|
Peace SundaySermon seedsFocusing on peace at this difficult time of economic hardship can be both a challenge and a hopeful spell check for the church. How do our current priorities align with Jesus’ way of nonviolence, justice and peace?A number of sermon themes can be drawn from the lectionary text of James 3-4. While you may use examples of individual peacemakers, be sure to emphasize that the intent of James’ letter was to call the whole church to peaceful, righteous relationships and life. Additional commentary is available at http://www.preachingpeace.org/yearb/proper20.htm The Harvest of Peacemaking: James 3:13-18 Few things are more satisfying than a “harvest of righteousness” sown in peace! September is a harvest season in many agricultural communities. Draw the parallels of a healthy, full crop harvest (and all that leads up to it) with the harvest of righteousness that awaits God’s peacemakers. Tell the story of Ted Studebaker, a young farmer who planted a harvest of righteousness during the Vietnam War. See http://www.mcc.org/us/co/profiles/studebaker.html or Ted Studebaker: A Man Who Loved Peace (see ideas for children). What does, or should, a harvest of righteousness, sown in peace, look like in your church? In your community? Building Community…Building Peace (2009 International Day of Prayer for Peace theme) James 3:13- 4:8a gives the church some very helpful insights for building peace together. These involve living in God’s way of wisdom, getting to the root causes of our conflicts, humbling ourselves, and drawing near to God who wants to draw near to us. Chicken Sunday is a good children’s story to accompany this sermon emphasis. What does and what could your congregation do to build community in peaceful ways, within the congregation and beyond? Friends of God James 4:4-6 is not included in the lectionary text, and this emphasis requires a flip of the script in verse 4: “friend of the world” and “enemy of God.” What does it mean to be a community of peacemakers who are God’s friends? Tie it together with James 3:13-18. Ask a good reader to present a dramatic reading of the poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, Conscientious Objector. You can find this poem online at http://www.caterina.net/paw/archives/000145.html. Worship and the arts What does a “harvest of peacemaking” look like? Create a visual for worship that depicts this kind of harvest. Use the cornucopia idea, but substitute symbols of righteousness, peace and justice for the usual fruits and vegetables. You can also create a similar display in PowerPoint, looped in a slide show before the service begins. Top of page Print this page Sample worship outlineGathering songs
#671 HWB, #120 or #122 SJ
Ask one or two lay persons to lead the congregation in prayer for peace and other aspects of the congregation’s life. Song of assurance
“May the peace of Christ be with you.” Children’s story Choose a story that fits the sermon theme (see sermon seeds). Hearing God’s word The word of God is solid ground, #314 HWB Scripture reading: James 3:13-4:8a Sermon (see sermon seeds) Song of response
Prayer of dedication Our life together – announcements Sending forth Pray a prayer of blessing or sing
Top of Page Print this page Ideas for children, youth, and young adultsIdeas for childrenUse one of these books for a children’s story before or during the sermon, or as a part of children’s church. Scan the pages into PowerPoint slides so everyone can enjoy the illustrations as the story is told.
You might also consider using mission bank teaching tools from Mennonite Mission Network for an offering project – “Ecuador: Building relationships with Quito Mennonite Church” is available at www.mennonitemission.net/MissionBank. Consider participating in an offering project for a peacemaking effort in your local community. Ideas for youth and young adults Send an e-mail about the call to Christian discipleship and peacemaking to all the youth and young adults (and copy their parents) associated with your congregation. Include links to these Web sites:
Resources
Top of Page Print this page |
