Tag Archives: Peace

Celebration of Joy

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

Introduction:
Faith, Hope, Love, Joy in our pursuit of Advent preparation for the birth of our Savior Christ. Today’s focus is Joy.
In today’s Gospel reading, Matthew tells us that it is the Lord that appeared to Joseph in a dream to inform him that her child is conceived of the Holy Spirit, and he should not fear taking her as his wife. He goes on to describe the important details of their new arrival. The child will fulfill Biblical prophecy. Joseph awoke and took Mary as his wife.
In our Old Testament reading today, the prophet Isaiah tells us the story of the interaction with trusting Ahaz. A young woman will bear a son and name Him Immanuel, or God with Us! Trust in God! Isaiah foretells that Ahaz will see two fearful kings deserted. Unfortunately for Ahaz, he failed to embrace the proclamation, sought alliances instead of the seed the Lord wanted planted, and his kingdom as he knew it became one of the fallen to Assyria. The Lord did not forget His people. He brought them the prophecy fulfilled, The Lord is with You!
In Psalm 80, David orchestrates our emotional Christmas Birth of the Savior prophecy fulfillment. David is crying out for Salvation. So much time passing, so many sinful behaviors engaged, yet David trusts in the forgiving and promise fulfilling Lord. We have much to learn from this example today.
Apostle Paul’s Letter to the Romans draws a straight line from prophecy to the Savior, Son of God, descended from David. Paul tells the Romans and us that we are the Lords beloved, called by Him to be saints, blessing us with grace and peace. Joyful, Joyful our response to this proclamation!

Opening Hymn:
O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel
John Mason Neale (1851).
https://youtu.be/utpZAIycWFU

Scripture:
Old Testament: Isaiah 7:10-16.
Psalm: Psalm 80:1-7; Psalm 80:17-19.
New Testament: Romans 1:1-7.
Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25.

Prayer:
O God of Elizabeth and Mary, you visited your servants with news of the world’s redemption in the coming of the Savior.
Make our hearts leap with joy, and fill our mouths with songs of praise, that we may announce glad tidings of peace, and welcome the Christ in our midst. Amen.

Prayer Intentions:
Brothers and sisters, as we joyfully await the glorious coming of the Christ, let us pray for the needs of the church, our community, and the world.
Prayers of the People;
God of promise, you have given us a sign of your love through the gift of Jesus Christ, our Savior, who was promised from ages past. We believe as Joseph did the message of your presence whispered by an angel,
and offer our prayers for your world, confident of your care and mercy for all creation. Amen.

Apostles Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit; the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. (Book of Concord).

Our Father
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen. (Book of Concord). (Matthew 6:9-13).

Liturgy of the Eucharist
Messiah
Francesca Battistelli
https://youtu.be/D14wX0K9XJQ

Handshake of Peace

Confession
The Apostle John proclaims, If we confess our sins He who is faithful and just will forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9.

Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have sinned against You in thought, word and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name. Amen. 

Communion Hymn:
Do You Hear What I Hear
Carrie Underwood
https://youtu.be/ZiR6WRpg0Ug

Institution of the Lord’s Supper

Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” He took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. – Matthew 26:26-28 (ESV).

Communion

Prayer:
Shepherd of Israel, may Jesus, Emmanuel and son of Mary, be more than just a dream in our hearts. With the apostles, prophets, and saints, save us, restore us, and lead us in the way of grace and peace, that we may bear your promise into the world. Amen.

Closing Hymn:
Emmanuel
Hillsong
https://youtu.be/n2QlTt18Y24

The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26.

The Service has ended. Go in Peace.
Thanks be to God.

Christmas Spirit

Spirit of Peace Missional Community Invites All Interested People of All Ages to Celebrate a Joyful Merry Christmas this Year!

The Spirit Missional Community Engages in many Focused Spiritual Religious Christmas Spirit Activities throughout the Christmas Season.

Two of These Activities Are Faith Hope Love Joy Peace and Twelve Days of Christmas.

Merry Christmas! Spirit Missional Community
Merry Christmas! Spirit Missional Community

All Are Welcome to Join Our Missional Community in the Presentation of Faith Hope Love Joy Peace FHLJP which discusses and assists in preparing for the Grand Celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ.

All Are Welcome to Join Our Missional Community in the Presentation of Twelve Days of Christmas which May Surprise You the First Time You Experience this Activity which Walks Us from Christmas Day through Epiphany. Hint: One item Discussed is a well-known Christmas Season song!

Peace and Joy! Pastors Michael and Cathy Hanus and the Spirit of Peace Missional Community.

