September 2024 - Worship Planning Tools by CofChrist

• 1 September 2024

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• 15 September 2024

• 22 September 2024

• 29 September 2024

WORSHIP RESOURCES

1 September 2024

Ordinary Time (Proper 17)

World Hunger Emphasis Day

James 1:17-27

Abolish Poverty, End Suffering

Additional Scriptures

Song of Solomon 2:8-13; Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23; Doctrine and Covenants 163:4a

Preparation

Today is one of two Sundays a year when we focus on world hunger and the theme is Abolish Poverty, End Suffering. For several weeks before this service, announce, advertise, and encourage participants to bring shelf-stable food this Sunday as donations for a local food bank during the Focus Moment.

Prelude

Welcoming Hymns

“Come, Ye Thankful People, Come”

128 OR “All Who Love and Serve Your City”

Welcome, Joys, and Concerns

Call to Worship: Doctrine and Covenants 163:4a

Hymn of Invitation

“Beauty for Brokenness”

329

302 OR “In This New Moment”

Invocation

Response

Scripture Reading: James 1:17-27

504

CCS

Guided Meditation

Get comfortable; perhaps close your eyes. Be open to words of guidance from today’s scripture. Each phrase will be repeated twice. We will pause after every phrase for your silent meditation. Go out and be doers of the Word. Pause

Cleanse your hearts of all pollution. Pause. Be quick to listen and learn. Pause

Welcome the Word that God implants in you and bring it to birth in acts of righteousness and compassion. Pause.

And may God pour grace upon you and bless you forever. Pause. May Christ Jesus reveal to you the truth of God’s ways. Pause

May the Holy Spirit fill your life with passion and love. Pause.

Let us care for the orphans and widows and pray for peace.

Nathan Nettleton, based on James 1:17-27

Prayer for Peace

Hymn of Peace

“How Many Times We Start Again”

CCS 560 OR “When We Lift Our Pack and Go”

CCS 634 Light the Peace Candle.

Peace Prayer

God of starting again,

Today is no special day by the measures of the world. Simply another day. Not a Holy Day with capitalized letters. Not a Day of Importance, also capitalized. An ordinary day in ordinary time. The perfect day to follow your voice in pursuit of peace.

Stir in us a passion for pursuing peace, even as we are settled in our comfortable daily routines. Our hearts long to follow you. Our minds yearn for your expanded view. Disturb our peace so that we might be brave enough to follow and disturb our societies’ un-peace.

May we start again to meet strangers.

May we start again to trust and follow you.

In the name of Jesus, who is with us in the ordinary. Amen.

Focus Moment

Tiffany and Caleb Brian

Today is World Hunger Emphasis Day and a day of sharing in the sacrament of Communion. Bring your food offerings now to our designated place. Allow time for the movement; perhaps have quiet music playing.

One of our Mission Initiatives is Abolish Poverty, End Suffering. We have brought our food today in answer to this need. As a Communion tradition in Community of Christ, all loose offerings today will also go to the oblation fund to address suffering and poverty.

Jesus used the Passover meal to emphasize table fellowship and establish a memory of his life, death, resurrection, and continuing presence for the future. Jesus was often found sharing meals

to bring people together, enabling him to share in ministry. Discuss these questions. Print or project them for all to see.

• Why do you think Jesus used sharing of a meal to talk about the kingdom?

• What would you serve if you shared a meal at a table with others?

• Who would you invite?

• How can we as a community ask others to join us at the table?

Disciples’ Generous Response

Hymn of Generosity

“Brothers and Sisters of Mine”

CCS 616 OR “Help Us Express Your Love”

Statement

CCS 621

During the Disciples’ Generous Response, we focus on aligning our heart with God’s heart. Our offerings are more than meeting budgets or funding mission. Through our offerings, we join in making God’s work visible in the world.

As we share our mission tithes either by placing money in the plates or through eTithing, use this time to thank God for the many gifts received in life. Our hearts grow aligned with God’s when we gratefully receive and faithfully respond by living Christ’s mission,

If your congregation is meeting online, remind participants they can give through CofChrist.org/give or eTithing.org (consider showing these URLs on screen).

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

Ministry of Music

OR Congregational Hymn of Compassion and Concern

“Leftover People in Leftover Places” CCS 275 OR “The Storm Came to Honduras”

Exploring the Scripture

Based on James 1:17-27

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

Hymn of Preparation

CCS 204

“You Satisfy the Hungry Heart” CCS 531 OR “We Meet as Friends at Table” CCS 532

Communion Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Communion Talk

Invitation to Communion

have different or added understandings within their faith traditions. We invite all who participate in the Lord’s Supper to do so in the love and peace of Jesus Christ.

Blessing and Serving of the Bread and Wine

For guidelines on the Lord’s Supper, including online participation, see CofChrist.org/ourministry-tools.

Hymn of Blessing

“I Wish God’s Love to Be with You” Sing twice. CCS 663

Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

OR “Make Us, O God, a Church That Shares” CCS 657

Benediction

Postlude

Year B Letters

Ordinary Time (Proper 17)

James 1:17–27

Exploring the Scripture

James begins with a letter’s greeting, but the writing more closely resembles a sermon built on wisdom and pithy sayings parallel to the sayings of Jesus. Designed to help Christians live in the community, James strongly emphasizes peace and justice. James is the most socially conscious writings in the New Testament

James holds a special place in Community of Christ because of the connection between James 1:5 and Joseph Smith Jr. seeking God’s will in Palmyra’s grove. Also, the scriptural basis for our sacrament of laying on of hands for the sick is found in James. The author may have been James, the brother of Jesus, but many scholars believe it was a later disciple of James who preserved the apostle’s teachings.

Today’s passage begins with God’s gracious act of creation and bountiful blessings. The Creator, the Father of Lights, spoke the Word that created humankind (v. 18). This theological statement could also refer to Christ as the incarnate Word, bringing about rebirth and redemption. In either case, humankind is intended as the first fruits of God’s labors, a goal that challenges us to be the best we can be.

Being at our best requires disciples to improve specific behaviors. Top on the list is being “quick to listen, slow to speak, [and] slow to anger” (v. 19). The theme of anger often occurs in Wisdom literature, and James stresses it in later verses. By grace, God “implants” the Word in our souls, where it grows and thrives if we rid ourselves of the “rank growth of wickedness” which too often takes root (v. 21).

The living Word of Christ has the power to “save your souls” if disciples move from simply mouthing Christ’s teachings to making them live through Christian acts (v. 21). “…[B]e doers of the word, and not merely hearers…” (v. 22). Those who fail to transform their beliefs into deeds are like people who only recognize themselves in a mirror while gazing steadfastly into the reflection. They forget who they are and act like someone else when they walk away. It is an image of hypocrisy and self-deception.

If the mirror is “the perfect law” of love, it frees followers from focusing on themselves (v. 25). When love shines in a person’s actions and decisions, the reflection in the mirror focuses on others. Yet, the disciple keeps the identity of a faithful follower of Christ. They don’t forget who they are, and others recognize them through their deeds. “[T]hey’ll know we are Christians by our love…” (Peter Scholtes, “We Are One in the Spirit,” Community of Christ Sings 359).

James provides examples of genuine, heartfelt religion in verses 26–27. Truly religious people guard their tongue, care for orphans and widows, and don’t allow the brokenness of the world to rule their hearts and lives.

This passage carefully balances the theology of grace and the theology of works. God’s gift of birth and rebirth is a gift of grace, unearned. The gospel is implanted in our hearts by grace alone. Our response is to put into action the love we have received. Our response is to share that love with others and care for their needs. James stresses the need for action and doing throughout the writing, but grace

SERMON AND CLASS HELPS

lurks in the background, never forgotten. In the last few decades, Community of Christ has journeyed from an emphasis on works to a theology of grace.

Central Ideas

1. Designed to help Christians live in community with one another, the book of James has a strong emphasis on peace and justice

2. James challenges disciples to move from simply mouthing Christ’s teachings to making them live through Christian action.

3. This passage carefully balances the theology of grace and the theology of works. We respond to God’s gift of grace by putting the love we have received into action.

4. In the last few decades, Community of Christ has journeyed from an emphasis on works to a theology of grace.

Questions for the Speaker

1. How have you struggled with hypocrisy in your own life? When are you most tempted to avoid living the faith you declare?

2. What do you see when you gaze into the mirror of God’s perfect law of love? How does that help you stay centered in your Christian identity?

3. What evidence is there that Community of Christ has moved from a theology of works to one of grace?

Year B Letters

Ordinary Time, Proper 17

James 1:17–27 NRSVUE

Gathering Welcome

Ordinary Time is the period in the Christian calendar from Pentecost to Advent. This period is without major festivals or holy days. During Ordinary Time we focus on discipleship as individuals and a faith community.

Prayer for Peace

Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.

Light the peace candle.

Today’s Prayer for Peace is inspired by the hymn, “How Many Times We Start Again,” Community of Christ Sings 560, by Thomas H. Troeger.

But greater than the cost we find is our expanded view of what it means with heart and mind to trust and follow you…

God of starting again, today is no special day by the measures of the world. Simply another day. Not a Holy Day with capitalized letters. Not a Day of Importance, also capitalized. An ordinary day in ordinary time. The perfect day to follow your voice in pursuit of peace.

Stir in us a passion to pursue peace, even as we are settled in our comfortable daily routines. Our hearts long to follow you. Our minds yearn for your expanded view. Disturb our peace so that we might be brave to follow and disturb the “un-peace” in our societies.

May we start again to meet strangers.

