<![CDATA[ Peace Tree UMC

<![CDATA[ Peace Tree UMC - Blog]]>Sun, 16 Aug 2026 07:43:56 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[40 Days of Prayer & Discernment | Days 1-5]]>Wed, 12 Aug 2026 11:00:00 GMThttps://www.peacetreeumc.org/blog/40-days-of-prayer-discernment-days-1-5

This past Sunday, I joined several leaders from our congregation's Leadership Team to host a State of the Church information meeting.

During the meeting, we updated church members about recent successes in ministry, vital partnerships with fellow non-profit organizations which we've formed in the last couple of years, and shared how the reach & impact of our congregation extends beyond the walls of our church building.

We also received a clear and honest report from our treasurer regarding our church's finances, operating budget, and a potential forecast as we look ahead to the remainder of 2026.

If you're a member of our congregation but you missed attending this in-person session and you would like to view this video, please request a link by emailing me at kris@peacetreeumc.org.

Near the end of the gathering, I shared my hope for our faith community to enter into a season of prayerful consideration, conversation, and thought.

Starting today, August 12 and lasting through Sunday, September 20, we will engage in 40 Days of Prayer & Discernment.

I encourage you to return to this blog every Monday between now and September 20 for devotionals and prompts guiding you in meditation and prayer over different areas of ministry found within our church family.

I trust that the Holy Spirit will speak to us through this exercise to help bring into focus which programs, physical assets, and strategic partnerships are important and necessary to our core mission to "Love God by Loving Others."

I also want to make myself available for phone conversations, video chats, and one-to-one meetings. Every Monday, I will be in the church office from 10:00am until 2:00pm. Feel free to drop in unannounced or call ahead if you'd like to see me or any of our staff.

Dr. Durbin and I will also be available at several coffee shops throughout Collierville on Tuesday mornings from 10:00am until 12:00 Noon. We welcome any questions, comments, or reflections about our current situation as a church body, and we'd love to hear your ideas for innovation and fresh expressions of faith.

You can RSVP to these in-person coffee meet-ups on our Facebook page, or simply swing by for a cup of joe and conversation. Our schedule during these 40 Days of Prayer & Discernment is as follows:

Aug. 18 at Carrington Oaks Coffeehouse
Aug. 25 at Levee Coffee & Creamery
Sep. 1 at Café 127
Sep. 8 at Donut Hutt
Sep. 15 at Starbucks (S. Houston Levee)

We want to dream up and imagine possibilities that push beyond what might be considered standard procedure or some sort of protocol copied from a business playbook. Instead, we want to live into God's preferred future for our congregation.

As we consider the level of giving & tithes each family can commit to placing in the offering plate this year as well as the various uses of our church building and vital partnerships we can create with other congregations, non-profit organizations, and outside groups who desire to utilize our space, I pray that God will provide focus and clarity for our next steps as a church family.

So, today I invite you to read the passage of Scripture printed below and consider the ways in which our young people are leading us as a congregation. What gifts and talents do they possess? How are they not simply the "Church of Tomorrow," but rather the "Church of Today?"

After reading this passage, scroll down to read prompts for the different days of this week. And if you haven't already, watch the faith witnesses shared by our children & youth from our July 26 worship service linked below.

Thank you for your support! I look forward to joining you in person and in spirit during these next 40 Days of Prayer & Discernment. May God bless you and the people of Peace Tree!
+Pastor Kris Roof

And don’t let anyone put you down because you’re young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity.
1 Timothy 4:12 (The Message)

August 12 - Psalm 8:2 comments on how the praise of God by infants & children who gurgle choruses and shout songs are able to drown out the talk of enemies. How have you witnessed infants, toddlers, and young children praising God with their songs, shouts, and cries this past month?

August 13 - How important is it for tweens and teens to experience short term mission trips like Mountain T.O.P. or Rio Bravo? What is different about traveling to another place to engage in mission work versus volunteering here at home?

August 14 - Is God calling you to get Safe Sanctuary trained and background checked so that you may begin volunteering in the Nursery, with Peace Tree Kids, or with the Roots youth group?

August 15 - How have the young people of our faith community helped teach you about faith and trust in God? What example have they set with their words, demeanor, love, faith, and integrity?

August 16 - Is God calling you to provide a meal for one of the Wednesday night youth meet-ups this semester? If you do feel led to provide a meal for these students to enjoy, will you also consider sticking around to break bread in the fellowship hall and spend time with our teens, adult volunteers, and church staff?

]]><![CDATA[A Pastoral Letter from Bishop David Graves]]>Mon, 15 Sep 2025 19:15:20 GMThttps://www.peacetreeumc.org/blog/a-pastoral-letter-from-bishop-david-graves

Friends in Christ,

Our country is more divided than ever. For several years now, I have spoken with you and my previous conferences about these deep divisions and the painful ways they affect our communities, our churches, and even our families. In recent days, these divisions have again been laid bare.

It is our understanding that the National Guard will soon be deployed into Memphis, Tennessee. In our conference, as across our nation, faithful people hold differing views about this development. For many, this raises concerns about escalation, fear, and mistrust between communities and those called to protect them. We must acknowledge that such moments can deepen existing divides and stir strong emotions, even among those who worship side by side.

This past week, we witnessed the tragic shooting of a well-known political activist while in conversation with college students. And once again, our nation mourns yet another school shooting - this time in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado. These events grieve us deeply. They also have the power to widen the distance between us if we are not careful.

As United Methodists, we have historically stood against injustice in all its forms. Our faith compels us to speak truth, to pursue mercy, and to act with courage. Yet just as importantly, our Lord Jesus Christ calls us to be peacemakers. In a world of anger and suspicion, we are to be instruments of peace.

