
Refrain
Sisters,
don’t grow weary;
Brothers,
don’t grow weary;
 
Children,
don’t grow weary,
For the time
Is drawing nigh.
 
*Greet Your Neighbor – Passing the Peace of Christ

Mystery Box

Scripture Reading
Matthew 5:13-20
Lu Petersen
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything but is thrown out and trampled under foot.
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Prayer for Illumination
Leader: May the words of my mouth,
People: and the meditations of all of our hearts
All: be acceptable in your sight, O Lord our rock and our redeemer.
Psalm 19:14

Message
A Public Faith that Illuminates and Heals
Rev. David Petty

Prayer Song

Thy Word
UMH #601
WORDS: Amy Grant, 1984 (Ps. 119:105)
© 1984 Meadowgreen Music Co. / Bug and Bear Music
Refrain
Thy word is a lamp
unto my feet
and a light
unto my path.
 
1. When I feel afraid,
think I’ve lost my way,
still you’re there
right beside me,
 
and nothing will I fear
as long as you are near.
Please be near me
to the end.
 
Refrain
Thy word is a lamp
unto my feet
and a light
unto my path.
 
2. Now I will not forget
your love for me and yet
my heart forever
is wandering.
 
Jesus, be my guide
and hold me to your side,
and I will love you
to the end.
 
Refrain
Thy word is a lamp
unto my feet
and a light
unto my path.
 
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer
Rev. David Petty
 
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

Invitation to Offering
Lu Petersen

Offertory

Prayer of Thanksgiving
Rev. David Petty
 
*Doxology
Praise God from Who 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!

*Closing Hymn/Song
 
*Closing Hymn
Pass It On
UMH #572
WORDS: Kurt Kaiser, 1969
© 1969 Communiqué Music, Inc.
 
1. It only takes a spark
to get a fire going,
and soon all those around
can warm up
in its glowing.
 
That’s how it is
with God’s love
once you’ve experienced it;
you spread His love
to everyone;
you want to pass it on.
 
2. What a wondrous
time is spring,
when all the trees are budding,
the birds begin to sing,
the flowers
start their blooming.
 
That’s how it is
with God’s love
once you’ve experienced it;
you want to sing,
it’s fresh like spring,
you want to pass it on.
 
3. I wish for you, my friend,
the happiness
that I’ve found;
you can depend on Him,
it matters not
where you’re bound.
 
I’ll shout it from
the mountaintop;
I want my world to know;
the Lord of love
has come to me,
I want to pass it on.

*Benediction
Rev. David Petty

*Postlude
Cynthia Hibbetts

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.

February 1, 2026 9:30 am Worship Service

Gathering

Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts

Welcome
Rev. David Petty

Crossing the Threshold

Call to Worship
CLM Twinkle Gordon
Leader: Come, gather as Christians, gather as United Methodists
People: We come from many places, but all worship the same Lord
Leader: Come, gather in and sit at Christ's table
People: The table of Jesus is big enough for all of us.
Leader: This is the day that the Lord has made.
People: We shall rejoice and be glad in it!

*Worship Hymn
The Church’s One Foundation
1, 3, 5 UMH #545
 
1. The church’s one foundation
is Jesus Christ her Lord;
she is his new creation
by water and the Word.
 
From heaven he
came and sought her
to be his holy bride;
with his own blood
he bought her,
and for her life he died.
 
3. Though with a
scornful wonder
we see her
sore oppressed,
by schisms rent asunder,
by heresies distressed,
 
yet saints their
watch are keeping;
their cry goes up, “How long?”
And soon the
night of weeping
shall be the morn of song.
 
5. Yet she on
earth hath union
with God the Three in One,
and mystic
sweet communion
with those whose rest is won.
 
O happy ones and holy!
Lord, give us grace that we
like them,
the meek and lowly,
on high may
dwell with thee.

