On this day, we honor our oneness in Christ, the Prince of Peace, whom we are called to serve in the midst of our fearful and broken world. We are mindful that God, who created this world, has not abandoned us. Instead, God sets a vision before us: of wolves and lambs feeding together, of conflicting nations and diverse peoples sharing the table of grace. God sets the table before us, that we might taste and see how gracious the Lord really is. The table invites us to reflect on our own vision for the world and its people. Is it a vision in which hatred, division, and anger endure? Or can we lift our eyes to God’s vision -  a vision in which compassion, justice, and peace prevail? In addition to preparing your communion elements for this Sunday’s worship, we also ask that you set aside a pen and small card – like a place card – on which you will be asked to share your reflection about people or places that especially need God’s compassion and peace. In your waiting, you are invited to offer prayers for that person or group, as well as for your own heart, that it may be softened, after the vision of Christ. The flowers in the Sanctuary this morning are placed in appreciation of our pastors for their selfless leadership these past several months. Special thanks to Caryl Carothers for creating the arrangement.