Bring Humility #

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, Ordinary Time
When to use: February 1, 2026

Worship Tools #

Worship Outline #

Additional Scriptures

Psalm 15; 1 Corinthians 1:18–31; Matthew 5:1–12

Preparation

Provide each person with the “Make Responsible Choices Challenge” handout and something to write with, either on entry or during the Focus Moment.

Prelude

Welcome

Call to Worship Responsive Reading

Leader: Listen to the good news:

People: God’s blessing is with us

Leader: regardless of what is going on in our lives.

People: Rejoice and be glad.

Leader: Listen to what the Lord says:

ALL: Do justice.

Love kindness.

Walk humbly with our God.

—Based on Micah 6:1–8; Matthew 5:12

Hymn of Gathering

“What Does the Lord Require” CCS 300

OR “What Does the Lord Require of You?” CCS 580

For CCS 580: divide into 3 parts. Begin with the bottom line, then add the middle, then the top.

Invocation

Response

Focus Moment

Called to Make Responsible Choices

Scripture Reading

Micah 6:1–8

Reflection

Project these questions. Allow silent response time, then invite sharing.

What does a person with God dwelling in their heart look like?
How can we live more in God’s presence and thus have more joyful, peaceful lives?
How can we make more responsible choices?

To live joyfully and peacefully, we must respond in new ways. When offense arises, remember God loves all involved and knows the full story. We rarely do.

The Enduring Principle “Responsible Choices” teaches that God gives us agency and hopes we choose well. Good choices bless relationships and creation.

Discuss the “Responsible Choices” handout. Invite all ages to chart choices that bring peace. Set a completion date and plan a follow-up sharing service.

Prayer for Peace

Light the peace candle.

Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 163:3

Prayer

Eternal God, we chose to follow you before; today we choose again. May our choices create peace in your name. Forgive choices out of impatience, selfishness, or greed. Open us to peace through creation care, healthy relationships, and reverence for all that is holy. You call us as a people of peace; grant us fortitude and faith to fulfill the vision. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

Hymn of Response

“Lord, Make Us Instruments” CCS 364

OR “As God Is Joy” CCS 366

Homily

Based on Micah 6:1–8

Disciples’ Generous Response

Statement: Generosity Flows from Responsible Choices

Use these points from the Enduring Principle “Responsible Choices” to frame the message:

God gives humans the ability to choose whom or what to serve. Some experience conditions that diminish their ability to choose.
Human choices contribute to good or evil in our lives and world.
Creation needs redemption because of irresponsible, sinful choices.
We are called to make responsible choices that contribute to God’s purposes.

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

Ministry of Music or Congregational Hymn of Confession

“Creator of Sunrises” CCS 207

OR “For Beauty of Meadows” CCS 142

The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

Communion Message

Invitation to Communion

Access the Invitation to Communion.

Hymn of Preparation

“Coming Together for Wine and for Bread” CCS 516

OR “In the Singing” CCS 519

Communion Scripture

1 Corinthians 11:23–26

Blessing and Serving of Bread and Wine

Scripture of Remembrance and Promise

This shall you always observe to do… in remembrance of my body… If you always remember me, you shall have my Spirit to be with you.

—3 Nephi 8:33–36, adapted

Pastoral Prayer

Hymn of Benediction

“Hallelujah! We Sing Your Praises” CCS 656

Encourage singing in languages other than one’s own.

OR “Now Go in Joy” CCS 659

Congregational Sending Forth

Our God is a Source of blessings.

Our God is a Source of love and justice.

Our God is a Source of wisdom and truth.

We move out in mission through the Creator, Savior, and Source.

Go in peace.

Postlude

Sacred Space: Small-Group Worship Outline #

Gathering

Welcome

Prayer for Peace

Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.
Light the peace candle.

O God of justice and mercy… Make us your peacemakers in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools. Bless and purify our good desires that we may serve your reign. Amen.

—Jim Davis

Spiritual Practice

Walking in the Light

Guide the group through the prompts, pausing ~15 seconds between lines.

May my loved ones be embraced in God’s light.

Pause

May my family walk in the light of Christ.

Pause

May my friend receive the gift of love and light.

Pause

May my acquaintances sense the presence of light through our interactions.

Pause

May the one with whom I am in conflict be surrounded by the light of Christ.

Pause

May my community be blessed by the eternal light of God’s love and grace.

Pause

Amen.

Invite brief sharing.

Micah 6:1–8 NRSVue

[Read the passage.]

Summary: God brings a covenant lawsuit, reminding Israel of divine faithfulness and calling for remembered covenant living. Rituals cannot bridge the gap; the prophet clarifies the requirement: do justice, love kindness, walk humbly with God. Prioritize compassionate human relationships, then walk humbly with God.

Questions

What societal influences prevent authentic relationship with God and others?
How do you sense the Spirit calling you to bring healing and justice to your community?

Sending

Generosity Statement

Faithful disciples respond to an increasing awareness of the abundant generosity of God by sharing according to the desires of their hearts; not by commandment or constraint.