*Opening Hymn
The Old Rugged Cross
v. 1-2 UMH #504
WORDS: George Bennard, 1913 (1 Cor. 1:22-25)
 
1. On a hill far away
stood an old rugged cross,
the emblem of
suffering and shame;
 
and I love that old cross
where the dearest
and best
for a world of lost
sinners was slain.
 
Refrain
So I’ll cherish
the old rugged cross,
                   (cross,           the  old rugged cross,)
till my trophies
at last I lay down;
 
I will cling to the
old rugged cross,
                 (cross,               the old rugged cross,)
and exchange it
some day for a crown.
 
2. O that old rugged cross,
so despised by the world,
has a wondrous
attraction for me;
 
for the dear
Lamb of God
left his glory above
to bear it
to dark Calvary.
 
Refrain
So I’ll cherish
the old rugged cross,
                   (cross,           the  old rugged cross,)
till my trophies
at last I lay down;
 
I will cling to the
old rugged cross,
                 (cross,               the old rugged cross,)
and exchange it
some day for a crown.
 
*Greet Your Neighbor – Passing the Peace of Christ

Mystery Box

Prayer Song
Blessed Assurance
UMH #369
WORDS: Fanny J. Crosby, 1873
 
1. Blessed assurance,
Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste
of glory divine!
 
Heir of salvation,
purchase of God,
born of his Spirit,
washed in his blood.
 
Refrain
This is my story,
this is my song,
praising my Savior
all the day long;
 
this is my story,
this is my song,
praising my Savior
all the day long.

Prayers
Rev. David Petty

Silent Prayer
 
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

Invitation to Offering
CLM Twinkle Gordon

Offertory

Prayer of Thanksgiving
Rev. David Petty
 
*Doxology
Praise God from Who 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!

Scripture Reading
Micah 6:1-8
CLM Twinkle Gordon

Hear what the Lord says:
Rise, plead your case before the mountains,
and let the hills hear your voice.
2 Hear, you mountains, the case of the Lord,
and you enduring foundations of the earth,
for the Lord has a case against his people,
and he will contend with Israel.
3 “O my people, what have I done to you?
In what have I wearied you? Answer me!
4 For I brought you up from the land of Egypt
and redeemed you from the house of slavery,
and I sent before you Moses,
Aaron, and Miriam.

5 O my people, remember now what King Balak of Moab devised,
what Balaam son of Beor answered him,
and what happened from Shittim to Gilgal,
that you may know the saving acts of the Lord.”
6 “With what shall I come before the Lord
and bow myself before God on high?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
with calves a year old?

7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousands of rivers of oil?
Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”
8 He has told you, O mortal, what is good,
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice and to love kindness
and to walk humbly with your God?

Prayer for Illumination
Leader: May the words of my mouth,
People: and the meditations of all of our hearts
All: be acceptable in your sight, O Lord our rock and our redeemer.
Psalm 19:14

Message
Christ and the Spirit: A Methodist Visual Theology
Rev. David Petty

Communion

*Closing Hymn/Song
 
Be Thou My Vision
UMH #451
WORDS: Ancient Irish; trans. by Mary E. Byrne, 1905; versed by Eleanor H. Hull, 1912, alt.
Alt. © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House
 
1. Be thou my vision,
O Lord of my heart;
naught be all else to me,
save that thou art.
 
Thou my best thought,
by day or by night,
waking or sleeping,
thy presence my light.
 
2. Be thou my wisdom,
and thou my true word;
I ever with thee
and thou with me, Lord;
 
thou and thou only,
first in my heart,
great God of heaven,
my treasure thou art.
 
3. Great God of heaven,
my victory won,
may I reach heaven’s joys,
O bright heaven’s Sun!
 
Heart of my own heart,
whatever befall,
still be my vision,
O Ruler of all.

