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On the seventh day—with the canvas of the cosmos completed—God paused from His labor and rested. Thus God blessed day seven and made it special—an open time for pause and restoration, a sacred zone of Sabbath-keeping, because God rested from all the work He had done in creation that day. Genesis 2:2-3 (The Voice)  Happy Labor Day! The holiday which we celebrate today has historically been one of recognition for the American worker and their contributions to the strength and prosperity of the world’s biggest economy. Labor unions, guilds, and families would gather for parades and recreational activities as communities celebrated the spirit of the American worker. What began as a holiday birthed during the gilded age has transformed into a three-day holiday for Americans to enjoy. It’s an opportunity to get one last summer vacation in, for old-school fashionistas to put away white pieces of clothing until next year, and for friends and families to gather around the grill for one last cookout or barbecue. This celebration of work and its simultaneous practice of rest on the first Monday in September got me thinking about the spiritual exercise of Sabbath-keeping. For many Christians, the Sabbath Day is Sunday - a day that we pause from working, when we gather together with other believers to worship God, and a time for us to recharge and refocus our attention on spiritual matters before resuming our labors the next day. During one of our recent Wednesday night pick up basketball games, I spoke with a young man about Sabbath and asked him this question: Do you rest from your work, or do you begin your work-week from a place of rest? This is a question that Matthew Sleeth poses in his book, “24/6.” Are we just working for the weekend? Or are we treating the Sabbath as an opportunity to connect more strongly with God, to meet face-to-face with our sisters & brothers in Christ, and to prepare our hearts and minds for a week of labor looking for God-moments throughout the next six days? In “24/6,” we’re reminded of the Creation story as told in Genesis 1 — the world was created including every living, breathing creature. Humankind is created at the very end of this process, and the very next day is the Sabbath. The first thing that women & men were instructed to do after their creation according to Genesis 1 was to rest. They weren’t put to work right away, nor were they expected to labor — that would come later. According to Sleeth, God intended for humankind to begin their work from a place of rest which is why the Sabbath Day is the first full day that women & men experienced on earth. So, on this Labor Day, as we gather with friends and families around the grill, enjoy one last summer trip, or simply lounge around the house enjoying a federal holiday at home, consider how you will observe the Sabbath this week and ask yourself what it looks like for a congregation to collectively keep the Sabbath together. +Pastor Kris Roof September 7 - Do you treat the weekend and Sabbath as a chance to rest from your work, or do you view it as an opportunity to begin the work week from a place of rest? What are you resting from today? How can you reframe your Sabbath as a way of re-centering and recharging your soul before taking on a new week? September 8 - Sabbath time causes us to reflect on our lives and possessions. Are there items that you’re holding on to which is making life more difficult or causing a distraction in your daily living? Are there items or activities that you need to prune from your life in order to create a simpler, more intentional environment for you to experience? September 9 - What would it look like for a congregation to experience Sabbath beyond our Sunday morning worship gathering? Are there activities or items in our possession which we should prune? Are there times when it’s more appropriate to “do less” as opposed to doing more? September 10 - Take some time to read this familiar passage of Scripture from Psalm 46:10a. At the end of each line, spend some time in prayer listening for God’s voice… Be still and know that I am God. Be still and know that I am… Be still and know… Be still… Be… September 11 - Many families who observe the Sabbath will prepare meals before the Sabbath, tidy up the house and take care of chores ahead of time. If you had a full 24-hour day when you didn’t have to cook or clean (and you didn’t cause someone else to cook, clean, or perform some other task for you), how would you spend your day? Would you read, go for a walk, play a board game, watch a movie, call up family members or friends you haven’t spoken with in some time? September 12 - As Peace Tree considers the direction that God is calling our congregation, how might we experience rest and find comfort in God? Is there any work or tasks that we should accomplish now so that we aren’t distracted later when we’re listening for God’s voice? September 13 - Today is another Sabbath day! Will you put aside your work and tasks today in order to spend time in fellowship with God, family, and your neighbors? How will you delight in the gift that is TODAY?  