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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.“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. Friends in Christ,
Our country is more divided than ever. For several years now, I have spoken with you and my previous conferences about these deep divisions and the painful ways they affect our communities, our churches, and even our families. In recent days, these divisions have again been laid bare. It is our understanding that the National Guard will soon be deployed into Memphis, Tennessee. In our conference, as across our nation, faithful people hold differing views about this development. For many, this raises concerns about escalation, fear, and mistrust between communities and those called to protect them. We must acknowledge that such moments can deepen existing divides and stir strong emotions, even among those who worship side by side. This past week, we witnessed the tragic shooting of a well-known political activist while in conversation with college students. And once again, our nation mourns yet another school shooting - this time in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado. These events grieve us deeply. They also have the power to widen the distance between us if we are not careful. As United Methodists, we have historically stood against injustice in all its forms. Our faith compels us to speak truth, to pursue mercy, and to act with courage. Yet just as importantly, our Lord Jesus Christ calls us to be peacemakers. In a world of anger and suspicion, we are to be instruments of peace. I implore you, therefore, to live into this calling. Reach across the lines that too often divide us - political, racial, geographic, or even denominational. Sit down with someone who does not look like you, vote like you, or pray like you. Listen with compassion. Extend grace. Refuse to let the story of our nation be written only in terms of hatred and violence. Our laity and clergy are called to be spiritual leaders in their communities, modeling the way of Christ through prayer, presence, and action. It is a conference discipleship priority and therefore of utmost importance. How might you take responsibility for changing the narrative of this country? How might you bear witness to the reconciling love of Christ in a broken and weary world? The apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” This is both a challenge and a promise. It is a challenge because peace requires effort, sacrifice, and humility. But it is also a promise, because when we take even small steps toward peace, God multiplies them for the sake of the Kingdom. May God grant us the courage to stand for justice, the patience to listen across divides, and the wisdom to be instruments of peace. And may the peace of Christ, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in these days. Memphis Mayor Paul Young stated in his September 12 News Conference for everyone to come together regardless of our differences. He encouraged the Memphis community to be laser-focused on continuing the good work that has been done over the last two years in moving Memphis to becoming a great city. May we United Methodists become laser-focused by loving God, loving people, and seeking to be a peacemaker. Use your voice, your influence, and your presence as God leads you. With hope and prayer, Bishop David Graves Resident Bishop Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference  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.   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.  Recently, I wrote an article for the May/June 2020 issue of Tour Collierville Magazine which I share below. I was asked to focus on current events and how to rely on God during times of uncertainty, doubt, and trouble. As we continue to see rising numbers of positive COVID-19 cases, small business owners struggling to stay afloat, and numerous protests for racial equality and police reform, I pray that these words may offer some comfort and assurance of God's protection. +Peace and Love from Pastor Kris.
So many things are happening in our world right now. It seems like we hear from federal, state, and local leaders on a daily basis as they present new guidelines and best practices for how to deal with COVID-19. There’s a growing concern around our economy and how long it will take for us to rebound. Many individuals have applied for unemployment benefits, some families are dipping into their emergency funds, and all of us have had to adjust our lives as we practice social distancing and follow “Safer at Home” orders. It would be very tempting to give in to fear. It’s taking more effort to keep thoughts of doubt or despair at bay given the current situation. If you find yourselves worrying more than usual, then I encourage you to look to God’s Word and discover joy and hope during this time. Turn your minds to the Easter story found in the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 28. Here, we see two women discover the empty tomb. An angel instructs Mary and Mary to go and tell the disciples that Jesus has risen from the dead. They hurry away “with great fear and joy” before meeting the risen Christ on the road. These women demonstrate how it is possible to live a faithful, joy-filled life and still experience moments of fear, doubt, or anxiety. Earlier in the same Gospel, we see how Jesus’ followers had concerns and worries about their basic needs being met. Jesus, as their teacher and friend, points to God’s provisions. God supplies food for birds and dresses the wildflowers so that they’re more beautifully adorned than any runway model. If God cares about these living things, then how much more will God care for humankind—beings created in the image and likeness of God? Psalm 46 begins with some very powerful words: “God is our refuge and strength, a help always near in times of great trouble.” Our community, our nation, and our world is experiencing a time of great trouble, but I don’t think we’re alone. I believe that God’s Holy Spirit is present with each and every one of us, and I trust that God is guiding us through this pivotal moment in world history. Psalm 46 also references earthquakes and tsunamis, the rantings and ravings of nations, and the destruction of weapons used for war. In the midst of this chaos, the Psalmist does not fear. Through it all, her eyes are on God. The women at the empty tomb are filled with both fear and joy at the thought of Jesus overcoming death. The angel speaks a greeting, “Don’t be afraid,” and Jesus repeats these comforting words when he meets them on the road. Earlier in his ministry, Jesus says to his followers, “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” Instead of worrying, the Messiah encourages his disciples to pay attention to what God is doing right now and to not get worked up about what might happen tomorrow. Friends, it’s completely natural to experience fear in times like these. Becoming worried about our health, our safety, and our finances is a very real, human response. Through it all, I pray that you will seek God first. Discover joy and hope in the Psalms and in the Gospel stories. Put your trust in the Lord, because God will protect and provide for us. God is always ready to help when we need Him most. Thanks be to God! 
