Love Wins Good Friday Reflection
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!

Scripture Introduction:
Isaiah prophecies our mystery of faith. Christ has taken on our sins, He has died so that as we believe, we shall be saved. Christ is risen, death and the tomb can not hold him. Christ will come again!
Our psalm so eloquently and emotionally meets the emotional laden challenge of describing what we have come to believe. Yet in our daily human lives we relive the pain, anguish and torture that Jesus took on upon himself so that we may have life everlasting. Thank God the price is paid.
Hebrews 10 builds upon Jesus as our High Priest and the Son of God.
John eloquently and chronologically factually describes the mortal human torture Christ experiences taking on the sins of mankind. Thank you Jesus!

Scripture:
We like sheep have gone astray; we have all turned to our own way, and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Is. 53:6.
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning? Ps. 22:1.
Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?” John 18:11.

Prayer:
We veil our faces before your glory,
O Holy and Immortal one,
and bow before the cross of your wounded Christ.
with angels and archangels,
we praise you, our Mercy,
and we bless you, our Compassion,
for in our brokenness
you have not abandoned us.
Hear us as we pray through Jesus, our high priest:
heal all division,
reconcile the estranged,
console the suffering,
and raise up to new life
all that is bound by death. Amen.

Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?
performed by Rethink Worship

Prayer:
In this holy time,
as we remember the sacrifice of the cross,
we offer the prayers of our hearts,
that through them we may be transformed
to be servants of justice, love and peace.
Make us steadfast witnesses of our Savior’s reign,
that we may live in the pattern of Christ,
who was faithful in all things,
even death,
and whose darkest hour gives light and hope. Amen.

Three Nails and a Cross
George Strait

He was sitting on the front porch of a half-way house
Chainin’ cigarettes and drinkin’ coffee
I was walkin’ by on my way home
Stopped and said, hello, how are ya.
He looked at me and said, I’ve seen better days
I looked at him and said, there’s a better way.

Prayer:
Grieving God,
on the cross
your Son embraced death
even as he had embraced life:
faithfully and with good courage.
Grant that we who have been
born out of his wounded side
may hold fast to our faith in him exalted
and may find mercy in all times of need. Amen.

We are all stewards spreading the Word of Jesus’ blessings for His people.
Picnic Fellowship Activities for the Entire Family!

Of course lively discussion and activities will be available!
Perhaps you may prefer to sit and visit!
Please Contact Us with Special Requests!

Last Supper Reflection
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!

Scripture Introduction:
Mandy Thursday. Last Supper. Matthew, Mark and Luke describe the Last Supper Jesus shared with His apostles. Imagine the emotion we might feel if we knew that we would be crucified on the next day! Many of us might choose to not participate in supper. Yet once again our Lord, the Great Teacher, the Obedient Son, the Sacrificial Lamb, took this opportunity to share the glorious celebration that we as believers will engage in communion with one another as we share in the Body and Blood of our Savior, who unselfishly died with and for our sins so that we are saved through our belief in Him! Thank God!

Scripture:
The Lord Jesus on the night when He was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way He took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 1 Cor. 11:23-6.
For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both human beings and animals; on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the LORD. The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live: when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt. This day shall be a day of remembrance for you. You shall celebrate it as a festival to the LORD; throughout your generations you shall observe it as a perpetual ordinance. Ex. 12:12-4.
What shall I return to the LORD for all his bounty to me? Ps. 116:12.
I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34-5.

The Summons
Jon Bell

Prayer:
God of the covenant,
as we celebrate the beginning of the paschal feast,
we come to the table of the Lord
in whom we have salvation, life, and resurrection.
Renew the power of this mystery
in our service to one another and to you,
so that with Christ we may pass from this life
to the glory of your kingdom. Amen.

The Last Supper
JC Superstar (1973).

Prayer:
Eternal God, in the sharing of a meal
your son established a new covenant for all people,
and in the washing of feet
he showed us the dignity of service.
Grant that by the power of your Holy Spirit
these signs of our life in faith
may speak again to our hearts,
feed our spirits, and refresh our bodies. Amen.

Servant Song
Donna Marie McGargill

We are all stewards spreading the Word of Jesus’ blessings for His people.
Picnic Fellowship Activities for the Entire Family!

Of course lively discussion and activities will be available!
Perhaps you may prefer to sit and visit!
Please Contact Us with Special Requests!

Spirit of Peace Celebrates Easter Environment Preparation Volunteers

There is so much to do in order to organize and present a successful event!
Spirit of Peace is blessed to have helpful volunteers generous with time, energy and other resources. We do our best to show our appreciation for our fantastic generous volunteers.

