Christmas I - Small Group Questions

John 1:1-18
If you were unable to be with us on Sunday you can listen to this sermon here.

1. What was your favorite stage of childhood? Why?
2. Fr. Mike spoke of different stages of childhood, specifically our childhood to God. The first of these is birth/creation. In your own life, how do you understand being created? Being created in God's image? How do you relate to God as creator?
3. The second stage of our childhood is appreciation. In your own life, how are you living appreciatively of God as creator and provider? Do you have a relationship of gratitude with the Father?
4. The third stage is closeness and intimacy. Do you feel the presence of God throughout your days? Do you carry on a running dialogue with God? If you had to put a distance on it, how close are you and God...living in different buildings? at arm's length? in a warm embrace?
5. How might you help foster a closer more intimate relationship with God?

Week of December 12

1. Read Mark 1:1-8.
2. What kind of books do you enjoy reading?
3. Do you like to read a book that starts off slow and easy or jumps right in?
4. How would you describe the way Mark starts off his gospel story: Shocking? Grabbing? Intriguing? Boring?
5. What literary form does he use: Historical sketch? A tiny episode? A human interest story? Flash back?
6. Why is John (the Baptist) so important to the Jesus story? How would you describe John by his dress, diet and message in modern terms? Why was he so popular with the masses?
7. What do you learn about Jesus' background from this first paragraph?
8. If you wrote"the gospel according to you", how would you begin it and who would be the John the Baptist in your life?

Advent II - Small Group Questions

If you were unable to be with us on Sunday, you can listen to this sermon here.

Mt 3:1-12
1. How would you like to have John the Baptist as your pastor? How acceptable would his manner and dress code be in church?
2. Folks were coming out of town and traveling through the desert to hear John and be baptized. Why would anyone go to all of this effort to hear this radical preacher?
3. Mtr. Mary spoke of the 'dead wood' and 'chaff' that is in each of us. Can you name your dead wood and chaff? Have you been willing to confess it to God? Have you invited God to burn it or chop it away?
4. John is good at pointing to the gap between the life we profess and the life we live. Do you believe you have these kind of gaps in your life? How are you addressing these gaps, if at all?
5. How do John's and Jesus' ministries compare?
6. Refer to how you described Jesus' ministry. Jesus is God, so his ministry reflects the character of God. Does your image of God align with the attributes of Jesus' ministry? How does it differ? What might that say about a need to reconsider your image of God?

Advent I - Small Group Questions

If you were unable to be with us on Sunday you can listen to this sermon here.

Mt 24:36-44
1. When you were a child, what was your favorite time of day? or favorite day of the week? or favorite season of the year? Why?
2. Read v.37-39. In what ways is Jesus saying the second coming will be like the flood?
3. Fr. Mike spoke to the necessity of being prepared. In what ways are you living a prepared life as a Christian?
4. Fr. Mike noted that we will be tested - either through Jesus' return or through facing our own death in this life. How prepared do you feel for this test? What kind of steward do you believe you are being with your life?
5. Are there aspects of your life that, if Jesus returned as you were in their midst, you would be embarrassed or ashamed? What might this say about your need to offer these areas up for transformation? How might you move away from these so that you might honestly say that Jesus could come at any time and you would be prepared?
6. How does the knowledge that Jesus will return some day affect how you are living your life, if at all?

Week of November 21

1. Read Luke 33-43.
2. What would you like carved on your tombstone? What is the statement you would like the newspaper to say about you in your obituary?
3. Where does the crucifixion take place? Who is executed with Jesus? What do you know about crucifixion?
4. What does Jesus say to God about His executors? What do the soldiers do with His clothes?
5. Who taunts Jesus (v. 36-39)? What do the various people say? Do? Why are the members of the crowd angry? What hopes for Jesus did they have that now seem shattered?
6. Do you think the written notice (put there at Pilate's request) reflects a hint of sarcasm or truth on Pilate's part (v. 38)? Why?
7. What is significant about the interchange between the criminals and Jesus?
8. How do you view the crucifixion: Necessary evil? Common tragedy? Cruel and unusual punishment? "Good" Friday? Sacrifice for sin? Triumph of justice? Triumph over justice? Why?
9. When did the full meaning of the death of Christ begin to make sense to you? How would you explain the necessity of the crucifixion to a non-Christian friend?
10. Pray for one another.

Pent 25 - Small Group Discussion Questions

Luke 21:1-19
If you were unable to be with us on Sunday you can listen to this sermon here.

1. What is the most impressive building you have viewed personally? How did it make you feel and what were your thoughts about it?
2. There are several 'end time' passages in Scripture. How do they make you feel? What do you think about them?
3. Not many years ago we had a lot of 'predictions of dire signs' around Y2K. Do you recall how you felt about these warnings at the time? Did you 'prepare for the worst' in any way? What were your thoughts when it became apparent that it was 'much ado about nothing?'
4. When you reflect on your life, what are the sources of your security? Are you comfortable with this, or do you see a need for adjustment?
5. Have there been times when your 'testimony' to a life of faith put you in conflict with others? with 'the way of the world?' How have you learned to live with these conflicts?
6. What is the soul-gaining work to which you are currently called?

