Welcome to worship with Peace Mennonite Church. If this is your first time worshiping with us, please watch this welcome video from our pastor.
Whether you are new to Peace or a regular participant, we are glad you are with us in worship and invite you to join us for our Zoom discussion and prayer time at 11:00 each Sunday morning. Simply click this link.
More church announcements are here.
Advent Package Unpacking!
*Just a few notes:
- Sorry the bag crinkling is so loud!
- We have not yet received our new hymnals. Once they arrive, we will get them distributed to those of you who bought your own copies and to those who want to borrow a church copy.
- If you are missing something from your Advent package that you would like to have, please let Joanna know.
Prelude: Where you Are by Rich Mullins
Welcome and Candle Lighting from Sara and Piper
(Be sure to watch all the way to the end.)
Opening Scripture: Luke 23:1-5
Call to Worship: Adapted from Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum Liturgy Resource Toolbox
On the International Day of Solidarity with Palestine, we gather in the name of Jesus Christ who is our peace and has broken down the dividing wall that is the hostility between us.
We gather to remember those who are displaced and dispossessed as a result of an illegal occupation, and we pray for their hope in your love and your justice.
We gather to remember all those who suffer under wars and conflict and to invite all people of goodwill to join in prayer for justice, peace, and reconciliation.
We gather in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land, longing with them for the time when nothing will separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gathering Hymn: “Praise the One who breaks the darkness” Sing the Story #1
Congregational Prayer:
You are invited to offer your prayers to God. For what are you thankful this morning? What would you ask of God for yourself? Who do you know who needs God’s loving presence right now? What are your prayers for our community, our country, and our world?
Feel free to share your prayers with people around you, in the comments below, or on our Zoom call at 11 Sunday morning.
I encourage you to pray for Palestine using the Sabeel Waves of Prayer web site.
The Lord’s Prayer in Aramaic from Palestine
Hymn: Fling wide the door, unbar the gate; Hymnal Worship Book #186
Scripture Reading: Daniel 6:6-27
Sermon: Hope in God, Not Empire
(You can find a text version of the sermon on Joanna’s blog.)
Note: I chose not to post the maps I referred to in my sermon because I learned that they are not completely accurate. Like I said, the conflict is complicated and difficult to summarize. Regardless of the critiques about certain maps that are circulating, it is true that the Israeli military continues to destroy Palestinian property and seize Palestinian land.
Resources related to the sermon:
- “Save Oak Flats” web site
- Western District Conference panel discussion of “Racial Justice from Palestine to the US.”
- Profile of Ahed Tamimi, a Palestinian teenager
Song for Reflection: Little Drummer Boy (filmed in Bethlehem)
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).
See the “How and Where to Give” section of our announcements page for information on giving to other organizations who need funding at this time.
Closing Hymn: Rejoice, rejoice, the Savior comes; Sing the Story #4
Benediction:
Upcoming Daily Scripture Readings:
- Monday: Hosea 1
- Tuesday: Hosea 11:1-11; 14
- Wednesday: Joel 1
- Thursday:* Joel 2
- Friday: Joel 3
*You can find the full list of Bible readings here.
Peace Mennonite Church 