Some of Easter environment volunteers are pictured here.

Spirit of Peace celebrates and thanks every one of you!
Peace and Joy! Pastors Michael and Cathy Hanus

 

Palm Sunday Liturgy of the Passion Reflection
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!

Palm Sunday Liturgy of the Passion Reflection Introduction:
Where the unjust hateful of the time intend to inflict evil upon our Savior Jesus Christ, our Lord brings us Salvation, the finest of the good. Luke skillfully moves us, the audience brought into the story, with examples such as the previously uncaring, pain inflicting Roman centurion praising a God he formerly did not believe in, now speaking the words, “Certainly this man was innocent.” Luke 23:47.

Palm Sunday Liturgy of the Passion Reflection Scripture:
Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me. Is. 50:8.
Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love. Ps. 31:16.
Every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Phil. 2:11.
Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise. Luke 23:43.

Blessed be the Name of the Lord
Matt Redman

Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful,
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name.

Prayer:
God of wilderness and water,
your Son was baptized and tempted as we are.
Guide us through this season,
that we may not avoid struggle,
but open ourselves to blessing,
through the cleansing depths of repentance
and the heaven-rending words of the Spirit. Amen.

I Love to Tell the Story
Katherine Hankey (1866).
performed by Alan Jackson

I love to tell the story of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story, because I know ’tis true;
It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.

Prayer:
Caught between joy and despair,
we yearn for the fulfillment of God’s desire
beyond the brokenness and neediness of this life.
We offer thanksgiving for God’s presence with us
and petitions for the transformation
of the church and the world. Amen.

It is Well with My Soul
performed by Wintley Phipps

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Prayer:
Compassionate God,
your love finds full expression
in the gift of Jesus Christ your Son,
who willingly met betrayal and death
to set us free from sin.
Give us courage to live obediently in these days
until we greet the glory of our risen Savior. Amen.

We are all stewards spreading the Word of Jesus’ blessings for His people.
Picnic Fellowship Activities for the Entire Family!

Of course lively discussion and activities will be available!
Perhaps you may prefer to sit and visit!
Please Contact Us with Special Requests!

Palm Sunday Liturgy of the Palms Celebration
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!

Palm Sunday Liturgy of the Palms Celebration Introduction:
There are no palms mentioned in Luke for this Liturgy of the Palms gospel. John 12 will bring us palms. Luke focuses on Jesus. What is our Savior’s expectation? Jesus visits Jerusalem on Passover. This is a time of social and political unrest. The feast of Passover runs deep in Jewish history with many strong reactions. The Roman Empire of the day was not a welcome place for spiritual ministry. We see Jesus entering Jerusalem with honor, pomp and circumstance, but not necessarily with all the trappings of a king of that era.

Palm Sunday Liturgy of the Palms Celebration Scripture:
O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever! Ps. 118:1.
He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.” Luke 19:40.

Hosanna!
JC Superstar (2000).
Glenn Carter as Jesus

Prayer:
Artist of souls,
you sculpted a people for yourself
out of the rocks of wilderness and fasting.
Help us as we take up your invitation to prayer and simplicity,
that the discipline of these forty days
may sharpen our hunger for the feast of your holy friendship,
and whet our thirst for the living water you offer
through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Blessed Assurance Jesus is Mine!
Fanny Crosby (1873).

Blessed assurance; Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.

Prayer:
Caught between joy and despair,
we yearn for the fulfillment of God’s desire
beyond the brokenness and neediness of this life.
We offer thanksgiving for God’s presence with us
and petitions for the transformation
of the church and the world.

All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name
Edward Parronet

All hail the power of Jesus’ name!
Let angels prostrate fall;
bring forth the royal diadem,
and crown him Lord of all.
Bring forth the royal diadem,
and crown him Lord of all.

Prayer:
Giver of light,
your steadfast love endures forever.
Open our hearts to the Blessed One who comes so humbly,
on a borrowed colt.
Open before us the gates of your justice,
that we may enter,
confessing in heaven and on earth
that Jesus is Lord. Amen.

We are all stewards spreading the Word of Jesus’ blessings for His people.
Picnic Fellowship Activities for the Entire Family!

Of course lively discussion and activities will be available!
Perhaps you may prefer to sit and visit!
Please Contact Us with Special Requests!

FREE PALM SUNDAY – EASTER TWO DAY COMMUNITY EVENT Everyone is Welcome!   Come as You Are! Sponsored by Spirit of Peace, Valley, NE

Potluck Lunch, Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Activity FUN!   Games, Best Costume!