May we start again to trust and follow you.

In the name of Jesus, who is with us in the ordinary. Amen.

Spiritual Practice

Loving Kindness Blessing

Today we are focusing on the Enduring Principle of Worth of All Persons. Under the definition of this principle, it states, “We seek to uphold and restore the worth of all people individually and in community, challenging unjust systems that diminish human worth.” By practicing a Loving Kindness Blessing we remind ourselves of the Worth of All Persons.

I’ll say a phrase, and I invite you to repeat the words in your mind. Give the words of the meditation time to resonate in your heart and mind:

May I be blessed with loving kindness. May I be blessed with health. May I be blessed with true happiness. May I be blessed with peace. Pause

SACRED SPACE: A RESOURCE FOR SMALL-GROUP MINISTRY

Think of someone beloved to you. Visualize the person as you pray:

May my beloved be blessed with loving kindness. May my beloved be blessed with health. May my beloved be blessed with true happiness. May my beloved be blessed with peace. Pause.

Now think of a close friend. Visualize the person as you pray:

May my friend be blessed with loving kindness. May my friend be blessed with health. May my friend be blessed with true happiness. May my friend be blessed with peace. Pause

Think of someone with whom you are in conflict or has harmed you. Visualize this person. Breathe deeply and lovingly pray this blessing:

May the one who harmed me be blessed with loving kindness. May the one who harmed me be blessed with health. May the one who harmed me be blessed with true happiness. May the one who harmed me be blessed with peace. Pause

Think of Mother Earth and all creation. Visualize all creation. Breathe out love to all of creation as you pray.

May Earth be blessed with loving kindness. May Earth be blessed with health. May Earth be blessed with true happiness. May Earth be blessed with peace. Pause.

Invite people to share their thoughts, emotions, and images that they experienced in this time of blessing.

Sharing Around the Table

James 1:17–27 NRSVUE

Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave birth to us by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures. You must understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger, for human anger does not produce God’s righteousness. Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act they will be blessed in their doing. If any think they are religious and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

James is believed to be a Greek-speaking Jewish Christian, writing literature containing counsel and advice to the church at-large, especially to new converts facing various trials or injustice. James focuses on practical wisdom and offers guidance for everyday living to individuals and communities. The author recognizes that human perfection is possible only through wisdom, which is a gift of God, not a human accomplishment.

The beginning verses of today’s passage emphasize an understanding of God as a gift-giver, the source of all good gifts and blessings to the newly born Christians, who are a kind of first fruit. God is described as generous, purposeful, the Source of the Word of truth, and Creator of a new kind of humanity among those who have faith in him. James depicts believers as members of a new humanity with a new character and way of life.

The remaining verses counsel the believers to develop character through self-discipline. There is a focus on communication through speech and actions. We should control the way we communicate and

be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Anger does not produce God’s righteousness, God’s will, or right relationship to the Divine. Readers are called to set aside vices and receive the gift of divine wisdom that comes from a loving God.

Disciples also are to be doers. This passage carefully balances the theology of grace and the theology of works. God’s gift of birth and rebirth is a gift of grace, unearned. The gospel is implanted in our hearts by grace alone. The way we listen, speak, control our anger, and act on the Word helps develop our character.

What is next? What are we to do? We are to care for orphans and widows in their distress and no longer live by worldly standards as we conduct ourselves in ordinary life.

Questions

1. Can anger be a vehicle for justice? Is it always a sign that a person lacks wisdom?

2. Implanting the Word can be understood as hearing and receiving the Christian message. Is this a one-time event or a repeated process? How should we receive the Word?

Sending Statement of Generosity

Beloved Community of Christ, do not just speak and sing of Zion. Live, love, and share as Zion: those who strive to be visibly one in Christ, among whom there are no poor or oppressed.

—Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a

The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing, small-group ministries as part of your generous response.

The offering prayer is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:

Discipling God, as we navigate our world of debt and consumerism, help us save wisely, spend responsibly, and give generously. In this way may we prepare for the future and create a better tomorrow for our families, friends, the mission of Christ, and the world. Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn

Community of Christ Sings 632, “Christ’s Word to Us”

Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group

• Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

• Thoughts for Children

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

1 Corinthians 11:23–26 NRSV

Communion Statement

All are welcome at Christ’s table. The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is a sacrament in which we remember the life, death, resurrection, and continuing presence of Jesus Christ. In Community of Christ, we also experience Communion as an opportunity to renew our baptismal covenant and to be formed as disciples who live Christ’s mission. Others may have different or added understandings within their faith traditions. We invite all who participate in the Lord’s Supper to do so in the love and peace of Jesus Christ.

We share in Communion as an expression of blessing, healing, peace, and community. In preparation let’s sing from Community of Christ Sings (select one):

515 “In these Moments We Remember”

516 “Coming Together for Wine and for Bread”

521 “Let Us Break Bread Together”

525 “Small Is the Table”

528 “Eat This Bread”

Thoughts for Children

Say: Today we are going to play a quick game of Simon Says. If you haven’t played before, I will ask you to do an action, but you will do it only if I say Simon Says before I tell you what action to do. If you do an action when I haven’t said Simon Says, or if you do the wrong action, you will sit down while the others continue.

Start playing Simon Says and do the actions with the participants. After you have gone through a few actions, start saying an action while doing something different. For example, if you say “Simon Says touch your nose,” you should do something else like touching your ear. If you say “Simon Says clap your hands” you should stomp your feet. See if you can get any participants to follow what you are doing rather than what you are saying. Ask: Was it easier or harder to know what action to do when my actions were matching my words? (Hopefully participants say more difficult.)

Say: You’re right, it can be really confusing when we say one thing and do another. Today’s scripture reminds us that our words should match our actions. If we say we believe in Unity in Diversity, our actions should show that. It isn’t fair for us to say we believe in Unity in Diversity and then say unkind things to someone who celebrates a different holiday than we do.

I’m going to share some of our Enduring Principles with you, and I want you to tell me some actions that you can do to live the Enduring Principles. (You might need to explain some of these to participants, but allow them to come up with actions that match these beliefs/words).

• Sacredness of Creation

• Worth of All Persons

• Pursue Peace on Earth

• Responsible Choices

8 September 2024

Ordinary Time (Proper 18)

James 2:1-17

Faith and Works

Additional Scriptures

Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23; Psalm 125; Mark 7:24-37; Doctrine and Covenants 162:7d

Preparation

Create a worship center that draws attention to the contrast of needs in the world. Today’s scripture from James begins by asking if we are willing to welcome the poor and disadvantaged into our communities. Items on display could include socks, water bottles, hygiene items, or other necessities that privileged individuals typically don’t need to worry about access to.

For the Time of Community Practice, gather strips of paper or fabric, baskets or a loom, pens or pencils. Place the baskets/loom near the worship center.

Prelude

Welcome

In our gathering today we focus on James 2:1-17, a scripture that calls our attention to faith and works. We are invited to be fully open to both the presence and movement of God in our lives, and the faithful responses that the holy is seeking from us in our lives.

We live in a time of compartmentalization. Our lives of faith, vocation, family, friends, hobbies, and passions are often seen as separate parts of who we are. Similarly, it is common for worship, a time to awaken to God’s presence, and mission, the invitation to tangibly respond through action, to be seen as separate endeavors.

The ongoing challenge for our worshipping community is to deepen the integration between faith and works. How do our beliefs intersect with God’s activity around us? How might we welcome those who need God’s loving embrace in every part of our lives? Let us dwell together in this challenge during this time of attention and intention.

Reading of Two Proverbs: Proverbs 22:1-2

Hymns of Welcome and Praise

“I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me”

CCS 581 OR “Weave”

CCS 277

CCS 327 OR “Welcome Jesus, You Are Welcome”

WORSHIP RESOURCES

Responsive Prayer of Invocation and Invitation

Leader: Let us pray. In words of scripture today we are reminded that “Mercy triumphs over judgment.” [James 2:13]. Living God, we pray for deeper presence to your spirit. We long to see our neighbors through your eyes. We repent the judgment we have cast on strangers who we don’t understand, yet still bear the image of Christ. God of the stranger, for those made in your image who we have not seen… People: May mercy triumph over judgment.

Leader: God of the lonely, for those who suffer in isolation as we gather in community… People: May mercy triumph over judgment.

Leader: God of the poor, for those who struggle to survive as we offer gratitude for abundance… People: May mercy triumph over judgment.

Leader: God of the judged, for those who think, believe, live, or love differently and have felt unwelcome in our sanctuaries…. People: May mercy triumph over judgment.

Leader: God, cleanse us of our favoritism. Open our eyes to what we fail to see. Plant good seeds of love and acceptance in our hearts. All: May mercy triumph over judgment. Amen.

Response

Prayer for Peace

Hymn of Peaceful Preparation

“Beauty from Brokenness” CCS 302 OR “We Serve the Prince of Peace” CCS 348

Light the Peace Candle. Prayer

God of peace, Often, we wander through life with a narrow gaze, caught in the motions of life, living in a version of the world constructed by our own priorities, relationships, and world views.

We pray that our vision of life would become wider in scope. As we imagine friends, neighbors, strangers, and the planet, we yearn for your reality of shalom. Challenge our assumptions, guide our paths, and teach us the way of peace. Amen.

Scripture Reading: James 2:1-17

Time of Community Practice: Expanding Welcome

Supplies: Strips of paper or fabric, loom or baskets, and pens/markers.

Instructions to make a simple loom with stand: aprettyfix.com/standing-loom-adjustable-legs.

