Just Peace Sunday
The Thirtieth General Synod called on the congregations of the United Church of Christ to mark the Sunday preceding September 21 (which the United Nation recognizes as the “International Day of Prayer for Peace”) as Just Peace Sunday.
“They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season…” Psalm 1:3 NRSV
About the 2022 Campaign
The theme for Just Peace Sunday 2021 is “Grow Justice, Know Peace!” based on the lectionary passage Psalm 1:3a:
“They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season.” (Psalm 1:3)
In 2021, we find ourselves still mired in a dangerous pandemic impacting and dividing our communities in many ways. We have lost loved ones and face a myriad of COVID-19 challenges and fears. Our children, the unhoused, the unemployed, and other vulnerable populations suffer both in the U.S. and around the world where vaccine access still remains scarce.
At the same time, we are witnessing the trauma in Afghanistan as refugees flee Taliban rule and the debate over the human and financial cost of war continues. We face daily reminders of the urgency of the climate crisis, deepening poverty, systemic racism, and the erosion of our democracy. Life feels uprooted, scarce, and uncertain in so many ways. We do not see the “fruits” of our years of struggle and labor we had hoped to enjoy by now.
Campaign Resources
WORSHIP RESOURCES
Worship Resources
- Sermon Seed on Psalm 1:1-6 by Rev. Dr. Sheila Harvey Guillaume
- A Litany for Just Peace Sunday 2021 by Rev. Amber Neuroth
- A Just Peace Sunday “Rooted in God’s Love” Litany & PowerPoint by Rev. Dr. Sheila Harvey Guillaume
“Like a Tree Planted by the Water” by Deborah L. Patterson (Permissions given for use)
Song “I am for Peace” by Richard Bruxvoort Colligan
General Synod Worship Videos also were based on Psalm 1. Any videos and music can be used, but please cite permission information.
Hymn Options from the New Century Hymnal and Sing! Prayer and Praise Hymnal
Call to Worship
- Come to the Waters SPP #3
Opening Hymn
- For the Healing of the Nations NCH #576
- In Christ There Is No East or West NCH #394
- Thank Our God for Sisters, Brothers NCH #397
Prayer Hymn
- O for a World NCH #575
- Dream God’s Dream SPP #120
Communion
- Eat of this Bread SPP #153
- Blest Be the Tie that Binds NCH #393
Closing
- Lead Us from Death to Life NCH#581
- We Shall Not Give Up the Fight #437
Benediction
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- Peace SPP #193
- Sent Forth by God’s Blessing NCH #76
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Educational Resources
- A Mutual Aid Explainer Video by Dean Spade and Ciro Carrillo
- “Solidarity not Charity” article and book “Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During this Crisis and the Next” by Dean Spade
- Steps on How to Create a Mutual Aid Network by Mary Zerkel, from the American Friends Service Community
- US News and World Report Article “How Mutual Aid Networks Helped People Through the Pandemic” and an example of a Mutual Aid network in Knoxville,TN.
- America Magazine article “How to Build Mutual Aid that will last after the Coronavirus pandemic”
- Mutual Aid 101: #wegotourblock toolkit by mutual aid organizer Mariame Kaba and Representative Ocasio-Cortez
- The Mutual Aid Hub – Map of networks
More to come! – More resources will be posted as we get closer to Just Peace Sunday. If you are interested in contributing a prayer, litany, or sermon, please email Rev. Michael Neuroth.
CAMPAIGN ART RESOURCES
Campaign Art Resources
Check out this Google folder resource of images of trees you can use in PowerPoint slideshows for Just Peace Sunday. Permission for use is given by Rev. Denise and Caitlin Anderson.
Observe UCC Just Peace Sunday, church-wide, by giving your children a biblical look at Just Peace and making a craft with your church youth and children. Click here for instructions on how to make a handprinted tree to go along with our theme “Grow Justice, Know Peace.”
- While your children are crafting consider inviting them to sing along with music about peacemaking.
- Consider sending pictures, or the actual doves, to your state and national leaders as an act of advocacy. And please send us the pictures so that we can share them with UCC congregations across the country! Post them on Twitter and tag @JustPeaceUCC or email neurothm@ucc.org
Download the Just Peace Handbook
In 2015, the 30th General Synod held in Cleveland, OH marked the UCC’s 30th anniversary as a Just Peace Church and called for a renewal of the UCC’s Just Peace witness. This booklet is intended to accompany this resolution and be a resource for all levels and areas of the church for further work and witness, especially to local congregations declaring or recommitting themselves as “Just Peace Churches.” This resource includes a summary of the historical and theological uniqueness of the Just Peace vision; the biblical and theological grounding for Just Peace values; and recommended steps for how to become a Just Peace Church. (Download.)
Questions
For more information contact uccjustpeace@gmail.com and join us in conversation via Facebook and Twitter @JustPeaceUCC.