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Weekly text: Isaiah 65:17-25
Faith focus: We celebrate a new heaven and earth.
Visuals: white (and/or blue) worship cloth; open Bible; symbols: heart, road sign, story figure, kazoo or party horn, footprint shape, feather, adhesive bandage, olive branch, puzzle piece, dove
Call to worship: “New heaven and earth” (Together, page 7)
Song suggestions:
“You Are Salt for the Earth,” HWB 226
"New Earth, Heavens New," HWB 299
"Morning Has Broken," HWB 648
Children’s time: Show the children some unlikely combinations of animals together, such as a wolf and lamb (use toy animals or pictures). Say, "Today's Bible reading imagines a new earth where all of creation lives together in peace. Can you imagine a wolf and a lamb curling up together, or enemies who once fought each other becoming friends? When we imagine a peaceful earth, we can work to bring peace where there is conflict."
Read the article "Turning bombs into something good" (Together, page 42) or "Guns into Plowshares" in Plant a Seed of Peace, by Rebecca Seiling (Herald Press, 2007), pages 56-57.
Sing "The Jesus Way" (Gather 'Round CD). The lyrics are in Together, page 4.
Find the worship symbol for today (toy dove). It reminds us that we hope for life without violence.
Pray together: "Amazing God, we dream of a day when all creation will live together in peace. Help us do what we can to bring your peace to earth. Amen."
Scripture reading: Isaiah 65:17–25
Sermon seeds: The vision of peace in Isaiah 65 is one where people and animals do not hurt one another. People have the necessary resources to live a good life without disease and famine. How can this ideal vision motivate us to work for justice and peace? How do stories of peace help us move forward from despair to hope? What visions can we give our children to help them find creative solutions to conflict and injustice?
Song of response: “O Day of Peace,” HWB 408
Song:
“The Peace of the Earth Be With You,” SJ 77
“Hallelujah! We Sing Your Praises!,” HS 1059
Benediction: May God’s peace flow through you as God is creating a new earth and heaven. Go in peace and love. Amen.