If using a loom, hand out strips of fabric and markers. If using baskets, hand out strips of paper and pens/markers, informing participants that during Disciples’ Generous Response they will be invited to bring their strips to weave into the loom, or place in the baskets that are part of the worship center.

James was a socially aware writer, sharing reminders with a wide audience about what being a follower of Christ entailed. In today’s text, attention is drawn to hypocrisy among believers who give preferential treatment to the wealthy and are dismissive to the poor and marginalized.

In our time of practice we will reflect on who we welcome into community and who we don’t, both consciously and unconsciously. The purpose of this practice isn’t to self-critique. We are invited to feel gratitude for the ways we offer welcome while also expanding the scope of how we imagine Christlike hospitality in our community.

For the next several minutes, you are invited to be present to the following questions. Print or project questions for all to see. Omit or add questions based on the journey of your community.

• What makes you feel most welcome in this community?

• Who have you invited to be part of this community? Who do you feel most comfortable inviting? Who do you feel uncomfortable inviting?

• Who have you noticed is missing in this community, or in the relational fabric of your own life?

• Who most needs welcome in the community around us?

• What practices and shared values would lead us to be more welcoming in our ministry?

• How does Christlike welcome call us beyond ministry within this space?

Consider having soft music playing. When you feel ready, write down what stirs in you. It might be someone you feel called to welcome. It might be a shift in behavior you hope to model. Later in our service, we will combine these stirrings, committing ourselves to this holy work of expanding welcome.

For the next several minutes, you are invited to take deep breaths, and settle into this time of personal practice.

Hymn of Reflection and Preparation

“Bear Each Other’s Burdens” CCS 374 OR “Brothers and Sisters of Mine” CCS 616

Message

Based on James 2:1-17

OR Small Group Sharing: “Who is My Neighbor?”

Invite small groups to reflect on these questions. Print or project for all to see.

• What kind of experience did you have engaging with the Expanding Welcome practice?

• How might this practice affect your personal discipleship?

• How might this practice affect this community?

Disciples’ Generous Response

Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 162:7d

Statement

During this time of Disciples’ Generous Response, we focus on aligning our hearts with God’s heart. Our offerings are more than meeting budgets or funding mission. Through our offerings, we tangibly express our gratitude to God, who is the giver of all.

As the offering is received, you are invited to bring forward your reflections from our Time of Community Practice. Make provision for those who cannot come forward. Depending on which approach is taken during community practice, invite community to place strips in basket or weave them into loom.

If your congregation is meeting online, remind participants they can give through CofChrist.org/give or through eTithing.org (consider showing these URLs on screen).

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

Hymn of Sending Forth

“Christ Has Calls Us to New Visions”

CCS 566 OR “Go Now Forth into the World”

CCS 646 OR “This Is a Day of New Beginning”

Sending Forth

Go forward from this place with renewed commitment to Christ’s way of love. Be guided in this week’s walk by our shared belief in the Worth of All Persons. Look deep within on the path to expanding a vision of holy welcome. May we share with the world the sanctuary we encounter each time we meet.

Amen

Postlude

CCS 495

Year B Letters

Ordinary Time (Proper 18)

James 2:1–17

Exploring the Scripture

James 2:1–13 is the first of three passionate discourses about problems in the Christian community. James highlights discrimination against the poor and favoritism toward the wealthy in this text. Most early Christians were poor people who found new hope and dignity in Jesus’ proclamation of an inclusive kingdom of God. But some Christians still discriminated against the poor, and some wealthy followers still expected preferential treatment. Today’s passage opens with a greeter providing privileged seating to wealthy Christians and directing poor ones to stand or sit at the feet of the wealthy.

For James, God is the God who chooses the poor. Therefore, true Christians cannot show partiality to the wealthy. James confronts rich oppressors in chapter 5, verses 1 and 5 with direct condemnation: “Come now, you rich people, weep and wail for the miseries that are coming to you. … You have lived on the earth in luxury and pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.”

James reminds readers of injustices against them. In ancient times, if a person met a debtor on the street, he was permitted to arrest the debtor and drag him to court for payment. Wealthy Christians claimed this privilege, and James labeled such behavior blasphemy against the name of Christ, “the excellent name that was invoked” in baptism (v. 7). Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ meant dying to the old life and rising to live anew, welcoming all into the inclusive kingdom of God.

James quotes the “royal law…. ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself‘” (v. 8). Both Jewish and pagan converts knew the Ten Commandments and Jesus’ “Great Commandment” (or “royal law”), which summarized the intent of the Torah. They would also have compared the practical, hierarchical Roman law to the inclusive Jewish laws, including the “royal law.” James upholds the unity of the law, affirming that to break one portion of it is to violate the whole law. Those who show partiality to the wealthy have broken the law and will be held accountable. Those who show no mercy to others will receive no mercy from God.

The second speech begins with verse 14: “What good is it…if you say you have faith but do not have works.” Although James is often presented as upholding works over faith, he unites them by writing about faith shown through works. Paul wrote about faith as a gift of grace from God, which allowed one entry into the community of the kingdom.

James wrote to those already in the community. He challenged complacent disciples to show their faith by living both the moral law and the law of love. James insisted faith and discipleship were inseparable. Telling a person to stay warm without providing the means fails to live the law of love. The verses that follow today’s lectionary passage identify two kinds of faith (2:18–26): a faith brought to completion by action; and faith like a body without a spirit. James urges his listeners to do works of obedience and compassion because of their unswerving faith.

Central Ideas

1. Today’s lectionary passage challenges complacency, partiality, and “cheap grace” that ignores the underlying issues of poverty and oppression.

2. God favors the poor and oppressed. Christians are called to also show favor to the poor.

SERMON AND CLASS HELPS

3. Once you have received God’s gift of grace, you express your commitment and discipleship through acts of love and compassion.

4. Faith and works go together on the path of the disciple. The gospel principles are expressed in deeds of compassion to the bruised and broken-hearted.

Questions for the Speaker

1. How would you feel if a group of homeless people stood outside your church singing “Let Justice Roll Like a River”?

2. How is preferential treatment of the rich still apparent in the church? In your congregation? In your community?

3. Where do we, in the developed nations, stand with a God who has chosen the poor? What rationalizations and fears control our attitudes?

4. When were you or your congregation part of an organization that was “in the forefront” helping the poor?

Year B Letters

Ordinary Time (Proper 18)

James 2:1–17

Gathering Welcome

Ordinary Time is the period in the Christian calendar from Pentecost to Advent. This period is without major festivals or holy days. During Ordinary Time we focus on our discipleship as individuals and a faith community.

Prayer for Peace

Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.

Light the peace candle.

Today’s Prayer for Peace is inspired by the hymn, “O for a World,” Community of Christ Sings 379, by Miriam Therese Winter.

We welcome one world family and struggle with each choice, that opens us to unity and gives our vision voice.

God of dreamers, thank you for hopes and dreams. It is a challenge to hope and dream; it is scary and requires us to be vulnerable. But as long as we dream of peace and what that means for our world, we can move! We can make those dreams happen! Thank you for those among us with peaceful, prophetic visions. Give them courage to call us into those visions. Give us courage to respond.

Each day, each choice is an opportunity to choose joy, hope, love, and peace. May our leaders be discerning in decisions, guiding us closer to shalom. May we, too, be thoughtful as we join in dreaming and restoring a world of peace.

In the name of Jesus, the Vision of the visionaries. Amen.

Spiritual Practice

Dwelling in the Word

Today we will experience Dwelling in the Word as we focus on the Enduring Principle of Continuing Revelation.

I will read a scripture aloud. As you hear it, allow words, images, or phrases to come to your mind. Try not to focus on them. Let them rest in you. After a moment of silence, I will read the excerpt a second time. As you hear the words again, listen for how God’s Spirit is nudging you or catching your attention.

Read Exodus 3:13–15 NRSV:

But Moses said to God, “If I come to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” He said further, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, ‘I am has sent me to you.’” God also said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, ‘The Lord, the God of

SACRED SPACE: A RESOURCE FOR SMALL-GROUP MINISTRY

your ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you’:

This is my name forever, and this my title for all generations.

Pause. Read the passage a second time. Pause again. Invite group members to share responses to these questions:

1. What words, phrases or images came to mind?

2. How do you sense God’s presence in this passage?

3. How is God revealing divine purpose in your life?

Sharing Around the Table

James 2:1–17 NRSVUE

My brothers and sisters, do not claim the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ of glory while showing partiality. For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Have a seat here in a good place, please,” while to the one who is poor you say, “Stand there,” or, “Sit by my footstool,” have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor person. Is it not the rich who oppress you? Is it not they who drag you into the courts? Is it not they who blaspheme the excellent name that was invoked over you?

If you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well. But if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. For the one who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery but you murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment will be without mercy to anyone who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but does not have works? Surely that faith cannot save, can it? If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food and one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,” and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.

Unlike some other New Testament letters, James is very down-to-earth and deals with matters of daily life. In verses 1–4, James highlights discrimination against the poor and favoritism toward the wealthy. Most early Christians were poor people who found new hope and dignity in Jesus’s proclamation of an inclusive kingdom of God. But some Christians still discriminated against the poor, and some wealthy followers expected preferential treatment.

Believers are advised to reject partiality, favoritism, and discrimination. Readers are reminded in verse that God has chosen the poor to inherit the kingdom. True disciples, wealthy or poor, must insist on the equality of all persons as children of God.

James then quotes the royal law, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Both Jewish and pagan converts knew the Ten Commandments and Jesus’s “Great Commandment” (or “royal law”),

which summarized the intent of the Torah. They also would have compared the practical, hierarchical Roman law to the inclusive Jewish laws, including the “royal law.”