Faith Hope Love Joy Peace

Fruits of the Holy Spirit:
Faith, Hope, Love, Joy, Peace

Faith, Hope, Love, Joy, Peace 

Come join Spirit of Peace Pastors Michael and Cathy Hanus in the Free Faith Hope Love Joy Peace Series Presentation

Preparing for Christmas 2018

In this liturgical life change presentation series, we focus on five qualities of character: Faith, Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace. 

All Are Welcome to join us in this presentation. If you are so inclined, we accept invitations to come to your location for presentation and discussion. 

We justify these qualities of character by reading and applying Scripture. 

But the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22. 

Faith 

We exercise our quality of Faith by trusting in Jesus Christ and reliance in His Word. 

We walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7. 

Hope 

We experience Hope through expectation of good in our lives. 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13. 

Love 

We practice Love through our readiness to assist the good of others. 

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10. 

Joy 

We engage Joy as an experience in goodness. 

If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:10-11. 

Peace 

We come to know Peace as assurance that aspirations turn out well. 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27. 

Advent 

Advent, derived from Latin, defined, is the arrival of a notable person.

We await the coming of Jesus Christ in the Nativity on Christmas Day and His Return in the Second Coming of Christ. In our case, this and every Liturgical Season of Advent will bring us the celebratory arrival of the Christ Child on Christmas Day. 

Church Celebration Services 

Every week of these four weeks of Advent we will reflect upon, and practice in our lives, building one upon the next, Faith, Hope, Love and Joy. In formal prayer and reflection, we will cover each one of these qualities of character in our liturgical services as we progress through Advent and become prepared on Christmas Day for the Peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guarding our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7. 

Pastor Michael Hanus, Spirit of Peace Missional Community

What Is Your Allergy

What Is Your Allergy?

Pastor Cathy Hanus, Holistic Health Coach

Opening Prayer

Blessings of God

The day is coming to a close,

and, like the disciples on the road to Emmaus,

we pause to break bread together.

May our eyes be opened, and,

in this act of common sharing,

may we see the risen Lord in one another.

May we see the Lord of Life in our food,

our conversation and lives shared in common.

May the blessing of God,

His peace and love,

rest upon our table. Amen.

– Edward Hays.

Presentation

Remedies, Natural Relief

Treat Low Blood Sugar with Real Food

Anomalies

Causes

Genetic anomalies

Vitamin deficiencies

Breads

History

Wheat, biblical

Original, oldest species fourteen chromosomes

Over time, grew to twenty eight chromosomes

Norman Borlaug, 1970s R&D, Nobel Peace Prize

Modern, GMO grains tailor to modern conveniences

Exacerbates Nutritional Exchanges in Human Gut

Eventually AutoImmune processes develop

So respond with consumption of anti-inflammatory foods

Gluten

Allergy

Sensitivity

Emotional Responses

Modern Beneficial Oils, Medium Chain Triglycerides

Choices

Organic Whole Grains

Natural Whole Grains

Processing Methods, too fine for the human gut

Natural Organic Farm Fresh Luncheon
Natural Organic Farm Fresh Luncheon

Meal

Appetizer

Organic Jack Fruit

Organic Celery

Natural Peanut Butter

Banana Slices

Main Dish

Natural Garden Fresh Spaghetti Squash

Garden Butternut Squash soup

Garden Fresh Organic Spinach

Garden Fresh Peppers

CRaisins

Dessert

Moon Grapes, natural non-GMO

Closing Hymn

Gift Finest Wheat

Richard Proulx

Cathedral Singers

Calm the Storm Celebration

Calm the Storm Celebration 

 for the Community. 

Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists 

 performing hymns of traditional foundation. 

Everyone is Welcome!  

Jesus Will Calm the Raging Storm
Jesus Will Calm the Raging Storm

Introduction:  

Does Jesus care? Calm the Raging Storm. 

In today’s reading from the Gospel of Mark, Can you imagine what it is like to be tossed around while on a boat in the sea in a storm at night? This is a frightening thought! Would this be more or less disruptive than being admonished by Jesus for lacking faith while He stands and commands the sea to be still? 

If you love and trust in Jesus, He will calm the torment in your soul and life. Give this a try. Do practice this at home. Let Us Gather to Ask Jesus to Calm Our Raging Storms. 

Job is a classic Old Testament Faith in God tester. In a show of God-like strength, God returns Job’s volley with an appropriate series of questions putting Job in his place. 

