Every year churches across the Christian Reformed Church celebrate the multicultural church of Christ during All Nations Heritage Week. This year the week begins September 27 and culminates on All Nations Heritage Sunday, October 3, 2021. Find all the worship resources we provide to support your celebration here!
We've provided...
- a suggested scripture passage (Romans 12:18)
- free bulletin inserts in English, Spanish and Korean and bulletin covers in English (order through Faith Alive)
- a description of the image from the inserts and covers in English (see below)
- communion resources for highlighting refugees & immigrants
- a litany and PowerPoint slide/bulletin insert
- a sermon resource: A Biblical-Theological View on Diversity and Racism by Rev. Shiao Chong
Scripture:
Romans 12:18 New International Version (NIV)
"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
Explanation/significance of the Olive Tree image:
The olive tree is one of the oldest cultivated plants, and it and olives are mentioned over 30 times in the Bible, in both the New and Old Testaments. It was an olive leaf that a dove brought back to Noah to demonstrate that the flood was over. The Mount of Olives east of Jerusalem is mentioned several times, especially as the place where Jesus prayed.
Olive trees are very hardy, drought-, disease-, and fire-resistant; accept grafts (Rom. 11:17); and can live for a very long time—some reported to be 2,000 years old. The root system is very robust and capable of regenerating the tree even if the above-ground structure is destroyed. The older an olive tree is, the broader and gnarlier is its trunk.
Over the years, the olive has been the symbol of peace, wisdom, glory, fertility, power, and pureness.
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