Pent 24 - All Saints

Luke 6:20-31
If you were unable to be with us on Sunday, you can listen to the sermon here.

1. On Sunday we celebrated All Saints' Day. Who are the saints, living or dead, that have impacted your spiritual life?
2. Our Catechism states that the "communion of saints is the whole family of God, bound together in Christ by sacrament, prayer, and praise." Reflect on these three aspects - sacrament, prayer, and praise - and how they are among us at St. Andrew's as this particular "communion of saints." How does this feed you and draw you closer to God?
3. On Sunday we had 8 folks make a mature commitment to Christ in the sacrament of Confirmation. Did your mature commitment to Christ come at Confirmation? At some other time? What does a mature commitment to Christ look like?
4. As part of the Confirmation rite we, as members of this congregation, vow to "support these persons in their life in Christ." How, specifically, might we support one another in this way? How have you been supported in this way by your congregation?
4. Bishop Lambert said that our job as saints is to fall head over hills in love with Jesus. How would you describe your relationship with Jesus? BFF, exchange Christmas cards, acquaintances - head over heels in love?
5. In what ways might you (a) make a more mature commitment to Christ and (b) fall more in love with Christ?

Week of October 31

1. Read Luke 19:1-10.
2. As a kid, did you have a favorite tree to climb? Did you ever build a tree house?
3. What is significant about Zacchaeus and his vantage point?
4. Why does Jesus want to dine with him? Why does this bother others?
5. What do you think they talked about over dinner?
6. On what basis does Jesus confirm Zacchaeus' salvation (v. 8-10)?
7. Do you think the meeting between Zacchaeus and Jesus was coincidental or all part of the plan and purpose of God?
8. How do you think Zacchaeus felt when he left Jesus?
9. Where did Jesus first find you: up a tree? out on a limb?
10. How did He get you to come down: a little coaxing? a big scare? an invitation you couldn't refuse?
11. If Jesus stopped under the tree you're climbing, what would He say?

Week of October 24

1. Read 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18.
2. Do you know someone who handled the final stages of life really well? Who was it and what did they do that we could emulate?
3. V. 6. What do you think about the image of Paul being "poured out"? What about his life allowed him to describe himself this way?
4. V. 7. He finished strong, even when the news in his life was bad. When you have really big crisis in your life which is your instinct, to run toward God or run away from God? Why?
5. V. 8. Paul lifts up the hope of heaven as a motivation for his faithfulness. Does the reality of heaven as a destination for you ever inform the decisions you make today? Why do we focus more on immediate rewards than eternal rewards?
6. V. 16-18. Paul speaks of a confidence in being rescued. What kind of a rescue was he thinking about?
7. When have you felt especially protected by God? What sense of confidence did it give you?

Week of October 17

1. Read 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5.
2. How did you first learn about God? Who were your first teachers and influences? If you could describe your "theology" about God that you received growing up, how would you describe it?
3. v. 14-17. Are you confident that you could read the Bible for yourself? Why or why not? What do you think the Bible has to teach you right now?
4. Where do you think Scripture comes from? From God? From man? From both?
5. 4:1-4. What do you think of Father Mike's point that everyone has a calling? How could your study of Scripture inform, direct and encourage this calling?
6. Can you think of a time when God spoke to you through Scripture or a sermon?
7. What are some ways you can put what you know and have learned about God into practice?
8. v. 5. Are your best days of ministry to the Lord ahead of you or behind you? What obstacles do you have that must be overcome? How can your group help you?

Week of October 10

1. Read 2 Timothy 2:1-13.
2. Can you think of a time in your life when you wanted to quit but didn't? How did it turn out?
3. Father Mike encouraged us to think of some things in our lives that God has called us to, things that we know we shouldn't quit. What are some of those things for you?
4. V. 1. What does it mean to be "strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus"?
5. Describe what you think Paul means by the metaphors of the soldier, athlete and farmer in verses 3-6. Which one are you the most like today?
6. V. 8. Paul tells Timothy to "remember Jesus Christ". What does the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus do to help you to persevere? Why do we forget Jesus? What are some practical ways that you could remember Him?
7. Read the early Christian hymn in verses 11-13. Do these verses instill hope in you? Does the thought of heaven and eternal reward inform what you are doing now? Why or why not?
8. Share with the group something that you need to give up. Is there something outside the boundaries of God's call that you need to quit? Share something with the group that you need to persevere in. How can we help you?
9. Pray for one another.

Pent 19 - Small Group Discussion Questions

If you were not with us on Sunday you can listen to this sermon here.