Schedule: 12:00 Potluck Lunch and Easter Activity FUN! 1:00 Egg Hunt – Palm Sunday, March 20, 2016 from 12 pm to 3 pm or so. Rain/Snow Date: Easter Sunday – Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016 from 12 pm to 3 pm or so

Where: Valley City Park Large Pavilion ​ 400 West Vass Street Valley, NE 68064

Price:​ Free! (sweet!) Thank you!

Questions?: Please contact Pastors Michael or Cathy Hanus Interested in VOLUNTEERING? Spirit.Peace@outlook.com 402-541-7019 https://blog.peacelcmc.org RSVP assists Planning Purposes! EventBrite for Palm Sunday Activities

Anointed Celebration Reflection for the Community. 

Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists 

 performing hymns of traditional foundation. 

Everyone is Welcome!  
Anointed Celebration Reflection Introduction: 

Anointed. Women hold power then and now. Messiah means anointed one. In the culture of the time, a woman washed and anointed guest’s feet. Martha anointed Christ. Mary who sits at Christ’s feet and studies what He teaches anoints Him. Martha’s discipleship preaches with action, not words. Are we to believe that women are forbidden to anoint? Jesus is comfortable in the presence of women. Jesus lives holding women at the same social class status as men. All of humanity is created to live an abundant life. We should all practice our faith in this example. 

Restoration. Isaiah prophecies that the Lord will deliver on His promise to His people, those who believe. 

Our psalm is a song of ascent, going up. The restoration theme repeats itself here. 

We know love is human and divine. Parents love their children. Spouses love one another. Our Lord loves us. Paul longs to be like Christ in his love for the Philippians. This is no small task in humanity. 
You Are Mine 

David Haas 

I will come to you in the silence

I will lift you from all your fear

You will hear My voice

I claim you as My choice

Be still, and know I am here. 
Anointed Celebration Reflection Scripture: 

I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Is. 43:19. 

May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. Ps. 126:5. 

If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more. Phil. 3:4. 

You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me. John 12:8. 
Prayer: 

God of the covenant,

in the glory of the cross

your Son embraced the power of death

and broke its hold over your people.

In this time of repentance,

draw all people to yourself,

that we who confess Jesus as Lord

may put aside the deeds of death 

and accept the life of your kingdom. Amen. 
Be Not Afraid 

Bob Dufford 

performed by John Michael Talbot 

You shall cross the barren desert,

but you shall not die of thirst.

You shall wander far in safety,

though you do not know the way. 
Prayer: 

Sisters and brothers,

as Jesus, in the days before his passion,

offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears,

let us pray for those who suffer, those who are in need,

and those who seek reconciliation. 
Ps. 126. 

Sojourn Music 

Prayer: 

God of compassion,

you know our faults and yet you promised to forgive.

Keep us in your presence and give us your wisdom.

Open our hearts to gladness,

call dry bones to dance,

and restore to us the joy of your salvation. Amen. 
Savior Blessed Savior 

Godfrey Thring (1862).  

 performed by Chris Fleischer, piano

Savior, blessed Savior,

Listen while we sing;

Hearts and voices raising

Praises to our King.

All we have we offer,

All we hope to be,

Body, soul, and spirit,

All we yield to Thee. 
Prayer: 

Creator God,

you prepare a new way in the wilderness

and your grace waters the desert.

Help us to recognize your hand

working miracles beyond our imagining.

Open our hearts to be transformed

by the new thing you are doing,

so that our lives may proclaim 

the extravagance of your love for all,

and its presence in Jesus Christ. Amen.
Ain’t No Mountain High 

Marvin Gaye 

Listen baby, ain’t no mountain high,

Ain’t no valley low, ain’t no river wide enough baby

If you need me call me, no matter where you are,

No matter how far; don’t worry baby

Just call my name; I’ll be there in a hurry

You don’t have to worry,
We are all stewards spreading the Word of Jesus’ blessings for His people. 

Picnic Fellowship Activities for the Entire Family! 
Of course lively discussion and activities will be available! 

Perhaps you may prefer to sit and visit! 

Please Contact Us with Special Requests! 

Prodigal Celebration Reflection
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!

