CCLI Number: 2880734
February 1, 2026
Words of Welcome Rev. John Hill
Centering Music “Surely the Presence of the Lord” (UMH #328)
Surely the presence
of the Lord is in this place;
I can feel his mighty power
and his grace.
I can hear the brush of angels’ wings,
I see glory on each face;
surely the presence
of the Lord is in this place.
Call to Worship (based on James 1:2-3, 5-6, 22-25) Rev. Chelsey Hedglin
Siblings in Christ, whenever you face trials, consider it all joy.
We trust that the testing of our faith produces endurance.
If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives generously.
We will ask in faith, confident of God’s response.
Be doers of the word and not merely hearers who deceive themselves.
We will look into the perfect law of love and act.
Affirmation of Faith (adapted from The World Methodist Social Affirmation, UMH #886) Rev. Chelsey Hedglin
We believe in God,
creator of the world and of all people;
and in Jesus Christ, incarnate among us,
who died and rose again;
and in the Holy Spirit,
present with us to guide, strengthen, and comfort.
We rejoice in every sign of God’s kingdom:
in the upholding of human dignity and community;
in every expression of love, justice, and reconciliation;
in each act of self-giving on behalf of others;
in the abundance of God’s gifts entrusted to us
that all may have enough;
in all responsible use of the earth’s resources.
We commit ourselves individually and as a community
to the way of Christ:
to take up the cross;
to seek abundant life for all humanity;
to struggle for peace with justice and freedom;
to risk ourselves in faith, hope, and love,
praying that God’s kingdom may come as it is in heaven.
Amen.
Children’s Moment Emily Brazzel
Prayer of Confession Rev. Chelsey Hedglin
Father of Lights,
We know that every good and perfect gift comes from you.
Yet we have failed to live out the faith you call us to.
We have been double-minded, easily swayed by worldly desires.
We have shown favoritism to the rich and powerful,
neglecting the poor and marginalized in our communities.
From our mouths have come both blessings and curses.
We have been quick to anger and slow to listen.
When we have heard your word, we have failed to act.
Forgive us these sins and help our faith come to life.
Empower us to reflect true religion:
Caring for the needy and keeping ourselves unstained from the world.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Silent Confession
Words of Assurance Rev. Chelsey Hedglin
Hear the Good News: Christ died for us while we were yet sinners. That proves God’s love toward us. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!
Glory to God. Amen.
Prayer for Illumination Emily Brazzel
Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that, as the Scriptures are read and your Word proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today. Amen.
Scripture Reading (James 2:1-13) Emily Brazzel
My brothers and sisters, do not claim the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ of glory while showing partiality. For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Have a seat here in a good place, please,” while to the one who is poor you say, “Stand there,” or, “Sit by my footstool,” have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor person. Is it not the rich who oppress you? Is it not they who drag you into the courts? Is it not they who blaspheme the excellent name that was invoked over you?
If you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well. But if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. For the one who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery but you murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So, speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment will be without mercy to anyone who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.
Response to the Scripture Reading Emily Brazzel
For the Word of God we hear in scripture,
for the Word of God we encounter among us,
and for the Word of God at work within us,
Thanks be to God.
Sermon “Functional Faith: Favoritism” Rev. John Hill
Musical Reflection
Pastoral Prayer Rev. John Hill
The Lord’s Prayer
Invitation to Offer Tithes and Gifts
https://onrealm.org/CrievewoodUMC/Give
Offertory
Doxology (UMH #95)
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise God, all creatures here below;
praise God, above ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Invitation to Discipleship
Closing Hymn “Jesu, Jesu” (verses 1-3, UMH #432)
Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love,
show us how to serve the neighbors we have from you.
Kneels at the feet of his friends,
silently washes their feet,
Master who acts as a slave to them.
Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love,
show us how to serve the neighbors we have from you.
Neighbors are rich and poor,
Neighbors are black and white,
neighbors are near and far away.
Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love,
show us how to serve the neighbors we have from you.
These are the ones we should serve,
these are the ones we should love;
all these are neighbors to us and you.
Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love,
show us how to serve the neighbors we have from you.
Benediction Rev. John Hill