*Benediction
Rev. David Petty

*Postlude
Cynthia Hibbetts

As I write this newsletter, we have just come through a blisteringly cold weekend where the temperatures got down in the negatives and the roads were covered with ice. These things remind me that we are indeed in the season of winter. Although it is still cold outside and the ground is still covered in snow and ice, the sun is shining, the days are getting longer, and there is hope on the horizon for brighter days ahead.
The same is true for our internal and external worlds. Perhaps you too have been through a difficult season. Perhaps the news you have encountered has caused you grief, heartbreak, sorrow, anger, or frustration. You are not alone.
But we as Christians are not people that live in despair or hopelessness. We move in action and hope. We work in healing and wholeness. We love through difficult times and we refuse to let the coldest headlines have the last word.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
— Romans 15:13
That verse doesn’t pretend everything is fine. It names the real need: we need filling. We need power. We need hope that isn’t just optimistic self-talk, but something God grows in us quietly, like roots working under frozen ground.
So if you’re weary, tender, or carrying anger and grief right now: you’re not failing at your faith. You’re human. And you don’t have to carry it alone. This is one of the reasons the church exists. We are a people who practice hope together: praying when someone else can’t find words, showing up with a meal, telling the truth, doing justice, extending mercy, and choosing love even when it's hard and the ground is covered in ice.
May the God of hope meet you this month with steady courage, unexpected joy, and the kind of peace that can hold you up when it feels like the world is wearing you down. May we be a community that helps each other notice the light returning one small faithful step at a time.

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.

Each communion Sunday thereafter we will have a basket for those who feel called to give above and beyond their pledge. This "second-mile" giving will help fund the pastor's discretionary fund, which helps meet community needs as they arise, such as gas, lodging, clothing, etc. Feel free to bring your spare cash and change to help make a change in the lives of those in need.

I want to say a tremendous THANK YOU first, to everyone who volunteered to help with Fellowship clean-up in 2025. You don't know how much your willingness to help is appreciated.

Secondly, THANK YOU to everyone who donated "goodies" for Christmas Eve. It is a special way we welcome all our guests on that special night.

It only takes about 20 minutes of Sunday mornings to do Fellowship clean-up. There is a sign-up sheet that covers two months at a time, this is passed around during service the sign-up for March and April will be passed around the middle of February and then be on the Volunteer table. Please help out and pick a Month that will work for you!

*February 17, Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper & a Movie

*March 29, Palm Sunday Potluck, Ham will be provided.
Please bring a side dish, salad or dessert to serve 10.

*April 2, Maundy Thursday Soup and service

Support St. Paul’s Youth!

Did you notice zucchini growing by the church’s main entrance this past summer? The youth learned about Jesus’ parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9, Mark 4:2-9 and Luke 8:4-8) as they tended their own small zucchini patch. Well, the fruits of their labor include extra zucchini and the kids will be baking and then hosting a bake sale Sunday February 8th in Waddell Hall following the morning worship service. Yes, there will be zucchini bread and muffins - but there will be a whole lot more!

The money they earn will help to fund future youth activities. Please support their good endeavors by purchasing lots of delicious goodies!

On February 17th we will hold our Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. What will be different is that the Staff and Church Leadership members will do the cooking and serving.
We will start serving at 5pm and continue through the movie. The movie “The Way” will begin at 5:30pm. The Lenten sermon series will be based on this movie.

Our menu will consist of sausage and bacon, eggs, and of course pancakes. We will have free gluten options available.

The funds that are raised by your generous donations, minus expenses, will be shared by 3 of our Community Events…Pumpkin Carving and dinner, Trunk or Treat, and the Family Christmas Event.

Our Lenten Study is “The Way” Study by Adam Hamilton. We will begin on Sunday, Feb. 22nd and conclude on Sunday, March 22nd.

We will embark on a most significant journey, we will be walking in the footsteps of Jesus during the course of his ministry. Along the way we will listen to Jesus teach, watch him perform miracles, spend time with his friends (not always the top tier of society!). and find yourself transformed. The book and video components of this study will “put you on the ground,” seeing and experiencing the things Jesus saw as he traveled the length and breadth of Galilee and Judea. This is not just a study of geography or history. It is a call to discipleship.