David opens Psalm 107 with a community hymn of praise; O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Then we see a pattern in the following examples of Gods goodness; distress, prayer, delivery and thanks. It appears a lot like what we experience in day to day life. Praise God for we are redeemed. 

Paul speaks freely to the Corinthians and to us in this reading today. Are we able to both speak together with one another and say tough things? As your pastor, I genuinely pray that we may. 

Opening Hymn 

Here I am to Worship 

Hillsong 

Scripture: 

Old Testament: Job 38:1-11. 

Psalm: Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32. 

New Testament: 2 Corinthians 6:1-13. 

Gospel: Mark 4:35-41. 

Prayer:

Your hand is upon your people, O God, to guide and protect them through the ages. Keep in your service those you have called and anointed, that the powers of this world may not overwhelm us,

but that, secure in your love, we may carry out your will in the face of all adversity. Amen. 

Redeemed : to compensate for the faults or bad aspects of (something);  or gain possession of (something) in exchange for payment. 

Harriet Jones 

Redeemed  

Big Daddy Weave 

Prayer Intentions: 

Friends in Christ,

God invites us to hold the needs of our sisters and brothers as dear to us as our own needs. Loving our neighbors as ourselves, we offer our thanksgivings and our petitions on behalf of the church and the world. 

Prayers of the People, 

Hear our prayers, God of power, and through the ministry of your Son free us from the grip of the tomb, that we may desire you as the fullness of life and proclaim your saving deeds to all the world. Amen. 

Apostles Creed 

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit; the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. (Book of Concord). 

Our Father 

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen. (Book of Concord).  (Matthew 6:9-13). 

Liturgy of the Eucharist 

Handshake of Peace 

Confession 

The Apostle John proclaims, If we confess our sins He who is faithful and just will forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9. 

Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have sinned against You in thought, word and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name. Amen.

Communion Hymn 

Just As I Am 

Travis Cottrell 

 

Institution of the Lord’s Supper

26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.  – Matthew 26:26-28(ESV). 

Communion

Prayer: 

Keeper of our lives, you know the hardness and gentleness of human hearts. You call your people to faithful living. Through the storms of life

that bring suffering and fear, joy and laughter,

teach us to turn to you for all we need, so that we may come to know your presence even in the midst of the trials that surround us. Amen. 

Closing Hymn 

O My Soul Arise 

Sovereign Grace 

The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26. 

The Service has ended. Go in Peace. 

Thanks be to God.  

Prayer to Convert Violent Acts

Prayer when Evil Rears its Ugly Head

Senseless Violence Berkeley CA
Senseless Violence Berkeley CA

Lord God my Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier; Every day I awake to the evil in the world-to acts done through sin, death, and the power of the devil. I cannot escape it, no matter how hard I try. When I see evil in the world, I get angry, and wish for revenge. But you have told us “Vengeance is Mine! I will repay!!” And so, Loving Father, I turn to you as I seek to battle evil in the world. Help me, every day, to see the good in people. By your Holy Spirit, fill my heart with goodness, that I may join in the battle to overcome evil. By Jesus’ example, teach me to pray; to engage in prayerful activity daily, to have faith that You, indeed, hear my humble prayers. Help me to go forth from this closet of prayer into the world, sharing Your goodness, one person at a time. Help me to rejoice in the goodness of others when I encounter it. Lord, those who perpetrate evil will become prisoners of their own devices. Let them be responsible for the evil they perpetrate, but let Your Holy Spirit convict them of their sin, and lead them to true repentance, that they may join the warriors of the Good as they face the forces of evil. Amen
– Bill Triebe.

Prayer for Peace

Almighty, all-merciful God,
through Christ Jesus you have taught us to love one another,
to love our neighbors as ourselves,
and even to love our enemies.
In times of violence and fear,
let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts,
so that we may not be overcome with evil
but overcome evil with good.
Help us to see each person in light of the love and grace
you have shown us in Christ.
Put away the nightmares of terror
and awaken us to the dawning of your new creation.
Establish among us a future where peace reigns,
justice is done with mercy, and all are reconciled.
We ask these things in the name
and for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
– Prayers for Times of National and International Crisis and Tragedy.

Spirit of Peace
Spirit of Peace

They shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. Isaiah 2:4.
Project Ploughshares, Ontario Canada.