The following is a transcript from a video I streamed earlier today via Facebook Live. Contained in this article are helpful links and updated information for how Peace Tree is continuing to address COVID-19 concerns in our community. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. God bless!
+Peace and Love from Pastor Kris Hey friends, I wanted to give y’all a quick update on how our faith community is currently addressing coronavirus concerns as we look ahead to the month of May. The last time I went LIVE over Facebook with an update, it was Friday, March 13 - that’s a little over 6 weeks ago. To put things into perspective, back on March 13, there were only two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Shelby County. With more testing being made available in the weeks since then, health officials quickly discovered that community transmission had occurred, and as of April 28 in Shelby County alone, there are 2,320 confirmed cases of COVID-19 including 45 deaths. Friends, now more than ever, we need to practice healthy habits, we need to remain at home if possible, and if we do go to a public place for work, or to pick up groceries and meals from local restaurants, or for any other reason, then we need to wear cloth masks or other face coverings to protect ourselves and others. For six weeks now, Peace Tree has encouraged our members to stay at home. We’ve gathered together as an online community through a number of different methods. We’ve premiered worship videos on Sunday morning at 10AM Central across three sites: YouTube, Facebook, and our church website: peacetree.church. We’ve also been hosting online Bible studies on Wednesday nights at 7:30 Central using Facebook Live. We have a dial in prayer call every Thursday at 2:00. House Groups have been keeping in touch with Zoom meetings, emails, group text messages, and phone calls. Our United Methodist Women circles and Peace Tree Kids have been calling and writing letters to our home-centered members, and our Congregational Care Team and church staff have done an excellent job of keeping us connected as well. Many of you watching this video may already have a church home, and we hope that you’re staying connected to your church family. But for those of you who don’t currently have a faith community, or for those who haven’t attended church in some time and are looking for a comfortable, casual way of getting plugged in, I invite you to check out Peace Tree. We’re continuing to foster community using these online opportunities and we’ve had friends and family members join us from places near and far including Arkansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, California, Amsterdam, the Philippines, and Hong Kong just to name a few. Search for Peace Tree on Facebook and YouTube: I think you’d enjoy all the people you’ll meet during a Wednesday night Bible study, a Sunday morning worship service, a Tuesday night Book Club gathering, or during a Thursday afternoon dial-in prayer call. Back on March 13, the president declared a national emergency. He also proposed a 15 day plan for slowing the spread of COVID-19. That original 15 day plan got extended through the end of April. And now, there are guidelines from the White House that governors, mayors, and community leaders are referencing when making decisions regarding a phased re-opening of our cities, counties, and states. Our church’s leadership team is staying up-to-date on what local health officials and government leaders are advising, and we’re also looking to our denominational leaders, specifically our conference bishop and our district superintendent. On Friday, Bishop Bill McAlilly shared a blog post with United Methodist pastors stating that it’s in the best interest of the churches we serve in Middle Tennessee, West Tennessee, and Western Kentucky for public worship and other in-person gatherings to remain suspended through May 31. We at Peace Tree agree with the Bishop’s decision and we will continue to gather online and stay connected through mailed cards and letters, email blasts, social media posts, Zoom meetings, telephone calls, and Facebook Live videos. In these unprecedented times, the act of physically distancing ourselves from one another is an act of love. Doing so helps us protect ourselves and our families, it demonstrates care and concern for our neighbors (especially those who are most susceptible to this virus), and it could literally help save lives. If you’re isolated and you need someone to talk to, you can always reach out to me - message me directly over Facebook or Instagram, or email me at [email protected]. If you have a prayer concern, send it to our Congregational Care Team at [email protected]. If you need to contact our office staff, then email [email protected] or call 901-286-5532. Lastly, if you’d like to financially support our online ministry, then text the word PEACE to 77977 or visit peacetree.church/give. I leave you with a thought from Psalm 82. In this Psalm, God is presented as the supreme Judge, and God is examining all of those who are in a position of responsibility. They were commissioned to defend the weak, to stand up for the powerless, to uphold the cause of the poor, and to deliver those who are being exploited. Friends, all of us, in some degree or another, hold a position of responsibility. Throughout every community around the world there live individuals who are immunocompromised, those who have underlying medical conditions, and those who suffer from chronic disease. They are your grandparents, your parents, your neighbors, your best friends. I’m staying home to help keep them safe, so that one day, I can see them again face to face. Remember to thank our frontline health care workers, our first responders, grocery store employees, restaurant owners, and other essential workers who are risking their health in order to keep society functioning. Wash your hands often, stay home as much as possible, and if you do go out in public, then please cover your mouth and nose with a mask or face covering. Stay in touch. Share the good news of Jesus. Be the good news by helping those in need. And remember that Church Can Happen Anywhere. Thanks for watching and God bless! 
