Journey to Nativity in Bethlehem
with us and Pastor Brad at Community of Grace
Bethlehem
Enjoy an educational Scriptural adventure where we will participate, present and learn about the history, community and Biblical Times where our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was born.
Feel free to dress in costume as a person might in Bethlehem on the night our Lord was born.
Peace Awareness Celebration
Accepting the Birth of Jesus in Our Lives
for the Community
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!
Peace Awareness Celebration Introduction:
In this fourth Sunday of Advent we engage the final week of Advent preparation to worship our Lord as we celebrate his presence among us at Christmas. Like Mary we should consider ourselves blessed (joyful) as we engage reflection in the Faith Hope Love and Joy (Fruits of the Holy Spirit) that will bring us Peace that surpasses all human understanding and prepare ourselves for His presence in our lives this coming year.
The Magnificat is Mary’s song of praise to the Lord. Although her sacrifice will be great as mother to Jesus, she has genuinely experienced Faith and Hope in the engagement of a big commitment and is overwhelmed with Love and Joy.
In Hebrews we see that Jesus is the High Priest that is obedient to the Father. Jesus as man is a living example of how we should aspire to engage obedience to the Lord in our earthly lives.
As Elizabeth and Mary did, let us trust that God is coming to save and free us. May we be grateful that God has taken away our feelings of shame and inadequacy. May we respond to God’s love by welcoming the shameful and insecure. May we become a community that supports each other as we have Faith Hope and look forward to the experience that Love and Joy bring us in Peace with our lives.
Scripture:
They shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be the one of peace. Micah 5:4-5.
Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved. Psalm 80:7.
It is by God’s will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Hebrews 10:10.
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Luke 1:41-2.
Hark! the herald angels sing
Charles Wesley (1739).
performed acapella by Rachel Mendonca
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the new born King;
peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations, rise;
join the triumph of the skies;
with the angelic hosts proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
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.
It came upon the midnight clear
Edmund H. Sears (1849).
performed by Josh Groban
It came upon the midnight clear,
that glorious song of old,
from angels bending near the earth
to touch their harps of gold:
“Peace on the earth, good will to men,
from heaven’s all-gracious King.”
The world in solemn stillness lay,
to hear the angels sing.
Prayer:
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.
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.
Good Christian friends, rejoice
John Mason Neale Translator
Good Christian friends, rejoice
with heart and soul and voice;
give ye heed to what we say:
Jesus Christ was born today.
Ox and ass before him bow,
and he is in the manger now.
Christ is born today!
Christ is born today!
Prayer:
Shepherd of Israel,
you gently support the one who is with child
and call forth the Lamb who dances in the womb,
Stir our hearts to recognize Christ’s coming,
as Elizabeth recognized his presence
in Mary’s radiant obedience to your desire,
an open our souls to receive the one
who came to love your flock. 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!
Blessings in Song Christmas Caroling for the Community as Spirit of Peace Brings Reflection Upon This Last Year and Christmas Caroling to the People in Care Centers and the Homebound.
May the Lord Bring Abundant Blessings to You!
Peace and Joy! Pastors Michael and Cathy Hanus. Spirit of Peace.
Teacher, Life brings so much more satisfaction in giving to others.
Yes, there is an abundance of blessing that rains down upon us when we share in Jesus with the community. The letting go of that Christian love that lives within us warms the hearts of those around us. Living by example is far more effective in Missional outreach. Those people we want to engage feel moved to join in and contribute their energy and find satisfaction in community support.
What a great time to share in and enjoy the gifts of the Holy Spirit!
But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:17-18.
Please join in by contributing your energy and resources to a Community Food Drive so that those in need may experience satisfaction.
We have a Food Drive opportunity coming up this Saturday December 19th starting at 9:00 am.
You may contact us at any time when you feel the Spirit move you.
Peace and Joy! Pastors Michael and Cathy Hanus
Spirit of Peace, Box 245 Valley, Nebraska 68064,
Spirit.Peace@outlook.com 402-541-7019
Flash Gathering and Traditional Style Christmas Caroling in the Community!
Please Contact Michael or Cathy for … Christmas Caroling Request or Interest in Singing as You have time.
Spirit of Peace https://blog.peacelcmc.org
Pastors Michael and Cathy Hanus
402-541-7019 567-307-0910 LORD070910
Spirit.Peace@outlook.com
Come join Spirit of Peace Pastors Michael and Cathy Hanus in the Free Faith Hope Love Joy Peace Series Presentation
Preparing for Christmas 2015
starting with a light meal
On Friday afternoon December 18 from 11:30 am at
Valley View Community Room
400-1 W. Meigs St., Valley, NE
All are Welcome! Come as you are.
