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

Ascension Celebration Introduction:
Acts 1: Embrace Ascension! Believe in the words Christ left Earth as we know it, I will send you the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 47: Our world may sometimes be a nasty place. Take solace in the fact that our Lord is watching over us! Pray and Listen. How we wish He will rescue us in the apparent worst of times. Listen to His response to our prayers.
John 17: Reflect for a moment. Can you imagine being an Apostle of Christ (I pray that you are today!) back in Jerusalem in 33 AD? You gave up everything to follow Jesus Christ, you trust in Him and love Him; you fall down when He is crucified; you find Him resurrected; and He returns after Death and Resurrection to be with you, surely as He was before. Now He must ascend to heaven, promising to send the Holy Spirit. What an emotional roller coaster!
The Spirit is among us today! Let us embrace the Spirit, walk in Its light and enjoy the blessing of Its love. Amen.

I Love to Tell the Story
Catherine Hankey (1866).
performed by the Chuckwagon Gang

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.

Ascension Celebration Scripture:
You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8.
Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout to God with loud songs of joy. Ps. 47:1.
I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him. Eph. 1:17.
He opened their minds to understand the scriptures. Luke 24:45.

Prayer:
Risen and ascended Christ,
you surround us with witnesses and send us the Counselor,
who opens our minds to understand your teaching.
Bless us with such grace that our lives may become a blessing
for the world now, and in the age to come. Amen.

Here I am to Worship

Prayer:
We offer our prayers on behalf of our neighbors whose needs are known to us.
We pray both for the sisters and brother we know and for those who are strangers.
Open our minds to understand the scriptures, O God,
so that when sin cripples our hope, we may discover the freedom of your forgiveness;
when suffering and death overtake our lives, we may know the joy of the risen Christ;
and when we feel abandoned, we may comprehend the power of the promised Spirit,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Wind Upon the Waters
Marty Haugen (1986).
performed by Woodmont Church Choir

Wind upon the waters,
voice upon the deep;
rouse your sons and daughters,
wake us from our sleep.
Breathing life into all flesh,
breathing love into all hearts,
Living wind upon the waters of my soul.

Prayer:
Precious love, your ascended Son promised the gift of holy power.
Send your Spirit of revelation and wisdom, that in the blessed freedom of hope,
we may witness to the grace of forgiveness and sing songs of joy
with the peoples of earth to the One who makes us one body. Amen.

Will You Come and Follow Me The Summons
John Bell
performed by the Iona Community

Will you come and follow me
If I but call your name?
Will you go where you don’t know
And never be the same?
Will you let my love be shown,
Will you let my name be known,
Will you let my life be grown
In you and you in me?

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!

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

Advocate Celebration Shalom Introduction:
In Acts, the Holy Spirit will announce to Paul when and where it is time to preach the Word.
Our Psalm of David brings us Benediction, Blessing and Saving in our mission. What a wonderful prayer in song to begin the week!
In Revelations, we visit the new heaven and earth. What a splendid decorated place!
Jesus tells his disciples that though the world will no longer see Him, they will see Him because He will reveal Himself to them. Peace be with them, not the peace that we may settle for in the meaning of the absence of conflict, but rather Shalom, the peace can can only be found in and with the Father. The Holy Spirit will teach us that God is always there for us.
Shalom. Peace be with you.

Advocate Celebration Shalom Scripture:
The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. Acts 16:14.
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us. Ps. 67:1.
The angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. Rev. 22:1.
The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. John 14:26.
Ps. 67:
Christ in Me Arise
Trevor Thompson

Christ in me arise and dispel all the darkness. Christ in me arise with your power and your strength. Christ in me pour out your blessing and healing. Christ in me arise and I shall rise with you.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, Mighty God,
in whom we know the power of redemption,
you stand among us in the shadows of our time.
As we move through every sorrow and trial of this life,
uphold us with knowledge of the final morning
when, in the glorious presence of your risen Son,
we will share in his resurrection,
redeemed and restored to the fullness of life
and forever freed to be your people. Amen.
Acts 16.
Trust and Obey
Lyn Alenjendrino Hopkins

Prayer:
O Lord God, your Son remained with his disciples after his resurrection,
teaching them to love all people as neighbors.
As his disciples in this age,
we offer our prayers on behalf of the universe
in which we are privileged to live
and our neighbors with whom we share it.
Open our hearts to your power moving
around us and between us and within us,
until your glory is revealed in our love of both friend and enemy,
in communities transformed by justice and compassion,
and in the healing of all that is broken. Amen.
Rev. 21.
Crown Him with Many Crowns
Matthew Bridges (1851).