James upholds the unity of the law, affirming that to break one portion of it, including neglecting the poor, is to violate the whole law. Those who show partiality to the wealthy have broken the law and will be held accountable. Those who show no mercy to others will receive no mercy from God.

In the last section of the chapter, James asks questions about the relationship of faith and works. Does faith have meaning if it isn’t put into practice? By itself, can faith save you? Some people have determined that Paul and James have incompatible answers to these questions, as Paul claimed that we are justified by faith (“a person is justified by faith apart from works” Romans 3:28 NRSV), and James wrote in verse 17 that “faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.”

They are speaking about different issues, from different contexts. When Paul speaks about works, he is concerned about the need for Gentiles to observe Jewish ritual observances, e.g., circumcisions and food laws. James is referring to good deeds in a more general sense, e.g., taking care of orphans, widows, and the poor. They are using the word works differently. They also think of faith differently. Paul sees it as trust and loyalty, as shown by Jesus for God and disciples toward Christ. James emphasizes faith as belief. He wants readers to know that believing in God is not the same as doing good in the world. Paul asserts that faith in Christ is enough to put a person right with God; obedience to Torah law is unnecessary for Gentiles seeking church admission. The issue for James is whether Christian commitment changes the way you live.

Questions

1. How would you feel if a group of homeless people pitched tents in a park in your neighborhood? On your church parking lot?

2. Is preferential treatment of the rich still apparent in Christianity? In your congregation? In your community?

3. How does the precept that “faith without works is dead” inform your life of faith?

Sending Statement of Generosity

Beloved Community of Christ, do not just speak and sing of Zion. Live, love, and share as Zion: those who strive to be visibly one in Christ, among whom there are no poor or oppressed.

Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a

The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing, small-group ministries as part of your generous response.

The offering prayer is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn

Community of Christ Sings 296, “Companion of the Poor”

Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group

• Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

• Thoughts for Children

Thoughts for Children

You will need:

• posterboard or flip-chart paper

• markers

Before the service, have a posterboard or piece of flip-chart paper ready with “Love your ________________ neighbor” written on it multiple times (make sure to have at least enough for each person).

Say: In today’s scripture we are reminded to love our neighbors as ourselves. When we say neighbor in this context, we don’t mean just the people who live next door. Our neighbor can be anyone. Sometimes loving our neighbors is really easy, because they are people we like or get along with. Sometimes, though, it can be difficult.

I want you to think of a type of neighbor you might struggle to love. We aren’t going to use anyone’s name, but you each will be invited to write a description word of that neighbor on the blank line on our poster board. For example, on the first blank line I might write, “Love your angry neighbor,” because I have a hard time sharing love with people when they are angry.

Invite participants to add their adjective to a blank line. Offer suggestions and help as needed. Once everyone has added to the paper, offer a prayer, asking that we all be better at loving all our neighbors no matter what!

15 September 2024

Ordinary Time (Proper 19)

James 3:1-12

Speak Blessing

Additional Scriptures

Proverbs 1:20-33; Psalm 19; Mark 8:27-38; Doctrine and Covenants 161:2c-d; 162:1b

Prelude

Welcome and Invitation to Worship

Listen… Listen to the voice…

Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 162:1b.

During this sacred time, we will discern what it means to speak blessing. Often, our greatest wisdom and insight comes not from simply speaking our mind, but first listening to the voice of the Spirit, and the perspectives of others.

The prayer for us today is that through community we may hear what needs to be heard and speak blessing that is formed by a posture of holy attention. May we listen to the voice that transcends time and human understanding together.

Hymn of Welcome and Praise

“Speak, O Lord”

66 OR “Open My Heart” CCS 171 OR “Lord, Lead Me by Your Spirit” CCS 209

Responsive Invocation and Song

Leader: Let us pray and sing with one another. I will read a statement, and then we will reflectively sing together “Listen in the Silence,” CCS 153. I invite you to join me in these moments of reflection and prayer.

Spirit of Wisdom,

We seek an opening today of hearts and minds, that we may release assumptions and agendas, and be present to the patterns you invite us to practice in our lives.

People: “Listen in the Silence” Sing two times.

Leader: Spirit of Kindness,

CCS 153

Our tongues are messengers of your prophetic invitation, but are also susceptible to voices of hatred, deceit, and division. We yearn to listen through the noise, wading through the thicket of harmful language, and distilling your gentle voice that speaks blessing and peace.

WORSHIP

RESOURCES

CCS

People: “Listen in the Silence”

Leader: Spirit of Compassion,

Sing two times.

CCS 153

We know that we hear what we want to hear. We judge, categorize, and displace others through the lenses that shape us. Melt the bitterness that resides in our hearts and form us in your way of justice and compassion.

People: “Listen in the Silence”

Sing two times.

All: Let us listen to the voice of the Spirit together. Amen.

Prayer for Peace Light the Peace Candle.

Prayer

God of wonder and peace,

Sometimes we forget the language of peace you offer our world, Greed, envy, judgment, and insecurity form the words we think and speak. We pray today that we might speak words of blessing and peace in our lives.

To ourselves…may we offer compassion and peace.

To loved ones….may we offer compassion and peace.

To strangers…may we offer compassion and peace.

To all living creatures…may we offer compassion and peace.

Open our ears that we might listen to your kind and loving voice. Soften our hearts to be gentle to ourselves and others.

Shape our lives to be vessels of peace. Amen.

Hymn of Reflection and Blessings

“Healer of Our Every Ill”

CCS 153

374 OR “Clothe Us in Your Spirit”

Time of Community Practice: Blessings of Loving Kindness

584

Access practice from Missional Leaders: Blessings of Loving Kindness, Static1.squarespace.com/static/57d21ca0f5e231551c69ac3f/t/57f1bd86be659461b9d4585a/1475 460487157/Blessings+of+Loving+Kindness+–+A+Missional+Practice+4-7-14.pdf

Scripture Reading: James 3:1-12 Before we enter this time of practice, you are invited to hear today’s lectionary scripture.

Today we speak, sing, and encounter beautiful words that articulate our faith and understanding of God’s activity in the world. And yet, we at times speak ill of one another, neighbors, and strangers. We have the capacity to do both great good and great harm with our words.

The practice today, Blessings of Loving Kindness, invites us to speak love, peace, health, and blessing to ourselves and others in sacred ways. You will be guided through this practice. As you are comfortable, take a few deep breaths, and settle into this time of blessing.

CCS

Lead practice using the link above from Missional Leaders.

OR Lead a practice called “Share the Light of Peace.” This practice is available at the All Things Are Spiritual, allthingsarespiritual.org/share-the-light-of-peace.html. This practice is more child/youth friendly.

Message

Based on James 3:1-12 OR

Small Group Sharing

Invite participants to share their experience in the Time of Community Practice.

Hymn of Reflection

“Jesus Loves Me”

CCS 251 OR “Oh, How Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit”

Disciples’ Generous Response

Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 161:2c-d

Statement

CCS 378

During this time of Disciple’s Generous Response, we draw attention to the holistic path of the disciple. Each day we can look deep within and discern divine calling to express generosity and ministry to a world in need.

As we share our mission tithes either by placing money in the plates or through eTithing, use this time to be mindful of your own faith journey, how you have modeled and experienced generosity, and how you hope to expand the loving reach of God in each circle of your life.

If your congregation is meeting online, remind participants they can give through CofChrist.org/give or through eTithing.org (consider showing these URLs on screen).

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

Hymn of Sending Forth

“Go, My Children, with My Blessing”

CCS 650 OR “Go with Us, Lord” Sing twice.

CCS 612 OR “In My Life, Lord”

CCS 602 Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

Sending Forth

Let the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable to you, O Lord, our rock and our redeemer.

Psalm 19:14, adapted Go in peace.

Postlude

Year B Letters

Ordinary Time (Proper 19)

James 3:1–12

Exploring the Scripture

The third conversation in the book of James focuses on temptations to use our words to control, manipulate, and denigrate others. Verse 1 warns Christians the honor of teaching the gospel to others carries with it a burden of responsibility. The phrasing makes it plain that James himself was a teacher in the Christian community. Christian teachers were the equivalent of Jewish rabbis, and commanded respect in the community. But judgment comes quickly to those who misuse the privilege, fail to share the gospel truthfully, or use the title for self-aggrandizement.

His comments expand to include a warning to all Christians to guard their speech. Each disciple is an informal teacher, as they share the gospel and influence others. During the early days of Christianity, there were many perspectives on Christ, theology, faith, and moral laws and there still are. Trying to guide someone else’s spiritual journey assumes authority and wisdom not everyone holds. Rare is the teacher who makes no mistakes, “perfect,” meaning whole and complete (v. 2).

James likens the tongue to a horse’s bit and a ship’s rudder, able to guide the whole. Small things can produce significant results. But the tongue itself is difficult to control, for it has wide-ranging effects. Like a forest fire, speech can ignite both transformation and explosion. The results are neither predictable nor controllable with unguarded speech, and words cannot be recalled once spoken.

James is familiar with Jesus’s words recorded in Matthew 12:36–37: “...you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter; for by your words, you will be justified and by your words you will be condemned.” Teaching untruths, sharing misinformation, gossiping, manipulating, and boasting are abusive uses of the gift of speech.

Irresponsible speech leads to a loss of integrity, an important theme in James’ writings. Integrity refers to a person’s veracity and reliability of character and the unbroken unity of spirit and intent to which we are called. When the same tongue blesses God in one moment and curses human beings in the next, the lack of integration shatters the wholeness of God’s natural order.

