Theme: True peace comes from God - but we are God's agents in working for it: responsibility, the first will be last and the last will be first - social justice, fairness, integrity, service.

Readings:

First: Wisdom 2:12, 17-20 - The godless condemn a virtuous man to a shameful death, because he will be looked after by God.

Psalm 54 - The Lord upholds my life.

Second: James 3:16 - 4:3 - Jealousy, ambition, and self-seeking cause disharmony and wickedness. Wisdom is pure makes for peace - peacemakers sow the seeds of holiness. Fighting is caused by desire for what people do not have.

Gospel: Mark 9:30-37 - The last will be first and the first last - welcoming even a child in God's name is welcoming God. The disciples had difficulty understanding.

The Church of Christ in Every Age - Song Sheet