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Why We Pray and Act Against Hunger
The Focus of our Gathering
Across the globe more than 41m people – around half of them children–are at risk of falling into famine in 43 countries. Famine is preventable and has no place in the 21st century. These people are not starving, they are being starved by conflict and violence; by inequality; the impacts of climate change; and by a fight against COVID-19 that has left them even further behind.
Time is running out. Action must be taken now to prevent the needless deaths of tens of thousands of children. If the world stands by and does too little too late, children will starve to death. Hunger will also force children and their families to make dangerous survival choices, such
as child marriage or child labour, and this will have lasting harmful consequences for girls and boys.Up to 811 million people were hungry in 2020, up by 161 million from 2019. This is a 25% increase from 2019, which is greater than the total increase over the past 5 years. Hunger increased in all regions of the world. Asia has the largest total number of hungry people, but Africa has the highest proportion of its population.
In our time of worship, we will focus on the invitation from Jesus to follow him – ‘Feed my sheep.’
We have the assurance that God sees and knows and hears the cry of each person experiencing hunger in the world today and invites us to participate in their redemption, ensuring that the daily needs of all people can be met. Our response, in hope-filled obedience, is to join in God’s
redemptive work in the world.Read more about hunger
Download worship resource below, a collaboration with ecumenical partners (Micah Global, Integral Alliance, ACT Alliance, World Methodist Community, Lutheran World Federation, The Salvation Army, World Council of Churches, WEA, World Vision) ⬇️
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Liturgy: Sharing food with the Hungry Ð Isaiah 58: 6-12
Conflict; an uneven global economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic; the effects of climate change; high inflation; as well as the rising cost of food, fuel, and fertiliser are driving a polycrisis that is pushing tens of millions of girls, boys, and their families into extreme hunger.
The number of people affected by acute food insecurity has nearly doubled over the past three years, from 135 million people across 55 countries and territories in 2019 to a record 258 million in 58 countries in 2022 Ð even more than last year’s mid-year projection that, without urgent action, 222 million across 53 countries and territories could face Ôcrisis’ (IPC 3) conditions or worse.
In the face of dire statistics, we know that hunger has a nameÉ
- Seven-month-old Hamdi weighed only 8.8 pounds in June when she arrived at a nurition clinic in Baidoa, Somalia. Health workers found her to have severe acute malnutrition, exacerbated by acute watery diarrhea and measles. Drought in Somalia is not only impacting access to food.
- Ten year old Peter in Kenya, whose family’s food supply has been impacted by drought and climate change.
- 1-year old Nadia in Afghanistan, displaced and experiencing severe malnutrition.
Nadia, Hamdi and Peter found help and support…but the situation globally remains a significant challenge. And hunger is in every neighbourhood and community.
These realities are true in a world where there is enough to feed everyone….and so we pray for justice, for hearts to act and serve and for systems to change to take steps to end hunger.
Worship resource
- Opening prayer
- Hymns & music
- Hunger today
- Prayer of Confession
- Scriptures
- Reflections
- Examples of action
- Prayers
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Liturgy Guide and Resources
for the Weekend of Prayer and Action Against Hunger October 11-13, 2024
For this Weekend of Prayer and Action Against Hunger, Christians from all around the world will gather for prayer and worship around the theme of global hunger and food justice.
We offer this guide to support worship planners to develop a service of prayer or worship that fits your local context. You will find selections of prayers to choose from, which are offered to be used or adapted for your own community’s context.
“Enough to Share”
There are shared meals one will never forget. Years ago, I visited churches in Zimbabwe. It was a difficult time with incredibly high inflation and political turmoil with violence. We passed by a church building under construction in the suburbs of Harare. It was a working day. Spontaneously people came when they saw our cars. We sang and prayed together.
We were about to leave, but someone asked us to stay. Women went to their homes and came back soon with chicken, rice, and salad. We sat down and shared a meal together. What a sign of love and welcome. I was blessed by the gracious gift of food, hospitality, and care. It was like light rising in the darkness. I was reminded that God’s kingdom is not a future dream. It becomes real in the middle of the injustices and hardships we are facing, such as increase of hunger, wars, armed conflicts, climate change, most affecting those who only cause few carbon emissions, etc. God’s kin-dom is real, today, when we share food with one another, explore new ways to grow wheat and vegetables, see Christ in the stranger and become God’s beloved community.
Follow up questions:
- Do you remember meals that touched and even changed your life?
- With whom could you share food? Perhaps you wish to reach out to people with whom you never met for a meal?
- Look at your life and at your community in the light of God’s promises in Isaiah 58,6-12.
