 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.   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 The 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.  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  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.  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
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.  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
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. Good evening friends! Welcome to Peace Tree's 6th Annual Carols and Candlelight outdoor worship service. I know that this looks very different from how we've celebrated Christmas with our neighbors when compared to the past five years. We love the tradition of gathering on the Square, but we value your safety and the health of your loved ones. So, we thank you for joining us on our church grounds for this special evening together. We invite you to stay warm and dry in your car tonight; tune your radio to 105.3FM to hear the service audio. We hope you'll sing along with us and catch the Christmas spirit. The song lyrics and Scripture passages are printed below for your use. If you brought rain gear and would prefer to stand near the front of our stage, then we simply ask that you wear a face mask and maintain social distancing. We plan to have a candlelight moment at the end of our service, weather permitting. We have Communion packets for you to take home and use during our Christmas Eve online worship service. We also have Peace Tree shirts on our Welcome Desk as a Thank You gift for newcomers. Lastly, feel free to take some Manna Bags to keep in your car so that you may pass them along to people you see in need. Thanks again for joining us for Carols and Candlelight as we worship God and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Stay safe and Merry Christmas! Rev. Kristofer Roof Peace Tree Church, Lead Pastor  Carols and Candlelight 2020 Opening Prayer 1st Carol “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here, Until the Son of God appear. (Refrain) Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. O come, thou Root of Jesse’s tree, An ensign of thy people be; Before thee rulers silent fall; All people on thy mercy call. (Refrain) O come, Desire of nations bind All peoples in one heart and mind. From dust thou brought us forth to life; Deliver us from earthly strife. (Refrain) 1st Lesson Luke 1:26 - 38 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. 2nd Carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem” O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie; Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light; The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above, While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love. O morning stars together, proclaim the holy birth, And praises sing to God the King, and peace to all on earth! O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel! 2nd Lesson Matthew 1:20 - 23 ...An angel of the Lord appeared to [Joseph] in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” 3rd Carol “O Come, All Ye Faithful” O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem. Come and behold him, born the king of angels; (Refrain) O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord. Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation; O sing, all ye citizens of heaven above! Glory to God, all glory in the highest; (Refrain) 3rd Lesson Luke 2:1 - 7 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 4th Carol “What Child Is This” What child is this who, laid to rest, On Mary’s lap is sleeping Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping? (Refrain) This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary. Why lies he in such mean estate Where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christians fear, for sinners here The silent Word is pleading. (Refrain) 4th Lesson Luke 2:8 - 14 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” 5th Carol “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King; peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!” Joyful, all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies; with th’angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!” Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings. Mild he lays his glory by, born that we no more may die, born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth. Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!” 5th Lesson Luke 2:15 - 20 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. 6th Carol “Angels We Have Heard on High” Angels we have heard on high sweetly singing o’er the plains, And the mountains in reply echoing their joyous strains. (Refrain) Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be which inspire your heavenly song? (Refrain) See him in a manger laid, whom the choirs of angels praise; Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, while our hearts in love we raise. (Refrain) 6th Lesson Matthew 2:1 - 8 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” 7th Carol “The First Noel” The first Noel the angel did say Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; In fields where they lay keeping their sheep, On a cold winter’s night that was so deep. (Refrain) Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel. They look-ed up and saw a star Shining in the east, beyond them far; And to the earth it gave great light, And so it continued both day and night. (Refrain) And by the light of that same star Three Wise Men came from country far; To seek for a king was their intent, And to follow the star wherever it went. (Refrain) 7th Lesson Matthew 2:9 - 11 When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 8th Carol “We Three Kings” We three kings of Orient are; bearing gifts we traverse afar, Field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star. (Refrain) O star of wonder, star of light, star with royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light. Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain, gold I bring to crown him again, King forever, ceasing never, over us all to reign. (Refrain) Glorious now behold him arise; King and God and sacrifice: Alleluia, Alleluia, sounds through the earth and skies. (Refrain) 8th Lesson John 1:1 - 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. 9th Carol “Silent Night, Holy Night” Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright Round yon virgin mother and child. Holy infant, so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace. Silent night, holy night, shepherds quake at the sight; Glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing Alleluia! Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born! Silent night, holy night, Son of God, love’s pure light; Radiant beams from thy holy face with the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth. Silent night, holy night, wondrous star, lend thy light; With the angels let us sing, Alleluia to our King; Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born! Closing Prayer Departing Carol “Joy to the World” Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare him room, And heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing. Joy to the world, the Savior reigns! Let all their songs employ; While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains, Repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat the sounding joy. He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove The glories of his righteousness, And wonders of his love, and wonders of his love And wonders, wonders of his love.   Welcome to Drive-in Worship at Peace Tree
