Welcome to a Gathering of EChurch@Wartburg

link

Altar Book, p. 623 -LCMS Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Task Force

Gracious God, our heavenly Father, Your mercy attends us all our days.
Be our strength and support amid the wearisome changes of this world,
and at life’s end grant us Your promised rest and the full joys of Your salvation;
through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our lord,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.

Morning Prayer: Book of Common Prayer

This is another day, O Lord.
I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be.
If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely.
If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly.
If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently.
And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly.
Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus.
Amen.

Methodist Prayer Marie Bernarde Soubirous (1844-1879) link

Lord Jesus Christ, in the loneliness of our journey may we never feel abandoned,
and in the days of our affliction may we know your comfort.
In the hour of our despairing may our faith be strengthened,
our hope fortified, and our love purified; for your own name’s sake.
Amen.

Sermon Scripture: James 3:3-12 NIV

3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

Wade Burleson: A Mouth that Builds, Not Destroys from Emmanuel Enid on Vimeo.

Benediction link

May the love of the Father,
the tenderness of the Son,
and the presence of the Spirit,
gladden your heart
and bring peace to your soul,
this day and all days,
Amen.