Just as fresh water and salt water cannot flow from the same stream, so blessing and cursing cannot flow from a truly integrated Christian heart. The double-tongued speech comes from a divided heart. A genuine disciple seeks unity and integrity and results in speech that consistently blesses others, as Christ would bless.

Unguarded speech has damaged relationships, destroyed reputations, and closed congregations. On the other hand, Charitable speech has reconciled antagonists, healed wounds, and brought people back into harmonious relationships. We alone are powerless to overcome our divided nature that blesses and wounds others. Centering our lives on Jesus Christ helps us integrate our good intentions with our everyday acts, and offers an avenue of repentance when we fail.

Central Ideas

1. The honor of teaching the gospel carries both a great responsibility and the dangers of pride, misinterpretation, and misuse of power.

SERMON AND CLASS HELPS

2. Like a forest fire, the effects of careless speech are unpredictable, and words cannot be recalled once spoken.

3. When the same tongue blesses God and curses human beings, it is an offense to the integrity of God’s natural order.

4. A genuine disciple speaks in ways that consistently bless others.

Questions for the Speaker

1. Who have been the influential teachers in your life, whose words have blessed you?

2. What are the ways we seek recognition and influence? How do our procedures for priesthood calls help lessen prideful seeking for power?

3. When have you felt caught between the impulse to respond in anger and the need to speak affirming, forgiving words? How did you resolve the dilemma?

4. During the past week, when did you share words of blessing? What might you have done to improve your use of speech to bless people?

Year B Letters

Ordinary Time, Proper 19

James 3:1–12 NRSVUE

Gathering

Welcome

Prayer for Peace

Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.

Light the peace candle.

Today’s Prayer for Peace is inspired by the hymn, “Summoned by the God Who Made Us,” Community of Christ Sings 330, by Delores Dufner

Let us bring the gifts that differ and in splendid, varied ways, sing a new church into being, one in faith and love and praise.

Spirit of summons, we feel your pull. We feel your summons to be workers for peace. We feel it the way the honeybee feels the tug of the flower we feel it in our bodies. Yet, we ignore it; we pretend it isn’t what we know deep inside it really is. We shrug it off as unrealistic and full of folly. It is too much. It is too naive. It is too hard.

But our community knows our mission to use our varied gifts in harmony to sing a new church into the world, ever transforming, ever striving to be your peaceful beacon! We feel your pull. We accept your challenge to widen our circles.

In the name of Jesus, who binds us together in community. Amen.

Spiritual Practice

Holy Listening

Today we are focusing on the Enduring Principle of All are Called. We believe all people have gifts with opportunities to share them in community. By practicing Holy Listening, we can learn more about ways people are feeling called to share their giftedness in community and how we can support one another in those calls.

Ask the person next to you to join you in conversation. Find a spot in the room to get comfortable and face one another. Take turns sharing your stories of how you sense the gifts God has given you and how you feel called to share those gifts. You each will have five minutes to share. During this time the listener will listen and nod, but not comment. At the end of the five-minute period, the listener may respond with this one sentence. “I noticed that…” Then switch places and repeat.

SACRED SPACE: A RESOURCE FOR SMALL-GROUP MINISTRY

Before you start this exercise, please repeat this prayer with me “Help me be wholly present to this person.”

Start the timer. After five minutes remind the listeners to say their one-sentence response, and then invite them to switch places. Start the timer again.

When each person is done sharing, remind the listeners to say their one sentence. In closing, ask the group to share reflections on this spiritual practice.

Sharing Around the Table

James 3:1–12

NRSVUE

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will face stricter judgment. For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is mature, able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle. If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies. Or look at ships: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, yet they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits.

How great a forest is set ablaze by a such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of life, and is itself set on fire by hell. For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, but no one can tame the tongue a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse people, made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth comes a blessing and a curse. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and brackish water? Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, yield olives or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh.

Today’s passage from the book of James focuses on the temptations to use our words to control, manipulate, and denigrate others. The writer warns Christians that the honor of teaching the gospel to others carries with it a burden of responsibility. Christian teachers were the equivalent of Jewish rabbis and commanded respect in the community. But judgment comes quickly to those who misuse the privilege, fail to share the gospel truthfully, or use the title for self-aggrandizement.

The writer also includes a warning to all Christians to guard their speech. There always have been many perspectives on Christ, theology, faith, and moral laws even then. All disciples are informal teachers, as they share the gospel and influence others. Guiding someone else’s spiritual journey assumes authority and wisdom that not everyone holds. Rare is the teacher who makes no mistakes. James likens the tongue to a horse’s bit and a ship’s rudder, able to guide the whole. Small things can produce significant results. But the tongue itself is difficult to control, for it has wide-ranging effects. The results are neither predictable nor controllable with unguarded speech, as words cannot be recalled once spoken. Teaching untruths, sharing misinformation, gossiping, manipulating, and boasting are abuses of the gift of speech.

Irresponsible speech leads to a loss of integrity, an important theme in James’s writings. When the same tongue blesses God in one moment and curses human beings in the next, the lack of integration shatters the wholeness of God’s natural order. Just as fresh water and salt water cannot flow from the same stream, so blessing and cursing cannot flow from a truly integrated Christian heart. Centering our lives on Jesus Christ helps us to integrate our good intentions with our everyday acts and offers an avenue of repentance when we fail.

Questions

1. Who have been the influential spiritual or religious teachers in your life?

2. When have you felt caught between the impulse to respond in anger and the need to speak affirming, forgiving words? How did you resolve the dilemma?

3. During the past week, when did you share words of blessing? What might you have done to improve your use of speech to bless people?

Sending Statement of

Generosity

Beloved Community of Christ, do not just speak and sing of Zion. Live, love, and share as Zion: those who strive to be visibly one in Christ, among whom there are no poor or oppressed.

Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a

The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing, small-group ministries as part of your generous response.

The offering prayer is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn Community of Christ Sings 168, “I Will Talk to My Heart”

Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group

• Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

• Thoughts for Children

Thoughts for Children

You will need:

• large piece of paper or poster board

• marker

Say: Today’s scripture reminds us of the power our words have. We are encouraged to use our words wisely to share joy, hope, love, and peace. Together, I want us to think of twenty things we could say more often to communicate joy, hope, love, and peace.

Work together to make a list. If participants struggle, make suggestions like “I forgive you” and “Would you like to play with us ” Explain how they share joy, hope, love, and peace.

Say: This week, remember how powerful your words are. See if you can use them to speak joy, hope, love, and peace.

22 September 2024

Ordinary Time (Proper 20)

James 3:13—4:3, 7-8a

Sow Peace

Additional Scriptures

Proverbs 31:10-31; Psalm 1; Mark 9:30-37; Doctrine and Covenants 162:7a

Preparation

If engaging in the Sowing Seeds of Peace Time of Community Practice, provide seed packets, small pots, and potting soil. Consider setting up workstations around the worship space. Other tools needed include small shovels, a tarp or other material for indoor potting, and water.

Prelude

Welcome

Scripture Reading: James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a

Invitation to Worship

Our theme today is “Sow Peace,” drawn from our lectionary scripture. An emphasis of this scripture, and our gathering, is discerning a way to peace by being more present to holy wisdom. In other words, we are seeking a better understanding of the patterns God calls us to that embody a method of peace.

We begin by awakening to peace. I’d like to share the final line of today’s scripture passage from James again. “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (James 4:8a). This sentiment presents a concept that could be a guiding pillar for all our gatherings. As we come together in community, how might we draw near to God? How might we attain the holy wisdom we are invited to discover in our journey of becoming a people who follow Jesus, the peaceful One?

We encounter and create peace in our world by becoming awake to God’s presence. As we enter a time of worship, reflection, and presence, may the words of the Mission Prayer be a grounding invitation for the work we are called to today.

God, where will your Spirit lead today?

Help me be fully awake and ready to respond. Grant me courage to risking something new, And become a blessing of your love and peace. Amen.

Hymns of Welcome and Praise

“When We Are Living/Pues si vivimos”

Encourage participants to sing in a language other than their own.

CCS 242/243

WORSHIP RESOURCES

OR “Lord, Lead Me by Your Spirit” CCS 209

OR “God Within God Around’ Sing several times

Invocation

God, where will your Spirit lead today?

In our sanctuaries, homes, schools, places of work, and neighborhoods? Help us to be fully awake and ready to respond. As we seek holy invitations today may we take deep breaths, discovering a grounded and attentive presence to your Spirit. Grant us courage to risk new things in community. As we consider the work of peace may we be willing to confront the difficult questions. May we have courage to become new in our discipleship, and may we explore tangible steps that call us beyond our comfort zones. May we become blessings of love and peace in the deeper breaths we offer ourselves, in the grace we offer one another, in the curiosity we offer the stranger, and in the ambitious work of the holy we are summoned to today. Amen.

Sung Response

“Lead Me, Lord” Sing twice.

Prayer for Peace Statement

CCS 20

Based on The Mission Prayer

CCS 450

Each day in Community of Christ we are called to participate in a Prayer for Peace. This practice has life across the church as a personal daily practice, a form of communal worship and commitment, and an invitation to awakening to God’s way and vison of peace with each day.

Our theme today, “Sow Peace,” invites us to a way of peace that is intentional and integrated. Praying for peace as a practice is meaningful enough, but like the Mission Prayer, how might peace be stitched into the daily fabric of our lives? How might this practice, instead of being a momentary time of pause, be a rhythm that guides our waking hours?

