Contents
- Cover & Theme Overview
- Preacher’s Letter — Theme Preface 2026
- Elders’ Letter — The Elders’ Charge
- Sermon Theme Plan — Living the Word: Faith in Action (James)
- 2026 Sermon Calendar (AM/PM Integration)
- Memory Verses for Waupaca
- Daily Bible Reading Plan — Why It Matters
- Weekly Journaling Template
- Monthly Prayer & Meditation
- Who Can I Serve Today? — Monthly Service Prompts
- Congregational Challenge — Faith Working Through Love
- Monthly Family Table Talk
- Benediction — Choose the Path of Faithful Action
- Final Page
Theme Overview
Living the Word: Faith in Action
This year calls the congregation to more than religious talk or private sentiment. It is a focused walk through the Epistle of James, pressing us to let the implanted Word shape what we believe, how we speak, how we endure trials, and how we serve one another in daily life (James 1:21–27; James 2:14–18).
A year devoted to:
- Hearing James clearly and submitting to its call to active, obedient faith (James 1:22; James 2:26)
- Rejecting shallow, cheap, or purely emotional concepts of “faith” (James 2:19–20)
- Building homes and congregational life around visible obedience and steadfast endurance (James 1:2–4; James 5:7–11)
- Training the next generation of workers, teachers, shepherds, and servants (2 Timothy 2:2; Ephesians 4:11–12)
The health, strength, and future of the local church in Waupaca depends on raising and developing leaders in our own midst. In Scripture, leadership is not imported from the outside as a quick fix, but imparted through long, faithful discipleship. Moses was commanded to teach God’s words diligently to the people so that children and grandchildren would fear the Lord and walk in His ways (Deuteronomy 6:6–9). Elders are to shepherd the flock among them, watching for souls and modeling the kind of life others can follow (1 Peter 5:1–3; Hebrews 13:7).
We carry a solemn responsibility in this work. Paul charged Timothy to entrust what he had learned to faithful men who would be able to teach others also, creating a living chain of leadership and service (2 Timothy 2:2). The church is built up when every joint supplies what is needed and every part does its work (Ephesians 4:15–16). Our prayer is that this theme year will help parents, teachers, deacons, elders, and young disciples see themselves as part of that calling—to learn the Word deeply, live it visibly, and grow into leaders who will carry the work in Waupaca for years to come.
This packet brings together:
- A clear explanation of the theme and why James matters now (James 1:22–25)
- A charge from the elders, calling the whole church to “Here am I; send me” service (Isaiah 6:8)
- The full AM/PM sermon plan and calendar for every Lord’s Day (Acts 20:27; 2 Timothy 4:2)
- Memory verses for all ages, tied to the theme of living faith (Psalm 119:11; Deuteronomy 6:6–7)
- A daily Bible reading plan and digital tools accessible through QR links (Psalm 1:2; Joshua 1:8)
- Templates and online resources for journaling, prayer, service, and family teaching (James 5:16; Hebrews 10:24–25; Colossians 3:16)
Use it as:
- A reference guide for the entire year’s teaching and preaching (1 Timothy 4:15–16)
- A home discipleship tool to keep families walking through the same Scriptures (Deuteronomy 6:7; Ephesians 6:4)
- A way to keep hearts, homes, and congregational life aligned with the Word in real, observable action (Matthew 7:24–27; James 3:13)
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the author.
Preacher’s Letter — Theme Preface 2026
Introduction: Why James? Why Now?
We live in a time when many want faith without the weight of obedience. Culture says, “Just believe.” Religion says, “Grace only.” And even among those who claim loyalty to the Scriptures, a quieter message has taken root — one that lowers the call of discipleship, that treats obedience as optional, and that speaks of grace but not repentance, of faith but not faithfulness. But James speaks with Spirit-given clarity: “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (Jas. 2:17).