Crown Him with many crowns,
The Lamb upon His throne;
Hark! How the heav’nly anthem drowns
All music but its own!
Awake, my soul and sing
Of Him Who died for thee,
And hail Him as thy matchless King
Through all eternity.
Prayer:
O Lord, Gracious God,
through a vision you sent Paul forth to preach the gospel
and called the women to the place of prayer on the Sabbath.
Grant that we may be like Paul and be found like Lydia,
our hearts responsive to your word and open to go where you lead us. Amen.

John.
Make Me a Channel of Your Peace
St Francis of Assisi

Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there is hatred let me bring your
love.
Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord
And where there’s doubt, true faith in
you.
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!

Following Pastor on an April Sunday.
Today I woke at 5 am, did a few chores, made breakfast and was out the door to greet Pastor, who was already preparing for 7 am service at 6 with Matins.
We presented “Love One Another Celebration” for the Community.

Love One Another Celebration

Baptism at 10 am for happy parents, their active children and an infant that did not cry.
Luncheon at Noon begun with a prayer. So many people to visit!
Squeeze in a few hours “Walking the Street” visiting the Homebound and inviting everyone to next Sunday’s service and Mother’s Day Celebration the following Sunday.
There are several waves of raining buckets from occasional ominous clouds throughout the day.
Check some of the flyers and signs posted for Spirit’s upcoming events.
Community evening meal begun with a prayer of course. More people to visit.
Celebrate Recovery meeting to wrap up the official daylong schedule. Prayer.
Several unscheduled stops to visit and pray that always seem to find their way into the schedule.
End of the day Vespers.
Time to retire for this day.
Dear Lord, Thank you for a day fulfilling your plan! Amen.

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

Love One Another Celebration Introduction:
In Acts 11, Peter must convince the “Chosen” (Jews), that he follows the Lord in communing with Gentiles. Peter does this through a “dream” that the Lord used to instruct him.
Psalm 148 is a poem of praise.
How do we explain to a non-believer what order and life we will experience in the place Jesus has prepared for us? Not an easy task, as John is challenged here in Rev. 21.
In John 13, we see how Jesus Christ showed unconditional love for all people. Scripture tells us of this love of Jesus that transcends all that we can muster in our daily lives as believers. Jesus does not want our piety, He wants us to perform loving acts toward others, even those we do not normally get along with.

Love One Another Celebration Scripture:
God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life. Acts 11:18.
Praise the LORD! Ps. 148:1.
He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life. Rev. 21:6.
Where I am going, you cannot come. John 13:31.
Come Lord Jesus
James Tealy
performed by Redemption City

Before the mountains could lift their heads, Before the stars drew their first deep breath,

Before the ocean embraced the golden shore, Jesus, You were there as the world was born.
Prayer:
Creator of the universe,
you made the world in beauty,
and restore all things in glory
through the victory of Jesus Christ.
We pray that, wherever your image is still disfigured
by poverty, sickness, selfishness, war and greed,
the new creation in Jesus Christ may appear in justice, love, and peace,
to the glory of your name. Amen.
Spirit of the living God,
fall afresh on me.
Daniel Iverson (1929).
performed by Michael Daly.

Spirit of the living God,
fall afresh on me;
Spirit of the living God,
fall afresh on me.

Prayer:

Holy Lord God,
you have called us to follow in the way of your risen Son,
and to care for those who are our companions,
not only with words of comfort, but with acts of love.
Seeking to be true friends of all,
we offer our prayers on behalf of the church and the world.
Guide us in the path of discipleship,
so that, as you have blessed us,
we may be a blessing for others,
bringing the promise of the kingdom near
by our words and deeds. Amen.

How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds

John Newton (1774).

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
in a believer’s ear!
It soothes our sorrows, heals our wounds,
and drives away our fear.
Prayer:
Alpha and Omega, First and Last,
glory outshining all the lights of heaven:
pour out upon us your Spirit
of faithful love and abundant compassion,
so that we may rejoice in the splendor of your works
while we wait in expectation
for the new heaven and the new earth you promise
when Christ shall come again. Amen.
Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow
Doxology
Thomas Ken

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
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!

Waterloo Fire Department went all out on its Pancake Feed.

