The Twelve Days of Christmas begins on Christmas Day, the birth of Jesus Christ and goes to the Epiphany, the acknowledgment by the magi that Jesus Christ is the Savior, Son of God.
Our classic twelve days song is theorized to have a fundamental relationship to the religious based twelve days of Christmas in the following manner:
Partridge in a Pear Tree – Jesus Christ;
Two Turtle Doves – The Old and New Testaments;
Three French Hens – The three virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity;
Four Calling Birds – Four gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John;
Five Golden Rings – First five books of the Old Testament;
Six Geese-a-Laying – Six days of creation before God’s rest on the seventh day;
Seven Swans-a-Swimming – Seven gifts of the Holy Spirit;
Eight Maids-a-Milking – Eight Beatitudes;
Nine Ladies Dancing – Nine fruits of the Holy Spirit;
Ten Lords-a-Leaping – Ten Commandments;
Eleven Pipers Piping – Eleven faithful disciples;
Twelve Drummers Drumming – Twelve points of belief in the Apostles’ Creed.
Spirit of Peace Celebrates Thanksgiving Day 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 the environment volunteers are pictured here.
We Love Our Volunteers
Spirit of Peace celebrates and thanks every one of you!
Peace and Joy! Pastors Michael and Cathy Hanus
What: Free (Sweet!) Community Thanksgiving Day Meal
Who: You, Family, Friends, All Are Welcome!
When: November 22, 2018 Noon – 3:00 pm Thanksgiving Day
Where: 111 East Front Street, Valley, Nebraska 68064
Why: Share Our Blessings and Thanks with the Community!
All Participants Are Welcome. Bring Yourself, Family and Friends!
All Volunteers Are Welcome!
All Donations Are Appreciated!
Sponsored By Spirit of Peace Missional Community
Questions? Call, Text or eMail Pastors Michael or Cathy Hanus
Phone or Text: 402-541-7019 eMail: Spirit.Peace@outlook.com
SpiritofPeace.us
Free Thanksgiving Day MealPlease RSVP through EventBrite link!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-thanksgiving-day-meal-all-are-welcome-tickets-51971785008
Trinity Celebration for the Community.Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!
Nicodemus
Introduction:
The Lord calls upon Isaiah and Isaiah shows no fear. In his vision, Isaiah experiences a visually painful act to seek forgiveness. How do we discern reality in our lives? May we draw inspiration from our visions.
Psalm 29, the voice of the Lord, should create thunderous messages in our lives. God does love you and me.
Today in Paul’s letter to the Romans, God adopts us as His children. We adopt one another through Christ, a relationship we have gained in being believers in Christ.
Nicodemus, a learned Pharisee of his day, struggles with the concept of born again, as Jesus calls his spiritual theology into question. Rebirth to faith, not knowledge. We are all recipients of Gods gift.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life. John 3:16. We will explore these concepts further in today’s sermon.
I anticipate and hope with all my heart that today we will be transformed, born again, and leave enthusiastic about our role in Gods kingdom!
John 3:16.
Here I am Lord, Dan Schutte (1981).
Scripture:
Old Testament: Isaiah 6:1-8.
Psalm: Psalm 29.
New Testament: Romans 8:12-17.
Gospel: John 3:1-17.
John 3:5.
Prayer: God of delight, your Wisdom sings your Word at the crossroads where humanity and divinity meet. Invite us into your joyful being where you know and are know in each beginning, in all sustenance, in every redemption, that we may manifest your unity in the diverse ministries you entrust to us, truly reflecting your triune majesty in the faith that acts, in the hope that does not disappoint, and in the love that endures. Amen.
The Lord Will Bless His People with Peace
Responsorial Psalm
Prayer Intentions: Holy, holy, holy God, in calling forth creation from the void, revealing yourself in human flesh, and pouring forth your wisdom to guide us, you manifest your concern for your whole universe. You invite us, as your people, to gather the world’s needs into our hearts and bring them before you.
Prayers of the People;
Holy, holy, holy God, fill us with strength and courage, with discernment and compassion, that we may be your instruments of justice and love in this world, that it may be on earth as it is in heaven. 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
Christ in Me Arise, Trevor Thomson
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: Holy God, the earth is full of the glory of your love. May we your children, born of the Spirit, so bear witness to your Son Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, that all the world may believe and have eternal life through the One who saves, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
Closing Hymn.
What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!, Anonymous
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.
Critical Decision Reflection
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!
