June 26th | Empowered... for Mission: Following the God who Gathers | Brian mccounaghy

Zephaniah 3:1-6 & 14-20

What is God’s character regarding forgiveness and justice?

If we are to be Christ like – what are our responsibilities?  What does that look like? 

Why is ministering in areas of justice/injustice different from other areas of ministry?  

Does God take great delight in you? – Why?  

What skills do we really need to serve?  

What does/should the role of “gathering” look like in your life? 

June 12th | Empowered... for Mission: A Harmonious Life | Paul Williams

How “harmonious" does life feel right now? What are (or are not) the required ingredients for a "harmonious life”?

Eugene Peterson writes: "People can think correctly and behave rightly and worship politely and still live badly - live anemically, live individualistically self-enclosed lives, live bored and insipid and trivial lives.” What is your response to this statement?

The first Spirit-filled community in Acts 2.41-47 learned, loved, worshipped and witnessed. To what extent does your faith life reflect these rhythms? What will you do to redress any imbalance?

In his book, ‘The Forgotten Ways’, Alan Hirsch writes: “…for many our critics Christian community has become little more than a quiet and reflective soul-space or a spiritual buzz for people trying to recuperate from an overly busy, consumerist lifestyle. But is this really what the church is meant to be about?” How do you respond to this statement and question?

“Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved” Acts 2.47 (MSG)

Write down the names of three people known to you who do not yet know Jesus. Commit to pray for them each day this month.

How might you share your life with them and witness to God’s love? What (if anything) prevents you from doing this?

Share with your group and invite the Holy Spirit to anoint you for this purpose.

If you are not yet connected to a Community Group or DNA group and would like to know more, please contact the church office.

June 5th | Deep Breath... waiting for Pentecost: Get with the Plan! | Paul Williams

What plans are you making right now? Imagine not making those plans with God’s purposes in mind. How would they change (if at all!)?

Where do you need to hear God’s voice right now? (Guidance, comfort, healing…?)

Read Genesis 1.28; 9.1. The people were united in purpose, enterprise and language (Genesis 11.1-4). Why was the tower an offence against God?

Read Genesis 11.5-9. The people would have felt punished by God, but how in the larger scheme of God’s purposes was it an act of gracious intervention? Can you share an occasion when your plans were seemingly “thwarted”, only for something better to occur?

Key thought: God can (and does) take our most epic failures and acts of rebellion, our misguided intentions and intervenes (using/ redirecting/ transforming them) according to His Kingdom purposes. In what ways does this story and reminder bring comfort, encouragement and hope to you today? How might you share this hope with others this week?

Read Acts 2.1-21. In what ways can you see the "reversal of Babel" in the Pentecost account?

Read Acts 2.17-19. The Spirit is "poured out”. These words carry with them a sense of abundance, and generosity in relation to God’s gift of The Holy Spirit for His people. How might we prepare ourselves to receive in full measure all that God has for us?

Sometimes, our lives can resemble a blocked drain. Our hearts can become hardened to God’s redeeming work in our lives. Take some time to pray in silence and invite the Holy Spirit to reveal where you have been resistant to Him and to God’s plans. Confess these things to God and invite Him to fill you again.

Acts 2.21. How is God inviting you to “get with the plan”? What steps will you take this week to demonstrate your trust in Him?

Take some time to pray for one another.

May 29th | Deep Breath... waiting for Pentecost: Prayer and the Coming of the Spirit | Dan kim

(Please note that there are fewer questions this week so that more time may be spent in prayer. Please see prayer instructions in question 4. Lord hear our prayers!)

1. Please read Acts 1:1-14 and Acts 4:23-31 and take a few minutes to share what stood out to you from either the passages or the Sunday message.

2. In the message, we looked at Luke 18:1-8 where Jesus encourages us to “always pray and not give up”

   • What has been your personal prayer-journey been like?

   • What has helped you in your personal prayer life?

   • Has there been a time where you did not give up and saw God answer a long awaited prayer?

3. In Acts 4:29-30, the church prays for boldness, healings, and signs and wonders. In the sermon we also discussed the gift of prophecy and the reality of spiritual warfare against demons and evil spirits.

   • Have you ever witnessed or encountered these spiritual realities in your life? Healing, prophecy, spiritual warfare, signs and wonders?

4. In Acts 2:4 the disciples are filled with the Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Then in Acts 4, after praying and asking for more of God’s power, these same disciples are powerfully filled again with the Spirit (Acts 4:31)

   • Please take some extended time to pray like the church in Acts 4 and as we did on Sunday. Let’s ask for more of God’s power, gifts, and Spirit as we approach Pentecost coming up this weekend

   • Please also pray for whatever burdens and passions the Spirit has placed in your heart

   • At any point, as people feel led, please also share any personal prayer needs and take time to pray for one another

May 22th | Deep Breath... waiting for Pentecost: The Spirit speaks through the Word | susan reddy

1. How do you respond to the statement that God wants to meet with you and talk to you personally everyday?

2. Read 2 Tim 3:16 and 2 Peter 1:20-21. Do you believe that the Bible contains the very words of God? If you struggle to believe this how could looking at the evidence from the Bible itself such as fulfilled prophesy help you to believe that these words are from God? If these are the Words of God what are the implications for our lives?

3. Read Hebrews 4:12 and Isaiah 55:11. Do you experience God’s Word as “living and active”? How does knowing that God’s Spirit will speak to you through His Word encourage you to open your Bible and ask Him to speak?

4. Read Matt 4:4.  What are you nourishing your soul with?  What intentional choices do you need to make to nourish yourself on God and His Word?

5. Read Col 3:16 Where are you intentionally choosing to study and receive God’s Word with others?

6. For a practical experience of receiving from God’s Word today read Luke 12:29-32. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your ears and heart to hear Him speak and read them again slowly. Allow the verses to dwell in your mind and think about how they apply to your life and what the Holy Spirit wants to say to you through them.

7. How will you respond to the daily invitation of God’s Spirit to hear from Him through His Word?

May 15th | Deep Breath... waiting for Pentecost: Tending the Garden | Edith Rae

1. What small step can you make towards better Creation Care? Be specific and practical.

2. What does C.S. Lewis mean with "we are far too easily pleased?"

3. Discuss implications that "Relationship is at the heart of the universe.

4. “The deep and transformative work of the Spirit is found in the habituated and ordinary practices of the Christian life.” Gordon T. Smith What ordinary and habitual practices would deepen our walk in the Spirit?

May 8th | Deep Breath... waiting for Pentecost: Jesus and the Holy Spirit | paul Williams

1. How would you describe your understanding of the Holy Spirit and His relationship to you? How does this get worked-out on a daily basis?

2. Read Luke 3:21-22. Why did Jesus need to be baptized? What is the significance of this event?

3. ...God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. (Acts 10:38) Jesus lived the perfect life and fulfilled the Father’s will, NOT because he was God, but as a man who lived under the anointing of The Holy Spirit. What are the implications of this truth for us?