Our theme for 2026, Living the Word: Faith in Action, is not chosen by accident. It rises from the pressing need to build disciples whose faith is alive, active, and enduring. It is about homes that train their children in wisdom. It is about churches that show the world what faith looks like in action. It is about a people who live the Word, not just hear it (Jas. 1:22).
Every Lord’s Day morning, we will walk carefully through James—expository lessons that demand response. Every Lord’s Day evening, we will anchor those truths in Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Lamentations, and apologetics, so that our minds and hearts are trained to live as disciples in a skeptical world. Together, these lessons will press the Word into action.
Discipling the Young
Young hearts are easily drawn away by voices louder than Scripture. James brings them back to center: resist temptation (Jas. 1:12–15), bridle the tongue (Jas. 3:1–12), walk humbly (Jas. 4:6–10), and live with wisdom from above (Jas. 3:13–18). Proverbs calls the young to “get wisdom” (Prov. 4:7). Ecclesiastes reminds them, “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth” (Eccl. 12:1).
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word.”
— Psalm 119:9
But roots will not grow without presence. To gain the full strength of these lessons, our young must be with the saints. Hebrews 10:24–25 warns us not to forsake the assembling, because it is in gathering that faith is modeled, habits are formed, and examples are seen. Parents, bring your children to every service—morning and evening—so they grow up knowing that faith is lived in the company of God’s people.
Restoring the Faith of the Weak
Some are weary. Some have stumbled. Some have almost given up. James lifts them with hope: “Blessed is the one who remains steadfast under trial” (Jas. 1:12). He calls us to pray for the sick and confess sins so that healing may come (Jas. 5:16). Lamentations weeps, yet sings: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end” (Lam. 3:22–23).
“He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”
— Psalm 23:3
But restoration does not happen in isolation. It happens in the gathering. Hebrews 10:19–39 tells us that drawing near to God and holding fast to our confession is tied to stirring up love in one another—and that cannot be done if we forsake the assembly. Saints, do not stay away. Children, come with your parents. The weary soul regains strength when it sees the family of God stand together.
Strengthening the Faith of the Mature
Even the seasoned can grow comfortable. James warns against presumption (Jas. 4:13–17), pride (Jas. 4:6), and compromise with the world (Jas. 4:4). The mature must keep pressing forward, living out wisdom that is “pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits” (Jas. 3:17).
True faith obeys. True grace transforms. We guard against the quiet drift that empties faith of obedience—where grace is redefined as permission and discipleship becomes optional.
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.”
— 1 Corinthians 15:58
The strong also need the flock. Hebrews 10:36–39 reminds us endurance is not learned alone but in fellowship. Our elders model steadfastness as they watch for souls (Heb. 13:7, 17). Evening lessons will arm the mature with answers against false teaching and humanism, preparing them to give a defense (1 Pet. 3:15). The church grows strong when her strongest members stay close to Christ and close to His body.
Developing Spiritual Leaders for the Next Generation
Faith that lives must also lead. Every generation of the Lord’s people must prepare the next to carry the work forward. We cannot borrow leaders from elsewhere or hope they appear by chance—they must be formed intentionally, from the cradle up.
“And these words which I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children.”
— Deuteronomy 6:6–7
Our children should grow up seeing what service looks like. Boys must learn to read Scripture publicly, lead prayers, and develop hearts that serve. Girls must see in their mothers, teachers, and elder’s wives examples of quiet strength, reverence, and compassion. Every home is a training ground. Every class is a seedbed for future teachers. Every song service is an opportunity to grow the next song leader.
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
— Proverbs 22:6
We must cultivate spiritual leadership early—training teachers, deacons, elders, preachers, song leaders, mothers, and preacher’s wives who live the Word first and then lead others to it. These roles are not titles to be claimed but fruits of years of faithfulness, humility, and growth.
“The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
— 2 Timothy 2:2
When we fail to prepare the next generation of servants, the work weakens. But when we train them early, the church flourishes.
In Him,
Living the Word: Faith in Action — 2026
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the author.
Elders’ Letter — The Elders’ Charge
Faith in Action Begins with Willing Hearts
Isaiah, while witnessing a heavenly scene, heard the Lord ask,
“Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?”