This week's Coffee with Kris & Harry will be held at Donut Hutt. Feel free to drop by between 10:00am and 12:00 Noon for conversation & prayer. Last week, our Director of Youth Ministries (Engagement), Kayla Cave, shared a devotional based on Acts 2:42-47. As soon as I began reading that first verse - Acts 2:42 - I was immediately transported back eleven years to when we first began our work of planting a new church in the Collierville area. Acts 2:42 served as the focus verse for our launch team as we began planting a network of house churches in our town – meeting for dinner, study, and Communion in people's homes, witnessing the fruit that God was bringing to harvest, guiding those first faithful followers from Peace Tree to plant new seeds by starting house groups in new neighborhoods in order to reach new people for Jesus. But it had been some time since I had read past the 42nd verse to see what it has to say about the Christian community, about the ways in which we can use our resources or sell our possessions in order to serve others, and the way in which those Early Christians lived in harmony together by holding everything in common. I was reminded that the Early Church wasn't interested in amassing more "stuff" or building a 5,000 seat sanctuary; they were more interested in reaching more people with the love of Christ in smaller more personal ways. They met for worship in public places and experienced CHURCH by sharing meals with one another in their homes. This experience of authentic Christian community is what allowed the Church to grow - it wasn't a slick marketing campaign, a grand prize giveaway, or a glossy postcard listing the times that their group gathered for praise & worship that won the hearts and minds of the people. Real relationships are what drew newcomers to connect with the Early Christians, and perhaps there is a lesson in this type of authentic community for us today. So, I invite you to read Kayla's original devotional below. Afterwards, you'll see several prayer prompts for the upcoming week. Thank you for journeying with us during this important time in the life of our congregation. God bless you! +Pastor Kris Roof “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” - Acts 2:42-47 (New International Version) This month’s theme for the Roots is cultivation (lol, get it?). We’ve talked about cultivating our faith and our culture, and with our church-wide meal happing tonight (that I’ve been affectionately calling family dinner), I want to talk about cultivating our community. Community is an integral part of who we are as humans and believers. Without a support system, it’s hard to survive. I know I wouldn’t be able to survive without mine. I am a very careful community cultivator. I don’t let just anyone into my close circle. It may sound cynical at face value, but I do firmly believe that God will send people my way that I can trust to be my closest advisors and accountability peers. That is also not to say that I am not a willing and eager participant in my bigger community. In fact, I have a fierce pride in being a member of my community. I find that there is beauty and importance in both. It is crucial for us to cultivate both the tree and the flower. We cannot flourish fully without them. God will give you people in your life, some for a few seasons and some for good. Take those relationships with love and grow in God. Kayla Cave Director of Youth Ministries - Engagement August 31 - Acts 2:42 includes four main components for the Christian gathering: study of Scripture, fellowship with neighbors, sharing a meal/Communion, and prayer. If a congregation only did these four things (i.e. they had no music, no children's moment, no offering moment, no formal sermon from a priest or pastor BUT they learned together, ate a meal, laughed and prayed with each other), would you consider their gathering to be a "church service" or a "worship service" - why or why not? September 1 - Today is 901 Day in the Mid-South! What are some ways you can cultivate community? Who is the last neighbor you shared a conversation with on the front porch? Which of your neighbors could benefit from a greater sense of community today? September 2 - The Early Christians devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles. What is your favorite verse of Scripture? What is your favorite book of the Bible? What does devotion to the apostles' teachings look like in our modern times, and are you living that out? September 3 - Another way to conceive of the Early Christians' "fellowship" is to think about "life together." Who are the people in your life who you would consider as part of your "fellowship" or your circle of friends? How often do you pray for them and for their families? September 4 - The "breaking of bread" or the common meal was foundational for this Early Christian community in Acts. How do you prefer to break bread with your friends or fellow believers: at a restaurant, in a church fellowship hall, in your home, on the patio in your backyard, or from some other location like a coffeehouse, in the bleachers during a football game or band competition, or from inside your car at a drive-in? Does the location of the meal affect the type of fellowship you get to share with others? September 5 - Prayer is the final core value for these Early Christians who have experienced Pentecost and are baptizing new believers in Jerusalem. How often do you pray to God? Do you only pray when you need something from God? Do you pray when you're celebrating a major milestone or blessing in your life? Are you in need of prayer today and you'd like to share a prayer request with us? September 6 - During these 40 Days of Prayer & Discernment, have you begun to re-think what Church can look like or feel like? What would you consider are the foundational elements for any congregation to have if they are to be the Church? This week's Coffee with Kris & Harry will be held at Cafe 127. Feel free to drop by between 10:00am and 12:00 Noon for conversation & prayer. Yesterday, as we gathered for Sunday worship via an “online only” experience due to the widespread power outages which have affected our church building, I had flashbacks to the days we worshiped online during the COVID pandemic. I was reminded of the one-on-one meetings I had with families in their driveways, the Peace Tree Kids drive through event in our parking lot, Carols & Candlelight in our parking lot with a radio transmitter so that families could safely listen and sing along from their cars, and our 2021 outdoor Easter morning service held on the east lawn