Tag Archives: celebration

Follow Jesus Celebration

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

Introduction:
In Isaiah today we have the light shining in the darkness. The promise of deliverance through the prophecy of a coming Messiah is a source of great joy!
Our psalm today is grounded in trust and joy in worshiping the Lord.
In Corinthians Paul wants to stress and persuade the people to live together in the Word, not hear it and then go on with inconsistent disjointed lives. Remain turned toward the God that bestows blessings upon you and do not turn away, even in hard times.
In our gospel lesson today Jesus walks throughout and declares the land of the covenant and the heavens as belonging to God although the earthly space was under the secular law of the imperial powers of the day. Jesus portrays God as creator, savior and judge. Jesus walks among the people preaches and calls men and women as His disciples. Jesus demonstrates the justness that will come in heaven as He heals the afflictions on earth and fulfills the prophets words.
We are here to hear and share in the proclamation of the Good News. What great strength and caring we find in Jesus! If Jesus walks among us today, whom among us would follow Him?

Learning to Follow Jesus
Learning to Follow Jesus

Scripture:
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. Is. 9:2.
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Ps. 27:1.
Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose. 1 Cor. 1:10.
Follow me, and I will make you fish for people. Matt. 4:19. Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. Matt. 4:23.

City of God
Dan Schutte

 

Prayer: Perfect Light of revelation, as you shone in the life of Jesus, whose epiphany we celebrate, so shine in us and through us, that we may become beacons of truth and compassion, enlightening all creation with deeds of justice and mercy. Amen.

Rock of Ages
Augustus Toplady (1776).
performed by Antrim Mennonite Choir

 

Prayer: To God who welcomes all in love, let us pray for the good of the church and the concerns of those in need.

God of every land and nation, you have created all people and you dwell among us in Jesus Christ. Listen to the cries of those who pray to you, and grant that, as we proclaim the greatness of your name, all people will know the power of love at work in the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be Thou My Vision
Old Irish Bí Thusa ‘mo Shúile
Slane
Translator Mary Elizabeth Byrne
performed by Selah

 

Prayer: Dear Lord God of Blazing light, through the power of the cross you shattered our darkness, scattering the fears that bind us and setting us free to live as your children. Give us courage and conviction that we may joyfully turn and follow you into new adventures of faithful service, led by the light that shines through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
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 Summons
John Bell

 

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!

Seeking Jesus Celebration

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

Introduction:
In our gospel today, John is an excellent witness for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. John dutifully tells others what he has seen, offers evidence on behalf of the one who sent him, points to the Lamb of God who gives up His life for the sin of the world.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus asks what are you seeking? The soon to be apostles, Simon (Peter) and his brother Andrew, are looking for Teacher just to be with Him. What will be your response?

Seeking Jesus
Seeking Jesus

Scripture:
Kings shall see and stand up, princes, and they shall prostrate themselves, because of the Lord, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you. Is. 49:7.
I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart. Ps. 40:8.
He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 1:8.
John the Baptist testifies, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. John 1:32.

 

My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine
William Featherstone (1864).

My Jesus, I love thee, I know thou art mine;
for thee all the follies of sin I resign;
my gracious Redeemer, my Savior art thou;
if ever I loved thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

Prayer: Perfect Light of revelation, as you shone in the life of Jesus, whose epiphany we celebrate, so shine in us and through us, that we may become beacons of truth and compassion, enlightening all creation with deeds of justice and mercy. Amen.

This hymn reminds discouraged Christians of the grace they have been given. It is often easy to take a negative view of life, but when we remember the things we have been given, we cannot deny that we are blessed. The hymn proclaims that all power belongs to God, and that he desires to bless us.

Count Your Blessings
When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed
Johnson Oatman (1897).
performed by Ann Williamson

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

 

Prayer: To God who welcomes all in love, let us pray for the good of the church and the concerns of those in need. God of every land and nation, you have created all people and you dwell among us in Jesus Christ. Listen to the cries of those who pray to you, and grant that, as we proclaim the greatness of your name, all people will know the power of love at work in the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Charlotte Elliott possesses a deep spiritual-mindedness which is so prominent in her hymns. Though weak and feeble in body, she possessed a strong imagination, and a well-cultured and intellectual mind. Her love of poetry and music was great, and is reflected in her verse.