Isaiah then responded with that now often-quoted phrase,
“Here am I; send me.”
(Isaiah 6:1–8)
Powerful words. Words of conviction and commitment that he faithfully backed up with a lifetime of service to God as one of His prophets.
Examples of Service in Scripture
When it was time to gather materials for constructing the tabernacle, God desired offerings from those who had a willing heart (Exodus 35:5), and we’re told:
“Everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit moved him, came and brought the LORD’S contribution for the work of the tent of meeting and for all its service and for the holy garments.”
(Exodus 35:21)
When Abram was seventy-five years old, God called for him to leave his home country of Haran and go to a foreign land where God would bless him greatly. Abraham did as the Lord asked and went on to become one of the great pillars of faith of all time. (Genesis 12:1–5)
During Caleb’s campaign to drive out the inhabitants within his allotment in Canaan, he offered his daughter in marriage to the one who would volunteer to conquer Debir. His nephew Othniel, the son of Kenaz, rose to the challenge. (Joshua 15:14–17)
We see in the early days of the church in Jerusalem that there was some neglect occurring in the daily ministration. To solve this, the church found seven men who would oversee this task so that the apostles could focus on preaching the word. (Acts 6:1–7)
A man named Saul, though very zealous, was on the wrong side of the will of God until that great day when the Lord confronted him on his way to Damascus. The Lord called on him to become a gospel preacher sent to the Gentiles, and Saul answered the call and would now be known as the Apostle Paul, who penned over a dozen books of the Bible. (Acts 9)
In his letter to the brethren in Rome, he makes reference to the numerous Christians who had demonstrated their faithful service. (Romans 16:1–16)
A Call to Faith in Action
These and other scriptural examples serve as a reminder of what faith in action looks like.
This coming year, the elders and Ed have determined to make 2026 a year of taking a closer look at our service to God.
We’ve titled it:
“Living the Word – Faith in Action.”
The book of James will be the primary text, as this book underscores that our faith needs to be more than just idle words. True faith is putting those words into action.
Jesus instructs us to let our light shine—not for self-glory, but as an avenue to draw attention to God and the truth of His word. (Matthew 5:16)
God has called each of us to love our brethren and edify the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:16), and when we show this type of love to the world, they will know we are Christ’s disciples. (John 13:35)
God has also called on us to evangelize the world through the preaching and teaching of His holy word. (Luke 9:60; 2 Timothy 4:2; Romans 10:14–15)
Ways to Serve in 2026
There is no shortage of tasks, nor in the ability God has given us to rise to the occasion.
Here’s a sampling:
- Many among us have poor health — encourage them with a visit or a card.
- Host a song-singing session in your home or start a home Bible study with others.
- Be present at every assembly without fail — it’s good for self and everyone else.
- Make an effort to get to know brethren we don’t know well.
- Find the courage to talk to others about the truth — a classmate, family member, co-worker, neighbor, or even a stranger.
- Take an interest in those who visit our assemblies — share a meal, share the truth, invite them to study.
- Become a Bible class teacher, a deacon, an elder, song leader, or part-time preacher.
- Offer your service to the care of the building and grounds.
A Hymn That Still Calls Us
As M.W. Spencer wrote in the lyrics of Lord, Send Me:
“There is much to do, there’s work on every hand.
Hark! The cry for help comes ringing thru the land;
Jesus calls for reapers, I must active be,
What wilt Thou, O Master: Here am I, send me.”
The Elders
Living the Word: Faith in Action — 2026
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the author.
Preacher’s Letter — Theme Preface 2026
Introduction: Why James? Why Now?
We live in a time when many want faith without the weight of obedience. Culture says, “Just believe.” Religion says, “Grace only.” And even among those who claim loyalty to the Scriptures, a quieter message has taken root — one that lowers the call of discipleship, that treats obedience as optional, and that speaks of grace but not repentance, of faith but not faithfulness. But James speaks with Spirit-given clarity: “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (Jas. 2:17).
