Church Family Moment for Sunday, November 16, 2025

By Director of Spiritual Formation Rebecca Guzman

This week we focus on the fifth Great End of the Church: “the promotion of social righteousness.” Isaiah tells the people that true faith isn’t just about words or worship—it’s about doing justice, freeing the oppressed, and caring for those in need. James reminds us that wisdom from above is “pure, peaceful, gentle, obedient, filled with mercy and good actions.” When what we say in worship matches what we do in daily life, God’s love becomes visible through us.

To Print

1. Read Aloud Story Connection
   Read I Can Make a Difference: A Treasury to Inspire Our Children by Marian Wright Edelman or listen to a read-aloud of one poem. Most libraries have many copies as well! This book is filled with stories, poems, and sayings that show how courage, kindness, and compassion can change the world. As Susan Wills writes, it reminds us—like Isaiah does—that righteousness means doing something to make life better for others, not just saying the right words. (Source: Cece Storypath)
2. Game: Matching Words and Actions
   Try this interactive game inspired by an idea from Carolyn C. Brown. Isaiah insists that what we sing and say in worship should match what we do every day. In this game, you’ll match phrases we say in worship with everyday actions that either do or don’t Talk about what doesn’t fit—and what true worship looks like in action.
3. Craft: Wisdom and Knowledge Plate
   Create a two-sided paper plate craft for James 3:13–18. On one side, write or draw examples of wisdom—kindness, fairness, gentleness, peace. On the other side, write or draw examples of knowledge—facts, learning, or things you know. Talk about how wisdom and knowledge work together when we use what we know to make good and loving choices.
4. Wonder Together
5. I wonder why Isaiah says worship and justice must go together.
6. I wonder what it means to “make a difference” in our world.
7. I wonder how wisdom helps us know what is right.
8. I wonder how God feels when we match our words with our actions