The study book is available on Amazon:

Paperback - $10.39
Kindle - $9.87
Audiobook - $10.49

St. Paul’s members- we need your help. If you know of anyone in our St. Paul’s family who is homebound, in a nursing home, or unable to come to church for a while, please let me know their name and phone number. I will be happy to contact them and see if they would appreciate having communion brought to them. Lu Petersen, 597-2824.

As the holidays approach, it’s never been a better time to purchase grocery cards from the church. They can be used at all Safeway and Kings Soopers stores. In addition to using them for your own grocery shopping, they make great gifts and stocking stuffers. They are as simple to use as a credit or debit card. You can purchase grocery cards for $25, $50, or $100. The cards never expire and you can use them multiple times until the entire balance on the card has been sent. Best of all, the church makes 5% of the face value of each card sold.

A number of students attending the TESLA school across the street from the church have some needs that you can help supply. They need food cards, deodorant (boys and girls scents), hairbrushes, toothpaste/toothbrushes, hoodies/sweaters (all adult sizes), and boys’ and girls’ t-shirts and long sleeve t-shirts (all adult sizes).
They have also asked for help with a food drive. You can donate grocery cards or non-perishables. Any assistance you can provide will let the young people know that people care about them.

We will be collecting coats for Springs Rescue Mission. A box is located in the Narthex.

The Children’s Ministry has been called to collect pop tabs to donate to the Ronald McDonald House.
A jar will be placed in the Narthex on the information table.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact
Valerie Cox @ 660-2446 or Valerie.cox29@outlook.com

Thank you everyone for the cards, prayers and well wishes after this last surgery. I am recovering well I just need to allow myself to rest. Thank you again for being the wonderful church family you have always been too me.

Thank you again,
Rachel Ford

Doug Meikle 2/2
Sharon Johnson 2/6
Elaine Bechtelheimer 2/10
Marty Brandt 2/10
Tyler Reese 2/13
Solana Henao 2/22
Jay Walters 2/22
Annie Marie Young 2/23
Gloria Brooks 2/24
Linda Waldroop 2/25

Gerry & Kerry Cooper
February 6, 1982
43 Years

Tom & Sharie Dane
February 14, 1994
31 Years

11:00a Adult Sunday School
5:00p Youth Group7:00p Vocal Fusion

Springs Rescue Mission is our January Monthly Mission. Springs Rescue Mission uses a holistic approach to overcoming homeless.
Understanding homelessness begins with understanding the complex causes and challenges that men and women face and dispelling the myths that we encounter.
Their holistic approach focuses on three pillars of life: housing,health and work. They believe that this approach gives guests the skills, knowledge and abilities they need to be active members of their communities.
They want more for their guests lives than just survival. We want them to truly thrive. In this effort, they hope to remind their guests of their inherent human dignity- that they are created in the image of God who loves them.
They offer clothing, breakfast and dinner, hygiene, housing, linens, household items and job training.

January 25, 2026 9:30 am Worship Service
Gathering

Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts

Welcome
Rev. David Petty

Crossing the Threshold

Call to Worship
Jackie Fletcher

*Gathering Hymn
Fisher of Men
 

I will make you fishers of men,
Fishers of men, fishers of men,
I will make you fishers of men
If you follow Me;
If you follow Me,
If you follow Me,
I will make you fishers of men
If you follow Me.
 

 Hear Christ calling, Come unto Me,
Come unto Me, Come unto Me;
Hear Christ calling, Come unto Me,
I will give you rest;
I will give you rest,
I will give you rest;
Hear Christ calling, Come unto Me,
I will give you rest.
 
*Worshiping Hymn
We Are Called
TFWS #2172
WORDS: David Haas (Mic. 6:8)
MUSIC: David Haas
© 1988 GIA Publications, Inc.
1. Come! Live in the light!
Shine with the joy and
the love of the Lord!
We are called
 
to be light for
the kingdom,
to live in the freedom
of the city of God!
 
Refrain
We are called
to act with justice,
we are called
to love tenderly,
we are called
to serve one another,
to walk humbly with God!
 
2. Come! Open your heart!
Show your mercy
to all those in fear!
We are called
 
to be hope
for the hopeless
so all hatred
and blindness
will be no more!
 