2 Tim 1:1-14
1. Who is the member of your 'household of faith' (whether family member or not) that has had the biggest impact on your faith life? Why?
2. Can you recall a time that the mantle of leadership was passing to you? What were your emotions around this? Were you able to step into it? What helped you to do so?
3. Paul encourages Timothy to "rekindle the gift of God that is within you." What image does this conjure for you? What might it mean for you to "rekindle the gift that is within you?"
4. Paul encourages Timothy not to be ashamed, of the Gospel or of Paul. What might have caused Timothy to be ashamed? How have you been ashamed of the Gospel? What kept Paul from being ashamed of the Gospel? What keeps you from being ashamed?
5. If you were writing a 'final testament' as a spiritual mentor to another, what are the most important teachings you would include?

Week of September 26

1. Read Luke 16:19-31.
2. Do you know someone who died suddenly or too soon? What happened? What impact did it have on you?
3. What do you think the rich man should have done with his life? What is the point Jesus is trying to make here?
4. How do you think we should help the poor as a church? as individuals?
5. In verse 27, the rich man wants Abraham to send Lazarus to his brothers so that they will believe. What sorts of signs to do think people are looking for today? Would it work?
6. What sorts of things have helped you to grow spiritually? How has God's word contributed to your spiritual growth?
7. What is keeping you from having a closer walk with Christ?

Week of September 19

1. Read Luke 16:1-13.
2. Can you remember a time when you were stressed about money? What happened? What did you do about it?
3. What would you have done had you been the rich man? Would you have complimented the manager for his shrewdness?
4. V. 9. Think about some ways that you could use your worldly wealth to help you "gain friends" for eternity. How does holding eternity in mind help your stewardship?
5. Jesus contrasts worldly wealth with "true riches" in v. 10-11. What do you think it means to be truly rich in the sense Jesus talks about here? Are you there yet? What would it take to get there?
6. How have you seen verse 13 to be true in your life? Can you think of someone you know who serves money? Someone who serves the Lord? How can you compare their lives? happiness? peace?
7. What are some things you could do to better the way you relate to money?
8. Pray for each other....

Week of September 12

1. Read 1 Timothy 1:12-17.
2. What is the most amazing testimony you've ever heard? Share what you can remember about it.
3. Why does Paul share this with Timothy?
4. As a group, let's work on and share our testimony. What was your life like before knowing Christ?
5. How did you come into a relationship with Christ?
6. What has life like been like with Christ?
7. What does hearing these testimonies do for you and your faith?
8. Could you share this with someone outside of the group? Why or why not?
9. Pray for one another....

Pent 15 - Small Group Questions

Luke 14:25-33
If you were not with us on Sunday you can listen to this sermon here.

1. Mtr. Mary spoke of the Gospel message writ large - a message of welcome and hope and blessing and peace. But there is fine print in the Gospel message - the challenge to count the cost of following Jesus. How are these two truths reflected in your relationship with Jesus? Are both of them reflected, or do you focus on one to the exclusion of the other?
2. Jesus' first discipleship challenge is that he must have your allegiance above all other relationships in your life. How true is this for you? Share an experience where a relationship impeded your devotion to Jesus.
3. Jesus' second discipleship challenge is that you must carry the cross, denying yourself to follow him. What parts of yourself have you had to 'let go' to grow closer to Jesus? Where is this the greatest challenge for you today?
4. Jesus' third discipleship challenge is that you give away all your possessions. While this is something few of us will ever be able to live into fully, how have you moved toward further trust in Jesus over the years? Where might you be trying to fill the God-shaped hole in your heart with money and stuff?
5. Mtr. Mary spoke of practices and disciplines that can help us grow in our discipleship. What spiritual disciplines are a regular part of your life? Is there a discipline that you would like to undertake? How might you begin?
6. On a scale of 1 (huh?) to 10 (I'm all ears), how receptive are you to Christ's call to discipleship?

Week of August 29, 2010

1. Read Luke 14:1-14.
2. What is your favorite "time saving" gadget? Why?
3. Father Mike compared our society to the man with dropsy. The man with dropsy retained fluid, but was always thirsty. We have access to wonderful time saving technology, but we have very little extra time. Have you found this to be true in your life? What would you do if you had more time?
4. Jesus gives the group at the Pharisee's dinner party a lesson in humility in verses 7-11. Do you ever feel like you (or people around you) are working extra hard for a better "place at the table"? How have you seen competition at work around you?
5. What impact would chasing humility rather than exaltation have on your life? What risks would you run if you took this different approach? How would it change how you spend your time?
6. In verses v. 12-14, Jesus challenges the group with how to throw a better dinner party. Father Mike challenged us to "main thing-ify" our lives. Do you feel like you need to re-prioritize some things in your life today? How so?
7. Father Mike used the example of how difficult it is for "hoarders" to let things go from their house. What, in your life, what be hard to let go of?
8. How might these changes better help your perspective on service to others? to the church?
9. Pray for one another...