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:9

The offering basket is available for ongoing small‑group ministries. Prayer (Epiphany):

Revealing God, may we always be generous. You gift us with boundless grace and unending love. May our response be humble service to others, and may generosity be our nature. Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn

CCS 300, “What Does the Lord Require”

Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

Communion Scripture

Choose one: 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; Matthew 26:17–30; Mark 14:12–26; Luke 22:7–39.

Communion Statement

All are welcome at Christ’s table… We renew our baptismal covenant and are formed for Christ’s mission. Participate in the love and peace of Jesus Christ.

In preparation, sing CCS 527, “Bread of the World.”

Bless and serve bread and wine.

Thoughts for Children

Materials: paper hearts, washable markers.

Discuss chores and expectations. Connect Micah 6:8 to “be fair,” “be kind,” “be humble.” Invite children to write “I am kind/fair/humble” on hearts and live that message this week. Close with a short prayer of thanks.

Sermon Helps #

Exploring the Scripture

Micah 6:1–8 frames a covenant lawsuit: God prosecutes, creation witnesses, and Israel’s fault is exposed by memory of divine faithfulness. Ritual excess cannot atone; the timeless requirement is justice, kindness, and humility with God. This is not simplistic; living justice and mercy towers above ritual and demands sacrificial love for others.

Central Ideas

Though God’s people have been faithless, God remains faithful.
God continually acts to save and redeem.
God rejects empty ritual; God requires justice, mercy, and kindness.
We are called to live faithfully in covenant, bringing healing and justice.

Questions for the Speaker

How would congregations change if all arrived prepared for thoughtful, covenantal worship?
What societal pressures block righteous relationships with one another and with God? How might we change them?
What sacrifices will you make to improve relationships in family, congregation, and community?

Lessons #

Adult Lesson #

Focus Scripture Passage

Micah 6:1–8

Lesson Focus

We are first required to do justice and to love kindness, then to walk humbly with our God.

Objectives

The learners will…

review Micah 6:1–8,
consider the three requirements named by the prophet,
apply these to mission.

Supplies

Bible
Paper or poster
Pens or pencils
Community of Christ Sings (CCS)

Notes to Teacher

Read “Exploring the Scripture” for Micah 6:1–8 (Year A: Old Testament), pp. 40–41.

Gather

15% of time

Prompt: “What memories do you have of the phrase, ‘What does the Lord require of you…’?” Write the question for all to see.

Engage

35% of time

Introduce the courtroom setting of Micah 6:1–8 and summarize vv. 1–5 (covenant memory) and the people’s exaggerated sacrifice proposals (vv. 6–7).

How would it feel for God to prosecute our modern sins?
What blessings would God cite toward you?

Respond

35% of time

Read Micah 6:8 and unpack “do justice,” “love kindness,” and “walk humbly with your God.” Connect to the mission statement: proclaim Jesus Christ; promote communities of joy, hope, love, peace.

Define “do justice” with local examples and mission needs.
Describe “love kindness” as a way of being aligned with Christ’s mission.
Offer ways to “walk” humbly with God with mission application.

Send

10% of time

Share 1–2 key ideas per group. Identify at least one concrete congregational action linking mission to the three practices.

Bless

5% of time

Sing or read “When the Church of Jesus” CCS 358. Sending: Live justice, kindness, and humble walking in Christ‑focused mission.

Youth Lesson #

Focus Scripture Passage

Micah 6:1–8

Lesson Focus

God requires kindness and mercy toward others and advocacy for justice.

Objectives

The learners will…

explore Micah 6:1–8 in its context,
discern “What does the Lord require of me/us?”,
experience a finger labyrinth,
share words of affirmation.

Supplies

Bibles
Community of Christ Sings (CCS)
Construction paper; markers/colored pencils
Space for three worship stations
“Do Justice” strips (handout)
Finger Labyrinth handout

Notes to Teacher

Read “Exploring the Scripture” for Micah 6:1–8 (Year B: Old Testament), pp. 40–41.

Gather

15% of time

Have four volunteers each read a stanza of “What Does the Lord Require” CCS 300 with brief silent pauses. Ask: What is the hymn challenging us to do?

Engage

35% of time

Introduce Micah’s prophetic role and the lawsuit imagery; read Micah 6:1–2 and 6:3–5; discuss taking blessings for granted; then read 6:6–8 and name the three-fold requirement.

Respond

35% of time

What does the Lord Require — Worship Stations

Station 1: “Do Justice” Statements. Write three local ways to “do justice” (e.g., stand up to bullying, sit with someone new at lunch, serve at a shelter).

Station 2: Kindness Cards. Create a card with affirmations for someone who needs encouragement.

Station 3: Finger Labyrinth. Use the finger labyrinth to reflect on RELEASE, RECEIVE, RETURN.

Send

10% of time

Share about the kindness cards and recipients. Discuss significance and next steps.

Bless

5% of time

Read or sing “What Does the Lord Require of You” CCS 580.