Any thoughts on how these promises transform yourself, your community and the world?
—Bishop Rosemarie Wenner
English
Español
Français
Portuguese, International
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“Give us each day our daily bread”
Across the globe, more than 41 million people – around half of them children – are now at risk of starvation in 43 countries. The global hunger crisis is driven by conflict, by climate change; and by the economic impacts of COVID-19. Even in countries where some have an abundance of food, many people are lacking the basics.
Mennonite World Conference is working with a large group of Christian churches and networks to launch a weekend of prayer and action 16-17 October 2021. This will coincide with World Food Day on 16 October.
Global church and network partners include ACT Alliance, Integral Alliance, Lutheran World Federation, Micah Global, Organization of African Instituted Churches, Salvation Army, World Council of Churches, World Evangelical Alliance, World Methodist Council and World Vision International.
It will be a time for us, as followers of Christ, to unite across denominations in solidarity with our sisters and brothers, praying for them and with them, so that they can live their lives without hunger, with dignity, in all life’s fullness, experiencing the grace and love of God.
During the course of the weekend, we invite our members to share a meal with other families and individuals, offer your prayers for those who are hungry, and reflect on the causes and impacts of hunger.
On Sunday, 17 October 2021, we encourage local congregations to focus on this global hunger crisis in their Sunday service.
Click on the resources below.
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Photo: Willow Avenue Mennonite Church, USA Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday 2025
On a table at the front, place five candles of different colours for each continent on top of a map of the world (or beside a globe) along with a white candle as the Christ candle in the middle.
At the start of the worship service, name each continent as its candle is lit, acknowledging brothers and sisters in each continent.
Light the Christ candle last (or first) as the source of light for the church everywhere.
Call to worship
Use this call to worship based on Psalm 133 near the start of the service.
Though we may be inclined to brag,
let us come together with humility.
How good a thing it is when all of God’s people live together in unity.Though we may be tempted to use harsh words,
let us come together with gentleness.
How good a thing it is when all of God’s people live together in unity.Though we may want everything to happen quickly,
let us come together with patience.
How good a thing it is when all of God’s people live together in unity.Though the world around often encourages hate,
let us come together in love.
How good a thing it is when all of God’s people live together in unity.In humility, gentleness, patience, love, and unity,
Let us worship the God who has called us together.—written by Reverend Joanna Harader, a Mennonite pastor in Kansas, USA
Commission
Use this commission & benediction based on 1 John 4:7-21 at the end of the service.
Go now, to love the world and all who inhabit it, because love is from God.
Proclaim God’s salvation to every people.
Remain in Jesus Christ, and like plants in a garden, draw your life from God.
And may God, the Creator, tend you and make you flourish;
May Christ Jesus abide in you and give you life;
And may the Holy Spirit cast out all fear and fill you with God’s love.
We go in peace to love and serve the Lord,
…In the name of Christ. Amen.
—written by Reverend Gerald Hildebrand, a Mennonite pastor in Manitoba, Canada
Benediction
Use this call and response from Africa as a benediction at the end of the service.
Leader: God is good
People: All the time.
Leader: All the time
People: God is good.
Leader: All the time
People: God is good.
Leader: God is good
People: All the time.
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Introduction
Do you remember any specific smell?
Our sense of smell is one of the most interesting senses we have. Smell can bring pleasant memories of a meal you loved as a child, and unpleasant odours can elicit disgust.
Church unity is like your sense of smell: it fills you with hope and strength when you experience it, or it makes you want to disengage and run away when poorly managed conflicts make it evaporate.
This is what Psalm 133 is all about.
Literary context
Psalm 133 is part of a group of 15 psalms referred to as “songs of ascents”.
The first psalm in the collection, Psalm 120, expresses the pain of discord and hostility while Psalm 133, at the end of the collection, responds to the question asked in Psalm 120: How can we speak about peace in the midst of a society that chooses war?
Historical context
It’s possible that the pilgrims who had lived through the exile used the songs of ascent when they would go to Jerusalem to celebrate a major festival. These are brief psalms that, when sung, reinforce beliefs and fundamental values that remind us of oppressive contexts and suffering like that of the Israelites in exile.
A study of the passage
The visible reality of unity
Even though some versions do not translate the first word following the title, hinneh, or “look”, is very significant. The invitation in the text to “look” indicates that the unity of God’s people is not merely something spiritual or something we only enjoy after death. The unity of God’s people is a tangible reality that can be seen and experienced in the here and now.
In the second century, Tertullian said, “Look how they love one another”.
The drawing reality of unity
Unity is a blessing that brings more blessings; it is a lengthy and abundant life; it is the aroma that spreads; it is the dew that soaks.