4. Jesus enjoyed the "inseparable companionship” of the Holy Spirit through each stage of his life, death and beyond. Can you recall times when you have known the 'close companionship' of the Holy Spirit?

5. Jesus nurtured 'life in the Spirit' through prayer and public engagement. Luke depicts the disciples in Acts actively serving and in prayer (Acts 4:23-31). Theologian Joel Green writes: "Prayer and world-engaging life are woven into the same fabric of life in the Spirit.” What steps will you take this week to nurture and balance life in the Spirit?

6. Take some time to pray. Invite The Holy Spirit to come in power and fill you again that you might know God’s presence and joy, and be emboldened in His Kingdom purposes.

May 1st | Deep Breath... waiting for Pentecost: Waiting for The Spirit to come | Dan kim

1. Please read Acts 1:1-9 and take a few minutes to share what stood out to you from either the passage or the Sunday message.

2. In the message, we talked about the various/different reactions people might have regarding the Holy Spirit.

   • What has been your church background or personal experience in regards to the Holy Spirit? How are you feeling about our church focusing on the Spirit in this upcoming teaching series?

3. In Acts1:4, Jesus tells his disciples to wait for God’s timing of when the Spirit would come and when they would be sent out. The theme of “waiting on God” and the importance of His timing is prominent throughout the Bible. (i.e. Abraham and Sarah waiting for a child, Joseph waiting for his dreams to be fulfilled, David waiting to become King)

   • Have you ever had an experience where you needed to wait on God and then later experienced His provision/fulfillment? If so, please share to encourage others

4. In Acts 1 verses 6-8 the disciples ask Jesus about their main concern/focus which is the restoration of the nation of Israel. However Jesus redirects and reorients the disciples to His priorities for their lives - that they be filled with power through the Spirit and that they bear witness to Him to the world

   • Certainly we can and should bring all our concerns to Jesus; however we also need to make His priorities to be our priorities. How do you think God might be wanting to redirect or reorient the priorities in your own life?

5. In the message we talked about how “bearing witness” to Jesus is more than just evangelism but an all-of-life kind of thing:

   “When we forgive those who have hurt us… we bear witness to Jesus

   When we care for the poor, the hurting, and the broken… we bear witness to Jesus

   When we go to our jobs and do our work with excellence and a heart of service… we bear witness to Jesus

   When we seek to be peacemakers in our relationships with co-workers, family, and friends… we bear witness to Jesus”

   • When you think about this call to bear witness to Him, what people or what area of your life comes to mind for you?

6. The scriptures show us that being “filled with the Spirit” is not just a one-time event (see Acts 2:4 & Acts 4:31) but a continuing call everyday of our lives (see Ephesians 5:18). The Bible also teaches us that we can quench or grieve the Spirit, or we can be “full of” the Spirit.

   • Please take some time to pray for what God might want to do in our church through this series on the Holy Spirit, leading up to Pentecost

   • Please also share any other prayer requests and pray for one another

april 24th | the next week | Susan reddy

Read John 20:24-29

1. How do you respond to Thomas’ skepticism over the claims by the other disciples that they had see Jesus risen from the dead?

2. How does the comment that doubt is not an absence of faith (because we must believe something before we can doubt it) change your perspective about doubt?

3. Has something in your life led you to doubt God or His love or power in your life? How did that make you feel? How did God meet you in your doubt?

4. If you are currently in a season of doubt how could you use the tools you heard in the sermon to help you move forward in faith? Where do you need to be like Thomas as he struggled with his doubt? Will you tell God what you need to believe?

5. Jesus invites us to stop doubting and believe and receive resurrection life. Have you turned in faith to Jesus? Do you believe that His death paid the price for your sin and His resurrection gives you victory? In what area of your life do you need to lean on Him for victory?

6. How would you describe your life? Are you living the resurrection life of peace and joy that Jesus died and rose again to give you? If not, will you tell Jesus what you need to enter more fully into the flourishing and fullness of life He wants and has for you?

April 10th | Palm sunday: the triumphal entry | Mike Bennett

1. Consider a time you wanted something that you felt would help your immediate need. What was it? Upon reflection how did it meet or not meet your needs at the time?

2. If Jesus showed up in person in the midst of all that you are facing, what would your "immediate task" be for him?

3. In john 16:23-26, Jesus invites his followers to live sacrificially like he did. He then promises that they will come into the very presence of the father with him and that they will be honored by the father. How could you use the Father's presence and affirmation today in whatever you are facing?

april 3rd | "BEFORE I GO..." NOTES FROM THE UPPER ROOM: I Will Turn Your Grief into Joy | paul williams

What would you choose to avoid, or erase from existence right now? What difference would that make?

Jesus knew the disciples’ fears (v19). What encouragement do you find through Jesus knowing your emotions, pains, worries, and fears?

When we see people heading towards hurt we tend to do all we can to spare them from pain - but 'we cannot mature emotionally or spiritually if someone is always replacing our 'broken toys’!’

What do you notice about Jesus’ words to his disciples? How do Jesus' words in these verses reassure the disciples despite the pain and suffering to come? What confident assurance does Jesus give in John 16:20 regarding the disciples' sorrow?

Jesus uses the analogy of a woman giving birth to explain and encourage the disciples to endure (John 16:21). At the hour of birth, she experiences extraordinary and excruciating pain, but immediately upon seeing the child, that pain is eclipsed. The pain is not removed, but it is transformed. Jesus says she "no longer remembers the anguish." Why?

What is the good news about the joy Jesus offers in John 16:22b?

'Only Christianity, of all the world's major religions, teaches that God came to earth in Jesus Christ and became subject to suffering and death himself. See what this means? Yes, we do not know the reason God allows evil and suffering to continue, or why it is so random, but now at least we know what the reason is not. It cannot be that he does not love us. It cannot be that he does not care.' - Tim Keller

Consider your own trials, adversity, and suffering. What fears do you have? Do you feel able to bring those feelings to God? (vv23-24) What does your answer to those two questions reveal about your heart?

The Cross was a symbol of cruelty, shame, suffering and defeat but through Jesus’ death and resurrection, God has transformed The Cross into a symbol for victory, for life, for hope, and for love. Through the Cross, we are reminded that:

• God is in control, and He cares for us (Phil. 4.6-7; 1 Peter 5.7)

• God brings beauty from ashes, (Isa. 61.2-3; Rev. 21.5)

• God can transform the worst situation for good (Gen. 50.20)

• God wastes nothing (Joel 2.25; Ps. 43.5)

• God has the best for you (Jer. 29.11; Isa. 64.3-4)

Which of these truths do you need to remember today?

