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Weekly text: Ephesians 6:10-20
Faith focus: Get ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.
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, gold ring, wristband
Call to worship: “God’s armor” (Together, page 8)
Opening prayer: HWB 760
Song suggestions:
"Here, O Lord, Your Servants Gather," HWB 7
"For We Are Strangers No More," HWB 322
"Guide My Feet," HWB 546
"Dona Nobis Pacem," HWB 346
"Peace Before Us" (Gather 'Round CD)
Children’s time: Show the children different kinds of shoes and boots, such as work boots, soccer shoes, golf shoes, running shoes, or other types of footwear. Ask them why we have different footwear. Say, "We wear different shoes to help us do a job or play a game. The Bible tells us to put on shoes to help us be peacemakers. What do you think that means?"
Read the book, Praying with Our Feet, by Lisa D. Weaver (Herald Press, 2005).
Find the worship symbol for today (wristband). Remind children that peacemakers wear God's armor of truth, prayer, faith, and righteousness.
Sing "Peace Before Us" (Gather 'Round CD) using actions, if you wish. The lyrics are in Together, page 3, or SS 16.
Pray together: "Holy God, help us bring peace by filling our lives with truth, prayer, faith, and right relationships. Amen."
Scripture reading: Ephesians 6:10–20
Sermon seeds: In his message to the Ephesians, Paul acknowledges the reality of evil. As followers of Christ, we put on armor, not of weapons, but of spiritual practices. The centerpiece of our armor is "whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace." What spiritual practices prepare us to proclaim God's peace to all? How are you (as an individual, family, and church) proclaiming the gospel of peace? How real is the threat of evil in your life? What aspects of today's scripture provide strength to help you stand firm?
Song:
"Be Still," SJ 75
"Go Forth for God," HS 1058
Benediction: As shoes for your feet, put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. Go in God's strength and power. Amen.
Planning ahead: Invite families to bring their origami peace cranes or doves to church next week as part of the final worship service in this series.