Just as a pleasant smell draws people, the unity of God’s people is something that everyone longs to experience and becomes irresistible when it is found. It is like when you are very hungry and pass by a restaurant that emits the aroma of your favourite dish.
In the same way, when you find unity in the middle of a sea of discord and conflict, you don’t want to let go of it.
The received reality of unity
The passage speaks of oil and dew that descend. The oil flows to the collar of the priest’s vestments where the precious stones on his chest symbolize the tribes of Israel. The dew brings coolness and fertility from Mount Hermon to Mount Zion.
This is what characterises the unity of the Israelites: It’s given by God and received by God’s people.
True unity is not built or reached through human agreements about doctrine and practice; it is a gift from God.
Application
Psalm 133 describes the reality of unity without explaining how to receive it in practice. Colossians 3:14 affirms that love makes unity possible. 1 John 4:7-21 explains that love is the only evidence that we know God. Divisions in the body of Christ are like a stench that repels others.
Meanwhile, church unity attracts others through the evidence of a supernatural love that unites disciples in harmony despite their differences.
We pray that the next 500 years in the history of the Anabaptist movement are marked with the love, reconciliation, and the gift of unity that draws those who are weary of a destructive world full of division, nationalism, political polarization and interminable wars.
—César García is general secretary of Mennonite World Conference. Originally from Colombia, he lives in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, with his wife Sandra Baez.
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Prepared by the YABs Committee for 16-23 June 2024
Theme:
Mosaic: We are God’s handiwork
Why this theme was chosen:
This theme highlights our part in God’s greater purpose. Like pieces of tile, alone, we cannot see our value. Sometimes, we may think we are insignificant, but when God puts us together with the right people and places, we fit: we find our purpose and realize our value.
Biblical text:
Ephesians 2:8-10
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith Ð and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God Ð not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV)Genesis 1:27
So God created humans in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (NRSV)Additional resources in this package
- Storytelling
- Prayer
- Discussion questions
- Song suggestions
- Greeting videos
Share
- Take pictures and share on Facebook and Instagram! #YABs #mwcmm
- Send pictures or testimonies through Messenger or email to yabs@mwc-cmm.org.
- Help us prepare for future fellowship weeks and YABs projects by sending your suggestions to yabs@mwc-cmm.org or commenting on our Discord server (https://discord.gg/RzJghptWnS).
During this week, youth and young adult groups from all over the world can encourage each other and celebrate as one young adult Anabaptist community.
How can you participate?
Here are some suggestions!
Use and adapt the materials …
(Scripture, songs, discussion questions, prayer requests, testimonies, media, etc.) for use in your youth/young adult group that week. Watch for these materials on Facebook and our website.
Organize a YABs Fellowship Week event…
with other youth/young adult groups! Use the opportunity to enjoy fellowship with other Anabaptist communities. It doesn’t have to be complicated; just get together to worship, play, discuss, and pray Рin person or online.
Join the discussion…
in a private Facebook group or on Discord and meet other YABs from around the world. Share conversations on your different perspectives.
Share your story globally!
We want to share your testimony on the impact of participating in the Global Youth Summit, a story of how God is working in your local context, a meaningful worship song or a prayer or prayer request. Please send your song, prayer or story via social media messenger, Discord or email no later than end of July.
Send us feedback…
on YABs Fellowship Week after the event and submit input on future YABs projects.
Follow us…
on Facebook and Instagram to stay engaged via social media! #YABs #mwcmm #yabsprayer
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Prepared by the YABs Committee for 18-25 June 2023
*updated* Full resource now available.
Theme
The family I found in my salvation
Why this theme was chosen
This year we want to look back in the story of how we came to know Christ. Every individual has different salvation story. Some came from a different religious tradition and experience a complete transformation after they meet Christ. Some came from a Christian family which means it’s hard to pinpoint a specific turning point in life.Our salvation comes with a community that shapes us, encourages us and makes us who we are. Let’s talk about the family we built from our newfound faith.
Biblical text: Luke 15:4–7
“Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”
Additional resources in this package
- Refusing to be a victim and an offender
- Teach the gospel and hold the faith
- Prayer requests
- Discord chat. Email yabs@mwc-cmm.org to get an invitation to join
Sunday, 18 June 2023 at 10:00 UTC or 19:00 UTC: Meet the YABs
Thursday, 22 June 2023 at 10:00 UTC or 19:00 UTC: story time and prayers
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Click the thumbnail below to view PDF.