Refrain
We are called
to act with justice,
we are called
to love tenderly,
we are called
to serve one another,
to walk humbly with God!
 
3. Sing! Sing a new song!
Sing of that great day
when all will be one!
God will reign,
 
And we’ll walk
with each other
as sisters and brothers
united in love!
 
Refrain
We are called
to act with justice,
we are called
to love tenderly,
we are called
to serve one another,
to walk humbly with God!

*Passing the Peace of Christ

Mystery Box

Scripture Reading
Matthew 4:12-23
Jackie Fletcher

Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
“Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali,
on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the gentiles—
the people who sat in darkness
have seen a great light,
and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death
light has dawned.”
From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
 
As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishers. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
 
Jesus went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.

Prayer for Illumination
Leader: May the words of my mouth,
People: and the meditations of all of our hearts
All: be acceptable in your sight, O Lord our rock and our redeemer.
Psalm 19:14

Message
Called Into Community and Mission
Rev. David Petty

Prayer Song
You Are My Hiding Place
TFWS #2055
 
You are my hiding place.
You always fill my heart
with songs of deliverance,
 
whenever I am afraid,
I will trust in you,
I will trust in you.
 
Let the weak say,
“I am strong
in the strength
of the Lord.”
 
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer
Rev. David Petty
 
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

Invitation to Offering
Jackie Fletcher

Offertory

Prayer of Thanksgiving
Rev. David Petty
 
*Doxology
Praise God from Who 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!

*Closing Hymn/Song
 
*Closing Hymn
Here I Am, Lord
UMH #593
WORDS: Dan Schutte, 1981 (Is. 6:8)
© 1981, 1983, 1989 Daniel L. Schutte and NALR
1. I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in
dark and sin
my hand will save.
 
I who made the
stars of night,
I will make their
darkness bright.
Who will bear my
light to them?
Whom shall I send?
 
Refrain
Here I am, Lord.
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You
calling in the night.
 
I will go, Lord,
if You lead me.
I will hold
Your people in my heart.
 
2. I, the Lord of
snow and rain,
I have borne
my people’s pain.
I have wept for
love of them.
They turn away.
 
I will break
their hearts of stone,
give them hearts
for love alone.
I will speak my
word to them.
Whom shall I send?
 
Refrain
Here I am, Lord.
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you
calling in the night.
 
I will go, Lord,
if you lead me.
I will hold
your people in my heart.
 
3. I, the Lord
of wind and flame,
I will tend the
poor and lame,
I will set a feast for them.
My hand will save.
 
Finest bread
I will provide
till their hearts
are satisfied.
I will give my life to them.
Whom shall I send?
 
Refrain
Here I am, Lord.
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you
calling in the night.
 
I will go, Lord,
if you lead me.
I will hold
your people in my heart.

*Benediction
Rev. David Petty

*Postlude
Cynthia Hibbetts

Springs Rescue Mission is our January Monthly Mission. Springs Rescue Mission uses a holistic approach to overcoming homeless.
Understanding homelessness begins with understanding the complex causes and challenges that men and women face and dispelling the myths that we encounter.
Their holistic approach focuses on three pillars of life: housing,health and work. They believe that this approach gives guests the skills, knowledge and abilities they need to be active members of their communities.
They want more for their guests lives than just survival. We want them to truly thrive. In this effort, they hope to remind their guests of their inherent human dignity- that they are created in the image of God who loves them.
They offer clothing, breakfast and dinner, hygiene, housing, linens, household items and job training.

January 18, 2026 9:30 am Worship Service
Gathering

Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts

Welcome
Rev. David Petty

Crossing the Threshold

Call to Worship
CLM Twinkle Gordon

*Gathering Hymn
There’s a Wildness to God’s Mercy
UMH #121
WORDS: Frederick W. Faber, 1854
 
1. There’s a wideness
in God’s mercy
like the wideness of the sea;
there’s a kindness
in God’s justice,
which is more than liberty.
 