Our theme for 2026, Living the Word: Faith in Action, is not chosen by accident. It rises from the pressing need to build disciples whose faith is alive, active, and enduring. It is about homes that train their children in wisdom. It is about churches that show the world what faith looks like in action. It is about a people who live the Word, not just hear it (Jas. 1:22).
Every Lord’s Day morning, we will walk carefully through James—expository lessons that demand response. Every Lord’s Day evening, we will anchor those truths in Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Lamentations, and apologetics, so that our minds and hearts are trained to live as disciples in a skeptical world. Together, these lessons will press the Word into action.
Discipling the Young
Young hearts are easily drawn away by voices louder than Scripture. James brings them back to center: resist temptation (Jas. 1:12–15), bridle the tongue (Jas. 3:1–12), walk humbly (Jas. 4:6–10), and live with wisdom from above (Jas. 3:13–18). Proverbs calls the young to “get wisdom” (Prov. 4:7). Ecclesiastes reminds them, “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth” (Eccl. 12:1).
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word.” — Psalm 119:9
But roots will not grow without presence. To gain the full strength of these lessons, our young must be with the saints. Hebrews 10:24–25 warns us not to forsake the assembling, because it is in gathering that faith is modeled, habits are formed, and examples are seen. Parents, bring your children to every service—morning and evening—so they grow up knowing that faith is lived in the company of God’s people.
Restoring the Faith of the Weak
Some are weary. Some have stumbled. Some have almost given up. James lifts them with hope: “Blessed is the one who remains steadfast under trial” (Jas. 1:12). He calls us to pray for the sick and confess sins so that healing may come (Jas. 5:16). Lamentations weeps, yet sings: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end” (Lam. 3:22–23).
“He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” — Psalm 23:3
But restoration does not happen in isolation. It happens in the gathering. Hebrews 10:19–39 tells us that drawing near to God and holding fast to our confession is tied to stirring up love in one another—and that cannot be done if we forsake the assembly. Saints, do not stay away. Children, come with your parents. The weary soul regains strength when it sees the family of God stand together.
Strengthening the Faith of the Mature
Even the seasoned can grow comfortable. James warns against presumption (Jas. 4:13–17), pride (Jas. 4:6), and compromise with the world (Jas. 4:4). The mature must keep pressing forward, living out wisdom that is “pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits” (Jas. 3:17).
True faith obeys. True grace transforms. We guard against the quiet drift that empties faith of obedience—where grace is redefined as permission and discipleship becomes optional.
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” — 1 Corinthians 15:58
The strong also need the flock. Hebrews 10:36–39 reminds us endurance is not learned alone but in fellowship. Our elders model steadfastness as they watch for souls (Heb. 13:7, 17). Evening lessons will arm the mature with answers against false teaching and humanism, preparing them to give a defense (1 Pet. 3:15). The church grows strong when her strongest members stay close to Christ and close to His body.
Developing Spiritual Leaders for the Next Generation
Faith that lives must also lead. Every generation of the Lord’s people must prepare the next to carry the work forward. We cannot borrow leaders from elsewhere or hope they appear by chance—they must be formed intentionally, from the cradle up.
“And these words which I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children.” — Deuteronomy 6:6–7
Our children should grow up seeing what service looks like. Boys must learn to read Scripture publicly, lead prayers, and develop hearts that serve. Girls must see in their mothers, teachers, and elder’s wives examples of quiet strength, reverence, and compassion. Every home is a training ground. Every class is a seedbed for future teachers. Every song service is an opportunity to grow the next song leader.
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” — Proverbs 22:6
We must cultivate spiritual leadership early—training teachers, deacons, elders, preachers, song leaders, mothers, and preacher’s wives who live the Word first and then lead others to it. These roles are not titles to be claimed but fruits of years of faithfulness, humility, and growth.
“The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” — 2 Timothy 2:2
When we fail to prepare the next generation of servants, the work weakens. But when we train them early, the church flourishes.
