Welcome to worship with Peace Mennonite Church. If this is your first time worshiping with us, please watch this welcome video from our pastor. You can find our church announcements here.
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.
Photo credit: Judy Johnson
Prelude: Zisuh nih a zultu hna sinah (a song from our new Mennonite hymnal)
Welcome: from Pastor Joanna
Opening Scripture: Psalm 146
Call to Worship: As we prepare to celebrate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, hear these words from King as our call to worship today.
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 today? 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.
The Lord’s Prayer: (You can stop after the text of the Lord’s Prayer or listen to the whole song.)
Hymn: God of the Bible; Sing the Journey #27
Scripture Reading: Luke 4: 14-30 (Today’s scripture starts about 2 minutes in; today’s reading ends at 4:50–after Jesus walks through the crowd. You can stop the video there or watch the rest.)
Sermon from Chris Becker, one of the pastors at Emmanuel Mennonite Church in St. Paul, MN (He’s really not scary, that’s just an awkward screen shot.)
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: Lift every voice and sing; Hymnal Worship Book #579 Full version:
Or a Shorter version–first verse only
Benediction: from the memorial service for George Floyd
Upcoming Daily Scripture Readings:
Monday: *Luke 5:1-11
Tuesday: Matthew 4:18-25; Mark 1:16-20
Wednesday: John 1:35-51
Thursday: Luke 5:12-26
Friday: Luke 5:27-39
*You can find the full list of Bible readings here.
Welcome to worship with Peace Mennonite Church. If this is your first time worshiping with us, please watch this welcome video from our pastor. You can find our church announcements here.
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.
“Make Straight the Paths” Photo credit: Marike Janzen
Prelude: What Wondrous Love is This from Twila
Opening Scripture: Psalm 51:6-17
Call to Worship:
Gathering Hymn: Come, gracious Spirit; Hymnal Worship Book #303 (words to verse 4 are different)
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.
And here is a prayer for this week from Mennonite Church USA Executive Director Glen Guyton:
Dear God, Grant us your peace this day. Help us to be effective instruments of your peace as we live out our call. Help us to love our neighbor and trust in your transforming power. Grant us wisdom in conversations. Let us appreciate each and every one of your creations. Watch over us and protect us in this time of uncertainty. In Jesus’ name, Amen
The Lord’s Prayer:
Hymn: On Jordan’s banks the Baptist’s cry, Hymnal Worship Book #183 (words slightly altered)
Scripture Reading: Luke 3:1-20
and Luke 3:21-22
Sermon (It’s a little long . . . it’s been a long week . . . )
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 at the bottom of our announcements page for information on giving to other organizations who need funding at this time.
Service Story from Dave Mathis
I became interested in pursuing training and approval as a mediator as a result of working with the Offender Victim Ministry (OVM) office in Newton, Kansas starting in January, 2017. At the time, this seemed like a good way to refocus my energy as I anticipated retiring from my work of 34 years with Barkman Honey Company.
In my work with juvenile offenders who were directed to our office as a pre-sentencing diversion opportunity by the county D.A., my eyes were opened to the severe limitations and inequities of the criminal justice system in our country. Simply put, this system is just not designed to thoughtfully consider the positions and impact of victims, offenders, and the community at large. Instead, it has as its primary function the process of determining the innocence or guilt of the alleged offender and to mete out punishment accordingly.
I felt a true sense of ministry with this work of reconciliation and justice and determined I needed formal training to become better equipped. As such, I first went to Johnson County Community College for basic training in Core Mediation and then eventually received further training for Parent Adolescent Mediation. I have now been serving for several years as a Kansas Supreme Court approved mediator and parent-adolescent mediator.
Since moving to Lawrence in February, 2019 I have become active in mediation for small claims court for both Douglas County and Johnson County. In addition, I have participated with victim/offender mediation for the Topeka Center for Peace and Justice. I have also been involved with a number of parent-adolescent mediations at the request of OVM in Newton. My sense of true ministry in all of this work remains vivid and vibrant, which continually reminds me that ministry is where we find ourselves, regardless of the vocation (or in my case, volunteerism) in which we are currently involved.
*You can read more service stories and find out how to submit your story here.
Closing Hymn: As I went down to the river, Sing the Journey #79
Benediction:
Upcoming Daily Scripture Readings:
Monday: *Luke 4:14-30
Tuesday: Matthew 4:12-17
Wednesday: Luke 4:31-44
Thursday: Mark 1:21-28
Friday: Matthew 8:14-17
*You can find the full list of Bible readings here.
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.
You are also welcome to join us for our Peace Pursuits Bible study and topic discussions on Wednesday nights. More church announcements are here.
Photo credit: Rick Sutton (Katie’s uncle)
PianoPrelude: “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” performed by Whitney Baker
Opening Scripture:
Call to Worship from Katie
Gathering Hymn: Hail the Bless’d Morn, HWB 221
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.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Hymn: Oh, Beautiful Star of Bethlehem, STS 32
Hymn: Arise, Your Light Is Come, STS 30
Sermon& Scripture Reading: This week’s sermon comes from Pastor Asia Frye and her 12 year old daughter Abby Frye of McPherson, Kansas.
