9:30am Welcome - Rev. Dana Seiler Opening Song - “Praise” - Makenzie Payne Time of Greeting Children’s Time Song - ”Build My Life” Reflection on Words - Karen Brailey Song - “Speak Life” Sermon - “The Power of Words” - Rev. Dana Seiler The book of James challenging because it presents obligations or admonishments in only verses. James contends that faith produces authentic deeds. In other words, if those who call themselves God’s people truly belong to Him then their lives will produce . What are the three metaphors that James uses to describe the importance of controlling the tongue? When have you personally experienced the negative or positive effects of words? In what area of your life can you practice the pause and pray theory? Offering and Prayer Song - “Who You Say I Am” Benediction Prelude - Will Fried Welcome Rev. Dana Seiler *Call to Worship - Karen Brailey Leader: In the beginning was the Word, People: God spoke, and creation came to life. Leader: With our words we bless, but we can also wound; People: So let our words be filled with grace, peace, and hope. Leader: Come, let us worship the God who speaks life into our hearts. People: Let us lift our voices in praise to our Almighty God. Hymn - “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” - #466 - 4 Verses Prayer of Confession: Holy God, you spoke light into the darkness and called creation good. You have given us voices to uplift, to bless, to encourage, and to heal. But we confess, O Lord, that too often our words wound instead of mend. We have spoken carelessly, stirred division, and held back words of grace when they were needed most. Forgive us for the harm our words have caused to those we love, to those we barely know, and even to ourselves. Teach us to speak with kindness, to offer encouragement instead of complaint, and to temper honesty with compassion. By your Spirit, transform our tongues into instruments of peace, we pray in the name of Jesus, Amen. Declaration of Forgiveness Passing of the Peace Reflection on Words Anthem - “A Good and Faithful Servant of the Lord” (Lantz) Sermon - “The Power of Words” - Rev. Dana Seiler The book of James challenging because it presents obligations or admonishments in only verses. James contends that faith produces authentic deeds. In other words, if those who call themselves God’s people truly belong to Him then their lives will produce . What are the three metaphors that James uses to describe the importance of controlling the tongue? When have you personally experienced the negative or positive effects of words? In what area of your life can you practice the pause and pray theory? Anthem - “Earth Song” (Ticheli) - Unity Choir Offering and Prayer of Thanksgiving Doxology Affirmation of Faith - The Apostles’ Creed: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. Hymn - “Open My Eyes” - #324 - 3 Verses Benediction Postlude