I implore you, therefore, to live into this calling. Reach across the lines that too often divide us - political, racial, geographic, or even denominational. Sit down with someone who does not look like you, vote like you, or pray like you. Listen with compassion. Extend grace. Refuse to let the story of our nation be written only in terms of hatred and violence. Our laity and clergy are called to be spiritual leaders in their communities, modeling the way of Christ through prayer, presence, and action. It is a conference discipleship priority and therefore of utmost importance.

How might you take responsibility for changing the narrative of this country? How might you bear witness to the reconciling love of Christ in a broken and weary world?

The apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” This is both a challenge and a promise. It is a challenge because peace requires effort, sacrifice, and humility. But it is also a promise, because when we take even small steps toward peace, God multiplies them for the sake of the Kingdom.

May God grant us the courage to stand for justice, the patience to listen across divides, and the wisdom to be instruments of peace. And may the peace of Christ, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in these days. Memphis Mayor Paul Young stated in his September 12 News Conference for everyone to come together regardless of our differences. He encouraged the Memphis community to be laser-focused on continuing the good work that has been done over the last two years in moving Memphis to becoming a great city.

May we United Methodists become laser-focused by loving God, loving people, and seeking to be a peacemaker. Use your voice, your influence, and your presence as God leads you.

With hope and prayer,
Bishop David Graves
Resident Bishop
Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference

]]><![CDATA[The 3/7 Fast]]>Sun, 15 Sep 2024 23:58:40 GMThttps://www.peacetreeumc.org/blog/the-37-fast

Even now, turn back your heart and rededicate yourselves to Me;
Show Me your repentance by fasting, weeping, and mourning.
Rip the wickedness out of your hearts; don’t just tear your clothing.
Joel 2:12-13a (The Voice)

Below is a template for our church-wide fast which was inspired by Jen Hatmaker's book, "7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess." As we prepare our hearts and minds for another year in ministry, let us undergo a fast together. Before we commit to serving on a church committee or we sign up to volunteer with the youth or children's ministries, let's consider how God is moving in our lives and where it is the Spirit is calling us to go. What better way to create space in our lives than with a fast!

You'll see seven different areas of focus and the challenge is to practice each fast for THREE days (and you can do anything for three days, right?). Once a fast is complete, you're free to return to your normal habits as you move on to the next 3-Day Fast.

One last thing: before you begin this challenge, recruit a friend to be your accountability partner - maybe invite them to participate in the 3/7 Fast with you! And if you need some encouragement along the way (or you want to see how I'm handling the latest focus area), you can always email me at kris@peacetree.church.

+Peace and Love from Pastor Kris

The 3-7 Fast (September 16 - October 6, 2024)

Sept. 16, 17, 18 - Food
Limit your meals to only 7 whole foods. If you're spending less time preparing meals, creating grocery lists, or ordering out at a restaurant, then you can spend more time with God and God's people. When you get hungry or tired of eating the same thing over and over again, say a prayer for people around the world who hunger.

Here are Jen's 7 foods to give you a sample menu for the next 3 days:

Chicken
Eggs
Whole-wheat Bread
Sweet Potatoes
Spinach
Avocados
Apples

Sept. 19, 20, 21 - Clothes
How much time do we spend getting dressed in the morning, figuring out which shoes to wear, which accessories match our outfits, what other people will say about our ensemble? What if we didn’t worry about that - what if the choices were streamlined and limited so that we could spend more time with our families and more time getting to the places and events we get dressed up for?

Here are Jen's 7 items of clothing to give you a sample wardrobe for the next 3 days:

One pair of dark washed jeans
One long-sleeved solid black t-shirt, fitted
One short-sleeved black missions shirt
One short-sleeved gray fun shirt
One pair of gray drawstring knit Capri pants
One long silk dark brown dress shirt
Shoes: cowboy boots and tennis shoes (even though these are two shoes, they count as one pair according to Jen's accountability group, since there are different environments she travels between)

Sept. 22, 23, 24 - Possessions
Give away seven things every day (ideally to someone directly, not through a third party like Goodwill or Salvation Army)

Go onto a Pass It On group online and search for posts of people LOOKING for something, and see if you can fill that need.

Consider giving to non-profit organizations that our church supports: books to Project Transformation, food to the Capleville Community Food Pantry, clothing and preschool & school supplies to the United Methodist Neighborhood Centers.

Sept. 25, 26, 27 - Media
How many distractions do we put in front of our faces each and every day? How many digital screens attack our eyes with blue light every hour of the day? What if we cut out all of the noise, got back to face-to-face conversations, phone calls instead of text messages, playing games in the backyard with children, or sharing a meal around the table with our loved ones. Can you unplug from these seven forms of media over the next three days?

TV
Gaming
Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/TikTok
Time-waster apps
Radio
Texting (unless it is necessary or saves time - no memes, GIFs, or sarcastic/silly messages
Internet (unless it’s absolutely necessary for work)

Sept. 28, 29, 30 - Waste
The following are seven habits for living a greener life. Have we considered the impact our lives have on this earth? What is your carbon footprint? How much money do we spend to heat or cool our homes. When something is broken, do we repair it or do we replace it? How many of these habits can you carry out over the next three days?

Gardening
Composting
Conserving energy & water
Recycling / Reusing everything
Driving only one car (when possible)
Shopping thrift or second-hand
Buying only local

Oct. 1, 2, 3 - Spending
It matters where we spend our money. How much do you know about the companies that you patronize? What types of wages do they pay their workers? Have they contributed to any candidates in the latest election? Take some time to research the companies that benefit from your hard-earned money and choose only seven places to shop over the next three days. Below are the places where Jen chose to spend her money.