Week of August 22, 2010

1. Read Isaiah 58:9-14.
2. Can you remember a time in your life when you were really overworked or stressed out? What got you that way? What did you do about it?
3. Share with the group what you understand about the Sabbath. Why do you think God instituted it as a commandment for Israel?
4. Which the more important aspect of the Sabbath for you - rest or worship?
5. v. 13. Why do you think people "trample on the sabbath" (v. 13)? What sorts of things keep people from keeping it as they should? What is the biggest obstacle for you?
6. v. 13. We are to "call the sabbath a delight". Have you ever been in a situation when someone (even you) did not want to come to church? What can a person do in a situation like that?
7. v. 13. We are to honor the sabbath and not "go our own way" or "serve our own interests". What sorts of things keep us from getting the rest we need? Do you feel guilty or lazy by taking time to relax? Or, do you have the opposite problem and need to spend less time resting and more time in work or service?
8. v. 14. We read the blessings that come from sabbath-keeping: closeness to God and a Godly heritage. What might some of the short and long term blessings be for you if you prioritize rest and worship in your life?
9. Pray for one another.

Week of August 15, 2010

Hebrews 11:29-12:3

1. Of all your life experiences to date, which brought you the most discipline? Which one exposed an area where you have little discipline?
2. What three actions in 12:1-2 are Christians commanded to do as they run the race? Of what practical help are the cloud of witnesses (a sample of which were described in chapter 11)?
3. Drawing from your their example and your own experience, what does it mean to throw off sin and hindrances? To run with perseverance? To fix our eyes on Jesus?
4. What comfort do you get from knowing that a cloud of witnesses is watching you run the Christian race?
5. What are two obstacles that hinder and entangle you in your race? Why?
6. What have you discovered that helps you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus?
7. What's the hardest thing you're going through right now? How is God using this in your life, now and in your future?
8. Pray for one another....

Pent 11 - Small Group Discussion Questions

Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-16
If you were not with us on Sunday you can listen to this sermon here.

1. Mtr. Mary spoke of faith as a verb versus a noun. Does this feel consistent with your understanding of faith? Why or why not? If you were to describe your faith using verbs - action words - how would you do so?
2. The author of the Letter to the Hebrews uses the example of Abraham to illustrate the life of faith. Mtr. Mary spoke of the call on Abraham's life to 'leave' and 'go.' Can you recall times in your life when God has called you to 'leave?' Were you able to respond to the call? What challenges did this create?
3. Can you recall times in your life when God called you to 'go?' Were you able to respond to the call? What challenges did this create?
4. How has your life changed as a result of your faith in God? What has your faith cost you?
5. Do you trust God? Share with one another experiences when you chose to trust God.

Pent 10 - Small Group Discussion Questions

Luke 12:13-21
If you were not with us on Sunday you can listen to this sermon here.

1. What was your ambition in life when you were 18 years old? Was it around vocational goals (be a doctor)? relational and family goals (get married)? Goals around experiences (travel to Europe)? Which, if any, of your goals were grounded in money or stuff?
2. Reflect on your current life. What are your major sources of stress? How are they tied to your relationship with money and stuff?
3. Jesus says that our lives do not consist in the abundance of our possessions. But the culture and the advertisers are constantly telling us that our lives, in fact, do consist in the abundance of our possessions. How challenging is it for you to trust that what Jesus says is true? Where do you find the greatest struggle living into this truth?
4. How might practicing the presence of God help you to live a life centered in God ("ends," spiritual aims) vs. in money and possessions ("means," material aims)? Discuss specific disciplines that might help you with this.
5. What does it mean to live a life rich toward God? What might this look like for you?

Week of July 25, 2010

Luke 11:1-13

1. What was the most memorable prayer, or time of prayer, that you ever experienced? What made it that way for you?
2. What is the biggest obstacle for you in your prayer life? Intimidation? Duty? Images of God? Language? Something else?
3. Father Mike talked about "practicing the presence of God". What does that mean to you? How do you think you could do that in your daily life?
4. God answers prayer with "yes", "no" or "wait". Can you think of an examples of one of these in your life? Have folks in your group share examples so that you hear an example of each.
5. Have you thought of the Lord's Prayer as a model? Read verses 2-4 and see if your group can recall how you can use each line as a way to organize your prayer time.
6. Name some practical things that you can do this week to improve your prayer life. How can the group help you?
7. Pray for one another....

Week of July 18 - Instructed Eucharist

1. What was the most meaningful worship service you've ever attended? Why was it so meaningful?
2. If you attended church on Sunday, was there something in the Instructed Eucharist that was new to you, or that you found especially interesting?
3. Is there anything about our liturgy that is confusing to you, or that you wish you knew more about? How can the group help you?
4. What do you think an Episcopal liturgy would feel like to someone who's never attended one before? To someone who is not even a Christian? What about the liturgy would communicate well? What would be difficult for them?
5. When you come to worship, what are you hoping to accomplish?
6. What about the way we do worship will improve the most when we get into the building? What will you miss when we move into the building?
7. Pray for one another...