Mark 1:9-15
Introduction:
Critical Decision Reflection
Mark tells us of Jesus’ Baptism, Temptation and Preaching. The common factor is one that touches all of us; the Kingdom of God is near. The “Kingdom of God is near” is the magic phrase (terms of art) that brings Jesus near to us in the Gospel messages. Through Him, in Him and with Him, we hope and pray to bring all to be right in this world. Mark, in his colorful and apocalyptic manner, demonstrates how Jesus rightfully should, and does, permeate our lives. Mark wants to deliver us into a world of kairos, time of critical decision. This is more than chronos, time of self-deprivation “giving up” something for Lent. Please Listen and enjoy the Word of God today.
In Genesis today, God communicates the promise of the covenant to Noah (yes, the Ark), his sons, and every person for all time. Of course God addresses our human need for divine reassurance, but the message goes well beyond this. Every living creature is entitled to the fulfillment of the rainbow.
The message within Psalm 15 is, Who Belongs to God? Simple answer, everyone and everything for God created all. Who is Loved by God? We all are! What do we do? It is our choice to live within His presence and do His will. Here comes the rub. Do we choose to turn toward God or away from Him? Lent reminds us that God is gracious and we are saved by Grace. The Grace is Gods gift, not our choice.
We assume the author of the Book of Peter is Peter the Apostle. Today Peters letter addresses the exiles of dispersion. Peter wants them, and us, to know that all Are Gods children and to provide guidance on how to weather difficult times.
God of the Sparrow
Jaroslav Vajda (1983).
First Plymouth Church
Scripture:
Old Testament: Genesis 9:8-17.
Psalm: Psalm 25:1-10.
New Testament: 1 Peter 3:18-22.
Gospel: Mark 1:9-15.
Amazing Love
Graham Kendrick
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.
Come Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove
Isaac Watts (1707).
Prayer Intentions:
Beloved friends, in this season of repentance and healing,
we accept God’s invitation to be ever-mindful of the needs of others,
offering our prayers on behalf of God’s community in the church and the world.
Prayers of the People;
Fill us with your strength to resist the seductions of our foolish desires
and the tempter’s vain delights, that we may walk in obedience and righteousness, rejoicing in you with an upright heart, making that critical decision to follow you. 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
I Danced in the Morning
Lord of the Dance
Sydney Carter (1963).
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: God of our salvation, your rainbow in the clouds proclaims your covenant with every living creature. Teach us your paths and lead us in your truth, that by your Holy Spirit, we may remember our baptismal vows and be keepers of your trust with earth and its inhabitants. 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 Service has ended. Go in Peace.
Thanks be to God.
Praise Him Celebration
for the Community.
Modern Song Focus on Contemporary Church Artists
performing hymns of traditional foundation.
Everyone is Welcome!
Jesus Heals Simons Mother in Law
Introduction:
Prophet Isaiah observes our coming to and practicing faith. We all observe a person coming to faith for the first time, whether a sudden transformation or a gradual process. We acknowledge that God is the most powerful concern in our lives.
Psalm 147 is about praise. Praise the Lord. What more is there to say? God created the world and God will heal the world in its brokenness. Psalmist David uses allusion, or indirect reference, to make his point.
Paul asks the Corinthians and us, What are we willing to do so that others can see God? The local temple was a gathering place for family Celebration as homes tended to be small. Use of the temple subjected the group to the temple administration. As we should, Paul ultimately owes his life to God, not those that provide him with financial support.
Mark relates the details of Christ’s life. Jesus intervenes in the conflict between the power of evil and the power of God by doing deeds of power and preaching. Lifting, Raising, Healing. We should be there to witness and support our brothers and sisters as Christ the Healer is Lord and ruler of all.
We Will Rise Again
Barney Warren
David Haas
Renee Bondi
Scripture:
Old Testament: Isaiah 40:21-31.
Psalm: Ps. 147:1-11; Ps. 147:20.
New Testament: 1 Corinthians 9:16-23.
Gospel: Mark 1:29-39.
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.
How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds
Matthew Perryman Jones
John Newton
Prayer Intentions: To God who welcomes all in love, let us pray for the good of the church and the concerns of those in need.
Prayers of the People …
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.
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
Servant Song
Richard Gillard (1977).
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: Everlasting God, you give strength to the powerless and power to the faint; you raise up the sick and cast out demons.
Make us agents of healing and wholeness, that your good news may be made known to the ends of your creation. Amen.
Closing Hymn
In Christ Alone
Travis Cottrell
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.