Inspiration and reflection
Perspectives
Worship through and after the pandemic
- Always trust in God
- Journeying into the unknown, tasting goodness now
- A lunch break in the presence of God
- Reading lessons in creation
Country profile
Resources
General Secretary
From the editor
“When the music fades, all is stripped away,” Those opening words to “Heart of Worship,” a popular 1997 worship song by Matt Redman from the UK resonate with pandemic experiences. We experienced a stripping away of rituals, spaces and/or people who seemed key to worship. Due to restrictions, prudence or incapacity, all of us had to examine what is the heart of our worship. What is integral to our meeting with God as a community?
This was a sort of kairos moment: an unplanned, unforeseen disruption; an opportunity to ask new questions and discover unanticipated answers; a time to examine and shift or reaffirm our values; a moment to equip us with fresh perspectives and new ways for new days.
Despite the challenges, as Anabaptist-Mennonites around the world, we did not stop worshipping. “The strength of our relationships is not found in the order of worship, nor in the time spent. The strength that sustains the life of a church and its relationship comes from the blessed presence of the Spirit of God, which has been poured into our hearts,” writes Jos Rafael Escobar Rosal.
We found ways to meet as a community in worship even without physical presence. We affirmed the prophetic nature of worship, speaking to our moment and reminding us of our solidarity with one another. “The force that gives life and depth to the relationships is indeed the grace and love of the Spirit of God, which produces the communion that transcends time, distance and place,” he writes.
In this issue of Courier, in addition to teaching on the nature of worship from “Brother Rafita” (see page 3-5), we hear stories from Guatemala, Canada, France, DR Congo and South Korea. Our churches share how their communities innovated to meet each other and meet God in spite of and/or because of pandemic challenges.
With the crisis of the pandemic mostly behind us, our rhythms of work and of gathering establish themselves again. Yet we find we are not the same as we were before. Our worship has and continues to change along with a rapidly changing world, even as we continue to follow our ageless Lord Jesus.
This issue also marks a shift in the Courier schedule. In the spirit of new ways for new days, we will publish four issues of Courier this year – two in your mailbox as you are accustomed, with two online only, taking advantage of our newfound comfort with virtual spaces, to meet in text across the barriers of time and geography. Please forward this to members of your church family who may not be signed up for the electronic mailing yet.
Karla Braun is editor of Courier and writer for Mennonite World Conference. She lives in Winnipeg, Canada.
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Assembly 17 – Indonesia 2022 – Songs
You’re not alone
Bryan Moyer Suderman, Bryan Moyer Suderman
© 2005 Bryan Moyer Suderman/SmallTallMusic / bryan@smalltallministries.com
Reprinted / Streamed with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-740570
Included here
- lyric sheet (includes additional verse and final refrain)
- lyrics, melody notation and chords*
- lyrics, melody notation and piano accompaniment*
*Page with music notation are taken from the forthcoming Voices Together worship and song collection, published by MennoMedia. Used with permission.
Permission granted to MWC member churches for congregational use for Peace Sunday and Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday. For permissions for ongoing use or in larger group gatherings, please contact info@smalltallministries.com.
You’re Not Alone
words and music by Bryan Moyer Suderman.
Copyright © 2005 Bryan Moyer Suderman/SmallTall Music
www.smalltallministries.comRefrain:
You’re not alone, we are one body
You’re not alone, we stand with you
You’re not alone, your time of suffering is our suffering too
And I know the day is coming when we will be rejoicing anew- Many members in this body that we know
Some are great and some are small
Eyes and ears and hands and just a little toe
One God who activates them all… (refrain) - One body, Spirit-formed and Spirit-fed
Different genders, rich and poor
A banquet where the least sit at the head
One body broken for the world… (refrain) - Look close, you’ll see this body’s not a pretty sight
Wounds and blemishes and sores
But with the saints of every place and point in time
We are the body of our Lord… oh Lord… (final refrain)
Final Refrain:
We’re not alone, we are one body
We’re not alone, we wait for You
We’re not alone, our time of suffering is Your suffering too
And I know the day is coming, I know the day is coming,
Yes I know the day is coming when we will be rejoicing anew. -
Prepared by the YABs Committee for 1-4 July 2022
*This year’s Fellowship Week activities will take place during the Global Youth Summit and Assembly 17 in Indonesia
Theme
“Sealed in the Spirit”
Why this theme was chosen
This theme ties in with the 2022 Global Youth Summit (GYS) theme: “Life in the Spirit.” This topic represents a diversity of experiences within the global body. It gives us the opportunity to learn from each other and to seek the unity of the Spirit together through the bond of peace.
Biblical text
Ephesians 1:13-14
And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession – to the praise of his glory. (NRSV)