Pentecost 7 - Small Group Questions

If you were not with us on Sunday you can listen to this sermon here.

Luke 10:25-37
1. Most of us know the story of the Good Samaritan very well. Mtr. Mary spoke to how it is sometimes hard to hear anything new in a Bible story you know so well. Can you think of some other Bible passages that are so familiar that you have trouble hearing them anew? Are there parts of the liturgy that have become hard to hear anew?
2. Most of us have found ourselves in a "Good Samaritan" situation, challenged to adjust our plans and get involved. Recall one now. What feelings did this bring up for you? How did you work through whether you should respond or not? How do you feel now when you look back on that situation?
3. Think of a time when you have been the beneficiary of a Good Samaritan. How did this feel?
4. In these situations - whether you played the role of Samaritan or man in the ditch - where was God? Did you have any sense of his presence?
5. Recall a time when you felt deep compassion. Did it spur you to action?
6. The Lawyer wanted to know, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" What is your understanding of eternal life? How is it manifest here and now as well as beyond our earthly life? How might this relate to Jesus' proclamation that "the kingdom of God has drawn near?"

Pentecost 6 - Small Group Questions

If you were not with us on Sunday you can listen to this sermon at http://www.standrewsonline.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=39&Itemid=79

Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 & Open Arms by Journey
1. How does “Open Arms” rank for you in the songs we’ve looked at in the Totally 80s Sermon Series?
2. In v. 3 Jesus sends out the 70 “like lambs into the midst of wolves.” How does that resonate with your experience as a Christian in increasingly secular workplaces and neighborhoods and groups?
3. Jesus tells his disciples to share God's peace with those we encounter in our days. If our peace is accepted, we find a way to share the Good News; if our peace returns to us we are to move on. What are different ways that we might "share the Good News?" Why does this tend to be uncomfortable for us?
4. Fr. Mike spoke to the darkness that we lie in when we are overcome by our sin or overwhelmed with the circumstances of our lives. Recall a time when this was the case for you. Has Jesus felt present to you in the midst of these times? If not, why do you think that is so? Do you trust that Jesus will be present to you if you invite him into your darkness?
5. Many of us grew up going to church, learning about Jesus and being part of the community of faith. Was there a time when you left? If so, what caused you to come back to stay?
6. Fr. Mike spoke to our images of how Jesus encounters us. What is your image? Is your image one of Open Arms?

Week of June 27th - Galatians 5:1, 16-26

1. What grows in your garden or in your yard without your help? with your help?
2. According to Paul, if you were made alive by the Spirit, how come you still struggle with sin?
3. Since we are not under the law, what is wrong with indulging our sinful nature once in a while?
4. If not by rule-keeping, how then do we grow spiritually? How do these "fruit of the Spirit" (v. 22-23) make you more like Christ? How is this fruit formed?
5. Practically, what does it mean to "crucify" the sinful nature and "keep in step" with the Spirit?
6. Which spiritual fruit is "blossoming" for you? In the "bud" stage?
7. Which sinful acts are "dead and buried"? Which are "mortally wounded"? "Alive and well"?
8. How can you and the Spirit grow the one and kill the other?
9. Pray for one another....

Week of June 20 - Matthew 8:26-39

1. When did a vacation turn into something you never expected? What happened?
2. Father Mike used the song "I Want to Know What Love Is" to teach this passage. He first talked about how taking some time out for self-reflection can show us how we might be oppressed by things stronger than ourselves. How has this been true in your life?
3. In what ways do things keep us bound and far from home (v. 26-27) like the Garasene demoniac?
4. Like in verses 28-29, Jesus comes to meet at the place of our oppression and bondage. What do you think about the Lord coming to meet you this way? What would you do: run out to meet Him? tremble in fear? run the other direction?
5. Father Mike talked about facing heartache and pain in our lives. In order to be free, we need to deal with the "Legion" in our lives. What is the thing that "wears" on you, that makes you feel like there are a legion (6,000 soldiers) marching through your head, keep you awake at night or torn at work?
6. In the sermon we talked about how we need to "know" and "feel" the love of Jesus. In verse 35, the man is in his right mind, in verse 38, he is emotionally begging to stay with Jesus. Which do you need more today, to know the Lord's love intellectually or to feel it emotionally?
7. How can your group support you this week?