In Him,
Living the Word: Faith in Action — 2026
© 2026 Ex Verbo Vitae — Ed Rangel — Waupaca, Wisconsin
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the author.
Elders’ Letter — The Elders’ Charge
The Elders' Charge — Here Am I, Send Me
Faith in Action Begins with Willing Hearts
Isaiah, while witnessing a heavenly scene, heard the Lord ask, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?”
Isaiah then responded with that now often-quoted phrase, “Here am I; send me.” (Isaiah 6:1–8)
Powerful words. Words of conviction and commitment that he faithfully backed up with a lifetime of service to God as one of His prophets.
Examples of Service in Scripture
When it was time to gather materials for constructing the tabernacle, God desired offerings from those who had a willing heart (Exodus 35:5), and we’re told:
“Everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit moved him, came and brought the LORD’S contribution for the work of the tent of meeting and for all its service and for the holy garments.” (Exodus 35:21)
When Abram was seventy-five years old, God called for him to leave his home country of Haran and go to a foreign land where God would bless him greatly. Abraham did as the Lord asked and went on to become one of the great pillars of faith of all time. (Genesis 12:1–5)
During Caleb’s campaign to drive out the inhabitants within his allotment in Canaan, he offered his daughter in marriage to the one who would volunteer to conquer Debir. His nephew Othniel, the son of Kenaz, rose to the challenge. (Joshua 15:14–17)
We see in the early days of the church in Jerusalem that there was some neglect occurring in the daily ministration. To solve this, the church found seven men who would oversee this task so that the apostles could focus on preaching the word. (Acts 6:1–7)
A man named Saul, though very zealous, was on the wrong side of the will of God until that great day when the Lord confronted him on his way to Damascus. The Lord called on him to become a gospel preacher sent to the Gentiles, and Saul answered the call and would now be known as the Apostle Paul, who penned over a dozen books of the Bible. (Acts 9)
In his letter to the brethren in Rome, he makes reference to the numerous Christians who had demonstrated their faithful service. (Romans 16:1–16)
A Call to Faith in Action
These and other scriptural examples serve as a reminder of what faith in action looks like.
This coming year, the elders and Ed have determined to make 2026 a year of taking a closer look at our service to God. We’ve titled it: “Living the Word – Faith in Action.”
The book of James will be the primary text, as this book underscores that our faith needs to be more than just idle words. True faith is putting those words into action.
Jesus instructs us to let our light shine—not for self-glory, but as an avenue to draw attention to God and the truth of His word. (Matthew 5:16) God has called each of us to love our brethren and edify the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:16), and when we show this type of love to the world, they will know we are Christ’s disciples. (John 13:35)
God has also called on us to evangelize the world through the preaching and teaching of His holy word. (Luke 9:60; 2 Timothy 4:2; Romans 10:14–15)
Ways to Serve in 2026
There is no shortage of tasks, nor in the ability God has given us to rise to the occasion. Here’s a sampling:
- Many among us have poor health — encourage them with a visit or a card.
- Host a song-singing session in your home or start a home Bible study with others.
- Be present at every assembly without fail — it’s good for self and everyone else.
- Make an effort to get to know brethren we don’t know well.
- Find the courage to talk to others about the truth — a classmate, family member, co-worker, neighbor, or even a stranger.
- Take an interest in those who visit our assemblies — share a meal, share the truth, invite them to study.
- Become a Bible class teacher, a deacon, an elder, song leader, or part-time preacher.
- Offer your service to the care of the building and grounds.
A Hymn That Still Calls Us
As M.W. Spencer wrote in the lyrics of Lord, Send Me:
“There is much to do, there’s work on every hand. Hark! The cry for help comes ringing thru the land; Jesus calls for reapers, I must active be, What wilt Thou, O Master: Here am I, send me.”
The Elders
Living the Word: Faith in Action — 2026
© 2026 Ex Verbo Vitae — Ed Rangel — Waupaca, Wisconsin
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the author.