MARCH 27TH | "BEFORE I GO..." NOTES FROM THE UPPER ROOM: I have also experienced the hate of the world | Edith rae

1. Why were the religious leaders and others opposed to Jesus to the point of wanting to kill Him?

2. What did C.S.Lewis mean when he said about Aslan: He is not safe, but He is good."

3. In what ways have you experienced opposition or pressure because of your faith?

4. What is the Christian view on suffering? Why is there suffering?

5. Share some Bible stories of people of God who stood up under persecution.

6. What does Dr. Paul Brand and Philip Yancey mean by "the gift of pain"?

7. How should we respond to suffering? How does God redeem it?

8. Pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters globally

MARCH 20TH | "BEFORE I GO..." NOTES FROM THE UPPER ROOM: I am the true vine | Mike Bennett

1. What are some ways you have found most productive in your attempts to abide with Christ? What challenges you about this process?

2. What areas of need could you use Jesus' voice of love to fill? What are other ways you are tempted to fill these needs on your own?

3. Consider your response to this quote: "God doesn’t allow us to have a deep need which he can’t provide for himself in a primary way"

4. Spend time abiding with Christ this week. Notice what challenges you face to do so. Notice what words of life you receive from Jesus as you attempt to meet with him.

MARCH 13TH | The healing of shame | Andrew Williams

The Healing of Shame: John 8:1-11                     

 2 At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.  9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Discussion Question 1:

 “There is appropriate shame. This is perhaps more accurately described as remorse. It is the kind of shame, or Godly sorrow, that moves us closer to God. Toxic Shame is altogether different. It is highly debilitating and will seek to move us further away from God. There is no one definition of toxic shame. It distinguishes itself by a deep sense that we are somehow not enough. That we are unacceptable because of something we did, something done to us, or something associated with us.” 

Can you make the distinction between Godly sorrow and toxic shame in your own life?

Discussion Question 2:

“Toxic shame is pervasive. It stalks in disguise beneath a myriad of other problems – for example anger, fear, addiction, isolation and the absence of hope and joy. Shame has the power to attach and embeds itself within our souls. We come to believe that it is the truth about us. It is adept at sounding just like our own voice. It can be an insidious and constant assault.”

How well does this describe your own experience of toxic shame?

 Discussion Question 3: The writer, Norman Vincent Peal, wrote,

“Once walking through the twisted little streets of Kowloon in Hong Kong, I came upon a tattoo studio. In the window were displayed samples of the tattoos available. On the chest or arms, you could have tattooed an anchor or flag or mermaid or whatever. But what struck me with force were three words that could be tattooed on one's flesh: “Born to lose.” I entered the shop in astonishment and pointing to those words, asked the Chinese tattoo artist, “Does anyone really have that terrible phrase, “Born to lose”, tattooed on their body?” He replied, “Yes, sometimes.” “But” I said, “I just can't believe that anyone in his right mind would do that.” The man simply tapped his forehead and said in broken English, “Before tattoo on body, tattoo on mind.”

What has shame caused you to wrongly believe about yourself. What do you think Jesus has to say in response to those lies?

Discussion Question 4:

How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! Hebrews 9:14

For our guilt, through the blood of Christ, the Lord redeems us by His mercy. Through the blood of Christ, the healing of our shame often follows an encounter with His compassion.

How did the woman accused of adultery encounter the compassion of Jesus?

Are there episodes in our lives where God has met our guilt with His mercy, yet we still feel the sting of shame? Is it possible that we have looked past Jesus’ compassion for us? How might we encounter His compassion in connection with our own shame?

 Question 5: Of the woman accused of adultery, and her encounter with Jesus, Raniero Cantalamessa wrote,

 “Jesus came, especially to redeem human beings from this situation, to manifest to them how much they are loved for themselves freely without any preconditions…[Jesus] reveals to her that He does not love her the way others have, that is to possess her or use her like refuse. He makes a gift of love wholly directed toward her…to recover her identity as a beloved child of God…the way the Father always made her to be.”

 In John’s account (John 8:1-11), how is Jesus seeking to make His gift of love to you? How is He speaking to your heart? What new ground is He seeking to take in the recovery of your identity as His beloved child?

MARCH 6TH | "Before I go..." notes from the upper room: I am the way, the truth and the life | Paul Williams

"What kind of Christians are we?” How would you answer that question? (No jargon please!)

PERSEVERE: The way of Jesus is not an easy road…

John 14:1 Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.

Jesus was about to go to the Cross, yet he spent his final hours with the disciples sharing words of comfort to them. Why might the disciples have been "troubled of heart”?

What troubles your heart? How do current events and circumstances shape and influence your belief in God?

"HOPE is faith standing on tiptoes” keep the end in sight!

Read John 14:2-4; Hebrews 12:2-3:

There’s a place reserved for you! In what ways does this assurance affect how you live your life each day?

"Who could mind the journey when the road leads to home?” What makes it so hard to seek first the Kingdom (Matthew 6:33)?

GRACE: the means to the end!

John 14:6 “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

"It’s not about religious ceremonies, practices, rituals, service or our performance"

Jesus does not simply point the way and leave us to it; He is the way. How does this truth liberate us from the bonds of religion? Why do so many people struggle with the second part of this verse? What is your response?

LOVE: the way to The Father

Read John 14.7-11

(v8) Where and how would you like God to show up right now? What have you learned about your faith in God when He doesn’t act or respond in the way you hope and pray?

What do Jesus’ words and works reveal about The Father?

POWER: The Father’s way to us!

Read John 14:12-14

Through Jesus, we receive revelation, salvation and blessing from The Father. How might you share the way, the truth and the life with others?

‘PERSEVERANCE', ‘HOPE', ‘GRACE', ‘LOVE' AND ‘POWER'… which of these do you most need right now?

Jesus said we can 'ask [Him] for anything in [His] name'… what do you need to ask Him? What’s stopping you? Take a moment to sit in silence. Invite The Holy Spirit to guide you in your prayers. What is He showing you? How will you respond?

February 27th | as jesus loved: forgive | Paul williams

Forgiveness has the same root word as “grace”. To forgive “as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13) is to extend grace to others as His grace has been extended to us - freely, generously, and without measure. Take some time to reflect upon your own journey of forgiveness. What has been your experience of receiving and extending forgiveness? 

ead Matthew 18:21–35: Several times in his parables, Jesus insists that the readiness to forgive others is a sign of true repentance. What are your limits to forgiveness?  

Forgiveness brings freedom, healing and joy. Why then do we find it so difficult to forgive? What can we do in response to this?

To what extent is forgiveness a duty? 

Read John 13:1-15: Reflect on what Jesus did for his disciples. What was the significance of this? How did the disciples react? 

Look at your feet (or your shoes if you prefer!) Where have they carried you this past week? What have you picked up along the way? Take a moment to picture yourself in the upper room, with Jesus kneeling before you. Imagine the sound of the water filling the bowl, the sensation of your bare feet on the floor, and the touch of Jesus’ hand as He begins to wash your feet. Why does he do this for you? How do you respond to this gracious act? 