Week of June 13th - The Third Sunday after Pentecost

Luke 7:36-50

1. What do you look for in a gift for your spouse or someone you care about? What is the most touching gift you have received?
2. In the first part of Father Mike's sermon, he talked about temptation. What are some keys you've found to not giving in to temptation?
3. In our passage from Luke, who invites Jesus to dinner and why?
4. Who is the uninvited guest? What do we learn about her in verse 37? What does she do and why?
5. Father Mike also talked about how sin separates us from a close relationship with Jesus and His church. How was this true for the woman? Can you think of a time when that has been true for you?
6. What do you think about the story Jesus tells in verses 41-42? What is the point of the story? What does this exchange between Jesus and Simon reveal about Simon? the woman?
7. The final point in the sermon was about repentance. Why is this important? Why can't Jesus forgive us without us having to repent?
8. What is the bottom line for the woman in today's passage? (v. 48) Would these words be comforting to her? Would they be to you if Jesus spoke them to you?
9. Do you agree that it's hard to say, "I'm sorry"? Why or why not?

Week of May 30th - Trinity Sunday

Week of May 30th - Trinity Sunday, John 16:12-15

1. Typically, are you the kind of person that likes books and movies that make you think to follow along, or do you like those where you can just sit back and be entertained? Why?
2. Share with the group your understanding of the doctrine of the Trinity. What about it do you understand well? What do you not understand so well?
3. Each member of the Trinity is a person. How have you experienced the Father, Son and Holy Spirit individually?
4. Each member of the Trinity is God, and of the same essence. (Homoousia.) This means that Father, Son and Holy Spirit are each fully God. What would be the danger of not holding to this view?
5. Each member of the Trinity is interrelated and always involved what the other is doing. (Perichoresis.) Think of a time when you really felt God's presence with you. Can you describe how all three persons of the Trinity would have been involved?
6. Each member of the Trinity has permanent distinctions. The Father creates, the Son is begotten of the Father, and the Holy Spirit comes to the disciples and to us. We each need God in different ways at different times. Can you times when you might especially need one person of the Trinity?
7. Sum up how this doctrine can improve your relationship with and growth in God.
8. Pray for one another....

Week of May 23, 2010 - Acts 2:1-21

1. What the greatest building you've ever been in? What made it great?
2. What did you think about the results from the Possessing the Land building campaign? Did we bring in more or less than you thought?
3. In verse v. 1, we see the followers of Jesus "all together in one place". How important is unity in a congregation? Is there a connection between unity and the presence of the Holy Spirit?
4. The Spirit was audibly and visibly present to the disciples in the Upper Room. (v. 2-3) How will we know if the Spirit is with us when we gather together to worship? How important is that to you?
5. V. 4-13. The Holy Spirit empowers people to speak in languages that they did not know. What was their message? In what ways will the Spirit help us communicate the Gospel to people in ways that they can understand?
6. V. 17-21. Peter preaches that everyone gets the Holy Spirit. What groups of people might feel left out in a church like ours? How can we reach out to them?
7. What are you most looking forward to in our building? How can we use it to reach out to our mission field?
8. Pray for one another....

Seventh Sunday of Easter

Acts 16:16-34

1. What type of music lifts your spirits?
2. What situations in this story relate to your own life situation? For example: "I feel I am constantly being hounded" (v.18); "I worry that my means of making money will disappear" (v. 19); "I'm facing unfair criticism" (v. 20-21); "I feel trapped in a bad situation" (v. 24); "I have to take the blame for things outside of my control" (v. 27). Explain why?
3. Think back to one of your own "prison experiences." How did you face it and how was it reflected in your relationship with God?
4. How do you believe we are called to witness to God in the midst of our "prison experiences?" Does this come easily for you, or is it a struggle? What do you suppose is the source of the struggle?
5. Have you ever been moved by another's witness to their deep trust in God in the midst of adversity? How did it speak to you? How did it affect your relationship with God?
6. Do you believe you are open to the "excellent adventures" that God might be calling you into?

Week of May 9th - John 14:23-29

1. What sorts of things make a house a home? If you could change one thing about your house, what would it be?
2. V. 23. Which comes first, do you think, us loving God or God loving us?
3. What is the connection Jesus is trying to make between love and obedience here? Why is this important?
4. V. 25-26. Can you think of a time when you've been reminded of Jesus' teaching by the Holy Spirit? What happened?
5. Are there ways you can be more in tune with the direction of the Holy Spirit or does it just "happen"?
6. V. 27. What would be some of the differences between the peace that Jesus gives and the peace that the world gives?
7. In what areas of your life do you need the peace of Jesus? How can our group support you?

Week of May 2nd - Joshua 3:9-17

1. How much have you moved from one location to another in your life? What is the best "move" you ever made?
2. v. 14. Before moving out to enter the Promised Land, God instructs Joshua to put the ark of the covenant ahead of the people. Father Mike talked about how this represented "following the promises of God". Have there been promises that you've followed before? Is there a promise of God you are following now? What is it like to do that?
3. V. 15. God had them cross the Jordan River while it was flooded! Are you a person who can easily move forward in a flood? What obstacles are there in your life keeping you from the land God is calling you to possess?
4. V. 16. Father Mike used this verse about God holding back the waters to illustrate how we can trust God with our future and our past. Which of these is easier for you to do? Why?
5. V. 17. The priests stood still until everyone crossed over. Who are the people that you think St. Andrew's is particularly called to reach? How can we reach them? How will the building help us do that?
6. Share your thoughts with the group about the church making this next step. Do you think we are ready? What will be the challenges for us as we continue on in the YMCA while we are in the building process? How can you help?
7. Pray for the church and for one another....

