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.
Sharing Around the Table
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.
Do Justice Statements
My “Do Justice” Statement:
I will do justice in my local community by:
- ***
- ***
- ***
My “Do Justice” Statement:
I will do justice in my local community by:
- ***
- ***
- ***
My “Do Justice” Statement:
I will do justice in my local community by:
- ***
- ***
- ***
My “Do Justice” Statement:
I will do justice in my local community by:
- ***
- ***
- ***
My “Do Justice” Statement:
I will do justice in my local community by:
- ***
- ***
- _______
Finger Labyrinth
RELEASE: The journey in — what are you called to shed as you journey deeper into God?
RECEIVE: The center — linger and rest in God’s presence. What is God’s invitation?
RETURN: The journey out — what is God’s call in your life? Who are you becoming?
Children’s Lesson #
Focus Scripture Passage
Micah 6:1–8
Lesson Focus
As disciples, God asks us to use our gifts and treat others with love and kindness.
Objectives
The learners will…
- learn God’s expectations through Micah’s story,
- explore discipleship in Community of Christ,
- identify gifts and ways to use them.
Supplies
- Bible or Lectionary Story Bible, Year A (Milton/Kyle)
- Construction paper, crayons/markers, scissors, glue, stickers
- Large shallow dish (pie plate), milk, food coloring, cotton swab, dish soap
- 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
Invite children to make a poster with their name using supplies placed around the room. Interject playful, ever‑changing rules to create mild frustration, then discuss helpful vs. unhelpful traditions and why meaning matters.
Engage
35% of time
Read Micah 6:1–8 (or “God Speaks through Micah” in the story Bible). Sing lines from CCS 580 and promise: “By the end of class you’ll be able to answer what God requires.” Discuss “practice what you preach.” Do a “choose the action” exercise by moving to sides of the room and brainstorming better alternatives.
Respond
35% of time
Explain covenant and discipleship (All Are Called). Name gifts. Do the “milk and colors” object lesson: small actions can have big effects. Discuss concrete ways to share gifts this week.
Send
10% of time
Retrieve posters. Add: “[Name] has decided to…” and list actions to do what is right, be kind, live humbly, and trust God. Decorate.
Bless
5% of time
Sing “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” CCS 499.