of our church property. Our vision statement as a congregation is “Church Can Happen Anywhere,” and in all of these instances (including online-only worship from this past weekend) CHURCH truly took place in locations that many would consider non-traditional. From March 2020 through December 2021, we didn’t gather together for worship in a sanctuary, but rather we came together in spirit, we used the resources available to us, and we adapted to whatever the current situation was for our faith community at that time. And these alternative worship methods and “church plant scrappiness” was true for Peace Tree when we originally launched in 2015 - hosting events in parks, meeting for Bible studies in living rooms, and worshiping on Sundays inside a movie theater. As we’ve journeyed through the Book of Hebrews this month, there have been several moments when the Tabernacle has popped up in our passages. Many of us know that the Tabernacle was the tent in which Moses and the Israelites worshiped God during their exodus, and it’s where they kept their holy items safe during their 40 years in the wilderness. It served as their mobile temple in the desert and it moved with them as they made their way to the Promised Land, but this wasn’t the first time that God had met God’s people in the wild. God walked with Adam & Eve in a garden, formed the covenant with Abraham outdoors under the stars, protected Noah’s family on a boat during the Flood, wrestled with Jacob near a river, and called Moses to service from inside a cave. The ways in which we, as Peace Tree, have gathered for worship, for missions, for Bible study and children’s events and board meetings all changed in 2019 when moved into the building at 9315 E Shelby Dr and merged congregations with our sisters & brothers from CrossRoads UMC. Owning a building has opened us up to new ministries and outreach opportunities (e.g. pickleball, Dayshore, hosting non-profits in our space), and it’s also added responsibilities for our Administrative Board and congregation in terms of maintenance, insurance, utilities, and debt. This week, I’m asking our faith community to consider the vision of “Church Can Happen Anywhere.” How are we living into the statement? Do we still have some of that “church plant scrappiness” in our congregation’s DNA? How does our current building on E Shelby Drive support our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ? I am praying with you and with our friends during these 40 Days for direction and guidance from the Holy Spirit. Please return to this page over the next week to use the prayer prompts written below in your daily meditation and contemplation. Thank you, and God bless! +Pastor Kris Roof August 24 - Consider time that you've spent by the water - a river, a lake, the ocean, or even a swimming pool. Now, consider all the references to water that we see in Scripture - the parting of the Red Sea, the baptism of Jesus at the Jordan River, or the River of Life that flows through the City of God in Revelation. How does praising God in an environment with water impact our worship experiences? August 25 - Read this passage from Psalm 139 and contemplate our church's vision statement: Church Can Happen Anywhere 7 Can I go anywhere apart from Your Spirit? Is there anywhere I can go to escape Your watchful presence? 8 If I go up into heaven, You are there. If I make my bed in the realm of the dead, You are there. 9 If I ride on the wings of morning, if I make my home in the most isolated part of the ocean, 10 Even then You will be there to guide me; Your right hand will embrace me, for You are always there. August 26 - Spend time reading about the Tabernacle in Exodus Have you ever had a "makeshift" worship experience before? What needed to happen in order for you to worship God in that space? How did you utilize the resources at your disposal? Click here for Exodus 25 - 31 August 27 - In Joshua 4, God instructs Joshua to find twelve individuals - one from each tribe - and have them each bring a stone from the Jordan River to build a memorial on the banks of the river. This would signal to all future generations the place where the Israelites crossed the Jordan River while the waters were held back and the riverbed was dry. Have you ever marked a place as holy, maybe with a cross, a flag, or something colorful like a stuffed animal or a poster drawn in memory of a loved one? How long did you stay in that one spot before you moved on? How long did Joshua and the Israelites remain at Gilgal before they eventually moved on? August 28 - Matthew 27:50-52a states: And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. Why is it significant that the curtain inside the Holy of the Holies was torn in two? Can God be contained by any one building? August 29 - As stated above, our church's Vision statement is: Church Can Happen Anywhere. Are there any places or locales where you feel like Church could NOT happen? Is there any place on planet earth where God’s spirit cannot be found? August 30 - Peace Tree took over ownership of the property at 9315 E Shelby Dr in 2019 when we merged congregations with CrossRoads UMC. If the building disappeared tomorrow, would Peace Tree still be a church? What does it mean to be a church without a building? If a congregation didn’t own a piece of property in which to worship or host meals, how else could they gather for learning, missions, and outreach? This week's Coffee with Kris & Harry will be held at Levee Coffee & Creamery. Feel free to drop by between 10:00am and 12:00 Noon for conversation & prayer.