Peace Sunday 2010

Fear not, for I am with you. Isaiah 41:10

Along with Mennonite World Conference, Mennonite Church USA celebrates Peace Sunday the Sunday closest to the International Day of Prayer for Peace, which is Sept. 21. However, you may use these materials any Sunday that works for your congregation.

Fear-whether constructed internally or externally-divides us from just and peaceful relationships with ourselves and others. Though it can sometimes draw us to a closer relationship with and deeper faith in the Lord when it inspires a sense of awe as that ancient "fear of God," the Lord is regularly the means of overcoming these divisive fears. "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. We love, because He first loved us" (1 John 4:18-19).

We as followers of Christ must be cognizant of how we and others use fear- intentionally or otherwise-for personal, economic and other gains. Fear cannot be avoided; it's how our Creator wired us. However, it can be recognized in a productive manner, rather than allowing it to debilitate. God was quite intentional when we were made scared from day one (startle reflex), but the gift of Christ's love equips us with all the tools we need.

Past Peace Sunday materials