Forgiveness is part of the mutual relationship of believers: since we are all dependent upon God’s forgiveness, we are all required to forgive one another. Invite the Holy Spirit to examine your heart and reveal where you have withheld forgiveness to someone who has hurt you. Ask The Lord to help you. Decide what steps you will take today to begin this journey of forgiveness and healing.

February 20th | as jesus loved: Serve| Daniel kim

Galatians 5:13

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”

1. Read Galatians 5:13 and take a few minutes to share what stood out to you from either the scripture passage and/or the Sunday message.

2. The apostle Paul tells us that we are set free from the Jewish system of laws and sacrifices. We are saved by grace, not by our own good works.

   • When did you first experience this grace in your life?

   • How does God continue to show his grace to you?

3. In the message, we learned that the Christian life is not about following a rigid list of laws/commands, rather we are to be “Led by the Spirit”.

   • Please discuss ways in which you may have experienced God’s leading in different moments/decisions in your life.

4. As Christians, we are called to follow the example of Jesus and humbly serve others.

   • Who are those people in your life that you think God is calling you to serve?

   • Is there an opportunity for your Community Group to serve together somehow?

5. As the Holy Spirit leads us and calls us to various things, often times fear/worry/anxiety can hinder us from obeying what God is calling us to do.

February 13th | as jesus loved: Devoted | mike bennett

1. When has someone been really devoted to you?

   Consider a situation where ...

   a) you didn’t earn it but they gave freely?

   b) you didn’t deserve it, through your inaction or poor actions, but they gave freely with love?

   c) someone expressed devotion to you in a way that shaped you at a key time in your life or is doing so currently

2. Read Romans 12:9-21. Of the many commands here to express love in interpersonal relationships, describe an example where God helped you achieve this.

3. Which commands from Romans 12:9-21 do you need the Lord's help with and why?

4. Pray to invite the Holy Spirit to fill you in a fresh way with his spirit of love for others.

February 6th | as jesus loved | paul williams

Take a few minutes to share what stood out to you after reading the passage and hearing the message.

1. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13.34) In what sense is Jesus’ command new? How is it different to the commandment in Leviticus 19.18?

2. In the message, we considered Jesus’ love as “sacrificial” (v31-32); “tender” (v33); "visible/ tangible” (v35); and “gracious” (v36-38). How have you experienced His love this week?

3. To love “as Jesus loved” is hard! Yet, Jesus said we will be known as his disciples, by our love for one another (v35). What opportunities have you had to share his love? Who does he mean by “one another”?

4. Take some time to pray. Begin in silence and invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in your prayers "for one other." Pray for those The Lord is placing on your heart and ask Him to show you how you might demonstrate his love.

5. In what ways is The Lord challenging you? What steps will you take this week in response to what He is laying upon your heart?

January 16th | Lord teach us to pray: Rejoice | Dan Kim

1. What is one thing the Holy Spirit highlighted to you during the message?

2. This week we focused on the first two statements in the Lord's prayer: 1) "Our father in heaven" and 2) "Hallowed be thy name". Which of these ideas do you find easier or harder to grasp? Is there one that you want to grow and lean into?

3. The message ended with a list of the many names and titles we have for Jesus. Please share and discuss: Who has Jesus been for you? What has he done in your life? What does Jesus mean to you?

january 9th | Lord teach us to pray: Pause | Paul williams

december 12th | come to worship… Empty handed | susan reddy

1. How does knowing that the first people to hear of the Saviour’s birth were humble shepherds impact your understanding of God and what He values?

2. What message does Jesus humble birth convey to you? 

3. Why was the baby in the manger such good news for all people?  How did Jesus bring peace?

4. Is there something getting in the way of you coming to Jesus? Why do we need to come to Him empty handed like the shepherds?  How have you responded to His invitation to come to Him just as you are?   

5. As a believer in Jesus, what might you need to let go of in order to receive all He has for you? 

6. After the shepherds met Jesus, they could not contain their contagious joy and went and told everyone that they had met the Saviour.  Does your life convey contagious joy because you know Him? Who do you need to go and tell of the Saviour in the manger?

7. Is all the frenetic activity in your life and especially around Christmas robbing you of joy and peace?  Jesus’ mother Mary had joy as she sat and pondered all that God was doing. How could sitting and pondering God’s faithfulness and love to you this Christmas help you rekindle your peace and your joy in your Lord? 

This Christmas season will you and I come empty handed and fall on your knees and worship the One who was born to save us?  And will we proclaim His name, His power and His glory and tell anyone who will listen how to find their Saviour?

december 5th | come to worship… in the company of heaven | David morgan

November 28th | come to worship… As Those Who are Blessed | Edith rae

1. How is God's Kingdom counter-culture and subversive?

2. "We know ourselves best in community." Do you agree with this statement? Talk about how community helps us understand ourselves and God better?

3. Think of ways we "oppress and exploit the poor" with our chosen lifestyle. Consider where our stuff comes from, who makes it, and where it ends up. Share alternative ways of living a more sustainable and God-honoring life. Make it very practical, share small doable steps in the right direction.

4. Mary sang:" My soul magnifies the Lord!" What does it mean to magnify our God? Share some practical ideas of making Him bigger in your life, in the midst of our unique circumstances.

5. Talk about the wonderful encounter between Elizabeth and Mary. How did the Old and New Covenant meet, and how did it result in joy?

november 21st | Gain or Loss? Counting the Cost | Susan Reddy

Reread Luke 9:19-27; 57-62

1. There were many opinions about who Jesus was when He was here on earth.  Some thought he was a great teacher, others a prophet, some rejected him completely and a few recognized He was the Messiah.  Who do you say Jesus is?

2. Jesus told His disciples that He had come to suffer and die and on the third day be raised to life?  What does it mean to you to know that God knew the cost of rescuing us from sin before He created mankind, yet created us anyway?  How do you respond to the truth that Jesus died for your sins?

3. Jesus warned His disciples and followers of the cost of following Him. Does the truth that as followers of Jesus we are to expect suffering help or shock you? What does it mean to you to pick up your cross daily and follow Him?

4. Has following Jesus ever cost you anything? 

5. There is not just loss or suffering in following Jesus but also great sweetness and gain.  How have you gained and experienced the sweetness of following Jesus?

6. Do you treasure Jesus enough to pick up your cross and follow Him wherever He leads you?

7. How does it encourage you to know that Jesus understands how hard it is to pick up your cross and that He sees everything, loves you, and will empower you to follow Him on His path for your life?

november 14th | in thin air | andy perrett

1. What response did the message evoke in you?

2. What feelings did you have after hearing the message?

3. As Andy’s encouragements, how can we remind ourselves to intentionally follow Jesus everyday?

4. If there’s anything you would like to share with Andy, please visit caringbridge.org/visit/andy.perrett to leave him a message. Thank you!

november 7th | Daughter, arise! | David Morgan | Luke 8:40-56

1. What is your posture when you think of Jesus? When you pray? When you worship? Does it reflect his worthiness of our facedown-in-the-ground hearts of worship?

