Gathered and scattered. Mennonite World Conference creates space for the global Anabaptist family to worship together, together in body in one location, and together in spirit in many locations.

One way is through publishing worship resources. Each year, MWC partners with church leaders from around the world to compile a resource packages to help congregations worship together on one theme for two special events. Both packages recommend a Sunday when many congregations around the world will celebrate, but local churches are encouraged to select the date that best fits their worship calendar.

The newly re-christened Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday is suggested for January, on the Sunday closest to January 21. (On this date in 1525, the first baptism took place in Zurich, Switzerland.)

This year, the word “Anabaptist” was added to the title to help explain who we are calling to fellowship together.

The theme for AWFS 2020 is “Jesus Christ: Our Hope”, prepared out of the experience of our churches in Canada and the USA. The prayers and sermon notes explore texts from Lamentations 3:21–26, Psalm 62, Mark 2:1–12, and Ephesians 1:15–19. Even in the midst of deep troubles, Anabaptist Christians come together from around the world to follow Jesus, who gives us hope.

For Peace Sunday, the MWC Peace Commission presents suggestions for Scripture readings, prayers concerns, reflections from our global communion and activities to help churches observe this day. The Sunday nearest to 21 September (the International Day of Peace) is suggested as a Peace Sunday to be observed in our churches around the world.

This year’s Peace Sunday resources focus on those times when the peace of Christ surpasses what we may perceive as impossible – in short, a peace that surpasses all understanding.

Additionally, the YABs Committee (Young AnaBaptists) creates a worship resource package for youth groups to fellowship and study a common theme over a week in June.

Click here to download the Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday worship resource.

Click here to download Peace Sunday resource.

Click here to learn more about YABs Fellowship Week.

—Mennonite World Conference release