Prodigal Celebration Reflection Introduction:
The Parable of the Prodigal Son. Often told, almost as often misunderstood!
In Luke, Our Lord rejoices when a sinner is welcomed back into the community. Although we focus our attention on the younger son in the parable, for he was the prodigal loss to the family when he took his inheritance and squandered it; we should now focus on the behavior of the older son, for he becomes lost in his selfishness, not perceiving this event and forgiving as his father does. How do we react to the shepherd welcoming the lost sheep back into our fold?
In Joshua, it is the children of the Israelites fleeing Egypt that are delivered to the promised land, a whole generation has passed in wandering. The Lord keeps his promise. The people must keep their promise in living by the Covenant. Today we are in the Season of Lent and must remain focused on our Lenten journey. We are all saved by our belief in Jesus.
In our psalm, being blessed or happy is a way of living life. As we are forgiven for our sins, we must forgive others. Confession of our sin is imperative. Forgiveness is assured. Our restoration is cause for celebration! Upon receiving our forgiveness we must teach others from our experience.
In our 2nd Corinthians letter, Paul has already engaged strong words in rebuking the Church of Corinth, which is now reacting to Paul’s prior letter of rebuke. Forgiveness and Reconciliation is the order for the day on the part of both sides. Paul and Corinth are two small portions of the entire world. The Love of Our Lord for all His children in all our world as we know it is great and immense. Given this large perspective, surely Paul and Corinth can come to learn to love one another once more.

Prodigal Celebration Reflection Scripture:
The LORD said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away from you the disgrace of Egypt.” Josh. 5:9.
Many are the torments of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord. Ps. 32:10.
So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 2 Cor. 5:20.
“Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. We had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.” Luke 15:31.

There’s a Spirit in the Air
Brian Wren (1969).

There’s a spirit in the air,
telling Christians everywhere:
‘Praise the love that Christ revealed,
living, working in our world!’

Prayer:

God of wilderness and water,
your Son was baptized and tempted as we are.
Guide us through this season,
that we may not avoid struggle,
but open ourselves to blessing,
through the cleansing depths of repentance
and the heaven-rending words of the Spirit. Amen.

Fight the Good Fight with All Thy Might
John S. B. Monsell (1863).
performed by Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Fight the good fight with all thy might.
Christ is thy strength and Christ thy right.
Lay hold on life, and it shall be
thy joy and crown eternally.

Prayer:

My brothers and sisters:
reconciled to God by the mercy of Christ,
we pray with confidence for the needs of the church and the world.
Through Christ you make us a new creation, O God,
for with him we pass from sin to the new life of grace.
Accept our prayers in the warm embrace of your compassion,
and welcome all people to the festive banquet of your table,
where we may rejoice in your love
and celebrate the inheritance you have given to us.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee

Henry Van Dyke (1907).
performed by London Community a Gospel Choir

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before Thee,
Op’ning to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!

Prayer:

God of patient love,
you await the return of the wayward and wandering
and eagerly embrace them in pardon.
Through baptism you have clothed us with the glory of Christ
and restored our inheritance:
give us generous hearts
to welcome all who seek a place
at the table of your unconditional love.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

You Are My All in All

You Are My Strength When I am Weak
Dennis L. Jernigan (1990).
performed by Nicole Nordeman

You are my strength when I am weak
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all
Seeking You as a precious jewel
Lord, to give up I’d be a fool
You are my all in all
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name
Oh, Your name is worthy
We are all stewards spreading the Word of Jesus’ blessings for His people.
Picnic Fellowship Activities for the Entire Family!

Of course lively discussion and activities will be available!
Perhaps you may prefer to sit and visit!
Please Contact Us with Special Requests!

Christ and the Fig Tree Reflection
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!

Christ and the Fig Tree Reflection Introduction:
Isaiah calls for us to recognize the fullness of our Lord. A new day under a new king was traditionally met with a forgiveness from debt and a banquet. The Lord will quench our thirst for knowledge and forgiveness. Lent is an invitation for us to thirst for the Lord and seek Him.
Our psalm invites us to long for our Lord as least as much as the way in which we long for the presence of a loved one who is departed and physically separated from us for some time.
In Corinthians Paul is counseling his people from a physical distance by means of a letter. Believers must be prepared to manage challenges that arise in life. It is better for an entire community to support one another through testing than it is for an individual to carry this burden alone.
A conversation at the community water well: While Pilate was in power there was a massacre of Galilean Pilgrims. We can draw the act of blood shed here to that of Christ’s own blood shed while under Pilate’s reign of brutality. The Tower of Siloam appeared to fall on unsuspecting people by natural means. Both stories end people’s lives for no apparent good reason. Jesus tells us not to credit divine punishment for tragedy. Jesus does not assure us freedom from calamity, rather we must repent for that control we have upon ourselves. In the parable of the fig tree, Jesus likens repentance to a changed mind. Humanity, given its vulnerability, is a gift that we must care for in ourselves and others.