2. What has been your experience with faith in God? How have you ever felt let down by him? What does it mean to you, the difference between having faith in Jesus - in who he is, rather than faith in what he can or will do?

3. What does being a child of God mean to you? How does that impact your identity, and how you go about life?

october 31st | The Love of the Forgiven | PAUL WILLIAMS | Luke 7:36-50

Before you begin... take a moment to reflect on your intention as you come to this time. Consider how you are "showing up" to meet with Jesus (tired, hurting, weary, doubting, curious, hungry, content, grateful, anxious…)? and acknowledge that before Him. Invite The Holy Spirit to fill and guide you.

Read Luke 7:36-50. What stands out to you as you read the passage?

“The unwelcome guest” Have you ever been made to feel like the unwelcome guest? How did it feel? In what ways did the behaviour and attitudes of others create barriers to you feeling welcome? Who might you struggle to welcome at the table? In what ways does this story challenge you?

A tale of two sinners...“Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.” v41By little or by much… we are all debtors. What are the ways in which you have expressed your gratitude to God this week, for all that he has done for you?

"Testimony Envy” Have you ever “envied" another person’s testimony? When was the last time you shared your testimony? Can you share it with your group? How easy is it for you to do so? What opportunities will you have to share your testimony this week?

"Which of them will love him more?” Luke 7:42 In the message I highlighted 3 possible steps to rekindle and express our love for Jesus: i) Refocus on Him ii) Confession iii) Action
*You may find it helpful to refer to Mark Anderson’s material: '3 habits for a deeper life’ to guide you in your prayers.

How will you "love [Jesus] more” this week, in response to all that He has done? 1 John 4:19

“...her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown.” v47What is the most reckless thing you have done for Jesus? Although the woman said nothing, her actions clearly expressed her love for Jesus. How might you love recklessly for Jesus this week?

october 24th | formed to love | steven gomez | Luke 6:31-49

1. What has formed you in your spiritual life? Think of mentors, communities, worship songs, disciplines, etc.

2. Do your spiritual practices (prayer, worship, Bible reading, etc) point you towards love, both of yourself and others?

october 17th | through the roof | edith rae | Luke 5:1-17-26

The healing of the Paralytic Man

1. How would you describe the attitude and actions of the paralytics’ friends?

2. Reflect on your own desire to introduce friends to Jesus. Share reasons that hold us back, and ways we could be more intentional and creative to overcome obstacles. 

3. Talk about who the Pharisees and Scribes were, their motivations and attitudes, and share how we are often guilty of the same. How do we at times display a pharisaical spirit? Share ways we could become more attuned to seeing Jesus in our everything. 

4. In what ways did Jesus fulfill and replace the sacrificial system of the Old Testament?

5. Why did the healing of the leper put Jesus on the religious leaders’ radar? 

6. How has your life changed as a result of knowing Christ and being forgiven. Recount practical changes in your attitudes and actions, even very small ones, you see in your daily walk. 

7. Who do you need to forgive? And how can contemplating how Christ forgave you help you to more freely extend forgiveness to others?

8. Edith shared one small consistent habit she incorporated into her life to help her stay connected and grow in Christ. Share some of your habits that help you to grow in your faith, and share ideas of habits or disciplines you could start implementing.

october 10th | Don't Be Afraid | paul williams Luke | 5:1-11

Peter's Call to Follow Jesus through the Miraculous Catch of Fish

Reflection Questions:

5:3 Share a time when Jesus asked you to do something inconvenient, costly, or uncomfortable.

5:4 Share a time when Jesus asked you to do something really counter-cultural or foolish.

How do we navigate moments like this? As new believers? As seasoned followers of Rabbi Jesus?

5:8 Peter puts 2 and 2 together and realizes WHO is sitting with him in his boat, filling it with a jackpot of fish.

Does Peter's response of wanting to get away from Jesus seem weird ... or make sense to you? Maybe have a look at John 3:19-21.

As honestly as you can, share how you respond to unexpected grace and goodness from God to you today. How do you navigate this tension?

5:10 Jesus tells Peter not to be afraid. This is pretty close to the core message of Jesus: "Hey, don't be afraid, don't fear God. Trust that He is here and sees you and loves you and wants to have you join Him!". What do you think Peter was afraid of?

What is Jesus offering Peter here?

What is Jesus asking Peter to give up?

5:11 Peter, Andrew, James, and John all leave EVERYTHING and follow Jesus from that moment on.

What exactly are they walking away from?

What are they choosing instead?

Does this bold, costly choice resonate with you in any way today?

In 2 Peter 1:3,4 this same Peter, now the fisher-of-men, lays out 2 things that God gives us:

1) everything we need for a godly life (and this comes from knowing Jesus!)

2) His great promise that we might participate in His divine nature (of love, not fear... of being included, not excluded ... so including, not excluding)

Looking at the life of Peter, these promises get fulfilled in us not overnight, but over the course of years.

How are you participating in this divine nature today?

What is your longing or your prayer?

october 3rd | god’s hometown | Luke 4.14-26

1. Jesus went home with the clear intention to share God's mission of mercy and justice with them fully knowing how their history, culture and possibly hard hearts might react. Talk together about who represents your "home" people who God might be calling you to share the gospel of Jesus with. What resistance or barriers do they face to responding to Jesus that you might have to face? Talk and pray about the obedience to go to them like Jesus did to his home.

2. Compare Isaiah 61:1-2 with Jesus' version of the same scripture in Luke 4:1-2.

Talk about your reactions and feelings towards this kingdom of God manifesto Jesus gives. Share about any attempts you've made to align your life with Jesus' priorities along with any successes or failures you've encountered.

3. In Luke 4:25-27 Jesus gives two examples of people who repented towards Yahweh by taking surprising actions of obedience. See Kings 17:1-6 and 2 kings 5:1-15 for a full account of those stories.

What do you think about how they respond to the prophet's call to obey God?

If repentance means continually re-orienting your life and lifestyle to God's kingdom, talk and pray about areas God is calling you to repent so that you can more fully walk in his ways of the kingdom

September 26th | Finding Grace & Mercy in Times of Need | Luke 4.1-13

1. Read through the text together. What stands out to you?

2. What do you notice about the enemy’s attack on Jesus? How did Jesus respond?

3. Which areas in your life and walk with Jesus is the enemy prone to attack? How does God equip us to overcome? Can you share an example?

4. Recognize! Refuse! Resist! (The R’s of Spiritual Warfare, RT Kendall)

i) How do you recognize and discern between God’s leading, and the devil’s [mis]leading?

ii) To “refuse” is to choose not to dwell on these thoughts when they fill our mind.

5. Jesus overcame - and He enables us to overcome. But what about the times when we fall short? Read through the following texts:

Hebrews 2.18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Hebrews 4.14-16 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Romans 8.35, 38-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

i) What encouragement do you take from this?

ii) Take a moment to pause. Pray silently and invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you.

