Peace Mennonite Home-Based Worship: March 29, 2020

You are encouraged to enter into worship in an intentional way this morning. That might mean creating a special worship space in your home, lighting a candle, or simply closing your eyes and taking a few deep breaths. Some of you might also appreciate having a knitting, coloring, or other project available as you listen to the audio parts of this service.

Prelude from Ed Faris

Scripture Reading: John 11:1-45 (read by Rosie Claassen from The Message)

Welcome from Pastor Joanna:

This is the day that our God has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Whatever your day holds, I am so grateful you are choosing to spend part of it with Peace Mennonite Church in home-based worship.

Please note:

• This week’s announcements can be found on our web site.
• This Tuesday (March 31) is the deadline for regular PMC participants to fill out this brief survey.
• You are invited to join us for sharing prayer concerns and conversation on Zoom each Sunday morning at 11. Simply click this link.
• Feel free to share any prayer requests or reflections on the scripture in the comments section at the bottom of this post.

It is a privilege for us to worship together this morning–in spirit and in truth. May this time of worship soothe your soul and strengthen you for the days ahead. May the peace of Christ be with you.

Call to Worship (based on Psalm 130)

In the wilderness we cry out to our God.
In the wilderness our souls wait.
In the wilderness we hope in God’s word.
In the wilderness we know God’s steadfast love.
And so, in the wilderness, we worship together.

Hymn of Praise (chosen by Anne Bailey)

Congregational Prayer:

How can we hold you in prayer  this week? Please consider sharing with the community by joining our 11:00 Zoom call, commenting below, or emailing Pastor Joanna.

As you pray, silently or aloud:

• Give God thanks for what is good and beautiful in your life and in the world right now.
• Pray for those who are struggling and suffering–include any prayer requests you know of from others in our church community and prayers for those impacted by COVID-19.
• Pray for God’s wisdom and guidance in your life.
• Conclude with the Lord’s Prayer.

Children’s Time from Melissa Atchison (who will be the sabbatical coverage pastor for PMC this summer) This video is for everyone–not just children.

Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-14 (Read by Rosie Claassen)

Reflection from Joe Casad:

Offertory Music from Ed Farris

Offering:

You are invited to mail your financial contributions to the church (615 Lincoln St., Lawrence, KS, 66044) or to the home of our treasurer, Roberta Renz (address in the church directory).

If you are able, please consider an additional contribution to help those in particular need right now. Some suggestions are:

• Peace Mennonite Benevolence fund (mail to church or Roberta Renz, write “benevolence” in memo line)
• For our LINK participation, we are contributing money to First Baptist Church who will provide sack lunches and water bottles for LINK guests. Online giving is here. (Select “operating fund” and write “LINK” in the notes box.) Or mail a check to: 1330 Kasold Drive, Lawrence, KS, 66049
• Various community organizations including Family Promise.

Offertory Prayer:

God of the wilderness,
We give these offerings in gratitude,
rejoicing in the abundance of your gifts to us.
We give these offerings in faith,
trusting that you will provide for our needs.
We give these offerings in hope,
knowing you can use them to spread your love in this world.
And with these offerings, we give ourselves;
May we live with generous hearts, with open hands. Amen

Prayer Hymn: (selected by Anne Bailey; Choose one or both.)

Prayer:

God,
Death is all around us.
Of course death is not new,
but we feel it in new and difficult ways right now.
Breathe the breath of your Spirit
Into the dry places of our lives,
Into the wastelands of our hearts.
Breathe and fill us
With your love,
Your grace,
Your purpose,
Your Life.
Amen.

Closing Hymn (from Joe Casad)

Benediction from Romans 8:38

Friends, may you hear and believe the Good News of the Gospel:

“Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”