Week of April 25 - Number 13:25-33

1. Can you recall a time when fear got the best of you? What did you do? Were you able to overcome it?
2. Why do you think God had Moses send spies into the land of Canaan? Why not just send Israel in there directly?
3. Were you more likely to be with the ten spies who thought that the task of entering the Promised Land was too dangerous, or would you have been with Joshua and Caleb, who encouraged Moses and Israel to go for it? (v. 30)
4. Can you name the "giants in the land" for St. Andrew's as we move toward our building? What obstacles do we face?
5. What are the "giants in the land" in your life right now? How can we help you overcome them?

Third Sunday of Easter

If you were not able to be with us on Sunday, you can hear this sermon at http://www.standrewsonline.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=39&Itemid=79

Acts 9:1-20
1. Saul was a student of Gamaliel. Read Acts 5:34-39. What had Gamaliel advised regarding followers of Jesus? How is Saul responding to this advice? What might this say about Saul?
2. Imagine Saul's three days of blindness and fasting. What do you think Saul is experiencing and thinking during this time? How does this period mirror Jesus' death and resurrection?
3. Jesus addressed Saul directly on the road to Damascus, yet he still sends Ananias to see Saul. Why do you think this is important? What opportunity does this provide for Ananias to grow in his discipleship?
4. Mother Mary spoke of this passage telling the story of two conversions. Do you agree? Do you relate more to Saul's conversion or to that of Ananias?
5. How did the Lord first get your attention? Was it dramatic or subtle?
6. Do you believe that some people are out of God's reach? How does this story challenge those assumptions?
7. When have you found yourself in Ananias' shoes? How was your 'comfortable Christianity' challenged?

Second Sunday of Easter

If you were not with us on Sunday, you can hear this sermon at http://www.standrewsonline.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=39&Itemid=79

Jn 20:19-31
1. Can you remember a time when you locked yourself in a room? Was your motivation fear, like the disciples, or something else?
2. Jesus says "peace be with you" three times. How does this relate to the disciple's fears? How does it relate to their call and mission? Where could you use Jesus' peace right now?
3. Think about the resurrection appearances that John has described for us. How does Mary receive Jesus' appearance? How do the disciples in the locked room? How does Thomas? Where do you see yourself?
4. How does Jesus deal with Thomas' doubt? What is significant about the way Thomas responds?
5. With what doubts or questions about God are you struggling? What have you found to be helpful when dealing with doubts?

Easter Day

If you were not with us on Sunday you can listen to the sermon at http://www.standrewsonline.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=39&Itemid=79

Luke 24:1-12
1. The women were bringing spices to prepare Jesus' body for burial. How do you think the women felt when (a) they found the tomb empty? (b) they realized two angels were standing beside them? (c) they heard the angel's announcement?
2. How did the disciples receive the news from the women?
3. Why would it still seem to the disciples as 'nonsense' even though Jesus had spoke of his death and resurrection?
4. Why do you think Peter ran to the tomb? What do you think went through his mind when he reached the tomb and saw that Jesus' body was not there?
5. How did the meaning of the resurrection first 'dawn' upon you? What does it mean in your life? How do you find it challenging to live into the truth that you are given new and abundant life in Christ?
6. Are there dead things in your life that you need to set down so that you can turn toward this new life? What keeps you from being able to do so? How might this be overcome?

Lent V - Small Group Questions

If you were not with us on Sunday, you can listen to the sermon at http://www.standrewsonline.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=39&Itemid=79

Jn 12:1-8
1. If you had a year's wages to spend on those you love, which would you give: a big party? a glorious trip for a few? an extravagant gift for one?
2. Mary was unconcerned with what others were thinking, fully vested in ministering to Jesus. Have you ever observed this way of being in others? Have you entered it yourself? Why is it so hard for us to live in this place?
3. Even as she acknowledged his impending death with her anointing, Mary was filled with life and hope and gratitude and trust. How is Mary modeling discipleship for us?
4. Judas, embarrassed by the display, saw waste and futility in it. When have we been tempted to dismiss or belittle others and their actions because of our own discomfort or guilt?
5. Jesus' response is "Leave her alone...You will not always have me." 'Good work' could have been done with the gift used to minister to Jesus, and yet Jesus defends Mary's choice. What might this tell us about being with God vs. doing for God? What are some ways you might cultivate/prioritize tending to God?
6. If you had a year's wages (or time) to use for Christ, how would you do so? How is this reflected in your budget and priorities now?