What lies have you begun to believe about yourself? In what situations or relationships have you begun to question God’s love? Where has your faith been challenged? In what situation or relationship is God asking you to have hope and trust Him again? Where do you need to experience His love, grace and mercy once again?

Take a moment to pray in silent confession to God and receive His forgiveness.

6. How might you share this message of God’s love, mercy and grace this week?

AUGUST 29TH: just give me a minute | Paul Williams | Mark 1:35-39

1. Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 4.35
Jesus regularly took time aside to be alone and enjoy communion with His Father. In what ways do you “press pause” to renew your strength? How does God meet with you in these times/ places?

2. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”

Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come. Mark 4.36-38

Returning to work, school, a new college/ job, family demands, relationships, financial pressures, health issues… this is a busy time! With so many demands, where is God inviting you to go with Him? What is important to you in this season? What do you need to lay down?

Jesus understood His dependence upon His Father to discern The Father’s will amidst the many demands upon Him. Aside from time alone with God in prayer and the scriptures, how else do you discern His voice and direction for your life? What other supports and resources do you have? What extra support do you need?

3. “Be Still, and know that I am God” Psalm 46.10

To “be still” before God is to lay down our weapons and our best efforts, to cease from striving and surrender our lives (and whatever challenge or situation we are facing) to Him. What do you need to surrender to God right now? What makes it difficult for you to do this?

4. “Can you just give me a minute?”

How might you “give God a minute” this week? What typically prevents you from doing so? What will you do about this? What small step could you take this week?

AUGUST 15TH: PSALM 126 | steven gomez

A Possible Pattern for Lament Prayer (From Psalm 126)

1. Reflect on anything that's causing you personal pain or sorrow or anguish right now. It's okay if it's small; even the little cracks reveal the brokenness of the world. Bring this before God and name it in words.

2. Think of a time when the pain wasn't there, when life was good and God felt near. If there's a specific memory, go to that. Try to remember why that felt good and what about that memory is lacking now.

3. Take time to recognize or at least affirm that God is in fact near to you right now, and pray that He would restore what is lacking, or at least your sense of hope and trust in His goodness. Read Psalm 126 (or another lament psalm that resonates).

Recommended Reads:

W. David O. Taylor, Open and Unafraid: The Psalms as a Guide to Life

Tish Harrison Warren, Prayer in the Night: For Those Who Work or Watch or Weep

Malcolm Guite, Love, Remember: 40 Poems of Loss, Lament and Hope

august 8th: psalm 25 | Andy perrett

1. Take a moment to reread Psalm 25.

   Think together for a moment about the situation that David,  the writer of the Psalm,  found himself in. In what ways can you relate to the challenges he was facing?

2. How does David respond to his challenges?   What does “lifting up my soul”  to God mean for you?  

3. What are the characteristics of God that you particularly need in your current situation? Are God’s grace or forgiveness limited?

4. How might you and perhaps your community group be praying for God to “guard your life and rescue you” in your current situation?

august 1st: The Danger in Prosperity | Andy perrett | Deuteronomy 30: 11-20

1. Take a moment to re-read Deuteronomy 30: 11-20. What do you notice about the passage, particularly when it comes to choices?

2. Prosperity is seen as God’s blessing in the Old Testament.   It is part of the covenant agreed between God and the people of Israel.   As such it was a kind of litmus test for whether or not they were keeping their commitment to follow Him.  In the New Testament,  God’s blessing is understood in much more relational language.   We have access to the Father through the work of Jesus on the cross.   Prosperity (in financial terms) may or may not be a sign of God’s favour. As you think about prosperity (in financial terms)   what are the good things about it and what are the dangerous things?

   3. Times of pressure and uncertainty (like the pandemic we are living through)  sometimes lead to a time of excessive spending and luxury  (like the Roaring Twenties).    How will you “choose life”  and resist the temptation to self-indulgence?

   4. What good opportunities are you seeing to make a difference with your giving to bless others and bring lasting change to our needy world?

July 25th: Loving God is the key! | susan reddy | Deuteronomy 6:1-8

Reread Deuteronomy 6:1-8

1. Why is Moses so concerned to see the people of Israel obey God when they enter the Promised Land? Why does he link thriving with obedience?

2. What does it mean to love God with your whole heart, soul, and strength? What does this look like practically in life? Why does God want us to love Him this way?

3. In what ways does disobedience to God betray a lack of love for Him?

4. What are your feelings towards God in this season of your life? What is causing you to feel this way towards Him?

5. How have you seen God give you His “manna” in your season of wilderness wandering during the pandemic?

6. What unknowns are you currently facing? How could cultivating your love for God help you to trust Him as you enter them?

7. Moses was very concerned that the people of Israel teach their children to love and obey God. What would it look like for you to “talk and walk” with the children (physical or spiritual) God has brought into your life to help them know and love God?

Suggestions to help you cultivate your love for our beautiful Lord:

• Spend some time in listening to Christian worship music and worshipping God for who He is.

• Spend some time in prayer worshipping God and thanking Him for what He has done for you.

• Then as you present your requests to Him remember who you are and how much He loves you.

July 18th: Don’t Forget! | PAUL WILLIAMS in conversation with LESLEY-ANN MARRIOTT | Deuteronomy 4:15-31

1. Read the passage again.

- What grabs your attention? What surprises or challenges you? What questions does it raise for you?

2. Idols, Idolatry. Man-made images or representations worshiped as deities; any natural or manufactured objects worshiped as deity; anything receiving worship other than the one true God. Idolatry is the spiritual worship of an idol. Many idolaters literally serve idols: in ancient Egypt statues of gods were regularly and ritually clothed and fed.

DeVries, C. E. (1988). Idols, Idolatry. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 1, p. 1014). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House

- What are the idols that are “clothed and fed” in our culture? Ask God to show you the idols at play in your life. Which of these are you ready to deal with? What steps are you willing to take to cut off their food supply?

3. But the Lord has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be a people of his own inheritance, as you are this day. (v20)

- God used the furnace of Egypt to refine His people. In what ways has God been refining your faith through the past 18 months? What has the experience brought to the surface? How have you responded?

4. But you shall go over and take possession of that good land. 23 Take care, lest you forget the covenant of the Lord your God, which he made with you, and make a carved image, the form of anything that the Lord your God has forbidden you. 24 For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. (Dt 4.22c-24)

- What have you learned from this season? What will you take with you into this new land? What is God asking you to leave behind?

5. For the Lord your God is a merciful God. He will not leave you or destroy you or forget the covenant with your fathers that he swore to them. (Dt 4.31)

- God is ever mindful of His covenant with us, though we are inclined to forget. In this passage, Moses urges the people:

Keep watch! (v15) Don’t forget! (v23) Don’t let up! (v25)

When are we inclined to forget? How can we guard against these times and influences? Take some time to recall God’s faithfulness to you (What was the challenge? What did you feel? What did God do?). Write them down, and (or) share them with someone in your group.