Gas station
Children’s School
Grocery store
Emergency / Medical
Travel / Rainy Day fund
Online Utility Pay
Target or Wal-Mart

Oct. 4, 5, 6 - Stress
How often do we stop to pray? When we wake up and go to sleep? When we drop our children off at school? Do we pray before a big meeting or presentation at work? Is it common for an entire day to go by before we realize we've been moving non-stop? This final 3-Day Fast assigns us seven specific times throughout the day to pause and pray. How can prayer reduce the amount of stress we experience in our lives?

Night Watch (midnight)
Awakening Hour (dawn)
Blessing Hour (mid-morning)
Hour of Illumination (noon)
Wisdom Hour (mid-afternoon)
Twilight Hour (early evening)
Great Silence (bedtime)

]]><![CDATA[Out of Many, One]]>Thu, 05 May 2022 22:29:52 GMThttps://www.peacetreeumc.org/blog/out-of-many-one

On Monday, April 25, 2022, I had the honor of praying the invocation for the Board of Mayor & Aldermen Meeting at Collierville Town Hall. Below is the prayer that I offered for our leaders, our town, and for all those in attendance. Please join me on this National Day of Prayer as we consider all of our elected officials and ask that God would give them the wisdom needed to serve all people under their care.

Almighty God, as we continue to celebrate the holy days of Ramadan, Eastertide, and the days following Passover, we come to you as a town made up of many different people and many different faiths.

As decisions are made tonight which will impact the lives of all our citizens, remind us that our community is like a body, made up of different parts.

Some are young and some old, some with every need met and others requiring assistance, some can trace their lineage and connection to this town back several generations and others have just moved in.

Every part of this body is important, and some parts of the body that seem the weakest or least honorable in the eyes of the world are actually the most important and necessary in your eyes, dear Lord, since each member of this body has been placed exactly where you want them.

When we understand our town in this way, then we might begin to see each other as indispensable, where each person and each family is needed to make our community whole and strong.

Guide the work of our elected officials, O Lord, so that they might tend to the needs of all citizens, so that the parts of Collierville which are the most at risk might be the most protected and shown the greatest care.

Allow us to live in harmony with you and one another. And empower us with your Spirit to seek justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God – the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, of Hagar and Ishmael, of Jesus, Peter, and Paul. It’s in your Name, we pray. Amen.

]]><![CDATA[Live Life Unafraid]]>Wed, 06 Apr 2022 14:56:06 GMThttps://www.peacetreeumc.org/blog/live-life-unafraid

We're well into the thick of it. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and then before we know it is time to hunt Easter eggs and consider meal options for Resurrection Sunday.

Yet we have this lingering sense in our soul that to dig deeper might be good for us and that our look at the cross might change us in a profound way.

Our study guide during these sacred days has been Witness at the Cross by Amy-Jill Levine, and it invites us to consider all those who gathered around the cross.

My invitation for all of us is to find our place with them and to see how truth and grace offered by Jesus is being lived out in our journeys.

These times in which we live have heightened our fears and left us anxious and sad or even mad. As we stand at the cross here is the verse to remember and let sink into your soul:

“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)

Because we are baptized, we are called to live differently. Our vocation is to not let fear defeat or dominate us. Every person then and now who is a witness to the cross is deeply loved by the Savior who hangs on it.

Walter Bruggeman, the insightful Old Testament scholar, offers the truth that those who change the world will not be the frightened but the ones empowered by a confidence that is relentless in its trust in God.

In his book, Devotions for Lent, he is suggestive of how we better the world when we live unafraid.

“The UNAFRAID are open to the neighbor, while the frightened are defending themselves from the neighbor.

The UNAFRAID are generous in the community, while the frightened, in their anxiety, must keep and store and accumulate, to make themselves feel safe.

The UNAFRAID commit acts of compassion and mercy, while the frightened do not notice those in need.

The UNAFRAID are committed to justice for the weak and the poor, while the frightened see them only as threats.

The UNAFRAID pray in the morning, care through the day, and rejoice at night in thanks and praise, while the frightened are endlessly restless and dissatisfied.”

There you have it. I encourage you to dig deep. Give your fears to God. He knows us by name! That is an amazing gift.

God’s love will not let us go and never abandon us. Our scary world calls us to trust in God’s unfailing love and to know that we are not alone.

+Dr. Harry Durbin, Minister of Discipleship

]]><![CDATA[Dr. Durbin Joins Staff on January 1]]>Mon, 20 Dec 2021 23:59:17 GMThttps://www.peacetreeumc.org/blog/dr-durbin-joins-staff-on-january-1The following announcement was delivered by Pastor Kris during our Large Group worship celebration on Sunday, December 19, 2021 - the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Scroll down to see a video clip featuring his announcement.

I have some very exciting news to share with you this morning. On January 1st, the Rev. Dr. Harry Durbin will officially join the Peace Tree staff as our Minister of Discipleship. Many of you know who Dr. Durbin is and you may recall that he preached at our recent World Communion Sunday service while I was on paternity leave.

Before retiring from full-time ordained ministry in 2016, Dr. Durbin had been nominated twice as the Memphis Conference’s nominee for the office of Bishop. He holds a B.S. from Union University, a Master of Divinity from Southern Seminary, a Master of Education from the University of Memphis, and a Doctorate of Ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary.

He has served churches in Memphis, Millington, Jackson, Cordova, and for 13 years he was the the senior pastor at Collierville UMC, and I was fortunate enough to serve there on the pastoral staff under Harry from 2009 until 2011 when he became the Senior Vice President for the Faith & Health division of Methodist Healthcare.

For the last four years, Dr. Durbin has been at Covenant UMC where he’s served on staff in a part-time pastoral role, similar to what he will be doing at Peace Tree. You’ll see Harry and his wife Connie on Sunday mornings, he’ll have an office in the building, will assist with congregational care, and he’ll also be leading a Pastor’s Bible study on Thursday mornings starting January 13.