The following is a transcript from a video I streamed earlier this evening via Facebook Live. Contained in this article are helpful links, practical advice, and updated information for how Peace Tree is addressing COVID-19 concerns in our community. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. God bless!
+Peace and Love from Pastor Kris Hey friends, I hope everyone is having a blessed day today! It is March, Friday the 13th in the year of our Lord 2020, and I wanted to take a moment to share some information about Peace Tree and what our congregation is doing to address recent COVID-19 / coronavirus concerns. We’ve recently received word from Bishop McAlilly, the resident bishop of the Nashville Episcopal area, advising churches across West Tennessee, Middle Tennessee, and Western Kentucky to consider suspending worship and other large gatherings for at least two weeks in order to slow the rate of transmission of the coronavirus. So, after consulting with several of our church leaders and office staff, we’ve decided to suspend our Sunday morning large group worship services at Peace Tree for March 15th and the 22nd. Following this period of time, we’ll regroup and decide on whether to hold future in-person worship services on a week to week basis. Even though we will not be gathering as a large group for worship on the 15th and 22nd, a small group of worship leaders will meet with me on Sunday mornings to broadcast a worship experience online via our Facebook Live video stream. We hope you’ll participate in this online worship service by asking questions in the Comments section, Liking and Sharing the video to your profile, and sending us Prayer Requests through Messenger or the form on our website. The easiest ways to access this live stream is to visit our church website, peacetree.church, and click on the box that says Worship Online. You can also log onto Facebook and search for Peace Tree UMC. If you’re on our Facebook page at 10AM Central Time on Sunday morning, you’ll be notified that the Live Stream is in progress. For my friends who live in other states, and even for local friends whose churches don’t offer a live stream service, we invite you worship with us on Sundays at 10:00AM Central Time. Leave a comment on the video to let us know where you’re watching from. As we continue to respond to the situation, please know that office hours at our Shelby Drive location may change in the upcoming weeks. We encourage you to call ahead if you plan to stop by office. The best number to use is 901-286-5532. If you do come by the office, please know that we have several hand sanitizing stations throughout the church building as well as flyers from the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization with helpful information for the public. We’re encouraging everyone in their everyday lives to practice “social distancing” by not shaking hands with your friends & co-workers. Instead you may simply smile, nod, and wave to your neighbor as you greet them. Since we won’t be meeting in person for the next couple of weeks, we won’t be passing an offering plate. However, if you’d like to support the work and ministry of Peace Tree, you can make a donation to the church from your smart phone by texting the word PEACE to 77977 or by visiting the website peacetree.church/give. Not only are we suspending our Large Group in-person worship services, but we’re also asking Small Group leaders and their participants to suspend their in-person meetings for the next two weeks. This includes our Sunday school classes, UMW Circles, House Groups, and our various monthly gatherings. If you’re a member of one these groups, please reach out to your hosts and leaders to see if there are ways to share prayer concerns, conversation, and other interactions via group text, email, or video chats & online hangouts. We’ve also been in touch with outside groups who utilize our church facilities, specifically our gym. We’re here to support them in their decisions, and each group leader is communicating with their members letting them know whether their regularly scheduled events are still being held or if they’re being cancelled. There is no outbreak of the Coronavirus in the Memphis area, and right now there are only two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Shelby County. We’re trying our best to take responsible steps and to do what we deem necessary in order to keep our church family and community members safe from the potential spread of this disease. You may already know that the symptoms of COVID-19 range from mild to severe and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Older adults and individuals with underlying medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, and since the age of our church family spans a wide range from a newborn only a couple of