6. But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul. (Dt 4.29)

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1.8-9)

- Take some time to pray (together, or alone). Ask The Holy Spirit to search your heart. Bring your confession before God and lay any idolatrous sins at the foot of the Cross. Receive The Father’s forgiveness and be renewed by His Spirit.

July 11th: Don’t Forget! | Mike bennett in conversation with octavio fernandezymostajo | Deuteronomy 4:9-14

Deuteronomy is a retelling of the Exodus story to the people of Israel centuries later who find themselves in the 70 year Exile in Babylon after the fall of Jerusalem. They are processing their history and asking themselves big questions like “how did we get here?” , “Has God abandoned us?”, “What does our future look like as God’s people?”

They are a hurting and wounded people who’ve amassed many losses (homes, livelihood, sense of belonging, culture, family members, identity). As we emerge out of the global pandemic we may be processing huge losses too and asking similar big questions about God and about our lives. 

1. Read Deuteronomy 4:9 and Psalm 77:11-12

What are these scriptures encouraging God’s people to do during times of trouble? Why do you think God gives these instructions?

2. Practice Psalm 77:11-12 together

First Spend some moments alone considering God’s deeds in two ways

1. Personal memories: Times where God has met your needs or encountered you in a time of need

2. Corporate memories: God’s past deeds recorded in scripture that encourage you and give you hope

Now Spend time as a group sharing your personal and corporate memories and praying for each other as we chart our future of preparing for a different world. 

July 4th: Glimpses of an unknown Country | Andy perrett in conversation with eric miller

Deuteronomy 10: 12-22, Luke 10: 25-37

Take a read through Deuteronomy 3 :21-28.

1. What part has fear played in your experience of the pandemic?    How have you dealt with that fear?

In the service,  we asked the following questions.   They might be good to ask to members of your community group. 

2. What has been your experience of the pandemic?

3. What have been the best things?

4. What lessons has God been teaching you through this time?

5. What do you need to hold on tightly to going forward?

June 27: Migration and Fear: the global plight of refugees | Andy perrett in conversation with francesca turner

Deuteronomy 10: 12-22, Luke 10: 25-37

1. Take the time to re-read the  Deuteronomy 10:  12-22  passage.   Why is God so concerned that aliens need to be cared for?

2. Take the time to discuss amongst yourselves what it felt like to move to a different country,  if that has been your experience.   What did you most need when you moved?

3. The second passage we looked at was the parable of the Good Samaritan ,  Luke 10: 25-37.    Although well-known as a story,  what is the main point?  

4. Have you had the privilege of getting to know any refugees?  How has their story impacted you?

5. How would you feel about being part of a group that sponsored some of these poor refugees to Australia that we can have the opportunity to sponsor without financial cost to us or paperwork?  

6. One final question:   Out of the Listening to a World in Pain series,  was there a particular issue that caught your attention?   If there was,  could it be that God is asking you to get involved in being part of the solution?    What might that look like for you as an individual,  or for you as a group?   How could the pastors or staff support you to take action?  

June 20: Canadian First Nations: What will Truth and Justice look like | mike bennett in conversation with Jerry Chen, John Johnstone, Jenny Shantz and Edwin Canfield

Luke 4.16-21, Luke 18.18-30

As most of you are likely aware, these weeks in June 2021 have been a difficult time for indigenous people throughout Canada. The discovery of an unmarked mass grave containing 215 children that attended the Kamloops Residential School served as a stark reminder of the mistreatment that they have faced at the hands of Euro-Canadian institutions, including the Church. 

So, how can we respond as Granville Chapel?

We as settler (non-indigenous) Christians may have a desire to do something to remedy the situation. However its important that we as settlers who don’t have existing connections to indigenous people need to be careful about how we enter into such work, since there is always the possibility that we will exacerbate historic wounds instead of alleviating them. With this in mind, Vision Ministries Canada, of which Granville Chapel is a part, has outlined 5 helpful steps on how settlers can begin to engage with indigenous issues in a healthy, loving, and sustainable manner.

5 steps to engaging well: 

1. Listen and learn.

2. Lament, confess, and repent.

3. Find a good first point of contact.

4. Build relationships.

5. Serve as invited by local indigenous leaders.

As Granville Community Groups, families or individuals, here is a suggestion of how you may take some first steps on this long journey together beginning with steps 1 and 2 above

Step 1: Choose ONE resource below as a community to read or watch together this week. 

Step 2: Spend time in your meeting in the mode of Lamenting, Confessing and Repentance. Do this by discussing and praying about what you have learned from the resource. Be honest together with what you feel, whether positive or negative and turn to God for guidance through prayer.

Ending with a time of Silent Prayer could be beneficial way to do this:

Silent Prayer Guide:

• Open the prayer by welcoming God’s presence

• Sit quietly for a few minutes

• Listen for God's affirming voice of love and any scriptures that pop to mind. 

• End by thanking God for anything you sensed. Share with others if you are able. 

Reconciliation Resources

Websites:   

1. https://oncanadaproject.ca/settlerstakeaction

This link is a great one-stop collection of links specifically with settler Canadians in mind. It lists articles, films, organizations. 

2.Musqueam Band Website https://www.musqueam.bc.ca/

You can read the story of their history and values from their own point of view. Nicely done films and articles that are very instructive. 

Films:

1. "Doctrine of Discovery: Stolen Lands, Strong Hearts" (60 min) A 2019 film by the Anglican church of Canada:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQwkB1hn5E8

**Christians need to know specifically about the "doctrine of discovery" as it was a church instituted law from 1492 that fueled those first "Christian" explorers to take lands and enslave peoples. This film shows how the after effects of that law still underlie our systemic racism today.

2.  “The Secret Path” by Gord Downie (60 min animated film + 1 hour panel discussion with filmmakers)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGd764YU9yc 

"On October 22, 1966 near Kenora, Ontario, Chanie Wenjack died when he walking home to the family he was taken from over 400 miles away. Fifty years later, Tragically Hip frontman Gord Downie has taken Wenjack's story and turned it into the Secret Path project, including a solo album, a graphic novel and an animated film."

3. Indian horse: (A 2017 Clint Eastwood Film) https://www.indianhorse.ca/en/film

Movie Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02cyFlnvA4s

Very well done. Need to rent this one, not available free. 