We’ll be sharing more about our plans for those Bible studies, and you’ll be seeing a lot more of Harry in the New Year. But for now, we give thanks for this new addition to the Peace Tree family and I count it as a blessing to once again serve alongside Dr. Durbin, someone I consider as both a mentor and a friend.

]]><![CDATA[Pentecost 2021 Order of Worship]]>Sun, 23 May 2021 04:23:16 GMThttps://www.peacetreeumc.org/blog/pentecost-2021-order-of-worship

Welcome to our Outdoor Worship Service! We’re so happy that you’re with us this morning at Peace Tree. Please “love thy neighbor” by wearing a face covering whenever moving from your vehicle to the East Lawn (you may remove your mask once stationary and distanced from others).

Individually packaged Communion packets are available at the Welcome Table along with face masks and hand sanitizer. Please be aware of your proximity to others outside of your family and maintain a safe distance from other groups on the East Lawn.

If you have a prayer request, email prayer@peacetree.church. For more information about Peace Tree and our ministries, please visit www.peacetree.church and follow us on social media (@peacetreeumc). God bless you and Happy Pentecost!

Opening Prayer
O God, the Holy Spirit,
   come to us, and among us;
   come as the wind, and cleanse us;
   come as the fire, and burn;
   come as the dew, and refresh;
convict, convert, and consecrate
   many hearts and lives
to our great good
and to thy greater glory;
and this we ask for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

Light the Fire
VERSE 1
I stand to praise you
But I fall to my knees
My spirit is hungry
But my flesh is so weak

CHORUS
Light the fire (Light the fire)
In my soul (In my weary soul)
Fan the flames (Fan the flames)
Make me whole (Make my spirit whole)
Lord, you know (Lord, you know)
Where I’ve been (Where I’ve been)
So light the fire in my heart again!

VERSE 2
I feel your arms around me
As the power of your healing begins
You breathe new live right through me
Like a mighty rushing wind

CHORUS (x2)

Breathe on Me, Breath of God
VERSE 1
Breathe on me, breath of God
Fill me with life anew
That I may love what thou dost love
And do what thou wouldst do

VERSE 2
Breathe on me, breath of God
Until my heart is pure
Until with thee I will one will
To do and to endure

VERSE 3
Breathe on me, breath of God
Till I am wholly thine
Till all this earthly part of me
Glows with thy fire divine

VERSE 4
Breathe on me, breath of God
So shall I never die
But live with thee the perfect life
Of thine eternity

The Baptismal Covenant
Brothers and sisters in Christ:
Through the Sacrament of Baptism
we are initiated into Christ's holy Church.
We are incorporated into God's mighty acts of salvation
and given new birth through water and the Spirit.
All this is God's gift, offered to us without price.

Today, we present:
Lucy Brooks Lowrance
for baptism.

On behalf of the whole Church, I ask you:
Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness,
reject the evil powers of this world,
and repent of your sin?
If so, say, “I do.”

Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you
to resist evil, injustice, and oppression
in whatever forms they present themselves?
If so, say, “I do.”

Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior,
put your whole trust in his grace,
and promise to serve him as your Lord,
in union with the Church which Christ has opened
to people of all ages, nations, and races?
If so, say, “I do.”

Will you nurture this child
in Christ's holy Church,
that by your teaching and example she may be guided
to accept God's grace for herself,
to profess her faith openly,
and to lead a Christian life?
If so, say, “I will.”

Do you, as Christ's body, the Church,
reaffirm both your rejection of sin
and your commitment to Christ?
We do.

Will you nurture one another in the Christian faith and life
and include this child now before you in your care?
With God's help we will proclaim the good news
and live according to the example of Christ.
We will surround this child
with a community of love and forgiveness,
that she may grow in her trust of God,
and be found faithful in her service to others.
We will pray for her,
that she may be a true disciple
who walks in the way that leads to life.

Pour out your Holy Spirit,
to bless this gift of water and she who receives it,
to wash away her sin
and clothe her in righteousness
throughout her life,
that, dying and being raised with Christ,
she may share in his final victory.

(HOLY BAPTISM)

Now it is our joy to welcome
our new sister in Christ.

Through baptism
you are incorporated by the Holy Spirit
into God's new creation
and made to share in Christ's royal priesthood.
We are all one in Christ Jesus.
With joy and thanksgiving we welcome you
as a member of the family of Christ.

As members of Christ's universal church, will you be loyal to Christ through The United Methodist Church, and do all in your power to strengthen its ministries? If so, say, “I will."

As members of this congregation, will you faithfully participate in its ministries by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness? If so, say, “I will.”

We give thanks for all that God has already given you
and we welcome you in Christian love.
As members together with you in the body of Christ
and in this congregation of The United Methodist Church,
we renew our covenant faithfully
to participate in the ministries of the church
by our prayers, our presence,
our gifts, our service, and our witness,
that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.

Holy Spirit
VERSE 1
There’s nothing worth more
That will ever come close
Nothing can compare
You’re our living hope
Your presence

VERSE 2
I’ve tasted and seen
Of the sweetest of loves
Where my heart becomes free
And my shame is undone
Your presence, Lord

CHORUS
Holy Spirit, you are welcome here
Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere
Your glory, God, is what our hearts long for
To be overcome by your presence, Lord

VERSE 1

VERSE 2

CHORUS (x2)

BRIDGE (x4)
Let us become more aware of your presence
Let us experience the glory of your goodness

CHORUS

Offering
If you’d like to support the work of Peace Tree, please visit peacetree.church/give on your mobile device. You can also place your offering or tithes in the plates as the Ushers walk by your area. If you have questions about our missions, ministry, and upcoming renovations as we transform our building into a center for our community, then please visit peacetree.church/connect and fill out our online form. Thank you for your generosity!