Just as I Am without One Plea
Charlotte Elliott (1800s).

Just as I am, without one plea,
but that thy blood was shed for me,
and that thou bidd’st me come to thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Prayer: Steadfast God, you have enriched and enlightened us by the revelation of your eternal Christ. Comfort us in our mortality and strengthen us to walk the path of your desire, so that by word and deed we may manifest the gracious news of your faithfulness and love. Amen.

O for a Closer Walk with God
William Cowper (1772).

O for a closer walk with God,
a calm and heavenly frame,
a light to shine upon the road
that leads me to the Lamb!

 

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.

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!

Baptism of Our Lord Celebration

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

Introduction:

The gospel reading today is about the Baptism of Jesus, not to be likened to nor confused with ours. In Matthew, the questions of Jesus’ sinless purity and divinity are fair presentation for His disciples. We are blessed to hear the Gospel according to Matthew as he sees it in his day. Jesus, a man without sin, takes our sins to the cross, dying a human death so to gift our imperfect nature salvation.
John the Baptist is a rough animal hide clothed grub eating believer who preaches repentance and cleansing by water to prepare oneself to be in the presence of our Lord. Here John meets Jesus face to face, experiences the awkward moment and recognizes the Lord and Savior.
Our Lord God Creator of Heaven and Earth removes all doubt of the presence and identity of His obedient son, Jesus Christ, as Christ rises from the waters of His Baptism. We see the presence of the Triune God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
What would you feel if you were at the Baptism of our Lord Jesus?

 

Baptism of Our Lord
Baptism of Our Lord

Scripture:
Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. Is. 42:1.
Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ps. 29:1.
He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. Acts 10:42.
When Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. Matt. 3:16.

 

Pardon Peace Power
Daniel Whittle (El Nathan) 1883.

Pardon Peace Power
Pardon Peace Power

 

Prayer: God of grace and glory, you call us with your voice of flame to be your people, faithful and courageous. As your beloved Son embraced his mission in the waters of baptism, inspire us with the fire of your Spirit to join in his transforming work. We ask this in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

 

Come Holy Ghost Creator Blest
Fr. Louis Lambillotte S.J.

 

Prayer: Sisters and brothers, our baptismal vows call us to compassion and mercy on behalf of those in need. We offer our prayers for the church and the world.

 

Spirit Song
John Wimber
performed by Maranatha Singers

 

Prayer: Dear Lord God, you revealed your Son in the waters of the Jordan and anointed him with the power of the Holy Spirit to proclaim good news to all people. Sanctify us by the same Spirit, that we may proclaim the healing power of the gospel by acts of love in your name. Amen.

 

Be Not Afraid.
You Shall Cross the Barren Desert (1975).
Bob Dufford, S.J.
performed by John Michael Talbot

 

Prayer: Dear Creator God, our soul’s delight, your voice thunders over the waters, liberating the future from the past. In the Spirit’s power and the waters of rebirth, Jesus was declared your blessed and beloved Son; may we recall our baptism, and be disciples of the Anointed One. 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!

Holy Name of Jesus Celebration

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

Introduction:
Dear People of God, what is in a name? How many names do we hear and know for Jesus? King of Kings, House of David, Savior, Messiah, Lord. Soon our telling the Good News will describe how Jesus Christ takes our sins to the cross to gift us salvation. In our readings of Scripture throughout the liturgical year we find the truths are self-evident, we believe the Word of the Lord. We worship in Word, Song and our Presence. We stand in awe in the name of our Lord.
Let us worship!

Scripture:
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 6:24-6.
O LORD, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. Ps. 8:1.
God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name. Phil. 2:9.
He was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. Luke 2:21.

 

The Lord Bless You and Keep You.
performed by John Rutter

 

Prayer: Dear Lord God, you have claimed us as your people and entrusted the justice and holiness of your creation to our hands and hearts. Hear the prayers we offer this day on behalf of this world. Grant that we may not only pray with our lips, but be courageous in conduct, responding to your grace with faithful and fruitful action. Amen.

 

Name Above All Names
Sovereign Grace Music

 

Prayer: Dear Lord God of ancient blessing, your servant Mary pondered in her heart the treasured words spoken about her Son, our Savior Jesus Christ.
Prepare our hearts to receive his Spirit, that our tongues may confess him Lord. Amen.