4. Residential School Survivors' Stories :

https://legacyofhope.ca/wherearethechildren/stories/?utm_source=leadnow&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=blast2021-05-31

This collection of 58 videos give first person stories that chronicle what real people experienced in the Residential Schools across Canada

5. TRC report Read by Indigenous Peoplehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vW4lQfOfl3I&list=PLxPr_RIsvg9JJWoiRx2kl2v24r_pu7JbR

Reading: 

1. List of books on Residential schools for kids. Includes description of each book. Could be good entry point for church families with kids

https://www.todaysparent.com/family/books/books-to-teach-kids-about-residential-schools/#gallery/books-to-teach-kids-about-residential-schools/slide-1

2. Vancouver News Article by Indigenous Christian Ray Aldred.  

https://churchforvancouver.ca/creating-conversation-indigenous-people-still-seek-reconciliation/

3. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) produced a number of detailed reports summarizing the TRC findings. They contain original research and oral histories of survivors.

https://nctr.ca/records/reports/

June 13: Hearing the cry of the poor | Paul williams

Luke 4.16-21, Luke 18.18-30

1. In what ways does the Bible reveal God’s special concern for the poor?

2. Read Ephesians 2.8-9:

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2.8-9

When the young man asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, why did Jesus respond by giving him something to do? (Luke 18.22)

3. What did Jesus mean by saying it is hard for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God? (Luke 18.24)

4. Every one of us is addressed by Jesus’ interaction with the rich ruler. What do you find most difficult to let go of in following Jesus? Where is God asking you to "put Him first" right now?

5. In Luke 4, Jesus was handed the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He found the place where it was written:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,

because he has anointed me

to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners

and recovery of sight for the blind,

to set the oppressed free,

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”

What is the significance of Jesus finding these words to read from the scroll? In what ways did Jesus’ life and ministry "proclaim good news to the poor"? What are the implications for us as followers of Jesus?

6. The needs of the millions of people around the world living in extreme poverty can feel overwhelming. If we ignore the cry of the poor, what are we saying about our belief in God?

7. What steps you can take to listen to the cry of the poor in your community. Take time to pray (with your community group, DNA group, or alone) for the needs of those living in poverty. How will you respond?

may 23: How to Experience the Explosive Power of the Holy Spirit | paul williams Joel 2.28-29, John 16.12-15, Acts 1.4-8, Acts 2.1-4

1. Have you (or someone in your group) ever been away on a missions trip? What was your experience? In what ways did that experience shape your relationship with God?

2. Consider times when you have heard the Lord speak clearly to you. What was it about that time that enabled you to recognize His voice? What makes it hard for you to recognize His voice?

3. To what extent is “Silence and Stillness” a feature of your daily rhythm? In what ways can you “turn down the noise” in order to “abide in him”? What will you do differently this week to practise listening to God?

4. Take some time to reflect upon “the inner movements of your heart." Consider what energizes you? What captures your imagination? What brings you joy? How might God be speaking to you through this?

5. To what extent do you feel "open to God’s will"? In what ways have you found it hard to trust God? What do you feel The Lord is saying to you now? What will you do about it.

6. As you pray (either alone or in your group), take a few moments to sit in silence and invite The Holy Spirit to speak to you and guide you in your prayers. If in your group, take some time to encourage one another by sharing any words, pictures or scriptures that come to mind. If you are praying alone, write them down.

May 16: How can I hear him more clearly? | Mike bennett luke 11:1-13

1. What are some things that make it difficult for you to hear from God? (ie Fears that God won’t answer prayer? Fears that something is too little to pray for?)

2. How would you describe your relationship with God when it comes to prayer?

(God as my Friend, God as my ATM machine, God as a father or mother, God as distant?)

3.  Luke 11 begins with the disciple’s asking “Lord teach us to pray” and is answered by Jesus with the promise that “your Father in heaven will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Why did Jesus want us to ask for the Holy Spirit as the primary thing to ask for? 

4. Share in your group about times of answered prayer. Share what you’ve learned about God’s character and how perhaps your relationship with the Father has grown.

If answered prayer is not your experience, talk about what prayers you’d like God to answer.

5. Finish by praying together as a group:

a) Begin your prayer with a minute of silence after somebody opens with the prayer:  “Holy Spirit we invite you to come and fill us”

b) Pray for each other,  helping each other lift your requests to God.

may 9: What kind of thing does God say to us? | paul williams | Acts 8:26-40

To the desert road!

Philip left the excitement and success of his ministry in the city of Samaria (Acts 8.4-8) to obey The Lord’s prompting to “go south to the road - the desert road…” (v26)

In what ways have you experienced such an invitation from The Lord? How did you respond? Share your experience of times when you have sensed The Lord asking you to trust Him and leave something good behind. How did you discern His will? How did you respond?

All God’s Initiative!

Philip trusted and obeyed The Lord and when he did, God used him powerfully to witness to “an unlikely recipient” of the gospel.

1. Who might the Ethiopian Eunuch represent today? In what ways does this account challenge or encourage you in your witness? Can you recall moments when you have seen God going ahead of you and preparing the way? How might you recognize His prompting to you today?

Significant returns from a simple act!

Philip responded to a simple ask that led to a significant event in the life of the Ethiopian Eunuch, and the Church in its mission to the Gentiles.

2. What simple act of obedience is God asking of you today? What will enable you to take that first step? How can your group support and pray for you in this?

3. Share times when a simple act of obedience led to events beyond your imagination or expectations. In what ways did you feel The Lord speaking to you during through the conversation? How will you respond?

may 2: How can I be sure it’s really God speaking to me? | Andy perrett | 1 Kings 22: 1-18 1 Corinthians 14:1-3

As we continue our Learning to Listen series, this week we are thinking about the challenges of discerning God’s voice when it is heard through others.Reread 1 Kings 22. 

1. Why did Ahab and Jehoshaphat find it easier to follow the crowd of prophetic voices rather than the voice of Micaiah? What might prayerful discernment have looked at for them?

Take a look at Acts 13:  1-3.   This little window into the life of the early church suggests that they were consciously seeking God’s direction together.    

2. Have there been moments in your experience when you have consciously sought God’s direction in company with other believers?  What happened when you did that?   How did you get to sense God’s direction for you?

In 1 Corinthians 12-14, Paul is teaching the Corinthian Christians about the spiritual gifts. In 1 Corinthians 14: 1-3, he particularly prizes the gift of prophecy.   

3. Have you ever been in a context where prophecy as a gift was used appropriately? What about a context where it was used inappropriately?

As an exercise, why not take some time to seek the Lord together.  Spend some time in worship, then invite the Holy Spirit to speak. Spend a few minutes quietly in his presence.   Invite people to share what they heard. Discern together whether it sounds like the voice of Jesus.   Encourage anyone who shared… it’s not an easy thing to do!!

april 18: How can I hear God Speak? | Paul williams |Acts 9:10-19

Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” Acts 9.10 ESV

1. In what ways have you heard from The Lord over the years?

Ananias protested, “Master, you can’t be serious. Everybody’s talking about this man and the terrible things he’s been doing, his reign of terror against your people in Jerusalem! And now he’s shown up here with papers from the Chief Priest that give him license to do the same to us.” Acts 9.13-14 (MSG)

2. Have there been times when you have questioned “did I hear that right?”, “Is that really you?” Or “You want me to do what?” What helped you move beyond the uncertainty?

3. In what other ways did The Lord speak to you during the conversation? How will you respond?