Light the Peace Candle.

As we consider the ways we are called to sow peace in our world, I invite you to pray with me.

Prayer

God of wisdom and peace, We recognize that the values of our world sometimes conflict with the sacred values you offer us. Our culture is often grounded in competition, individualism, a mentality of scarcity, and a skeptical view of others around us. These worldviews incite violence, judgment, suffering, and dismissive attitudes about neighbors near and far.

Teach us ways of peace that guide us toward your preferred future. Instill values of belonging, community, abundance, and trust into our hearts and minds. Abide with us in the forming of communities that become ensigns to the broader world, beaming with light, showing that your vision of peace is not only possible, but moving actively in our present world.

Open our worlds, God. We often see peace as needed in the circumstances of others in distant places. Help us see where peace is absent in the fabric of our own lives. Lead us to unravel habits and practices that do harm. Push us beyond platitudes and rituals that leave us in neutral space. Transform our lives to be patterned in your way of peace.

May we recognize that Christ’s wisdom is available to us in each moment. May we no longer wait for peace to become apparent. Instead, may we recognize peace as the persistent summons that is manifested in the living spirit of Christ.

In the peace of Christ Amen.

Hymn of Peace

“My Peace” Sing twice. CCS 149 OR “Restless Weaver” CCS 145 OR “Lord, Make Us Instruments” CCS 364

Time of Community Practice: Sowing Seeds of Peace

If youth and children are present, you might want them to be at the center of this practice.

Take the seed packets and write words on them drawn from the lectionary scripture in James that represent Godly wisdom: “pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy, without partiality.” Also add your own words that represent holy wisdom, or even invite others in the community to add words as part of the community practice. Alternatively, the words could be written on the pots that the seed packets are being planted in.

Invite participants to reflect on how they can embody these values in personal and communal life. Based on the makeup of your community, this might be open time of sharing, or deeper sharing in small groups. Plant the seeds in the soil to represent the community’s commitment to sow peace.

We are invited to plant and scatter seeds of peace each day. We can never fully anticipate what will grow from those seeds, but we are invited to tend to the soil daily to create an environment where peace may grow. These seeds represent the holy potential that is always beneath what we see on the surface. Amid conflict, division, greed, environmental degradation, and selfish tendencies, peace is always seeking a way emerging even in the least expected places.

The pots can be taken home with participants as a reminder and continued invitation to practice peace or left in the gathering space as an ongoing practice of care and symbol of community presence to the work of peace.

Preparing for the Word Sing several times.

“O God We Call”

CCS 195 OR “Bless the Lord”

Message

Based on James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a

Disciples’ Generous Response

Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 162:7a

Statement

CCS 575

The image of bounty is one that stirs different feelings for each of us. For some there is recognition of the gifts present in our lives. Others might think of those who have more than they do. In a competitive world that encourages a mentality of scarcity, the countercultural invitation of this prophetic text is to be grounded in an ethic of gratitude and abundance, recognizing that when we use our resources as God intended, there is enough for all life to flourish.

Through the Disciples Generous Response, we can lean into a holy image of the Earth that is grounded in beauty, abundance, belonging, and generosity. By sharing each part of ourselves, we commit to the belief that what we have doesn’t belong to us, but to the whole of creation. We take a tangible step toward God’s vision of an interdependent, loving, and peaceful humanity.

If your congregation is meeting online, remind participants they can give through CofChrist.org/give or eTithing.org (consider showing these URLs on screen).

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

Hymn of Sending Forth

“The Peace of the Earth/La paz de la tierra” Sing twice.

CCS 647 Encourage participants to sing in a language other than their own.

OR “God the Sculptor of the Mountains”

Sending Forth

Go forth and plant seeds of peace, Scattered with inclusive welcome, Nurtured with holy wisdom, Tended with shared communal values, And grown with a vision of divine hope. Go in peace.

Postlude

CCS 21

Year B Letters

Ordinary Time (Proper 20)

James 3:13—4:3, 7–8a

Exploring the Scripture

Today’s scripture passage explores two kinds of wisdom. “[E]arthly, unspiritual, devilish” wisdom leads to “bitter envy, selfish ambition…disorder, and wickedness of every kind” (vv. 15–16). Gentle understanding “wisdom from above” leads to selflessness, peace, and righteousness (v.17). James’ God is deeply anchored in the Hebrew Bible, but much of James’ writing parallels Jesus’ teachings in Matthew. Thus, James bridges Old Testament Wisdom writings and the gospels. True wisdom is not merely common sense but a gift from God that produces good fruits: purity, peace, and gentleness, rather than bitterness. Good fruits yield mercy, inclusion, and integrity in place of pride and favoritism; and God’s righteous truth instead of falsehood.

Reiterating earlier themes, teachers must present God’s wisdom, not earthly, prideful wisdom (3:13–14). By implication, such wisdom helps a teacher curb the tongue, avoid arrogance, and share God’s truth. Wisdom leads to works of righteousness and condemns partiality and hypocrisy (v. 17). Together, these verses reinforce the message of integrity between faith and works, discipleship and belief.

Chapter 4 identifies wisdom as discerning and obeying God’s will through our human mind, heart, spirit, and deed. Opposing God’s will by seeking one’s pleasure results in inner turmoil and relationships full of conflict. The solution to such strife is letting go of one’s cravings to allow the gift of wisdom to unite you with God’s will.

The ancient Greek and Aramaic languages contained a verb tense no longer used in modern languages, called “the middle voice.” The middle voice was halfway between active and passive voices in which the subject and object taking part cooperatively in the verb’s action. An example in English might go like this:

Active voice: Ruben counsels Andrew.

Passive voice: Andrew is counseled by Ruben.

Middle voice: Ruben and Andrew take counsel together.

Humans resist submission to God’s will in our struggle for individualism and control. We think only about “I will it” (I take the active role), or “God wills me” (I take the passive role). In the middle voice, God’s will and humans’ will cooperate to bring about good. Neither cancels the other. Human petitions made in the middle voice are aligned with God’s best desires.

This passage closes with a beautiful promise: “Draw near to God, and [God] will draw near to you” (v. 8). Does God wait for us to make the first approach? Or does God move first, prompting us to turn to God? It can be argued either way, but perhaps it is a cooperative effort between God and us. God is approachable, a distinguishing mark of Christianity. No longer was God confined to the Holy of Holies, unapproachable except by the High Priest on the annual Day of Atonement. In Jesus, the barriers between God and humans dissolved. Jesus was Emmanuel, “God-with-Us,” and faith in Jesus coupled with humility of spirit allowed followers the unsurpassed privilege of approaching God directly, without an intermediary. More importantly, James affirmed that God is constantly moving toward humanity, yearning to meet us more than halfway.

SERMON AND CLASS HELPS

Central Ideas

1. Those who seek God’s wisdom instead of worldly wisdom display selflessness, peace, and righteousness.

2. God’s wisdom curbs the tongue, condemns favoritism, and reinforces the integrity of faith and works.

3. Conflict and strife are the fruits of seeking one’s pleasure instead of God’s will.

4. God is approachable, constantly moving toward humanity as we seek God.

Questions for the Speaker

1. Where have you witnessed good and gentle works born of wisdom?

2. How might our yearning for pleasure be the source of conflict? How might nationalistic cravings lead to international conflicts?

3. How does the idea of a “middle voice” change the way you understand prayer? Spiritual gifts? Priesthood calls?

4. When did you actively seek God and experience the resulting closeness God promised? When has God actively initiated closeness with you?

Year B Letters

Ordinary Time, Proper 20

James

3:13—4:3, 7-8a

NRSVUE

Gathering

Welcome

Prayer for Peace

Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.

Light the peace candle

Today’s Prayer for Peace is inspired by the hymn, “I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me,” Community of Christ Sings 581, an African American spiritual

Anytime and anywhere.

Stirring Spirit, the yearning for peace comes to us at many times and in many places. It is like the changing of seasons: a sprout of green spotted in the morning frost; the first snowflake in the dark of midnight; the cool breeze kissing the face of a sleeping child. We learn to watch for and treasure these ephemeral moments. We watch with our eyes and our ears; we watch with our hands and our souls.

May we also learn to watch for the moments when we can act for the good of humanity. Anytime and anywhere these moments may be as brief as a breeze, but our actions can impact a lifetime.

We pray you would bring peace to our lands. We pray peace would flood our valleys and stir the branches of our trees. That peace would warm our toes and compel our inert hearts to move. We pray that we would live in your peace, from your peace, and for your peace. Anytime. Everywhere. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Spiritual Practice

Discernment through Contemplative Prayer

Enduring Principles form a foundation of Community of Christ. Today we are focusing on Responsible Choices. We find stories in our scriptures of people reflecting on their history and seeing God’s hand in all of it. When we pause to discern God’s presence in our lives, we can see the divine hand throughout. We can discern Responsible Choices in our lives. One way to help us discern is through contemplative prayer.

Contemplative prayer is a meditation used by Christians to sit in silence with God. This prayer helps us experience God’s presence within us. When we get quiet and listen to our heart, we can discern where God is calling us. Choose a word or phrase of your intent to make Responsible Choices.

SACRED SPACE: A RESOURCE FOR SMALL-GROUP MINISTRY

Sit comfortably, with your eyes closed. Repeat your word slowly and silently. When you become aware of thoughts, physical sensations, or emotions, allow them to pass Gently return to your word or phrase.

We will continue this practice for three minutes.

Ring a chime to start the meditation.

After three minutes ring a chime to end the meditation. Now we will sit in silence for three minutes to see what comes to us in the silence.