 

Joy to the World
Isaac Watts (1719).
performed by Pastor Kevin Schuessler. Guitar.

 

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!

Christmas Celebration

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

The time is here to enjoy the hymns we are practicing for Christmas Caroling!

Nativity
Nativity

Introduction:
Join us in celebrating the Good News!
God presents Himself to all the ends of the earth! It is easy for Isaiah and the Psalm to flow into one another. Following the Faith and Hope we practiced in the season of Advent, we now experience the Love and Joy sharing the message of Christ’s birth!
In Hebrews, God announces the name of His son to us. Then He goes on to describe His son and all that Jesus will represent and do.
As the angels greet the shepherds, guardians of the flock, we learn the all important message.
Our Lord and Savior has presented Himself to us as a child!
Although we realize that our challenges will be there waiting to confront us when the time comes, take this time to bask in the Joy and Peace that surpasses all our human understanding can bring us!
Peace and Joy! The Christ child is with us! Alleluia!

Come, My Heart, Canst Thou Not Hear It
William Knight (1939).
performed by Hyfrydol.

Scripture:
All the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. Is. 52:10.
All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. Ps. 98:3.
Let all God’s angels worship him. Heb. 1:6.
To all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God. John 1:12.

All the Ends of the Earth
David Haas, Marty Haugen (1983).

Prayer: O Holy One, heavenly angels spoke to earthly shepherds and eternity entered time in the child of Bethlehem. Through the telling of the Christmas story, let our temporal lives be caught up in the eternal in that same child, that we might join shepherds and all the heavenly host in praising the coming of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
Edmund Sears (1849).

Prayer: God of glory, your splendor shines from a manger in Bethlehem, where the Light of the world is humbly born into the darkness of human night. Open our eyes to Christ’s presence in the shadows of our world, so that we, like him, may become beacons of your justice, and defenders of all for whom there is no room. Amen.

Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Charles Wesley (1749).

Prayer: May our gracious God, whose light shines in the darkness of our lives, the One who formed creation, now hear the prayers we offer this day for all people. Splendor of eternal glory, grant that we may be faithful witnesses to the light that dawns this morning, proclaiming Christ’s word of peace and salvation in acts of justice and mercy. Amen.

What Child is This
William Dix (1642). Tune: Greensleeves.
performed by Josh Groban

Wonderful, Merciful Savior
Eric Wyse
performed by Selah

Prayer: Dear God, you spoke and your Word became flesh, breathing a new song of joy and praise into the world. Grant that we may bear the good news of your salvation, proclaiming your promise of peace to the ends of the earth. Amen.

Good Christian Friends Rejoice


At the Name of Jesus
Catherine Noel
performed by MS Baptist Youth Choir and Orchestra (2007). Jackson, MS.

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!

Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner

FREE Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner
ALL Are Welcome!

When: Starts NOON Thursday November 24, 2016

Where: Valley Veterans Club, 111 E. Front St., Valley 68064

Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving

Volunteers welcome!
Donations appreciated!
If able, please bring a side or dessert!

Organized and Sponsored by Spirit of Peace

SpiritofPeace.us
SpiritofPeace.us

Questions? call 402-541-7019 or email
spirit.peace@outlook.com
SpiritofPeace.us

Community Thanksgiving Church Service

Community Thanksgiving Church Service
Come Join the Community and local congregations’ pastors in Gathering for a Christian church service 4:00 pm Sunday November 20 Celebrating Thankfulness to God for Our Blessings at the following location: St Marks Lutheran Church, 115 West Meigs St Valley, NE.
All are Welcome!

Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving

You may expect hymns consistent with the Thanksgiving Christian liturgical season, the Community Choir, Holy Motion Liturgical Dancers, 100 Voices, a Brass Band, Pastor Cathy Hanus bringing us a relevant Children’s Sermon on demonstrating thankfulness consistent with Scripture and Pastor Michael Hanus delivering a timely relevant Family Homily on Paul’s Letter to the Philippians.
All are Welcome to visit pastors in Fellowship after the church service.
This promises to be an excellent opportunity for Family Celebration!
Peace and Joy! Pastors Michael and Cathy Hanus. Spirit of Peace.

