Over 200 churches around England and Scotland will explore what it means to have a ‘Heart for Peace’ this Sunday, 20 September, as they mark Peacemaking Sunday. The World Council of Churches selected this date, the Sunday closest to the UN International Day of Peace, for an annual focus on Peace.
The Fellowship of Reconciliation has produced material to help church communities in their worship. Mixing intercessions, reflections on lectionary readings and prompts for hymn choice, the material challenges all to consider how God’s heart for Peace is on offer to all – and when it’s found it’s like manna from heaven.
This year’s theme is one of encouragement. In a world of increasing conflict, and increasingly mechanised conflict through AI, it’s good to step back and focus on peace. By celebrating what makes a heart for peace, and lamenting what breaks a heart for peace, I hope all who engage with our gospel-shaped message will find their next steps in following Jesus, the Prince of peace.
Please feel free to use the materials in a diverse range of ways, from house gatherings and personal devotions to weekly worship and in. chaplaincy.
This year, Hathersage Methodist Church has gone one step further and is using the whole month of September to focus on peace. Their ‘Sunday Club’ created a peace collage; meanwhile, their second hand bookshop had a peace display, and they even explored fruits of the spirit using physical fruit. Supporting this local creativity, they have the Methodist Peace Fellowship travelling exhibition and are contributing to global weekly peace prayers arranged by, among others, the Fellowship of Reconciliation.
Sign up for the Peace Sunday resources.
The Fellowship of Reconciliation is a Charity and Network in Association with Churches Together in England.