Peace Sunday:

Mennonite Central Committee Worship Resources

As churches in the peace tradition we believe our call to seek peace and justice is a core teaching of Jesus, a belief so foundational that it often goes unspoken. Theologically and historically we are deeply rooted in the understanding that war and violence go against our call to discipleship. We can forget to impress these teachings on our children; to talk about them when we sit at home and when we walk along the road, when we lie down and when we get up (Deuteronomy 6:7-9). Peace Sunday - and the time leading up to it - is an ideal time to remember this call, to bring it to the forefront, and to give voice to what it means for us to be followers of Jesus.

The call to peace and justice resonates with all people of conscience, not only those from the historic peace church tradition. Peace Sunday, and the activities surrounding it, can be part of our witness in our commmunites and in the broader world.

Worship is at the core of congregational life and is thus an opportune moment to focus on matters of faith and justice. Reflections, stories, prayers, and sermon ideas to help you prepare for the Peace Sunday worship service. Browse through them, skip around and let them feed your imagination. They can be used as discussion piesces, during the worship service, or simply to get your own ideas flowing. Read through them and find the points that might most inspire your congregation.

The elements of the service can be incorporated into your customary order of worship, or organized in a new way that is comfortable for your congregation. Be creative and be sensitive to where the Spirit is leading.

Peace Sunday is also an opportunity to bring a wide variety of worship styles together under a common theme. We hope these materials can serve as a springboard for including formal and informal, contemporary and traditional, familiar and unfamiliar worship components.

Also see resources on the UN International Day of Peace.