Song for Reflection: Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness, HWB 220
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: I Want to Walk As A Child of the Light, STJ 95 (words below)
Verse 1: I want to walk as a child of the light. I want to follow Jesus. God set the stars to give light to the world. The star of my life is Jesus.
Refrain: In him there is no darkness at all. The night and the day are both alike. The Lamb in the light of the city of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.
Verse 2: I want to see the brightness of God. I want to look at Jesus. Clear Sun of Righteousness, shine on my path, and show me the way to the Father.
Benediction: by Katie
Upcoming Daily Scripture Readings:
Week of January 4
Monday: *Luke 3:1-22
Tuesday: Matthew 3
Wednesday: Mark 1:1-14
Thursday: Luke 3:23-38
Friday: Luke 4:1-13
*You can find the full list of Bible readings here.
Welcome to worship with Peace Mennonite Church. If this is your first time worshiping with us, please watch this welcome video from our pastor. You can find our church announcements here.
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.
Our church nativity set from Peru.
Prelude: Mary’s Boy Child performed by Jim Krause
Welcome and Call to Worship: from Andrea Zuercher
Opening Scripture:
Gathering Hymn: Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Hymnal Worship Book #201
Hymn: O Come, all ye faithful, Hymnal A Worship Book #212
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.
The Lord’s Prayer: In Old English
Hymns:
Beautiful Star of Bethlehem, Sing the Story #32
Joy to the World, Hymnal Worship Book #318
Lo, how a rose e’er blooming, Hymnal Worship Book #211
Brief introduction to the Gospel of Luke: from Pastor Joanna
Special Music: Come darkness, come night, performed by Andrea Zuercher
Hymns:
O little town of Bethlehem, Hymnal a Worship Book #191
O how joyfully, Hymnal a Worship Book #209
The first Noel, Hymnal a Worship Book #199
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.
Benediction: from Andrea Zuercher
Closing Hymn: Holy Child within the manger, Sing the Story #28
Welcome to worship with Peace Mennonite Church. If this is your first time worshiping with us, please watch this welcome video from our pastor. You can find our church announcements here.
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.
Below is a slide show of some nativities collected by Ken and Ginger Ratzlaff.
Prelude: With Mary sing Magnificat; from the Voices Together hymnal
Opening Scripture: Psalm 113
Welcome and Advent Candle-Lighting: from Sara, Perry, and Piper
Gathering Hymn: The Angel Gabriel; Hymnal Worship Book #180 (They sing an extra verse in the video.)
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.
We share a prayer of gratitude this week for the 5th grade class from Woodlawn Elementary that made and delivered some tasty treats to Peace Mennonite on Thursday and Friday. Some of us were there to receive the treats and a few others had some brought to them. We gave their teacher a copy of the holiday recipes from Rosie and Becky and a packet of zinnia seeds.
I invite you to keep the students, families, teachers, and staff of Woodlawn in your prayers over this winter break and into the next semester. Below is a slideshow of the winter and Christmas poems the 5th graders included with their goody bags:
The Lord’s Prayer (in Arabic):
Children’s Time: Mennonite Central Committee helps teach refugee children in Lebanon
You can learn more about Syrian refugees in Lebanon with this “Hello!” page.
Hymn: No wind at the window; Sing the Story #11 (Lyrics in video)
Sermon
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: My soul proclaims your greatness, Lord (Lyrics on video)
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.
You are also welcome to join us on Zoom for Christmas Eve worship at 7 p.m..
You can find more information about church activities here.
Scroll through the pictures below to see some of our Peace Mennonite Christmas decorations.
Prelude: “What Child is This” from Elinor and Whitney
Welcome and Candle Lighting: From Sarah, Piper, and Perry
Opening Scripture:
Gathering Hymn: Come, walk in the light, Sing the Story #10
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.
Hymn: Hark! The Glad Sound; Hymnal, Worship Book 184
Scripture Reading and Sermon:
Song of Response: A Place at the Table
Bonus Video: Joy throughout the Bible!
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: My Soul Cries Out, Sing the Story #124
Benediction:
Upcoming Daily Scripture Readings:
Monday: Matthew 1:1-17
Tuesday: *Luke 1:1-38
Wednesday: *Luke 1:39-56
Thursday: Luke 1:57-80
Friday: Matthew 1:18-24
*You can find the full list of Bible readings here.
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.
You are also welcome to join us for our Peace Pursuits Bible study and topic discussions on Wednesday nights. More church announcements are here.
Photo credit: Gwen Wien
PianoPrelude: “First Noel” performed by Whitney Baker and Elinor
Welcome & Candle Lighting from Sara & Perry
Opening Scripture:
Call to Worship from Joe
Gathering Hymn: Come, Come Emmanuel, Sing the Story #7
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.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Hymn: O Come, O Come, Immanuel, HWB 172. Lyrics are on the screen.