SpiritofPeace.us
SpiritofPeace.us

Golden Living Rocket Science Celebration

Golden Living Rocket Science Celebration

Spirit and AcademyScience.us joined together in bringing Rocket Science to Golden Living with Rocket Design, Build and Launch Celebration. STEM Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics can be educational and FUN for All ages!
We are getting our Missional Community Service Fellowship on as we visit Golden Living residents to Celebrate the Spirit Among Us with Activity, Prayer, Song and Fellowship!
The Prize Winning Rocket Performance flew more than three hundred feet! Excellent! We can not wait until the next Big Day!

Golden Living Rocket Celebration
Golden Living Rocket Celebration

If you are interested in volunteering for or sponsoring events in the community,
Please contact Spirit of Peace Pastors Michael and Cathy Hanus at minister@spiritofpeace.us

Shining Service Celebration

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

National Back to Church Sunday.
Back to Church Sunday (B2CS) is the largest local-church invitational initiative in the world. It is based on the simplest and shortest step in evangelism: inviting a friend to our church. Sounds simple enough. Let’s do it!

Shining Service
Shining Service

The song is a simple appeal to God to come and help those in need.

Kum ba yah, my Lord.
African Spiritual. (1920s).

Kumbaya my lord, kumbaya
Kumbaya my lord, kumbaya
Oh lord, kumbaya.
Someone’s singing lord, kumbaya
Someone’s singing lord, kumbaya
Someone’s singing lord, kumbaya
Oh lord, kumbayah.

Introduction:
Jeremiah 8 tells us grieving must happen so it can help our natural emotional process deal with the hurt.
Jesus Christ loves us, died for us; and asks that we might live for him. Jesus buys us salvation with His blood. Today we pray: Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliver us, and atone for our sins, for your name’s sake! Ps. 79:9.
In Timothy today we conclude what we started earlier: our Christian faithfulness reflects our capacity for high moral character, we elect to choose strong leadership to strengthen our goals of high moral character, yet we live to serve the Lord and our neighbor rather than exalt ourselves given our moral character.
Luke gives us a lesson in social economics to consider with the moral character we recognize in Timothy. The example of an unscrupulous apparently self concerned business manager in the parable assists us in getting the moral of the story.
This week we put on our shiny Service hats to go into the community and choose our behaviors wisely.

O for a Closer Walk with God
William Cowper (1772).
Olney Hymns.

O for a closer walk with God,
a calm and heavenly frame,
a light to shine upon the road
that leads me to the Lamb!

Scripture:
My joy is gone, grief is upon me, my heart is sick. Jer. 8:18.
Pour out your anger on the nations that do not know you, and on the kingdoms that do not call on your name. Ps. 79:6.
For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself a ransom for all. 1 Tim. 2:5.
No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. Luke 16:13.

Prayer:
God of power and justice,
like Jeremiah you weep over those who wander from you,
turn aside to other gods, and enter into chaos and destruction.
By your tears and through your mercy,
teach us your ways and write them on our hearts
so that we may follow faithfully the path you show us. Amen.

My Hope is Built on Nothing Less
Edward Mote (1834).
Sovereign Grace.

My hope is built on nothing less
than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;
all other ground is sinking sand,

Prayer:
When joy is gone and hearts are sick, O Lord God,
you give us Jesus Christ as our healing balm.
He came in human flesh that he might give himself
as a ransom for our salvation and
anoint us with the Spirit of consolation and joy.
Hear the cry of your people,
that we may rejoice in the richness of your love
and be faithful stewards of your many gifts. Amen.

All to Jesus I Surrender
Judson Van de Venter (1896).
Vineyard.

All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.

I surrender all, I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.

Prayer:
O Lord God, you call us to embrace both
you and the children of this world with unconditional love.
Give us grace to discern what your love demands of us,
that, being faithful in things both great and small,
we may serve you with an undivided heart. Amen.

You Gotta Serve Somebody
Bob Dylan

You may be an ambassador to England or France
You may like to gamble, you might like to dance
You may be the heavyweight champion of the world
You may be a socialite with a long string of pearls
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody, yes
Indeed you’re gonna have to serve somebody
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody.

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!