2. There is welcome
for the sinner,
and more graces
for the good!
There is mercy
with the Savior;
there is healing in his blood.
 
3. For the love of
God is broader
than the measure
of our mind;
and the heart
of the Eternal
is most wonderfully kind.
 
4. If our love were
but more simple,
we should rest
upon God’s word;
and our lives
would be illumined
by the presence of our Lord.
 
*Worshiping Hymn
Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us
UMH #381
 
1. Savior, like a
shepherd lead us,
much we need
thy tender care;
 
in thy pleasant
pastures feed us,
for our use
thy folds prepare.
 
Blessed Jesus,
blessed Jesus!
Thou hast bought us,
thine we are.
 
Blessed Jesus,
blessed Jesus!
Thou hast bought us,
thine we are.
 
2. We are thine,
thou dost befriend us,
be the guardian
of our way;
 
keep thy flock,
from sin defend us,
seek us when we
go astray.
 
Blessed Jesus,
blessed Jesus!
Hear, O hear us
when we pray.
 
Blessed Jesus,
blessed Jesus!
 Hear, O hear us
when we pray.
 
3. Thou hast promised
to receive us,
poor and sinful
though we be;
 
thou hast mercy
to relieve us,
grace to cleanse
and power to free.
 
Blessed Jesus,
blessed Jesus!
We will early
turn to thee.
 
Blessed Jesus,
blessed Jesus!
 We will early
turn to thee.
 
4. Early let us
seek thy favor,
early let us
do thy will;
 
blessed Lord
and only Savior,
with thy love
our bosoms fill.
 
Blessed Jesus,
blessed Jesus!
Thou hast loved us,
love us still.
 
Blessed Jesus,
blessed Jesus!
Thou hast loved us,
love us still.

*Passing the Peace of Christ

Mystery Box

Scripture Reading
John 1:29-42
CLM Twinkle Gordon

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Chosen One.”

The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).

Prayer for Illumination
Leader: May the words of my mouth,
People: and the meditations of all of our hearts
All: be acceptable in your sight, O Lord our rock and our redeemer.
Psalm 19:14

Message
The Power of Vulnerable Love
Rev. Hanna Miller

Prayer Song
Sweet, Sweet Spirit
UMH #334
WORDS: Doris Akers, 1962 
© 1962 Manna Music, Inc.

There’s a sweet,
sweet Spirit in this place,
and I know that it’s
the Spirit of the Lord;
 
there are sweet
expressions on each face,
and I know
they feel the presence
of the Lord.
 
Refrain
Sweet Holy Spirit,
sweet heavenly Dove,
stay right here with us,
filling us with your love;
 
and for these blessings
we lift our hearts in praise;
without a doubt we’ll know
that we have been revived
when we shall
leave this place.
 
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer
Rev. David Petty
 
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

Invitation to Offering
Jackie Fletcher

Offertory

Prayer of Thanksgiving
Rev. David Petty
 
*Doxology
Praise God from Who 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!

*Closing Hymn/Song
 
*Closing Hymn
Great is Thy Faithfulness
UMH #140
WORDS: Thomas O. Chisholm, 1923 (Lam. 3:22-23)
© 1923, renewed 1951 Hope Publishing Co.
 
1. Great is thy faithfulness,
O God my Father;
there is no shadow
of turning with thee;
 
thou changest not,
thy compassions,
they fail not;
as thou hast been,
thou forever wilt be.
 
Refrain
Great is thy faithfulness!
Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning
new mercies I see;
 
all I have needed
thy hand hath provided;
great is thy faithfulness,
Lord, unto me!
 
2. Summer and winter
and springtime
and harvest,
sun, moon, and stars
in their courses above
 
join with all nature in
manifold witness
to thy great faithfulness,
mercy, and love.
 
Refrain
Great is thy faithfulness!
Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning
new mercies I see;
 
all I have needed
thy hand hath provided;
great is thy faithfulness,
Lord, unto me!
 