Expect reflection, prayer, video, discussion and Christmas Caroling indoors.
Small side dishes, desserts and volunteer assistance are welcome!
Information at blog.peacelcmc.org
You May Contact Pastors Michael or Cathy at Spirit.Peace@outlook.com or 402-541-7019.
Have a Blessed Christmas!
Peace of God Celebration
Baptized with the Holy Spirit
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!
Peace of God Celebration Introduction:
In this third Sunday of Advent, we come face to face with the meaning of “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.”
Zephaniah’s prophetic vision of the presence of God in our lives brings us to face both judgement and joy in the same moment. If we love God as we are humanly capable, as we have always been loved by Him, we will have little to fear. “Swallow my pride” and in my humility (not thinking less of myself but thinking of myself less) I come to realize the meaning of the words “Blessed are those who recognize they are spiritually helpless. The kingdom of heaven belongs to them.”
Isaiah’s prophecy is practiced in a song of Thanksgiving. May we lift our voices in prayer.
In time Paul learned to change his perspective on life. Paul gives us three “P”s: Perspective, Purpose and Press on. Even though life is full of challenges, many of them easily persuading us we may be headed toward dismal failure, we must trust in God, “put on our happy faces,” and be thankful for the blessings we do have now and those that will be coming our way in the future. We must stand firm in our love for God as we believe He has and will always love us.
John the Baptist is a “straight talker.” He does not offer kind words to people needing to repent their sinful ways. John wants us to understand that God’s mercy (Gospel) and justice (Law) can be considered one and the same in the believer’s spiritual life. We must open our hearts to God’s love and in turn show compassion and understanding to our neighbor. This may well require us to meet the objective by sharing our resources with our neighbor.
Scripture:
The LORD has taken away the judgments against you, he has turned away your enemies. Zeph. 3:15.
Surely God is my salvation. Isaiah 12:2.
The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:7.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Luke 3:16.
Prayer:
God of hope,
you call us home from the exile of selfish oppression
to the freedom of justice,
the balm of healing,
and the joy of sharing.
Make us strong to join you in your holy work,
as friends of strangers and victims,
companions of those whom others shun,
and as the happiness of those whose hearts are broken.
We make our prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
O Come All Ye Faithful
“Adeste Fidelis” Latin.
Marcos Portugal (1649).
John Francis Wade (1744).
O Come All Ye Faithful
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him,
Born the King of Angels;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.
Prayer:
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.
God of joy and exultation,
you strengthen what is weak;
you enrich the poor
and give hope to those who live in fear.
Look upon our needs this day.
Make us grateful for the good news of salvation
and keep us faithful in your service
until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who lives for ever and ever. Amen.
Away in a Manger
James R Murray (1887).
performed by Casting Crowns
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle til morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there.
Prayer:
O God of the exiles and the lost,
you promise restoration and wholeness
through the power of Jesus Christ.
Give us faith to live joyfully,
sustained by your promises
as we eagerly await the day when they will be fulfilled
for all the world to see,
through the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Joy to the World
Isaac Watts (1719).
Joy to the World , the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.
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!
Come join Spirit of Peace Pastors Michael and Cathy Hanus in the Free Faith Hope Love Joy Peace Series Presentation
Preparing for Christmas 2015
starting with a light meal
On Friday evening December 11 from 6:00 pm at
Life House 222 S Mayne Valley
and
On Friday evening December 18 from 6:00 pm at
Community Center 921 S Mayne Valley.
All are Welcome! Come as you are.
Expect reflection, prayer, video, discussion and Christmas Caroling indoors.
Small side dishes, desserts and volunteer assistance are welcome!
Information at blog.peacelcmc.org
You May Contact Pastors Michael or Cathy at Spirit.Peace@outlook.com or 402-541-7019.
Have a Blessed Christmas!
Free Sunday Community Dinner.
We are inviting the community to a Free Sunday Dinner at 1:00 pm on 11/29 at the Community Center, 921 S. Mayne St. Valley.
Although we enjoyed serving the Thanksgiving Day meal to people that came despite the ice storm and brave people delivered meals to the home bound, we have a few fresh items and food remaining that is carefully refrigerated and stored.
As a result, the Holy Spirit and our desire to share call us to invite everyone to a Free Sunday Dinner at 1:00 pm on 11/29 at the Community Center, 921 S Mayne St. Valley.
Peace & Joy! Pastors Michael & Cathy Hanus. Spirit of Peace.
Contacts for this Sunday’s meal:
Spirit.Peace@outlook.com
402-541-7019
Great Thanksgiving Dinner and Fellowship. Fantastic Volunteers! Thank you for your contribution!
