3-23-25 Liturgy

Main Theme:  The tongue has the power of life and death.

Opening
Goal: Focus our attention on Jesus and be open to what He wants to do & say in our gathering.

Suggested Practice:
Read Zephaniah 3:17 aloud and thank God that He takes great delight in us and rejoices over us.

Worship
Goal: Make Jesus central in our gathering. This could be done through songs, prayerful scripture reading, communion, etc.

Suggested Practice:
Choose 2 songs to sing together (or listen to) that proclaim words of truth that bring life.

Possible Options:

• King of Kings (YouTube)
• Amazing Grace (YouTube)

____[Dismiss the Kids/Youth]____

Sharing
Goal: To know each other's stories.

Suggested Practice A:
Select one person to answer the following question:

• When was a time that you received an encouraging word? What impact did it have on you?

Suggested Practice B:
Select one person to answer the following question:

• When was a time where you witnessed a friend or family member receive an encouraging word? What impact did it have on them?

Suggested Practice C:
Break into groups of 3 people. Answer the following questions:

• What are you thankful for this week?
• What has stressed you out this week?

Give the groups 10 minutes to answer the question. Encourage everyone to share.

Discussion
Goal: Learn how to follow Jesus in everyday life.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand that speech has positive and negative potential and is often used inconsistently.
• Identify where speech has a significant impact in the biblical story.
• Describe how to cultivate positive speech.

Suggested Practice A:
Possible Questions:

1. Why does speech have the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21)?
2. In the biblical story, where do we see positive, negative and inconsistent words spoken? What is the impact of these words?
3. James understands that “we all stumble in many ways” (3:2) and that “no human being can tame the tongue” (3:8). How does this change our approach to our relationships?
4. James seems to suggest that “right speech” is a measure of our spiritual maturity (3:2). Why does James believe this to be so?
5. In 3:9, James draws on a foundational theological concept that humanity is made in the image of God. All humanity, despite its imperfection, has inherent dignity and value. Why is this understanding critical when discussing our speech?
6. In 3:10, James gives us hope that change is possible. How do we cultivate positive and consistent speech?

Suggested Practice B:
Read James 3:1-12 together. What do you notice? What questions do these words provoke? What does this passage reveal about being a follower of Jesus?

____[Kids/Youth Rejoin Adults]____

Prayer
Goal: Respond appropriately to what Jesus is doing & saying in our gathering.

Suggested Practice A:
Break into groups of 3 people and ask everyone to identify one of their relationships that needs more positive and consistent speech. Pray for these relationships and ask God to transform them in a way that honors Him.

Suggested Practice B:
Lead your Small Church through the following prayer practice:

• Ask God to bring someone to mind who needs to hear a positive word from you.
• Identify the kind of word that they need to receive from you (e.g. an encouragement, “I’m sorry”. “I forgive you”).
• Send a text to that person.

Communion
Goal: Remember Jesus' death and resurrection. Receive strength & joy that He is with us. Renew our hope for Jesus' return and the restoration of creation.

Suggested Practice:

• Distribute bread and juice.
• Read Luke 22:19-20.
• Read the following statement…“the body of Christ has been given, broken for us and the entire world. This bread reminds us that He paid a debt that He did not owe so that we wouldn’t have to pay a debt that we did owe”.
• Eat the bread.
• Read the following statement…“The blood of Christ has been poured out, shed for us and the entire world. This juice reminds us that we have a permanent and unbreakable relationship with Him and that death has no power over us and no power over creation”.
• Drink the juice.

Blessing
Goal: Focus our attention on Jesus and consider what He wants to do & say this coming week.

Suggested Practice:
Read Proverbs 16:24 aloud and pray that your Small Church would be quick to speak gracious words this week.