Lent is always a season for lament and prayer. In the wake of the US attacks on Iran this weekend, I feel this raging grief of lament in my bones. I feel the call to prayer as a desperate longing. And so I offer this guide for Prayers and Practices for Peace in a Time…
As some of you already know, my path is taking quite a turn. I will conclude my nearly 18-year ministry with Peace Mennonite in Lawrence, KS, on June 10 and begin as co-pastor of Bethel College Mennonite Church in North Newton, KS, on August 11. I am sad to leave the beloved community at Peace…
Holy One,We, like the women at the tomb, have borne witness to death in many forms.We have encountered violence.We have carried grief.We have resigned ourselves.And so, even though we have heard this story many times,it is nowas alwaysunexpected–That there would be no stone to roll away,no death shroud to unwrap,no body to receive the carefully…
In March of 2022, the Hubble telescope discovered the farthest known star from Earth. It’s named Earendel (meaning “morning star”) and is 12.9 billion light years away. Twelve point nine BILLION light years. Which means that the light we can see through the telescope right now began heading this way billions of years ago. I…
Call to Worship from Psalm 100 Make a joyful noise to the Holy One!We come to sing and pray, to laugh and speak.Serve God with gladness!We are glad to be here, worshipping together.Know that the almighty Creator has made us!We honor each other in this space as beloved people of God.Enter the Divine gates with…
God, we pray today for impossible situations–places where it seemsimpossible to bring peace,impossible to find joy,impossible to move forward in any waythat does not wrench the heart of the world. In every impossible situation,Let us meet violence with peace,Let us offer love,Let us do good work even if it feels futile.Let us not be afraid…
Call to Worship from Matthew 25:1-13 In our wisdom and foolishness,We gather for worship.Though some of us are more prepared than others,We are all here.With bright lights and dim,We wait together for the expected One.Look! Come out! Keep awake!For God is here. Prayer from Joshua 24:1-3, 14-25 God of wisdom and power,Bring out those caught in systems…
Call to Worship inspired by 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 In worship we share the Good News of JesusAnd we share ourselves with each other.In this place we receive the tender care of GodAnd we care tenderly for each other.We gather today with hope and with courageTo give and receive love in the holy name of Christ. Prayer from…
Call to Worship from 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Grace and peace to you.And also to you.Let us receive the message of God’s good news this morning with powerAnd in the Holy Spirit.Let us receive the word with joy,And let us proclaim the word with conviction.Let us receive all who have gathered with whole-hearted welcomeAs we worship a…
Call to Worship from Philippians 4:4-7 Dear friends,rejoicein God always. Let’s say it again:rejoice.May our gentleness be known,for God is near.Let us not worry about anything,for God is near.We will ask for what we needin prayer,and offer thanks to Godin prayer.We rejoice and give thanks thatthe peace of Godwill guard our hearts;the peace of Godwill…
Spacious Faith 