Ring a chime to end the silence.

Invite the group to share its experience with this spiritual practice.

Sharing Around the Table

James 3:13 4:3, 7–8a NRSVUE

Who is wise and knowledgeable among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be arrogant and lie about the truth. This is not wisdom that comes down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish. For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Those conflicts and disputes among you, where do they come from? Do they not come from your cravings that are at war within you? You want something and do not have it, so you commit murder. And you covet something and cannot obtain it, so you engage in disputes and conflicts. You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive because you ask wrongly, in order to spend what you get on your pleasures.

…Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Today’s scripture explores two kinds of wisdom: “Earthly, unspiritual, devilish” wisdom, which leads to “bitter envy, selfish ambition… disorder, and wickedness of every kind,” and gentle, understanding “wisdom from above,” which is “first pure...peaceable...full of mercy and good fruits.”

James writes to a community overrun with conflict and bitterness. Much infighting appears to stem from whose faith and knowledge about God is seen as most accurate or righteous. For James, however, true wisdom is not common sense or even head knowledge; rather it’s a gift from God that produces good fruits “without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy.” It is not a way of thinking. It is a way of living.

We often resist submission to God’s will in our struggle for individualism and control, but seeking one’s own pleasure results in inner turmoil and relationships full of conflict. James suggests that the solution to such strife is letting go of one’s cravings to allow the gift of wisdom to unite them with God’s will. Wisdom from below focuses on self-aggrandizement and pride of accomplishment, while wisdom from above focuses on the needs of others and the creation of peaceful, loving, and mutually uplifting communities.

James 4:8 NRSVUE contains a beautiful promise: “Draw near to God, and God will draw near to you.” God is approachable. James affirms that God constantly is moving toward humanity, yearning to meet us more than halfway.

Questions

1. Where have you witnessed good and gentle wisdom?

2. How might our yearning for pleasure be the source of conflict?

3. When did you seek God and experience the resulting closeness God promised? When has God initiated closeness with you?

Sending Statement of Generosity

Beloved Community of Christ, do not just speak and sing of Zion. Live, love, and share as Zion: those who strive to be visibly one in Christ, among whom there are no poor or oppressed.

Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a

The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing, small-group ministries as part of your generous response.

The offering prayer is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn

Community of Christ Sings 162, “Meet Me in a Holy Place”

Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group

• Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

• Thoughts for Children

Thoughts for Children

You will need:

• paper with a seed picture for each person

• coloring supplies

Say: Today’s scripture reminds us that our actions are like seeds we plant. The way we act determines what will happen or grow around us.

Specifically, the passage talks about planting seeds of peace.

Ask: What are some actions you can take that plant seeds of peace? What will those seeds of peace grow into? (Affirm answers while helping participants understand that this is a metaphor. We aren’t growing actual flowers. Our actions lead to more peace in the world.)

Say: Those are wonderful suggestions! I am going to give you each a piece of paper with a seed on it. I want you to write or draw a peaceful action you can take to plant peace in the world inside the seed. In the rest of the space on the page, I want you to draw what will grow from you planting that seed. What will it look like when peace grows?

29 September 2024

Ordinary Time (Proper 21)

James 5:13-20

Let Us Pray for One Another

Additional Scriptures

Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22; Psalm 124; Mark 9:38-50; Doctrine and Covenants 164:1

Preparation

This theme lends itself to the sacrament of Laying on of Hands for the Sick. It is suggested to choose between offering the sacrament, perhaps at stations around the room, or a homily on the James scripture followed by a discussion. If choosing the sacrament, make sure the stations and elders are equipped and that they, as well as the congregation, have been prepared for its inclusion in the service.

Prelude

Consider an instrumental prelude that features well-remembered hymns on prayer:

“I Need Thee Every Hour,” CCS 188; “Breathe on Me, Breath of God,” CCS 190; “Hear Our Prayer, O Lord,” CCS 196; and “Sweet Hour of Prayer,” HS 87.

OR , for streaming, play Casting Crowns’ song, “Sweet Hour of Prayer” (audio only)

CCLI (Christian Copyright Licensing International) Song #7040166. Make sure you have streaming coverage with a CCLIplus license.

Hymn of the Gathering Community

“Bear Each Other’s Burdens” CCS 374 OR “Lay Your Hands” CCS 545

Scripture Introit: James 5:13-16

Welcome

“Let us Pray for One Another,” the scripture from James echoes loudly in our Community of Christ heritage. We gather this day to indeed pray for one another. The hymn “Let Us Pray for One Another” was penned by David Hyrum Smith and initially published in 1870.

The brilliant but troubled poet and painter was the youngest son of Joseph and Emma Smith. In today’s worship, we will hear his original words filled with his struggles with spiritual darkness, his expectation that he was living in the latter days, and most beautifully his assurance of the Blessings of Community in the entreaty to “Let Us Pray for One Another.”

WORSHIP

RESOURCES

Sharing Joys and Prayer Concerns

Moment of Silent Prayer

Let us pray for one another.

Call to Worship: Psalm 124:8

Hymn of Praise

“God of Dawn, Each Day’s Renewal”

51 OR “Praise to the Living God”

8 OR “Jesu, Tawa Pano /Jesus, We Are Here” Sing several times

71 Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

Opening Prayer

Reading: “Let Us Pray for One Another”

This may be divided among four readers if desired. All four readers in unison could recite the inset phrase at the end of each stanza, “For each other let us pray,” if desired.

Let us pray for one another, For the day is fading fast And the night is growing darker, While the scourge goes flaming past; We can see it in the darkness Closing round our narrow way, And the snares are growing thicker: For each other let us pray.

We are walking down time’s vista; We are very near the end; Let us pray that God, the Father, May his guiding Spirit send. Now the foe becomes more daring Knowing well the latter day, ’Tis the strength of his despairing; For each other let us pray.

Pray in faith, and pray unceasing, To the God we love and trust, For our prayers are much availing If we walk upright and just. Be not weary of exhorting, Heed the lesson of each day; And that we may be unwavering: For each other let us pray.

It is waning on toward midnight, Soon we’ll hear the watchman say, “See! the Son of God is coming; Go and meet him on the way!” That our lamps may then be burning Bright enough to guide our way, And that we may share his glory: For each other let us pray.

David Hyrum Smith, 1933 Saints’ Hymnal

Prayer for Peace

Scripture for Peace: Mark 9:50

CCS

Light the Peace Candle.

Statement

We bring to the world the beacon of a temple dedicated to the pursuit of peace, reconciliation, and healing of the spirit. As emissaries of Christ’s peace, let us be agents of healing for one another.

Healing Prayer of Peace

O great physician,

Heal our wounded hearts and cure our warring minds. Bring peace within and settle our souls. Knit together our bodies in healthy reflection of your image in us. Reconcile us to limitations and satisfy us with the daily blessings of life. Comfort us in the hope of resurrection and new life in your risen Child, even Jesus Christ. Amen.

Hymn of Healing and Peace

“Heal Me, Hands of Jesus”

CCS 546 OR “Healer of Our Every Ill”

Sacrament of Laying on of Hands for the Sick

CCS 547

Consider arranging in advance for a shared community experience in congregation of the Sacrament of Laying on of Hands for the Sick. Do this only if the circumstances warrant, as this is normally practiced in a private or smaller group setting.

An appropriate circumstance might appear in a congregation where a member is living with a terminal diagnosis; where trauma has struck the community; or where significant grief and illness is perceived. Prayerfully invite the participants in advance to prepare for this experience.

OR Homily and Congregational Discussion

Ask the speaker to prepare a short homily based on James 5:13-20 (a homily provides insight into the meaning of the scripture and relates it to persons’ lives), and then, have the speaker or presider lead the congregations back into small groups to pray and consider questions. Print or project questions for all to see. Questions could include:

• How would you answer James’s questions today: Are you suffering,

• cheerful, sick?

• What connection do you see between the scripture and the Enduring Principle, Blessings of Community?

At the end of the discussion, consider inviting participants to offer brief prayers for one another.

Disciples’ Generous Response

Scripture Reading

All who actively engaged in prayer, discussion, and discernment about important issues in the church’s life are commended for your faithful response. Your disciplined effort to open your lives more fully to God’s Spirit in response to the call to be a prophetic people has become a blessing to the entire church…

Doctrine and Covenants 164:1, adapted

Statement

It is appropriate to focus our prayerful attention on the temporal needs of Community of Christ. Let us pray for the restoration of and healing of the church in community that we might support more fully the mission of the church in our neighborhoods and around the world.

During this time of Disciples’ Generous Response, we focus on aligning our heart with God’s heart. Our offerings are more than meeting budgets or funding mission. We can tangibly express our gratitude to God through our offerings, who is the giver of all.

If your congregation is meeting online, remind participants they can give through CofChrist.org/give or eTithing.org (consider showing these URLs on screen).

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

Theme Hymn: A Hymn of the Blessings of Community

Maurice Draper, who served as a counselor in the First Presidency of Community of Christ, used David Hyrum Smith’s “Let us Pray for One Another” as the basis for a new and loving hymn of the same name. This version was first published in 1981, in Hymns of the Saints. Let us profess our belief in praying for each other in our beloved community by singing his reimagined text.

“Let Us Pray for One Another”

Statement of Benediction

CCS 186

Then go with conviction into the locations of your discipleship and be the peace of Christ. As you do, you will discover a variety of ways in which spiritual community forms and flows as expressions of the gospel of peace. Trust what is being born. Have faith in divine purposes. Persist in Hope. Amen.