Kids Time with Mrs. Connie

Scripture Lesson | Romans 8:22-27
We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Message | “A Spirit of Hope” Rev. Kristofer Roof

Holy Communion

INVITATION
Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him,
who earnestly repent of their sin
and seek to live in peace with one another.
Therefore, let us confess our sin before God and one another.

CONFESSION AND PARDON
Merciful God,
we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart.
We have failed to be an obedient church.
We have not done your will,
we have broken your law,
we have rebelled against your love,
we have not loved our neighbors,
and we have not heard the cry of the needy.
Forgive us, we pray.
Free us for joyful obedience,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hear the good news:
Christ died for us while we were yet sinners;
that proves God's love toward us.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!

In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
Glory to God. Amen.

THE PEACE
Let us offer one another signs of reconciliation and love.

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is right, and a good and joyful thing,
always and everywhere to give thanks to you,
almighty God, creator of heaven and earth…
And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

Holy are you, and blessed is your Son Jesus Christ.
By the baptism of his suffering, death, and resurrection
you gave birth to your Church,
delivered us from slavery to sin and death,
and made with us a new covenant by water and the Spirit…

And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving
as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ's offering for us,
as we proclaim the mystery of faith.
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.

Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here,
and on these gifts of bread and wine.
Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ,
that we may be for the world the body of Christ, redeemed by his blood.

By your Spirit make us one with Christ,
one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world,
until Christ comes in final victory, and we feast at his heavenly banquet.

Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty God, now and for ever. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
And now, with the confidence of children of God, let us pray:
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 for ever. Amen.

BREAKING THE BREAD AND GIVING THE CUP
Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf. The bread which we break is a sharing in the body of Christ.

The cup over which we give thanks is a sharing in the blood of Christ.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery
in which you have given yourself to us.
Grant that we may go into the world
in the strength of your Spirit,
to give ourselves for others,
in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Burning in My Soul
VERSE 1
There is power, power
Here in this hour, this hour
We’re all together, together
Waiting here as one

CHORUS
Hear the sound from heaven
A mighty rushing wind
We’re calling for revival
God let your fire fall again
It’s burning in my soul
It’s burning in my soul

VERSE 2
All your sons and your daughters
Dreaming the dreams of their fathers
Seeing the signs and the wonders
The Kingdom of God

CHORUS

BRIDGE
I cannot contain it, this fire inside
I cannot contain it, so let it shine
I cannot contain it, this light of mine

CHORUS

VERSE 1

]]><![CDATA[Easter 2021 Order of Worship]]>Sun, 04 Apr 2021 06:35:10 GMThttps://www.peacetreeumc.org/blog/easter-2021-order-of-worship

Welcome to our Outdoor Worship Service! We’re so happy that you’re with us this morning at Peace Tree. As we continue to adapt our routines during this global pandemic in order to Love Thy Neighbor, we ask that you please wear a face covering when outside of your vehicle and that you safely follow the current CDC guidelines.

Individually packaged Communion packets are available at the Welcome Table along with face masks and hand sanitizer. Please sit at a specially marked area with your family or social bubble in order to maintain a safe distance from others.

For more information about Peace Tree and our ministries, please visit the home page of our website and follow us on social media (@peacetreeumc). If you have a prayer request, email prayer@peacetree.church. God bless you and Happy Easter!

Opening Prayer

Living God,
long ago, faithful women
proclaimed the good news
of Jesus' resurrection,
and the world was changed forever.
Teach us to keep faith with them,
that our witness may be as bold,
our love as deep,
and our faith as true. Amen.

Christ the Lord is Risen Today

1. Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!

2. Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia!
Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia!

3. Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once he died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where's thy victory, boasting grave? Alleluia!

4. Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like him, like him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

5. Hail the Lord of earth and heaven, Alleluia!
Praise to thee by both be given, Alleluia!
Thee we greet triumphant now, Alleluia!
Hail the Resurrection, thou, Alleluia!

6. King of glory, soul of bliss, Alleluia!
Everlasting life is this, Alleluia!
Thee to know, thy power to prove, Alleluia!
Thus to sing, and thus to love, Alleluia!

Announcements

Check in to Peace Tree UMC on Facebook and Instagram to support this month’s non-profit beneficiary, Compassion International. Thanks to our partnership with Causely, every six check-ins at Peace Tree will provide a day of care to a child in need.

Compassion International is a child-advocacy ministry that pairs compassionate people with children that live in extreme poverty. They take the long-term approach to child development by investing in and for the life of each child with a model that blends physical, social, economic, and spiritual care to help children fully mature and transcend generational poverty.

Visit compassion.com to learn more about this month’s non-profit organization, and add the hashtag compassion4kids so that others learn about this month’s cause.

•••••••

The Peace Tree Book Club is gathering online on Tuesday, April 13 for a discussion of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs. Members are welcome to join the online panel, and the conversation will be live streamed from the church’s Facebook page.

If you’ve read the book or seen the 2016 Tim Burton film starring Eva Green, Asa Butterfield, and Samuel L. Jackson, then we’d love for you to join us as we discuss the characters, story, and overarching themes.

RSVP using our Facebook event, and search for Peace Tree Book Club on Facebook to vote on upcoming books and novels.

•••••••

We’ve got some wonderful online worship opportunities as well as a date for our next in-person Outdoor Worship Service. Join us next week at 10:00 a.m. for Project Transformation Sunday and learn more about this important non-profit organization.

Each year, Project Transformation engages over 80 college-age young adults in ministry and service with more than 700 children in 9 site churches across Tennessee. For the past five years, we’ve supported this ministry with reading volunteers, food & snacks for the college interns and school children, and we’ve helped host fun Family Nights in South Memphis.