You Shall Cross the Barren Desert Be Not Afraid
Robert Dufford
performed by Michael John Talbot

You shall cross the barren desert,
but you shall not die of thirst.
You shall wander far in safety,
though you do not know the way.

Christ and the Fig Tree Reflection Scripture:
Seek the LORD while he may be found, call upon him while he is near. Is. 55:6.
O Lord God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Ps. 63:1.
So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall. 1 Cor. 10:12.
The Parable of the Fig Tree. No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Luke 13:3.

Prayer:
God of the covenant,
in the glory of the cross
your Son embraced the power of death
and broke its hold over your people.
In this time of repentance,
draw all people to yourself,
that we who confess Jesus as Lord
may put aside the deeds of death
and accept the life of your kingdom. Amen.
Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us
Dorothy Thrupp (1836).
piano accompaniment by Rick Betts

Savior, like a shepherd lead us,
Much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us,
For our use Thy folds prepare:
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are;
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.

Prayer:
Faithful God of love,
you blessed us with your servant Son
so that we might know how to serve your people
with justice and with mercy.
We gather the needs of ourselves and others,
and offer them to you in faith and love,
seeking to be strengthened to meet them.
Shape us and transform us by your grace,
that we may grow in wisdom and in confidence,
never faltering until we have done all that you desire
to bring your realm of shalom to fulfillment. Amen.

Safe in the Arms of Jesus
Fanny Crosby (1868).
performed by Altar of Praise Chorale

Safe in the arms of Jesus,
Safe on His gentle breast,
There by His love o’ershaded,
Sweetly my soul shall rest.
Hark! ’tis the voice of angels
Borne in a song to me,
Over the fields of glory,
Over the jasper sea.

Prayer:
God of infinite goodness,
throughout the ages you have persevered
in claiming and reclaiming your people.
Renew for us your call to repentance,
surround us with witnesses to aid us in our journey,
and grant us the time to fashion our lives anew,
through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

I the Lord of Sea and Sky Here I am Lord
Dan Schutte
piano accompaniment

We are all stewards spreading the Word of Jesus’ blessings for His people.
Picnic Fellowship Activities for the Entire Family!

Of course lively discussion and activities will be available!
Perhaps you may prefer to sit and visit!
Please Contact Us with Special Requests!

Imitate Christ Reflection
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!

Scripture Introduction:
Abram has visionary experiences in his relationship with the Lord. In his journey through life, the Lord provides for Abram even when it does not appear likely such a result could occur.
Our psalm can be interpreted as trust, a prayer for help, or both.
Our Philippians passage calls us to imitate Christ, particularly his humility and self-sacrifice for the sake of others. How might you follow his example?
Life and death in Jerusalem is historically difficult for prophets. As Jesus goes about his ministry in the community it is clear that He is headed toward the Passion. Jesus will complete His work of deliverance for His people.

Amazing Grace
John Newton (1779).
instrumental performed by Kevin MacLeod

Amazing grace how sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found,
was blind but now I see.

Scripture:
Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great. Gen. 15:1.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? Ps. 27:1.
Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me. Phil. 3:17.
You will not see me until the time comes when you say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” Luke 13:35.

Prayer:
God of wilderness and water,
your Son was baptized and tempted as we are.
Guide us through this season,
that we may not avoid struggle,
but open ourselves to blessing,
through the cleansing depths of repentance
and the heaven-rending words of the Spirit. Amen.

Rock of Ages
August Toplady (1776).
performed acapella by Calvary Mennonite Choir

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee;
let the water and the blood,
from thy wounded side which flowed,
be of sin the double cure;
save from wrath and make me pure.

Prayer:
God of the covenant,
you call us to be fruitful servants within creation,
and to offer our lives
as the foundation of your realm.
We lay before you the desires of our hearts,
that we may be transformed by their fulfillment.
Grant, O God, that the prayers we offer
may be your channel for new and abundant life
not only hoped for,
but worked for,
through faithful word and deed. Amen.

What a Friend We have in Jesus
Joseph Medlicott Scrivener (1855).
Performed by Tennessee Ernie Ford

What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer!

Prayer:
Hope beyond all human hope,
you promised descendants as numerous as the stars
to old Abraham and barren Sarah.
You promise light and salvation
in the midst of darkness and despair,
and promise redemption to a world that will not listen.
Gather us to yourself in tenderness,
open our ears to listen to your word,
and teach us to live faithfully
as people confident of the fulfillment of your promises.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

We are all stewards spreading the Word of Jesus’ blessings for His people.
Picnic Fellowship Activities for the Entire Family!

Of course lively discussion and activities will be available!
Perhaps you may prefer to sit and visit!
Please Contact Us with Special Requests!