Welcome to Lithia Springs Methodist Church
Sunday worship bulletin for March 22, 2026
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A printable PDF version of this bulletin can be downloaded here.
The flowers in the chancel area are given to the glory of God
Chiming of the Hour
Glenn McElroy
Welcome, Announcements, and Invocation
Rev. Thomas Long
Prelude
“What Wondrous Love Is This”
Glenn McElroy
Arr. Marvin Gaspard
Responsive Call to Worship*
Psalm 130
Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;
Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.
If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.
I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.
Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.
He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.
Choral Response*
“O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing”
№ 1
O for a thousand tongues to sing,
my great Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of His grace!
Words by Charles Wesley, music by Carl G. Glaser
CCLI 1152573
Hymn*
“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”
№ 279
Affirmation of Faith*
The Apostles’ Creed
№ 691
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Scripture*
Zach Varnell
Matthew 21:1-11
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”
This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”
The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”
The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Leader: This is the Word of God for the people of God.
People: Thanks be to God.
Anthem
“Alas, and Did My Savior Bleed”
Chancel Choir
Arr. Allen
Pastoral Prayer; Lord’s Prayer
Rev. Thomas Long
Children’s Time
Rev. Thomas Long
Offertory Prayer
Rev. Thomas Long
For online giving, visit: https://613e4b45.churchtrac.com/give
Offertory
“For Those Tears I Died”
Glenn McElroy
By Marsha J. Stevens
Doxology*
№ 682
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Words Thomas Ken; Music Louis Bourgeois
CCLI 1152573
Hymn*
“Beneath the Cross of Jesus”
№ 248
Scripture*
Sarah Varnell
Matthew 27:11-26
Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied.
When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.
Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus Barabbas. So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him.
While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.”
But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.
“Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they answered.
“What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify him!”
“Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”
When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!”
All the people answered, “His blood is on us and on our children!”
Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
Leader: This is the Word of God for the people of God.
People: Thanks be to God.
Sermon
Rev. Thomas Long
Hymn*
“The Power of the Cross”
№ 237
Benediction
Rev. Thomas Long
Postlude
“Crown Him with Many Crowns”
Glenn McElroy
Arr. Anna Laura Page
If you have been visiting with us, we would love to be able to connect with you!
Please take a Visitor’s Card from the pew, complete it, and place it in the offering plate.
Thank you for worshiping with us!
This Week’s Schedule
Today, March 22:
9:45 a.m. Adult Sunday School
9:45 a.m. Children’s Sunday School
11:00 a.m. Sunday Worship Service
4:00 p.m. Youth Group
Monday, March 23:
5:00 p.m. Tutoring
7:00 p.m. Scouts Troop 62
Tuesday, March 24:
5:00 p.m. Tutoring
6:30 p.m. HVAC Meeting
Wednesday, March 25:
4:00 p.m. Prayer Group
6:45 p.m. Dress Rehearsal Handbell Choir
7:15 p.m. Dress Rehearsal Chancel Choir
Thursday, March 26:
5:00 p.m. Tutoring
Sunday, March 29:
9:45 a.m. Adult Sunday School
9:45 a.m. Children’s Sunday School
11:00 a.m. Palm Sunday Worship Service
12:00 p.m. Luncheon
Youth Group Meeting – Today at 4pm
Youth ages 10 and up are invited to meet in the Children’s Building at 4:00 PM. We meet every other Sunday. Please remember to bring your books.
March Mission: Bring a friend!
Braves Game Night Out
Join us Friday, May 15 to watch the Atlanta Braves vs. Boston Red Sox at 7:00 PM! Tickets are approximately $35 per person (tax included). Payment is due by April 26. We will meet at the church and travel together by van to the stadium. Only 5 seats remain, so be sure to sign up soon using the insert in the bulletin!
Easter Cantata – “Worthy The Lamb”
Our Easter Cantata, “Worthy The Lamb,” will be presented during the worship service next Sunday, March 29th. We invite you to join us for this special time of music and celebration.
Palm Sunday Luncheon
On Palm Sunday, following the Easter Cantata, please join us for a luncheon in the Fellowship Hall. The church will provide the meat and drinks. We kindly ask that you bring a side dish or dessert to share. We look forward to this special time of fellowship together!
Good Friday Service
Join us on Friday, April 3 at 7:00 PM as we gather for a solemn time of worship and reflection on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Community Easter Egg Hunt – Donations Needed!
Easter is quickly approaching and we are excited to prepare for our annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 4 at 2:00 PM! To help make this special community event a success, we are collecting: wrapped candy (no chocolate, please), small toys and trinkets, and themed baskets to give away during the hunt. Donations can be dropped off in the Children’s Building. Our egg hunt is a cherished tradition and a wonderful opportunity to welcome families to our church community. Your generosity helps us create a joyful and meaningful experience for all who attend.
Children’s Church Volunteers Needed
Our Children’s Ministry is looking for volunteers who would be willing to serve occasionally in Children’s Church. Volunteers will lead the Bible lesson for the day, but all lessons will be provided in advance and all crafts and supplies will be prepared for you. This is a wonderful opportunity to help guide and encourage our children as they grow in their faith. Even serving periodically can make a meaningful difference. If you are interested in helping, please contact the church office or speak with Jess Arther.
Prayer Requests
Please remember to lift up our brothers and sisters in Christ in your prayers throughout the week:
Susan Bennet • Betty Andrews • Mike & Pam Arther • Sherry & George Walker • Sandra Rodriguez • Kim & Danny Wine • McCant Hayes • Hannah & Gabrielle Beaujean • Vallorie Wood • Ron Black • Margaret Arnold • Stephanie Dallas • Caleb Elijah McCall • Alan Hembree • Wanda Wilkerson • Adrianne Forehand • Karen Forehand & Family • Bently
To contact the church office,
please send correspondence to
office@lithiaspringsmethodist.org
PastorThomas@lithiaspringsmethodist.org
or call 770.948.5429
Office hours 10am-2pm
lithiaspringsmethodist.org
youtube.com/@LithiaSpringsMethodistChurch
facebook.com/LithiaSpringsMC
instagram.com/lithiaspringsmethodistchurch
For online giving, visit: https://613e4b45.churchtrac.com/give