Peace Sunday 2011

Ephesians 2:11-22

September 25, 2011

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, including September 11, 2011.

Walls and divisions exist to serve three main purposes: To keep out or in, to protect, to divide. There are times when such barriers are useful and necessary. But when walls divide people, they avoid the hard work of bridging disputes through building and sustaining relationship, and instead increase hostility, distrust and fear.

Jesus broke down walls between people throughout his ministry, beginning when he chose disciples who were from groups who did not get along. He spoke to people society told him not to, went where he should not have, said what Jews dared not. In Ephesians, Paul is specific that Jesus was intentional. “But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall” (Ephesians 2:13-14).

Past Peace Sunday materials