Children’s Time:
Hymn: Come Thou Long Expected Jesus, HWB 178, Verses 1-2 in hymnal, Verse 3 below! Sung by Jim and Patrice, with the following third verse written by Jim.
Verse 3: Come thou long expected Jesus to a world enslav’d by greed, Where the want of love is greatest, by that love supply our need. Barren hearts that know no wonder, warring souls that know no peace, Come thou spirit of love and fill us with the wonder of thy grace.
Sermon& Scripture Reading: This week’s sermon comes from Rev. Dr. Valerie Miller-Coleman, Sr. Pastor at Plymouth Congregational Church.
Song for Reflection: Creator of the Stars of Night, HWB 177
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.
Peace & Justice Committee Announcement from Susan
Closing Hymn: It is well with my soul
Benediction: by Joe Casad
Upcoming Daily Scripture Readings:
Monday: Isaiah 40
Tuesday: Isaiah 43
Wednesday: Isaiah 55
Thursday: Isaiah 58
Friday: *Isaiah 61
*You can find the full list of Bible readings here.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
You are also welcome to join us for our Peace Pursuits Bible study and topic discussions on Wednesday nights. More church announcements are here.
“Fall Leaves on Birch Bark” by Sonja Kaufman
Prelude: O Love, that will not let me go
Welcome:
Opening Scripture:
Call to Worship: This call to worship is in honor of International Transgender Day of Remembrance, which was this past Friday, November 20.
Gathering Hymn: Come ye thankful people, come (Hymnal Worship Book #94)
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.
This week I invite you to pray for the people of Central America who have been battered by hurricanes Eta and Iota over the last couple of weeks.
MCC asks for support for Central American hurricane recovery. Not one, but two hurricanes within two weeks have caused extensive flooding in Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua. Hurricanes Eta and Iota have destroyed crops and forced people from their homes. MCC is working with churches and community organization to provide emergency food, hygiene supplies and cleanup support. Join us as we help these communities recover. You can donate online, by phone (888) 563-4676 or by mail at MCC, 21 S. 12th St., PO Box 500, Akron PA 17501.
“It’s only November, yet 2020 is the deadliest year on record for the transgender community.
“November 20, is Transgender Day of Remembrance. The observance grew out of a vigil for Rita Hester, a member of the Boston LGBTQ+ community who worked locally on education around trans issues and nurtured many of the city’s LGBTQ+ youth. She was killed in her home on November 28, 1998, a few days shy of her 35th birthday. Twenty-two years later, her murder has not been solved.
“This year, at least 34 transgender or gender non-conforming people have been murdered by violent means in the United States. This number is likely higher; victims are, to this day, often misgendered in local police statements and media reports, which can delay awareness of deadly incidents. The majority of these victims, like Hester, were Black transgender women living at the intersection of racism, homophobia, and transphobia.”
I invite you to pray this prayer, written by Rabbi Reuben Zellman, an openly transgender rabbi:
God full of mercy, bless the souls of all who are in our hearts on this Transgender Day of Remembrance. We call to mind today young and old, of every race, faith, and gender experience, who have died by violence. We remember those who have died because they would not hide, or did not pass, or did pass, or stood too proud. Today we name them: the reluctant activist; the fiery hurler of heels; the warrior for quiet truth; the one whom no one really knew.
As many as we can name, there are thousands more whom we cannot, and for whom no prayers may have been said. We mourn their senseless deaths, and give thanks for their lives, for their teaching, and for the brief glow of each holy flame. We pray for the strength to carry on their legacy of vision, bravery, and love.
And as we remember them, we remember with them the thousands more who have taken their own lives. We pray for resolve to root out the injustice, ignorance, and cruelty that grow despair. And we pray, God, that all those who perpetrate hate and violence will speedily come to understand that Your creation has many faces, many genders, many holy expressions.
Blessed are they, who have allowed their divine image to shine in the world.
Blessed is God, in whom no light is extinguished.”
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: Be thou my vision (Hymnal Worship Book # 545)
Benediction:
Upcoming Daily Scripture Readings:
Monday: Daniel 2
Tuesday: Daniel 3
Wednesday: Daniel 5
Thursday: *Daniel 6
Friday: Daniel 12
*You can find the full list of Bible readings here.
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.
You are also welcome to join us for our Peace Pursuits Bible study and topic discussions on Wednesday nights. More church announcements are here.
Prelude: Heilig, Heilig, Heilig
Opening Scripture:
Call to Worship: from Psalm 105
Gathering Hymn: Let all mortal flesh keep silence; Hymnal Worship Book #463
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.
This week, I invite you to pray for Peace Mennonite Church in Dallas, TX.
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: Holy, Holy, Holy; Hymnal Worship Book #120 West Coast Mennonite Men’s Chorus
Benediction:
Upcoming Daily Scripture Readings:
Monday: Jeremiah 1
Tuesday: Jeremiah 18
Wednesday: Jeremiah 29:1-14
Thursday: *Jeremiah 31
Friday: *Jeremiah 36
*You can find the full list of Bible readings here.
Peace Mennonite Church 