months old to someone who is over 90 years old, we want to ensure everyone’s safety and prevent unnecessary risks for our older church members. We’re continuing to monitor the situation, staying up to date with announcements from the CDC, the Shelby County Health Department, and the Memphis Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Just earlier today, President Trump held a press conference declaring a national emergency. As I understand it, certain federal regulations will be put on a temporary hold to allow hospitals to make decisions that are swift and in their patients’ best interest. The government is also partnering with the private sector to make testing kits for this virus more readily available at drive thru testing locations. You can learn more about these protocols at coronavirus.gov. We will keep the lines of communication open with you, sharing information through your small group leaders, social media posts, email blasts, text message groups, and newsletters which we will mail to our home-centered church members. If you have any concerns or questions, you can message me directly over Facebook and Instagram. You can also email me at [email protected], and you can reach our office staff at [email protected]. Remain vigilant, practice healthy habits, and be kind to one another. Stay safe and God bless!  This morning, Pastor Kris joined with local pastors to pray for the town of Collierville and the city of Germantown as we observed the National Day of Prayer. Prayers were lifted up for parents, first responders, those serving in the military, young people, teachers, elected officials, local pastors, and local business leaders. The 9:30 a.m. observance was held at Central Church with singing led by The Orchard Church. The Noonday observance was held in front of Germantown's City Hall, and several lay people participated by leading prayer. It truly was a blessing to see neighbors, government officials, and faith communities come together for a single purpose. Below, you can read the prayer that Pastor Kris shared, and at the bottom of the post you'll find some snapshots of the ceremonies. We hope that you will be in prayer today for all Americans as well as our neighbors in countries near and far. "A Prayer for our Neighbors and for Those in Need" God of all peoples, we thank you for your presence with us today. We approach your throne this morning as a community which is made up of many different people. We look to the future excitedly, and at the same time we hold onto our traditions and remember our heritage. We preach tolerance and inclusion; however, we tend to favor our own tribes, customs, and ways of living. As human beings, we often put our own needs ahead of others — our access to housing, food, education, and security. And yet, your Son taught us to die to self. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus called his disciples to deny themselves, to take up their cross, and to follow him. Later, the apostle Paul wrote, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” Father Almighty, help us to look past our own selfish ambitions. Challenge us to put the needs of others above our own. Encourage us to not only read the Bible but to follow the example of your Son, our Messiah, in how he lived his life. Send us your hungry so that we may feed them. Send us your thirsty so that we may offer them a cup of cool water. Send us the stranger so that they may be fully seen, fully known, and fully loved. Send us those who are shivering so that we may clothe them. Send us out to visit those who are sick and in prison so that they may know that they are not forgotten. Gives us eyes to see and ears to hear, so that when we encounter a neighbor who is in need, we may see them as a beloved child God. And help us to understand that when we serve the least in our midst, we are in fact serving Christ. Who is my neighbor, Lord? Your Son taught us to look in unexpected places. Is it the church leader from my local congregation? The lay leader from my Sunday school class? Lord Jesus, what about the person who practices a different religion from me, the one who comes from a different country of origin, the one who speaks a tongue other than English as their primary language? Yes, this is my personal Samaritan, the one who shows me mercy, the one who would pull me out of a ditch, bandage my wounds, and restore me to health. Humble me, Lord, so that I may see this person as my neighbor, that I might lay down my own prejudices and biases to see all people as my neighbors. Mold us into your likeness, so that others would no longer see us, but would see you living through us. Fill us with your Holy Spirit so that our cups would run over. And use us to build up your Kingdom here on earth as it is in Heaven. May we love our neighbors as you first loved us, so that others would know who we are and whose we are. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 
This morning, Pastor Kris joined with local pastors to pray for the town of Collierville and the city of Germantown as we observed the National Day of Prayer. Prayers were lifted up for parents, first responders, those serving in the military, young people, teachers, elected officials, local pastors, those struggling with addiction, and local business leaders. The 9:00 a.m. observance was held on the steps of Collierville's Town Hall with singing led by The Orchard Church. The Noonday observance was held in front of Germantown's City Hall, and several lay people participated by leading prayer.