We’ll hear a special message from Meagan Cloutier, the Director of Memphis Programs, and we’ll enjoy a Children’s Moment from our own Rachel Younger who served as an intern with Project Transformation in its inaugural year. You can stream live from YouTube, Facebook, and peacetree.church.

Then, join us on April 18 for Creation Care Sunday led by our newly formed Creation Care Team. April 25 marks the beginning of a 4-week study on the Wesleyan understanding of Grace entitled Grace|Full. And on May 23, we’ll celebrate the Church’s birthday on Pentecost Sunday with another Outdoor Worship Service which will include Communion and an infant baptism.

Glorious Day

VERSE 1
I was buried beneath my shame
Who could carry that kind of weight?
It was my tomb
'Til I met You

VERSE 2
I was breathing, but not alive
All my failures I tried to hide
It was my tomb
'Til I met You

CHORUS
You called my name
Then I ran out of that grave
Out of the darkness
Into Your glorious day
You called my name
And I ran out of that grave
Out of the darkness
Into Your glorious day

VERSE 3
Now Your mercy has saved my soul
Now Your freedom is all that I know
The old made new
Jesus, when I met You

CHORUS

BRIDGE
I needed rescue
My sin was heavy
But chains break at the weight of Your glory
I needed shelter
I was an orphan
But You call me a citizen of Heaven
When I was broken
You were my healing
Now Your love is the air that I'm breathing
I have a future
My eyes are open

CHORUS

The Baptismal Covenant

Brothers and sisters in Christ:
Through the Sacrament of Baptism
we are initiated into Christ's holy Church.
We are incorporated into God's mighty acts of salvation
and given new birth through water and the Spirit.
All this is God's gift, offered to us without price.

Today, we present:
Declan Carmichael Merryman
Brooklyn Joanna Hefley
and
Edith Abigail Embry
for baptism.

On behalf of the whole Church, I ask you:
Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness,
reject the evil powers of this world,
and repent of your sin?
If so, say, “I do.”

Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you
to resist evil, injustice, and oppression
in whatever forms they present themselves?
If so, say, “I do.”

Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior,
put your whole trust in his grace,
and promise to serve him as your Lord,
in union with the Church which Christ has opened
to people of all ages, nations, and races?
If so, say, “I do.”

Will you nurture these children
in Christ's holy Church,
that by your teaching and example they may be guided
to accept God's grace for themselves,
to profess their faith openly,
and to lead a Christian life?
If so, say, “I will.”

Do you, as Christ's body, the Church,
reaffirm both your rejection of sin
and your commitment to Christ?
We do.

Will you nurture one another in the Christian faith and life
and include these children now before you in your care?
With God's help we will proclaim the good news
and live according to the example of Christ.
We will surround these children
with a community of love and forgiveness,
that they may grow in their trust of God,
and be found faithful in their service to others.
We will pray for them,
that they may be true disciples
who walk in the way that leads to life.

Pour out your Holy Spirit,
to bless this gift of water and those who receive it,
to wash away their sin
and clothe them in righteousness
throughout their lives,
that, dying and being raised with Christ,
they may share in his final victory.

(HOLY BAPTISM)

Now it is our joy to welcome
our new sisters and brothers in Christ.

Through baptism
you are incorporated by the Holy Spirit
into God's new creation
and made to share in Christ's royal priesthood.
We are all one in Christ Jesus.
With joy and thanksgiving we welcome you
as members of the family of Christ.

Revelation Song

VERSE 1 (x2)
Worthy is the
Lamb who was slain
Holy, holy is He
Sing a new song
To Him who sits on
Heaven's mercy seat

CHORUS
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord, God Almighty
Who was and is and is to come
With all creation I sing, praise to the King of Kings
You are my everything
And I will adore You

VERSE 2
Clothed in rainbows of living color
Flashes of lighting, rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor, strength and
Glory and power be
To You, the only wise King

CHORUS

VERSE 3
Filled with wonder
Awestruck wonder
At the mention of Your name
Jesus, Your name is power
Breath and living water
Such a marvelous mystery

CHORUS (x2)

Offering

If you’d like to support the work of Peace Tree, please visit peacetree.church/give on your mobile device. You can also place your offering or tithes in the plates as the Ushers walk by your area. If you have questions about our missions, ministry, and upcoming renovations as we transform our building into a center for our community, then please visit peacetree.church/connect and fill out our online form. Thank you for your generosity!

Kids Time with Mrs. Connie

Gospel Lesson | John 20:19-29

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”

Message | “Anything But Typical” Rev. Kristofer Roof

Holy Communion

INVITATION
Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him,
who earnestly repent of their sin
and seek to live in peace with one another.
Therefore, let us confess our sin before God and one another.

CONFESSION AND PARDON
Merciful God,
we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart.
We have failed to be an obedient church.
We have not done your will,
we have broken your law,
we have rebelled against your love,
we have not loved our neighbors,
and we have not heard the cry of the needy.
Forgive us, we pray.
Free us for joyful obedience,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(All pray in silence)

Hear the good news:
Christ died for us while we were yet sinners;
that proves God's love toward us.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!

In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
Glory to god. Amen.

THE PEACE
Let us offer one another signs of reconciliation and love.

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is right, and a good and joyful thing,
always and everywhere to give thanks to you,
almighty God, creator of heaven and earth…

And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

Holy are you, and blessed is your Son Jesus Christ.
By the baptism of his suffering, death, and resurrection
you gave birth to your Church,
delivered us from slavery to sin and death,
and made with us a new covenant by water and the Spirit…
And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ,
we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving
as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ's offering for us,
as we proclaim the mystery of faith.
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.

Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here,
and on these gifts of bread and wine.
Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ,
that we may be for the world the body of Christ, redeemed by his blood.

By your Spirit make us one with Christ,
one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world,
until Christ comes in final victory, and we feast at his heavenly banquet.
Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church,
all honor and glory is yours, almighty God , now and for ever.
Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
And now, with the confidence of children of God, let us pray:
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 for ever. Amen.

BREAKING THE BREAD AND GIVING THE CUP
Because there is one loaf,
we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.
The bread which we break is a sharing in the body of Christ.

The cup over which we give thanks is a sharing in the blood of Christ.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery
in which you have given yourself to us.
Grant that we may go into the world
in the strength of your Spirit,
to give ourselves for others,
in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Victory in Jesus

VERSE 1
I heard an old, old story, how a Savior came from glory
How He gave His life on Calvary to save a wretch like me
I heard about His groaning, of His precious blood's atoning
Then I repented of my sins and won the victory

CHORUS
O victory in Jesus, my Savior forever
He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood
He loved me 'ere I knew Him and all my love is due Him
He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood

VERSE 2
I heard about His healing, of His cleansing power revealing
How He made the lame to walk again and caused the blind to see
And then I cried, "Dear Jesus, come and heal my broken spirit"
And somehow Jesus came and brought to me the victory

CHORUS

VERSE 3
I heard about a mansion he has built for me in Glory
And I heard about the streets of gold beyond the crystal sea
About the angels singing, and the old redemption story
And some sweet day I’ll up there the song of victory

CHORUS (x2)

Closing Prayer

Love divine,
in raising Christ to new life
you opened the path of salvation to all peoples.
Send us out, with the joy of Mary Magdalene,
to proclaim that we have seen the Lord,
so that all the world may celebrate with you
the banquet of your peace. Amen.

]]><![CDATA[March 6 Drive-in Worship Service]]>Sat, 06 Mar 2021 21:15:15 GMThttps://www.peacetreeumc.org/blog/march-6-drive-in-worship-service

Welcome to Drive-in Worship at Peace Tree

We’re so glad that you’re with us this evening as we continue to journey through the season of Lent together! Please “check in” to Peace Tree UMC on Facebook. Share a photo, update your status, or simply post the hashtag #givevitamins. This month we’re partnering with Vitamin Angels to provide children in developing nations their semi-annual dose of Vitamin A.

I Could Sing of Your Love Forever

VERSE
Over the mountains and the sea
Your river runs with love for me
And I will open up my heart
And let the Healer set me free
I'm happy to be in the truth
And I will daily lift my hands
For I will always sing of when Your love came down

REFRAIN
I could sing of Your love forever (x4)

VERSE

REFRAIN

BRIDGE
Oh, I feel like dancing
It’s foolishness, I know
But when the world has seen the light
They will dance with joy like we’re dancing now

REFRAIN

Announcements

Tune in to our Facebook Live Bible Study every Wednesday night at 7:30CT to go further with Sunday’s scripture lesson. We’re using Savior: What the Bible Says About the Cross by United Methodist pastor Magrey deVega to guide our study. This upcoming Wednesday, we’ll discuss the Moral Example Theory of Atonement.
If you’d like to take a Prayer Walk around the church building after tonight’s worship service, feel free to walk the halls and offer a prayer for our impending UPLIFT renovations. Our bank is in the final stages of property appraisal and the Town of Collierville is undergoing its Code Review. Continue to pray for your church leaders as we turn our church’s vision into a reality!
We have several Manna Bags that volunteers have assembled for us. Keep one or several in your car to hand out to those you see in need. Face masks, Upper Room devotionals, and Peace Tree t-shirts are all located at the Welcome Desk for you to take.
Mark your calendars for April 4 at 10:00AM for our in-person Easter Sunday service. Weather permitting, we are planning for an Outdoor Worship Service on the East Lawn. Invite your friends using our Facebook event, and learn more about Health & Safety measures by visiting peacetree.church/easter.
If you’d like to make a contribution to our ministry or set up a recurring gift to the church, please peacetree.church/give. You can also leave a monetary gift or drop a check into green basket we have up on the stage. Thanks for your generosity!

Nothing But the Blood of Jesus

VERSE 1
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

REFRAIN
Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow
No other fount I know
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

VERSE 2
For my pardon, this I see
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
For my cleansing, this my plea
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

REFRAIN

VERSE 3
Nothing can for sin atone
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
Naught of good that I have done
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

REFRAIN

VERSE 4
This is all my hope and peace
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
This is all my righteousness
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

REFRAIN

Who Am I?

VERSE 1
Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt?
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart?

PRE-CHORUS
Not because of who I am,
But because of what You've done.
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who You are.

CHORUS
I am a flower quickly fading:
Here today and gone tomorrow.
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind.
Still You hear me when I'm calling.
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling.
And You've told me who I am.
I am Yours, I am Yours.

VERSE 2
Who am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love and watch me rise again?
Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me?

PRE-CHORUS

CHORUS

Bible Reading (1 Corinthians 1:18-25)

For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.

Message

“The Message of the Cross” Rev. Kristofer Roof (kris@peacetree.church)

This is Amazing Grace

VERSE 1
Who breaks the power of sin and darkness?
Whose love is mighty and so much stronger?
The King of Glory, the King above all kings
Who shakes the whole earth with holy thunder
And leaves us breathless in awe and wonder?
The King of Glory, the King above all kings

REFRAIN
This is amazing grace
This is unfailing love
That You would take my place
That You would bear my cross
You laid down Your life
That I would be set free
Oh, Jesus, I sing for
All that You've done for me

VERSE 2
Who brings our chaos back into order?
Who makes the orphan a son and daughter?
The King of Glory, the King of Glory
Who rules the nations with truth and justice
Shines like the sun in all of its brilliance?
The King of Glory, the King above all kings

REFRAIN

BRIDGE
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
Worthy is the King who conquered the grave (x3)
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
Worthy, worthy, worthy!