3. Pardon for sin and a
peace that endureth,
thine own dear presence
to cheer and to guide;
 
strength for today
and bright hope
for tomorrow,
blessings all mine,
with ten thousand beside!
 
Refrain
Great is thy faithfulness!
Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning
new mercies I see;
 
all I have needed
thy hand hath provided;
great is thy faithfulness,
Lord, unto me!

*Benediction
Pastor Hanna Miller

*Postlude
Cynthia Hibbetts

Springs Rescue Mission is our January Monthly Mission. Springs Rescue Mission uses a holistic approach to overcoming homeless.
Understanding homelessness begins with understanding the complex causes and challenges that men and women face and dispelling the myths that we encounter.
Their holistic approach focuses on three pillars of life: housing,health and work. They believe that this approach gives guests the skills, knowledge and abilities they need to be active members of their communities.
They want more for their guests lives than just survival. We want them to truly thrive. In this effort, they hope to remind their guests of their inherent human dignity- that they are created in the image of God who loves them.
They offer clothing, breakfast and dinner, hygiene, housing, linens, household items and job training.

January 11, 2026 9:30 am Worship Service

Gathering

Prelude
Cynthia Hibbetts

Welcome
Rev. David Petty

Crossing the Threshold

Call to Worship
Nancy Gehrung

Leader: Today we come to the waters of grace.
People: We come to remember who we are.
Leader: We are claimed by love, grace, and forgiveness.
People: Let the spirit renew us. May the spirit of God fall fresh upon us.
Leader: This is the day that the Lord has made.
People: We shall rejoice and be glad in it!

*Gathering Hymn
Down to the River to Pray
W&S
 
1. As I went down to the
river to pray,
studyin’ about that
good ole way and who shall
wear the starry crown,
good Lord, show me the way.
 
O, sisters, let’s go down,
let’s go down, come on down.
Come on, sisters, let’s go down,
down to the river to pray.
 
2. As I went down to the
river to pray,
studyin’ about that
good ole way and who shall
wear the robe and crown,
good Lord, show me the way.
 
O, brothers, let’s go down,
let’s go down, come on down.
Come on, brothers, let’s go down,
down to the river to pray.
 
3. As I went down to the
river to pray,
studyin’ about that
good ole way and who shall
wear the starry crown,
good Lord, show me the way.
 
O, fathers, let’s go down,
let’s go down, come on down.
Come on, fathers, let’s go down,
down to the river to pray.
 
4. As I went down to the
river to pray,
studyin’ about that
good ole way and who shall
wear the robe and crown,
good Lord, show me the way.
 
O, mothers, let’s go down,
let’s go down, come on down.
Come on, mothers, let’s go down,
down to the river to pray.
 
5. As I went down to the
river to pray,
studyin’ about that
good ole way and who shall
wear the starry crown,
good Lord, show me the way.
 
O, sinners, let’s go down,
let’s go down, come on down.
Come on, sinners, let’s go down,
down to the river to pray.

*Worshiping Hymn
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
UMH #400
WORDS: Robert Robinson, 1758 (1 Sam. 7:12)
 
1. Come, thou Fount
of every blessing,
tune my heart
to sing thy grace;
 
streams of mercy,
never ceasing,
call for songs of
loudest praise.
 
Teach me some
melodious sonnet,
sung by flaming
tongues above.
 
Praise the mount!
I’m fixed upon it,
mount of thy
redeeming love.
 
2. Here I raise
mine Ebenezer;
hither by thy
help I’m come;
 
and I hope, by
thy good pleasure,
safely to
arrive at home.
 
Jesus sought me
when a stranger,
wandering from the
fold of God;
 
he, to rescue
me from danger,
interposed his
precious blood.
 
3. O to grace
how great a debtor
daily I’m
constrained to be!
 
Let thy goodness,
like a fetter,
bind my wandering
heart to thee.
 
Prone to wander,
Lord, I feel it,
prone to leave the
God I love;
 
here’s my heart,
O take and seal it,
seal it for thy
courts above.

*Passing the Peace of Christ

Mystery Box