It truly was a blessing to see neighbors, government officials, and faith communities come together for a single purpose. Below, you can read the two prayers that Pastor Kris shared, and at the bottom of the post you'll find the Facebook Live video that was live streamed by Germantown Baptist Church. We hope that you will be in prayer today for all Americans as well as our neighbors in countries near and far. “Love Thy Neighbor” God of all nations, you have so richly blessed this community. We give thanks for all the ways you provide for us and for our neighbors. We confess that we do not always put others’ needs above our own, that in this world of “me first,” we often neglect those around us. Lord give us eyes to see and ears to hear. From an early age we learn to do unto others as we would have them do to us, and yet you’ve set the bar so much higher. You sent your Son into the world to love us unconditionally. He gave his life to serve as the atoning sacrifice for our sin, and before he left, he instructed his disciples to love one another as he loved them. We recognize that our wants and desires are no longer the standard; your good and perfect love is the standard, Lord, and we strive to model our lives after the example of your Son, Jesus Christ. His message and challenge still rings in our ears: to love others as Jesus loves us, to see others the way God sees them. May the things that break your heart also break our hearts. May we laugh with sisters and brothers who laugh and weep with those who weep. Allow us to see our neighbors as people who have been created in the Image of God. Give us the strength to stand against racism, sexism, injustice, and prejudice in any form that it may present itself. There are so many people in this wonderful town of varying ages, genders, creeds, and ethnicities, and all have sacred worth. May we no longer dismiss someone for being different from ourselves, for being too young or too old, for being “the other gender,” for having a skin tone that differs from our own, or for originating from another country. Help us realize that everyone has a seat at your table, that the Body of Christ is made up of many individual members and no two are the same. Again, we thank you for this beautiful town and its people, and we praise you this glorious morning. Forgive us when we sin; soften our hearts - mold us and put us to what you will. Fill our cups, Lord, and use us as ambassadors of your holy Kingdom. Guide us to those who are in need, especially the widow and the orphan, the foreigner and the stranger, the invisible and the untouchable. Enable us to see our neighbors as you see them, and by your Spirit, help us to love one another as you first loved us. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
"A Prayer for Families"
God of grace and God of glory, we give you thanks for this beautiful day that you have blessed us with. We especially thank you for the great city of Germantown and the many families that make up this community. Because of our fallen nature, we have not always been the loving neighbors and caring citizens that you call us to be; but, by your Spirit, we are able to walk a closer walk with your Son, taking up our cross to live our lives as a forgiven people. This afternoon, we humbly approach your throne and ask that you bless the families of this community. Fill each home with your unconditional love. Call each mother and father to lead their families with boldness, with grace, and with wisdom. Bless each child as they discover and explore this world. Watch over families as they welcome children into this world at Methodist Le Bonheur Hospital. Care for each mother and her family in the Women’s Pavilion. Expand our understanding of “Family,” Lord. Help us to see the widow and widower in our neighborhood as part of our extended family. Encourage us to show hospitality to those who are moving into this city from other towns, states, and countries. Guide our conversations and discourse so that we may build each other up and work towards common goals. Attend to the needs of grandparents who have stepped into the role of parent or guardian. Assist husbands and wives who struggle with infertility. Guide those who are fostering children in need, and advocate for those who seek to adopt. Lord, you have adopted each of us into your family through the justifying grace of Jesus Christ. We thank you for grafting us into your family tree, and we pray that we inherit the family traits of righteousness, purity, and kindness. Again, we thank you for this National Day of Prayer and for this opportunity to gather as the people of Germantown. May we continue to conform ourselves to the example of Jesus Christ, our brother, the firstborn, your only begotten Son, who laid down his life so that me may truly live. In his name we pray. 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
August 2026
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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 |