REFRAIN

Go In Peace

Stop by the South Entrance to pick up a Peace Tree t-shirt as our gift to you. Feel free to also pick up several Manna Bags and Face Masks to store in your car and hand out to those you see in need. Drive safely and stay healthy! See you on Sunday, April 4 at 10:00AM for our Easter Outdoor Worship Service.

]]><![CDATA[Founders' Day 2021 Drive-in Service]]>Sat, 06 Feb 2021 21:13:03 GMThttps://www.peacetreeumc.org/blog/founders-day-2021-drive-in-service

Welcome to our Founders' Day 2021 Drive-in Worship Service

We’re so glad that you’re with us this afternoon to celebrate our Founders’ Day! If you have the Facebook app on your phone, please “check in” to Peace Tree UMC. Share a photo, update your status, or simply post the hashtag #soles4souls to support our non-profit partner for the month of February: Soles4Souls - a non-profit based in Nashville that will donate one pair of shoes to a child living in a developing nation for every 10 of our check-ins.

Come As You Are

VERSE 1
Come out of sadness from wherever you've been
Come broken hearted, let rescue begin
Come find your mercy, oh sinner come kneel
Earth has no sorrow that heaven can't heal
Earth has no sorrow that heaven can't heal

REFRAIN
So lay down your burdens, lay down your shame
All who are broken lift up your face
Oh wanderer come home, you’re not too far
So lay down your hurt, lay down your heart
Come as you are

VERSE 2
There's hope for the hopeless and all those who've strayed
Come sit at the table, come taste the grace
There's rest for the weary, rest that endures
Earth has no sorrow that heaven can't cure

REFRAIN

BRIDGE
Come as you are
Fall in his arms
Come as you are

VERSE 3
There's joy for the morning, oh sinner be still
Earth has no sorrow that heaven can't heal
Earth has no sorrow that heaven can't heal

REFRAIN

Announcements

Tune in to Online Worship every Sunday at 10:00CT. You can watch the service from Facebook, YouTube, and our church website: www.peacetreeumc.org. Bishop Bill McAlilly is preaching a special word for our Founders’ Day online celebration. And on February 14, we’ll be highlighting Heart Month and the work of the Big Heart Fund.
If you have any canned goods or food items to contribute towards our Souper Bowl of Caring food drive, then please drop them by our Welcome Desk before you leave. We also have Peace Tree shirts and Manna Bags that you can keep in your car to give to those you see in need.
Mark your calendars for our next Drive-in Worship Service one month from today on Saturday, March 6. Registration will be open soon at peacetree.church/driveinworship

New Members Moment

As members of Christ's universal church, will you be loyal to Christ through The United Methodist Church, and do all in your power to strengthen its ministries? If so, say, “I will."

As members of this congregation, will you faithfully participate in its ministries by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness? If so, say, “I will.”

CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE
We give thanks for all that God has already given you
and we welcome you in Christian love.
As members together with you in the body of Christ
and in this congregation of The United Methodist Church,
we renew our covenant faithfully
to participate in the ministries of the church
by our prayers, our presence,
our gifts, our service, and our witness,
that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.

Beneath the Waters (I Will Rise)

VERSE 1
This is my revelation
Christ Jesus crucified
Salvation through repentance
At the cross on which He died

VERSE 2
Now hear my absolution
Forgiveness for my sin
And I sink beneath the waters
That Christ was buried in
REFRAIN
I will rise, I will rise
As Christ was raised to life
Now in Him, now in Him
I live

VERSE 3
I stand a new creation
Baptized in blood and fire
No fear of condemnation
By faith I'm justified

REFRAIN (x2)

BRIDGE
I rise as You are risen
Declare Your rule and reign
My life confess Your Lordship
And glorify Your Name
Your Word it stands eternal
Your Kingdom knows no end
Your praise goes on forever
An on and on again

No power can stand against You
No curse assault Your throne
No one can steal Your glory
For it is Yours alone
I stand to sing Your praises
I stand to testify
For I was dead in my sin

REFRAIN (x3)

Offering

As we inch closer and closer to the official start of our building renovations, we’ve seen a lot of progress made in clearing out rooms and preparing the space for this important work. Please be in prayer for this ongoing process.

Soon, we’ll be able to hold recitals, conferences, and children’s camps in our Sanctuary. Our Fellowship Hall and Gym will once again host meals and sporting events. Home school groups and youth athletic teams are interested in partnering with us, and small business owners have already inquired about rental office space. The possibilities are truly endless, so we continue to seek God’s vision and guidance as we look to the future.

You can make a one-time gift to the church or set up a recurring donation by visiting peacetree.church/give. Use the online form and check out the link to our UPLIFT building renovations page.

Bible Reading (Acts 2:42)

They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers. (The Message)

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (KJV)

The believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the community, to their shared meals, and to their prayers. (Common English Bible)

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. (New Living Translation)

Message

“Win the Wait” Rev. Kristofer Roof (kris@peacetree.church)

Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)

VERSE 1
Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see

VERSE 2
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

REFRAIN
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace

VERSE 3
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

REFRAIN (x2)

VERSE 4
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.

VERSE 5
When we’ve been there
Ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun

Go In Peace

Stop by the South Entrance to pick up a Peace Tree t-shirt as our gift to you. Feel free to also pick up several Manna Bags and Face Masks to store in your car and hand out to those you see in need. Drive safely and stay healthy! See you on Saturday, March 6 for our next Drive-in Worship Service.

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