Lent IV - Small Group Questions

Luke 15:1-2, 11-32
1. When did you leave home for the first time? Did you ever run away from home? Where did you go and what happened?
2. Growing up, were you the 'nice one,' the 'good one?' Did it feel like others were having more fun, even though they weren't as good? Do you have siblings where this was an issue?
3. Which brother are you most like? Is this the same as 10 years ago? 20 years?
4. What stages does the younger son go through on his pilgrimage? What brings him to his senses? What does he realize? How does he approach his father?
5. How does the older brother feel about his younger brother's return? Why? How does the father answer the older brother's objection?
6. What does this story teach about sin, repentance, and the love of God?
7. How do you feel about the father in this story? Do you think he did the right thing by giving the son his inheritance early? Do you think he did the right thing by throwing him a party when he returned?

3 Lent - "Branching Out" - Joshua 1:1-11

1. Can you think of a time when you faced a task that was overwhelming? What was it? What did you do?
2. How do you think Joshua was feeling? Excited? Afraid? Confident? Unprepared? How would you have felt?
3. V. 1-4. Father Mike talked about how Joshua was challenged to embrace his destiny as the leader of Israel. How does God encourage him to do this?
4. Joshua faced the Jordan River. What sort of obstacles do you face?
5. V. 5-6. What does God ask Joshua to do? What does God promise in return?
6. V. 7-9. What is the connection between obedience to God's commandments and success? Why would God feel it necessary to point this out to Joshua? Why do we need to hear it today?
7. V. 10-11. God tells Joshua to rally his leadership and to get moving. What is keeping you from getting going toward what He has for you? Who has He sent you to help you?
8. What about this passage applies to St. Andrew's? to your life right now? How can this group support you in the ways God is asking you to branch out?

Lent II - Small Group Questions

If you were not with us Sunday you can listen to the sermon here: http://www.standrewsonline.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=39&Itemid=79

Genesis 15:1-18
1. Did you go to church as a child? If so, what were your earliest memories of church? If not, share with the group what your first experiences of church were?
2. What are the important parts of an edifying worship service for you?
3. v.1-6: Do you think Abram was struggling with God's promises here? Has God ever promised you something that seemed "too good to be true?" What did you do?
4. v. 7-11: Fr. Mike pointed out the connection God makes between his promises and sacrifices. What sort of sacrifices do we make when we gather for worship? Which come easy for you? Which are harder?
5. v. 12-16: As the deep sleep sets in on Abram, God begins to give him a long-term, generational perspective on things. Is it important for you to pass on your worship traditions to your children and younger generations? Do you think this is something that should be taught or left up to them to discover?
6. v.17-18: What can you remember from the sermon about the Hebrew tradition of "cutting a covenant?" How are these verses a picture of the cross of Christ?
7. Why is worship important for you? What ways can you improve your worship? How can you help improve the worship atmosphere at St. Andrew's?

Small Group Questions for the Week of February 14th

"Thinking Theologically" - Luke 9:28-36

1. Read Luke 9:28-36.
2. If you went back packing, where would you go? What three friends would you take along? Why?
3. Could you relate to Father Mike's stories about learning chemistry and English literature? Do you sometimes feel like Christianity and the Bible is something that is hard to understand?
4. What keeps you from "thinking theologically"? What does that mean?
5. Verse 28-29. "There is glory in the presence of God." Can you recall a time when you've felt God's presence? God's glory?
6. Verse 30-31. "Jesus died for our sins." What is the significance of Moses and Elijah's presence on the mountain?
7. Why were they talking about Jesus' "departure"?
8. Verse 32-25. "Jesus is the Messiah." What did Peter misunderstand?
9. Why did the disciples need to hear the Father's message in v. 35? Do you need to hear it?
10. How might reflecting on this passage help you this week as you live life back "down in the valley"?
11. Pray for one another...

Epiphany 5 Sermon Questions - 2/7/10

Lk 5:1-11 - Letting Jesus into our Deep
If you were not with us on Sunday, you can hear this sermon at http://www.standrewsonline.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=39&Itemid=79

1. What experience of "heroness" can you recall from your own life? What experience of "goatness?"
2. How is it that we are able to convince ourselves that Jesus doesn't really see "all of us?" What is behind our desire to believe this?
3. How might our relationship with Jesus change if we were willing for him to see "all of us?"
4. How did Peter's obedience to Jesus, even in the midst of doubt, lead to revelation? What might this say about our obedience?
5. Why do you think Peter's revelation led him to confession of sin? Can you think of a similar experience in your own life?
6. How did Jesus call you to himself and to ministry? How did he get your attention?
7. If Jesus came to your place of work and called you to something new starting today, what would you say? What would your spouse, children, or parents say?

Welcome!

Let's get it started!