President Stephen M. Veazey, “Words of Counsel,” April 13, 2019

Postlude

Year B Letters

Ordinary Time (Proper 21)

James 5:13–20

Exploring the Scripture

Jesus and his first followers were Jewish. Christianity began as a sect of Judaism. Thus, early practices in the Christian church reflected Jewish worship forms, such as prayer and song. Prayer is the common denominator in today’s text. It begins with verse 13: “Are any among you suffering? They should pray.”

James’ church was a praying, singing, and healing church. Healing traditions, however, were complex and confusing. Both Jewish and Gentile healing rituals, often based on superstitions, included magic rites. Also, Jewish law specified purification rites and examination by priests to authenticate healing for diseases like blindness or leprosy. The Christian community struggled with the variety of rituals brought into the early church through diverse cultures and backgrounds.

James cut through the confusion with a simple rite of anointing and prayer. Anointing with oil had long been used by Jews to symbolize the consecration of kings or prophets, dedication of ritual objects, and preparation for burial. Doctors and healers used oil as a balm for bruises, wounds, and blindness. James stresses the symbolic nature of anointing by specifying the elders (not magicians) should be called, and the anointing should be done in the name of the Lord. This passage forms the Biblical foundation for the Community of Christ sacrament of Laying on of Hands for the Sick.

For James, wholeness included spiritual healing through forgiveness for sins. It was the right and responsibility of the Christian community to offer the healing balm of confession and forgiveness. Those who are told to confess are the same who are told to forgive and pray for those who have sinned. James’ equality cuts across all facets of life as disciples.

Neither public confession nor using a priesthood member as a confessor is common in Community of Christ. At times it is healing to the community to hear someone who has torn the fabric of society confess. However, sometimes public confession has caused irreparable damage in the lives of individuals and the wider community. Confession can best be understood as prayer, the need for “wisdom from above,” and creating peace within the community (James 3:17–18).

James uses Elijah as an example of the efficacy of prayer (1 Kings 17:1, 18:1, 18:41–45). A prophet from the northern kingdom of Israel, Elijah predicted a drought in the name of Yahweh, countering belief in the Canaanite god of rain, Baal. The drought, and Elijah’s later prayer for rain, dramatized the power of the Israelite God Yahweh over rain and harvest. James is clear that God ended the drought, not Elijah (v. 17). His prayer was effective because he was righteous, seeking those things consistent with God’s will (James 4:3).

James urges disciples to restore to the community those who have strayed. In the early church, some believed that it was not possible to sin or stray once baptized. Others believed it was possible to wander from the truth, but there could be no forgiveness after baptism. Here James is saying that it is possible to wander, but it is also possible to return. Further, anyone who guides the return of another is blessed and will be forgiven.

SERMON AND CLASS HELPS

Central Ideas

1. James’ simple rite of anointing and prayer of healing forms the basis for our sacrament of Laying on of Hands for the Sick.

2. Confession and forgiveness are essential facets of inner healing.

3. James affirmed believers could wander from the faith, and it was possible for them to return.

4. Those who help return lost sheep will be blessed.

Questions for the Speaker

1. How has the idea of healing become a complex and confusing topic? How does our sacrament of laying on of hands for the sick address current confusion and misunderstanding?

2. What is the significance of James saying, “The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective?” Can prayer be used as a weapon?

3. How can James’ injunction to confess to one another be carried out in a loving, healing manner?

4. When have you experienced the healing and forgiveness that can come from confession? Did it involve sharing with another person, or only with God?

5. What would it take to re-establish a connection with those who have become inactive in the church and invite them back into the sacred community?

Year B Letters

Ordinary Time, Proper 21

James 5:13–20 NRSVUE

Gathering

Welcome

Ordinary Time is the period in the Christian calendar from Pentecost to Advent. This part of the Christian calendar is without major festivals or holy days. During Ordinary Time we focus on discipleship as individuals and a faith community.

Prayer for Peace

Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.

Light the peace candle

Today’s Prayer for Peace is inspired by the hymn, “In This New Moment,” Community of Christ Sings 504, by Ernesto Barros Cardoso, Darlene Schützer, Paulo R. Salles Garcia, Tércio Junker, Dea C. Affini, and Eder Soares.

In this life there is pain, destruction, and fear.

Let this be the moment to strengthen our ties.

Spirit of the moment, we confess our thoughts are a conductor’s baton, hopping, swaying, and jumping. Rarely do we dwell in the moment without great effort. But, peace is in that moment, when we are in tune with the life around us.

Strengthen our ability to be fully present in each moment of pain, destruction, and fear. May we fully see our ties to each of your beloved. May pain draw us closer to one another. For in that space and in that moment, we find and share peace.

Tension strengthens the knot where two ropes join. Empower us to embrace this power-giving tension. From our strength together, may we move toward justice.

In the name of Jesus, who is with us in each moment. Amen.

Spiritual Practice

Praying for Peace

We are focusing on the Enduring Principle of Pursuit of Peace (Shalom). Shalom for Community of Christ is defined as “Led by the Holy Spirit, we work with God and others to restore shalom to creation ” We might describe it as the presence of God’s wholeness and healing peace in the world. By praying for peace for loved ones, the nations of the world, and even those we disagree with, we are focusing our hearts on healthy relationships and the ministry of reconciliation. A Prayer for Peace is offered each day in the Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Missouri, USA. Prayers for Peace are included in worship services, small groups, family camps, and retreats. Praying for peace also can be a spiritual practice.

SACRED SPACE: A RESOURCE FOR SMALL-GROUP MINISTRY

Today we will pray for peace, using the prayer of Saint Francis. Read aloud:

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. Amen

This time, repeat each line after me:

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace; (group repeats) where there is hatred, let me sow love; (group repeats) where there is injury, pardon; (group repeats) where there is doubt, faith; (group repeats) where there is despair, hope; (group repeats) where there is darkness, light; (group repeats) and where there is sadness, joy. Amen. (group repeats)

Invite the group to discuss what hope it has for peace and reconciliation. Close with the following prayer:

Peace be to this house, peace be to all relationships, peace be to all the world. Amen

Sharing Around the Table

James 5:13–20 NRSVUE

Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up, and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. Elijah was a human like us, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth yielded its harvest.

My brothers and sisters, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and is brought back by another, you should know that whoever brings back a sinner from wandering will save the sinner’s soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

Christianity began as a sect of Judaism. Thus, early practices in the Christian church reflected Jewish worship forms such as prayer and song. Prayer is the common denominator in today’s text. James’s church was a praying, singing, and healing church.

Healing traditions, however, were complex and confusing. Gentile healing rituals included practices and rites of magic. Jewish law specified purification rites and examination by priests to authenticate healing for diseases like blindness or leprosy. The Christian community was shaped by the culture around it. People struggled with the variety of healing rituals brought into the early church through diverse cultures and backgrounds.

James cut through the confusion with a simple rite of anointing and prayer. Anointing with oil had long been used by Jews to symbolize the consecration of kings or prophets, dedication of ritual objects, and preparation for burial. Doctors and healers used oil as a balm for bruises, wounds, and blindness. James stressed the symbolic nature of anointing by specifying the elders should be called, and the anointing should be done in the name of the Lord.

James used Elijah as an example of the efficacy of prayer. A prophet from the northern kingdom of Israel, Elijah predicted a drought in the name of Yahweh, countering belief in the Canaanite god of rain, Baal. The drought, and Elijah’s later prayer for rain, dramatized the power of the Israelite God Yahweh over rain and harvest. James was clear that God ended the drought, not Elijah. His prayer was effective because he was “righteous,” seeking things consistent with God’s will.

James urged disciples to restore to the community those who had strayed. James was saying that it is possible to wander, but it also is possible to return. Further, anyone who guides the return of another is blessed and will be forgiven.

Questions

1. What are some ways a person might experience healing? How might some ways be complex and confusing?

2. When have you experienced “healing” (physical, emotional, spiritual)? How did it take place?

3. What role does prayer play in your life? Your spiritual journey?

Sending Statement of Generosity

Beloved Community of Christ, do not just speak and sing of Zion. Live, love, and share as Zion: those who strive to be visibly one in Christ, among whom there are no poor or oppressed.

Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a

The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing, small-group ministries as part of your generous response.

The offering prayer is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn

Community of Christ Sings 232, “Healing River of the Spirit”

Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group

• Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

• Thoughts for Children

Thoughts for Children

You will need:

• globe or some representation of Earth (optional)

Say: Today’s scripture references something that we consider a sacrament in Community of Christ. It is called the sacrament of laying on of hands. When someone is physically, spiritually, or emotionally sick, we can offer a special prayer, using oil.

Sometimes, when people ask for this type of prayer, they want to be miraculously healed. When we offer this sacrament, however, we do so with the understanding that healing takes many forms, and God will not always answer our prayers in obvious or preferable ways. We do not believe the sacraments are magical, fix-all spells. Instead, we view them as an opportunity to connect with God’s immense love for us.

Even when we aren’t participating in the sacrament of laying on of hands, we can pray for healing. Remember, praying for healing does not mean that all of our concerns, problems, or ailments will magically go away. Instead, it means that we are open to the healing Spirit in whatever form it takes.

Today, I want to offer a prayer of healing for the world. Before I offer this prayer, I would invite you to share something you know needs healing in the world.

Form a circle If you have a globe or representation of Earth that can be passed around, use it to indicate whose turn it is to share. Ask everyone to share where or for what they are asking for healing. After everyone has had a chance to share, offer a prayer for healing for each concern raised. In your prayer, be sure to reiterate that healing takes many forms.