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Weekly text: James 2:1-13
Faith focus: Treat everyone fairly.
Visuals: white (and/or blue) worship cloth; open Bible; symbols: heart, road sign, story figure, kazoo or party horn, footprint shape, feather, adhesive bandage, olive branch, puzzle piece, dove, gold ring
Opening prayer: “No favorites” (Together, page 8)
Song suggestions:
"Where Charity and Love Prevail," HWB 305
"Somos el Cuerpo de Cristo (We Are the Body of Christ)," SJ 64
"Confitemini Domino (Come and Fill Our Hearts)," SJ 59
"Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us With Your Love," HS 1065
Children’s time: Ask the children about their favorite food, sport, season, or toy. Listen to their ideas. Say, "We all have favorite things. Sometimes we have favorite friends. Is that okay? But what happens when people aren't treated the same?" Divide the children into two groups (based on eye color, shoes, or breakfast food). Give one group two treats and the other group nothing. Say, "In our Bible story today, some people who are rich are treated better than people who are poor. Do you think this happens today? Sometimes people are treated differently because of how they dress or what color their skin is. God want us to treat everyone the same. What could we do to make our treats fair?" Group one could share with group two. Talk about how we follow God's way of peace when we treat everyone fairly and show everyone respect. God wants everyone to be included.
Find the worship symbol for today (gold ring). It reminds us that whether rich or poor, everyone gets treated equally.
Read the story, "Mattie loved everyone" (Together, page 47), or "Breaking Down Walls" in Plant a Seed of Peace, by Rebecca Seiling (Herald Press, 2007), pages 50-51.
Pray together: "Wonderful God, you created each one of us different but equal in your sight. Help us bring peace to our world by treating everyone with respect and love. Amen."
Scripture reading: James 2:1–13
Sermon seeds: For James, how we treat others is vital. Since God does not play favorites, neither should we. This text shows how favoritism in the faith community acts contrary to God's character and how such action breaks the "law of liberty" which reflects the authentic image of blessing. To be faithful, one must single-mindedly focus on God's agenda of love. How can we treat everyone with respect and love? In what ways do we show favoritism in the church? How are the poor in the world rich in faith? How can mercy triumph over judgment?
Song of response: “Help Us to Help Each Other,” HWB 362
Song: "Bwana Awabariki (May God Grant You a Blessing)," HWB 422
Benediction: May God's peace flow through you as you treat everyone with respect and love. Go in peace. Amen.