Spirit goes all out to support this fundraising activity. This is a community engaging and educational opportunity. We are pleased to participate. We recommend everyone give it a try next time it comes around! Need more information? Contact Pastors Michael or Cathy Hanus: Spirit.Peace@outlook.com

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

Promise of Eternal Life Introduction:
In John’s gospel message today, the Jews are divided. Some believe, others do not. Jesus, the great and patient teacher, praises the believers and admonishes those who do not believe. Believers receive eternal life.
Luke in Acts tells us of Tabitha, a woman filled with the Holy Spirit and good works, generous with concern and resources, who provides for the poor. We should live to emulate Tabitha.
Our Psalm 23 reminds us of the beauty in life that comes to faithful people. Our Lord provides for His flock time and time again.
The futuristic focus of Revelations allows believers hope and promise that despite today’s misfortunes, brighter times lie ahead. Christians are called to anticipate the heaven that awaits.

Promise of Eternal Life Scripture:
Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. Acts 9:36.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Ps. 23:4.
For this reason they are before the throne of God, and worship him day and night within his temple, and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them. Rev. 7:15.
My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27.

Holy, Holy, Holy
Reginald Heber (1826).
performed by Hillsong

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

Prayer:
Mighty Lord God,
in whom we know the power of redemption,
you stand among us in the shadows of our time.
As we move through every sorrow and trial of this life,
uphold us with knowledge of the final morning
when, in the glorious presence of your risen Son,
we will share in his resurrection,
redeemed and restored to the fullness of life
and forever freed to be your people. Amen.

The Lord is My Shepherd
Francis Rous (1650).
Pianist Brother James Air

The Lord’s my Shepherd, I’ll not want;
He makes me down to lie
In pastures green; He leadeth me
The quiet waters by.

Prayer:
O God, your Son remained with his disciples after his resurrection,
teaching them to love all people as neighbors.
As his disciples in this age,
we offer our prayers on behalf of the universe
in which we are privileged to live
and our neighbors with whom we share it.

Open our hearts to your power moving
around us and between us and within us,
until your glory is revealed in our love of both friend and enemy,
in communities transformed by justice and compassion,
and in the healing of all that is broken. Amen.

I heard the Voice of Jesus Say
Horatius Bonar (1846).
performed by Westminster Abbey Choir
http://youtu.be/7frl0b2zSU8

I heard the voice of Jesus say,
“Come unto Me and rest;
Lay down, thou weary one, lay down,
Thy head upon My breast.”
I came to Jesus as I was,
Weary and worn and sad;
I found in Him a resting-place,
And He has made me glad.

Prayer:
God of comfort and compassion,
through Jesus, your Son, you lead us
to the water of life and table of your bounty.
May we who have received
the tender love of our Good Shepherd
be strengthened by your grace
to care for 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!

FREE NESCIFEST Valley Community Event
Everyone is Welcome! Come as You Are!
Sponsored by Spirit of Peace, Valley, NE and AcademyScience.us

Nebraska Science Festival for ALL to Explore!
– Saturday, April 16, 2016 from 10 am to 2 pm or so.
Where: Valley City Library
​ 232 North Spruce Street Valley, NE 68064

Many Science exhibits including Rockets, Robots, Microscopes, Fossils, Paper folding, and MORE!
Price:​ Free! (sweet!) Thank you!

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

FREE NESCIFEST Valley Community Event

AcademyScience.us

NESCIFEST Valley History

Take Heart! Heaven’s Delights will Far Outweigh Earth’s Difficulties.

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33.

I like to watch birds at play, so I built a small sanctuary in our backyard to attract them. For several months I enjoyed the sight of my feathered friends feeding and flitting about, until a Cooper’s Hawk made my bird refuge his private hunting reserve.

Such is life: Just about the time we settle down to take our ease, something or someone comes along to unsettle our nests. Why, we ask, must so much of life be a veil of tears?

Lord, You are powerful, loving, in control, and eternal. We trust You and love You.
I have heard many answers to that old question, but lately I am satisfied with just one: “All the discipline of the world is to make [us] children, that God may be revealed to [us].” (George MacDonald, Life Essential). When we become like children, we begin trusting, resting solely in the love of our Father in heaven, seeking to know Him and to be like Him.

Cares and sorrow may follow us all the days of our lives, but “we do not lose heart. … For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Cor. 4:16-18). – David Roper. Daily Bread.

Can we not rejoice, then, with such an end in view?

Lord, we do rejoice even in our struggles because we are rejoicing in who You are and Your good purposes for us. You are powerful, loving, in control, and eternal. We trust You and love You. Heaven’s delights will far outweigh earth’s difficulties.

Despite our text telling the story of Paul’s suffering as a follower of Christ, it also carries an implicit message of hope in the phrase “but not.” (2 Cor. 4:8–9). Though Paul suffered in a variety of ways, he was not overwhelmed by his experiences. His hope, and ours, is expressed in verse 17: “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” – Bill Crowder. Daily Bread.