We’re so glad that you’re with us this evening! 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 #GiveMeals to support our non-profit partner for the month of November: feedONE - a campaign of Convoy of Hope. Open the Eyes of My Heart Lord VERSE (x2) Open the eyes of my heart, Lord Open the eyes of my heart I want to see you, I want to see you REFRAIN To see you high and lifted up Shining in the light of your glory Pour out your power and love As we sing holy, holy, holy VERSE (x2) REFRAIN BRIDGE (x2) Holy, holy, holy Holy, holy, holy Holy, holy, holy I want to see you VERSE (x2) Announcements
How Great Is Our God VERSE 1 The splendor of a King, clothed in majesty Let all the earth rejoice, all the Earth rejoice He wraps himself in light, and darkness tries to hide And trembles at his voice, trembles at his voice REFRAIN How great is our God, sing with me How great is our God, and all will see How great, how great is our God VERSE 2 Age to age He stands, and time is in his hands Beginning and the end, beginning and the end The Godhead Three in One: Father, Spirit, Son The Lion and the Lamb, the Lion and the Lamb REFRAIN BRIDGE (x2) Name above all names, worthy of our praise My heart will sing how great is our God REFRAIN CHORUS Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee How great thou art, how great thou art Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee How great thou art, how great thou art REFRAIN (x2) Offering Thanks to your generous gifts this month, Peace Tree was able to partner with Capleville UMC and St. Marks’ UMC to provide 125 turkeys to local families through the Capleville Community Food Pantry. If you’d like to be part of the distribution this upcoming Tuesday, please contact us in the church office: office@peacetree.church or call 901-286-5532. You can make a one-time gift to the church or set up a recurring donation by visiting peacetreeumc.org/give. Use the online form and check out the links to our 2020 stewardship campaign: All You Can, and learn more about our planned building renovations on our UPLIFT page. Bible Reading (Psalm 136:1-3, 23-26) O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. O give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. O give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever; and rescued us from our foes, for his steadfast love endures forever; who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures forever. O give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever. Message “Give Thanks” Rev. Kristofer Roof (kris@peacetree.church) Jesus Paid It All VERSE 1 I hear the savior say, “Thy strength indeed is small Child of weakness, watch and pray Find in me thine all in all” REFRAIN Jesus paid it all, all to him I owe Sin had left a crimson stain He washed it white as snow VERSE 2 Lord, now indeed I find Thy power and thine alone Came and changed the leper’s spots And melt the heart of stone REFRAIN VERSE 3 And when before the throne I stand in him complete Jesus died my soul to save My lips shall still repeat REFRAIN BRIDGE (x4) O praise the One who paid my debt And raised this life up from the dead REFRAIN TAG Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow He washed it white as snow 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 to store in your car and hand out to those you see in need. Drive safely and stay healthy! See you on December 19 at 5:00 for our drive-in Carols & Candlelight service.  On Monday, August 24, 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 in praying for all our elected officials, that God would give them the wisdom needed to navigate these trying times.
God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, God of Hagar and Ishmael, God of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus... We pray to you this night seeking guidance and wisdom, asking for you to reveal your path, for our town, state, and nation. We pray that you might direct the hearts of our Mayor and Aldermen, just as you channeled streams of living water within the hearts of your people. As Israel’s kings sought out the wisdom and counsel of prophets, may our leaders attentively listen to the prophetic voices you lift up this evening. Reveal to us brave visionaries who speak up and speak out on behalf of your people and draw our attention to the least of these, for we know that whatever we do for the least of these we in truth do for you, Lord. Help us to hear the concern of parents as their children return to school, show us the faces of those who have struggled financially over the last five months, and offer us solace as we mourn for the lives of those lost to COVID-19 as well as systemic and institutional racism. Remind us of this fact which theologian Tom Oden shares, “We do not live a solitary existence as if in an individualistic bubble, but in a community called to social accountability. The sin we knowingly do contributes to the burden of sin dispersed through the whole society.” Almighty God, we repent of our sin and the sins of our fathers; may we seek out your preferred future, and may you flood our atmosphere with oceans of justice and rivers of righteousness. You are a good and loving God, slow to anger and quick to love. Bless my neighbors and bless this meeting, so that right and equitable relationships might be built, that wisdom would be proclaimed as each tongue speaks justice and truth. We pray for this and much more in the name of the one true God: Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer. Amen. |
Peace Tree
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Sundays at 10:00 AM (doors open at 9:30 AM) Peace Tree at Shelby Drive 9315 E Shelby Dr Collierville, TN 38017 Office Hours Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. |
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Peace Tree UMC 9315 E Shelby Dr Collierville, TN 38017 |