“He joins and holds together the whole body with its ligaments providing the support needed so each part works to its proper design to form a healthy, growing, and mature body that builds itself up in love.” -Ephesians 4:16 (The Voice)  Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend the very first clergy meeting for the newly formed Southwestern District of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference of the United Methodist Church. It was an uplifting two hours of fellowship, worship, and learning spent at First UMC of Jackson, TN with fellow colleagues who serve other congregations in local church ministry throughout the Volunteer State. Our new District Superintendent, Rev. Dr. Jathnaiel Cavitt, shared a message with us which was based on Ephesians 4:1-16, and he used the imagery of a tapestry being woven together to help connect our thoughts to the scripture. We were reminded that before the act of weaving can begin, tension between the strands must first exist. I know that during this time, we may feel tense or anxious about the next steps we will take as a church family. But I trust that God will work in the midst of that tension, that God will weave together a new thing amongst us, and that God will bind us together in love - that we might consider ourselves interwoven by grace. And I pray that we may open our hearts and minds to discover this type of interwoven grace beyond the walls of our church building - to count ourselves as one strand in the great tapestry of our District, our Conference, our Denomination, and yes - the Kingdom of God here on this planet. Dr. Cavitt shared something at the very beginning of his message that has stuck with me: “The strength of the Church is not merely within us, it’s also between us.” We know from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians that the power of the Holy Spirit flows through us, but we have also seen how the Spirit brings different congregations together to address common goals, to supply scholarships for deserving students, to provide disaster relief for communities in need, and to speak out against injustices and evil which exist in our world. It may be cliché to state that we are “stronger together” - various political campaigns and corporate advertisements have used this language as well. But with the power of the Holy Spirit flowing through us, and the grace of God weaving us together, we truly are stronger, better, and more faithful when we work together and worship Jesus as the one who transforms our independent strands by weaving us into a beautiful tapestry. As we journey through these 40 Days of Prayer & Discernment, I ask that you consider the spiritual gifts and talents found within our faith community. How is God using us to build up the Kingdom of Heaven? After you've given that some thought, look around our city to other places of worship and ask how God not only works within us but also between us. +Pastor Kris Roof August 17 - Ephesians 4:11-12 states: So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up... Which of these roles do you most closely identify with - Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, or Teacher? August 18 - Before the act of weaving can begin, tension between the strands must first exist... What tension or anxiety are you currently feeling? How might God work to create something beautiful in the midst of that tension? August 19 - Consider all the gifts and skills found within our faith community - what does it mean for each part to work to its proper design? What can we achieve together when each member of our body fully utilizes their God-given talents? August 20 - How is God at work between the churches in our town? What opportunities exist for us to partner with other congregations towards a shared goal or ministry? August 21 - As a United Methodist congregation, we belong to a larger connection and network of local churches throughout our denomination. How have you or your family been impacted by that connection of shared resources and ministry? August 22 - What does the phrase "Stronger Together" mean to you? Have you seen this idea lived out - if so, what role did you play in the effort? How can we be more faithful together? August 23 - What do you imagine is God's desire for Peace Tree? How can we live into God's preferred future for our congregation? This week's Coffee with Kris & Harry will be held at Carrington Oaks Coffeehouse. Feel free to drop by between 10:00am and 12:00 Noon for conversation & prayer. 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 [email protected]. 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?  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 [email protected]. +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:
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:
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?
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?
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.
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?
 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.   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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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.  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
Follow the journey of a new church as we answer the call to reach people in Collierville, Memphis, and the Mid-South. Archives
September 2026
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Small Group Gatherings
Sun | Adult Sunday School Sun | Peace Tree Kids Sun | Music Fellowship Sun | United Women in Faith Sun | ZUMBA with Kris Mon | Open Play Pickleball Mon | Mellow Mushroom G'town Tue | Leadership Meeting Tue | Book Club Wed | BRO (Brothers Reaching Out) Wed | SIS (Sisters In Service) Wed | Roots Youth Group Wed | Open Play Pickleball Wed | Young Adult Basketball Thu | Pastor's Bible Study |
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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 Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
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Peace Tree UMC 9315 E Shelby Dr Collierville, TN 38017 |