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to download PDF - Mennonite Central Committee Canada

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Our task is not only <strong>to</strong> keep our sons anddaughters from going <strong>to</strong> war; it is <strong>to</strong> preventall young people from going. — Frank H. EppIntroduction <strong>to</strong> the themeTo introduce the theme on Peace Sunday you could write your own opening, based oninsights gained through the accounts in this packet. Read the long introduction at thebeginning, or use the following summary.In Isaiah 2:4 are <strong>to</strong>ld that in the world God envisions, nation will not lift swordagainst nation, and that weapons will be turned in<strong>to</strong> planting implements. It takeshard work <strong>to</strong> reshape swords in<strong>to</strong> ploughshares and pruning hooks. Once the <strong>to</strong>ols aretransformed they must turn <strong>to</strong> the job of cultivating peace, and that task is ours.Today on Peace Sunday we remember s<strong>to</strong>ries of conscientious objec<strong>to</strong>rs from the pastwho have offered resistance in the face of evil, and have given us roots from which <strong>to</strong>continue <strong>to</strong> bear fruit. We pick up from them, and ask how we might be conscientiousin our time. How might we find the courage <strong>to</strong> follow Jesus and cultivate peace in awar-<strong>to</strong>rn world?Scripture readingsThere is a sense in which we view all of Scripture through the lens of our peace theology.The passages below would work well as a call <strong>to</strong> worship or <strong>to</strong> be read aloud.Exodus 20:13 (You shall not kill)Isaiah 2:1-5 (Swords in<strong>to</strong> ploughshares)Isaiah 9:1-7 (Boots of soldiers burned as fuel)Psalm 33:10-22 (A warrior is not delivered by strength)Psalm 85:7-13 (He will speak peace <strong>to</strong> his people)Psalm 90:1-2 (A shelter in all generations)Matthew 5:9 (Blessed are the peacemakers)Matthew 5:38-44 (Turn the other cheek)Luke 1:68-79 (Jesus comes <strong>to</strong> teach peace)Luke 6:25-37 (Love enemies and do good)Romans 12:9-21 (Do not be overcome by evil)James 3:17-18 (Sowing a harvest of peace)Call <strong>to</strong> worshipJust as an uncultivated field will not bring forth a desired harvest,a culture of violence unchallenged will not bring forth peace.Just as any harvest comes from nature’s power and farmers’ <strong>to</strong>il,peace and justice rely on the power of the Holy Spiritand the efforts of Christ’s followers.People of faith have gone before us resisting war, facing risk,going <strong>to</strong> prison and even perishing.Their s<strong>to</strong>ries remind us that we are not beginning the taskbut continuing <strong>to</strong> plough the field in hope of a harvest of peace.Let us turn in worship <strong>to</strong> the God who strengthens us<strong>to</strong> cultivate peace in a war-<strong>to</strong>rn world.Resources for worship18

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