A bold step of faith in uncertain times
I feel incredibly blessed and grateful to be part of the Hillspring leadership. Each week I have the privilege of serving within a community that is intentionally striving to be Kingdom-focused—prioritizing the purposes, values, and expansion of God’s Kingdom. This calling moves us beyond simply attending church and invites us into actively living out God’s mission. It means pursuing redemptive influence and bringing the principles of heaven on earth into our everyday lives.
One of the primary ways we live out this mission is through our 5th Sunday Offering. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it became painfully clear that many people were facing deep uncertainty. Jobs were lost, and the future felt fragile for countless families. In a bold step of faith, we decided that 100% of giving on every 5th Sunday would go directly toward meeting the needs of others.
Our very first 5th Sunday offering took place on April 26, 2020, and six years later, we remain deeply committed to this practice of generosity. To date, these offerings have totaled over $500,000, allowing us to extend compassion and tangible support to many ministries and individuals in need.
March 29 marks the first 5th Sunday of 2026. In previous years, we designated one specific ministry as the recipient of the offering. However, because the size of each offering varies, we have decided this year to highlight one ministry while pooling the funds so they can be distributed where the need is greatest.
This Sunday we will highlight our Honduran ministry, while the funds will also support several of our partner ministries, including Grace Clinic, which compassionately shares the love of Christ through free healthcare; Second Harvest’s Mobile Market, which serves families experiencing food insecurity in East Kennewick each month; and Hillspring’s own community engagement ministries.
I have personally never been in a position where I needed assistance of this kind, and that reality only strengthens my conviction to help those who find themselves facing unimaginable circumstances. Jesus continually broke down barriers of selfishness and called His followers to lives marked by mercy, compassion, and love. He set the example for us to be His hands and feet, caring for the vulnerable and those in need.
This particular 5th Sunday also falls on Palm Sunday, the day we remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, marking the beginning of Holy Week and the journey toward His crucifixion. The donkey symbolized Jesus as a humble King of peace—one who came not with earthly power or conquest, but with gentleness and a path to redemption. Even in the final week before His sacrifice, Jesus revealed a kingdom defined by humility and love.
In Matthew 25:40, Jesus reminds us:
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
As we approach Holy Week, my prayer is that we never lose sight of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice and that we continue the lifelong journey of becoming more like Him.
Blessings,
Peggy Zumhofe
Executive Pastor