Song of Peace

#Peace #ENDviolence

Pursue Your Treasure

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

Treasure
Treasure

Introduction:
In Genesis the covenant that God makes with Abram is a divine promise. God keeps His promises.
Our Psalm allows us to wander in the perception that waiting is tiring. This sounds rational if you are Abram and told you must wait 400 years for a promise fulfilled. Why would we count while waiting? There is much to do in helping ourselves. In pursuing this we may perceive the time passes much more quickly. Be sure to pursue the right path and the Lord’s desire to help us achieve will be there for us.
Hebrews teaches us about the unerring nature of faith. Where do you place your faith? It should follow that placing your faith in the Lord will bring the best results.
As in Luke, wouldn’t it be great if our hearts longed for the treasures that are on the most righteous paths for each of us? Pursuing that which brings the most peace and justice will keep us on the most right path.

 

Amazing Grace
John Newton (1779).

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:
I am your shield; your reward shall be very great. Gen. 15:1.
Truly the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him. Ps. 33:18.
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for. Heb. 11:1.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:34.

 

O beautiful for spacious skies,
Katherine Bates (1893).

O beautiful for spacious skies,
for amber waves of grain;
for purple mountain majesties
above the fruited plain!
America! America! God shed his grace on thee,
and crown thy good with brotherhood
from sea to shining sea.

Prayer: Lord God of judgment and grace,
you ask not for sacrifices but lives of trusting faith
that acknowledge your power and mercy.
Give us faith as deep and strong as Abraham’s and Sarah’s,
that we may follow you through all our days
as did Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

 

Faith of our fathers! living still
Frederick Faber (1849).

Faith of our fathers! living still
in spite of dungeon, fire, and sword;
oh, how our hearts beat high with joy
whene’er we hear that glorious word!
Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death!

Prayer:
We praise your abiding guidance, O God,
for you sent us Jesus, our Teacher and Messiah,
to model for us the way of love for the whole universe.
We offer these prayers of love
on behalf of ourselves and our neighbors,
on behalf of your creation and our fellow creatures.

Loving God,
open our ears to hear your word and draw us closer to you,
that the whole world may be one with you
as you are one with us in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

 

We Believe
Newsboys

In this time of desperation
When all we know is doubt and fear
There is only One Foundation
We believe, We believe
In this broken generation
When all is dark, You help us see
There is only One Salvation
We believe, We believe.

Prayer: Lord God of Abraham and Jesus,
you invite your people to contemplate heavenly things
and urge us toward faith in you.
May your coming among us find our doors open,
our tables set, and all your people ready to greet you. 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 Mother’s Day Community Event

Free Mother’s Day Community Event
Everyone is Welcome! Come as You Are! Sponsored by Spirit of Peace, Valley, NE
*Potluck Lunch, Family Activity FUN! Arts, Crafts, Contests! A gift for Mom!

I Love You Mom
I Love You Mom

Schedule: 11:00 Devotion 12:00 *Potluck Lunch and Family Activity FUN!
*Potluck item is voluntary, your choice.
– Mothers Day Sunday, May 8, 2016 from 11 am to 2 pm or so.
Where: Waterloo City Park Pavilion
7th Street & Jefferson Waterloo, NE 68069
Price: Activities Free! (sweet!) Thank you!

Questions?: Please contact Pastors Michael or Cathy Hanus
Interested in VOLUNTEERING?
Spirit.Peace@outlook.com  402-541-7019

Free Mother’s Day Community Event


RSVP assists Planning Purposes!

EventBrite RSVP tickets

Spirit of Peace is a missional community of believers. We believe that the community has life that is greater than its parts. Spirit celebrates its Moms on Mother’s Day! When you come right down to it, where would we be without our Moms? May God Bless All Moms!

Stop by and visit us for a Mother’s Day gift.

Spirit's Mothers Day
Spirit’s Mothers Day Community Event

NESCIFEST Valley Appreciation

Nebraska Science Festival Valley

BIG THANK YOU to all who volunteered, supported and participated in NESCIFEST Valley held at the Valley Library location this last Saturday! AcademyScience.us presented its science projects in airplanes, chlorinator chemistry, disaster preparedness, four forces of flight, robots, rockets to name a few! We enjoyed sharing our combined GYSD Global Youth Service Day with you!

Spirit Picnic Lunch and Snack
Spirit Picnic Lunch and Snack

We enjoyed demonstrating science to and visiting with dozens of people and served dozens of lunches and snacks! You may find more of our interesting and FUN STEM Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics activities at AcademyScience.us Academy Science blog

Award Winning Rocket Design and Build
Award Winning Rocket Design and Build

Our prize winning best rocket flight was over 450 feet!

If you are interested in volunteering or participating in our community science and other projects throughout the year you may contact Pastor Michael or Cathy Hanus at: spirit.peace@outlook.com