Advent II - Small Group Questions

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

Song of Zechariah - Canticle 16 (Lk 1:68-79, BCP 92)
1. What have you been told about the events surrounding your birth?  What details stand out?
2. If an angel showed up and told you something seemingly impossible was going to happen in your life, how do you think you would react?  What do you think would be your first question?
3. What do you think would be your biggest hardship or challenge if you were made mute for a season?  What do you think might be the greatest blessing of being made mute?
4. What heaviness/weariness in your life might be keeping you from living in 'miraculous expectation?'
5. Is there a place in your life where you are limiting God?  putting up walls where God sees no walls?
6. Can you speak to a recent time when you've had eyes to see God at work in your midst?  Share this with the group.
7. Can you recall a time of waiting, waiting, waiting where, after the fact, you were able to see that God was doing preparatory work?  Share this with the group.
8. How are you living a life that points to Jesus?  What discipline might you commit to that would help you live a life that points to Jesus?
9. How would it look for you to 'burst forth with praise for God' for all the blessings and provision he has given you?

Week of December 2, 2012

1. Read Luke 21:25-36.  (For more context, read 21:5-38.)
2. If you knew the world would end in six months, how would that fact change your lifestyle?
3. If you had to leave this earth tomorrow, what two things would you miss most?  Why?
4. How will the Son of Man come (v. 27)?  What should be the attitude of believers when they see the Son of Man coming?
5. What is the lesson of the fig tree (v. 29-31)?  How does the fig tree answer the question from verse 7?
6. What promises does Jesus give in v. 32-33?  How would these words have been of comfort to the disciples?  Of discomfort?  What impact do they have on you, twenty centuries later?
7. In the midst of this heavy news and heavy times, how does Jesus caution his followers (v. 34-35)?  Why?  
8. What are some "signs" occurring today that relate to the "end times"?  How do you feel about the "end time"?
9. What is the lesson for you in the parable of the fig tree?
10. When you read the newspaper or listen to the evening news, how does it make you feel?  In tough times, when the forces of evil seem to be winning, do you feel like withdrawing or rolling up your sleeves and getting into the frey?
11. What causes you to feel weighed down and discouraged about the world situation today?
12. Pray for one another....

Week of November 25, 2012

1. Read John 18:28-40.
2. Have you ever pulled over by the police?  Accused of speeding (or something else) when you were not?  What happened?
3. Why are the Jewish leaders rushing this trial through so fast?
4. What is so ironic about the religious leaders in v. 28?  How do their actions serve to illustrate Jesus' charges against them in John 5:39-40 and 7:24?
5. From verse 33, what reason do they finally give to Pilate for bringing Jesus to him?  Why would Pilate take this seriously?  How are Pilate's fears similar to those of the Jewish leaders in 11:48?
6. What do you think Pilate meant by what he said in v. 38?  How do you think he said it?
7. What is Pilate's conclusion?  Why doesn't Pilate just release Jesus?  From this episode, what type of person do you think Pilate is?
8. Today, Peter is held in esteem and Pilate is scorned.  Why do you judge these two so differently when they both "caved in" under pressure?
9. Barabbas (a deserving criminal) gets off free and Jesus (an innocent victim) is condemned.  What is the lesson here for you?
10. Pray for one another...

Week of October 22, 2012

1. What is your opinion on "mission statements"?  Do you think it is important to have one that can be articulated?  How important is it to you that organizations have one (like businesses or churches)?  Should individuals have one?
2. If you had a mission statement for yourself, what would it be?
3. Consider the mission statement Father Mike revealed on Sunday for St. Andrew's:  "The mission of St. Andrew's is to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ."  What does it mean to you?
4. Does this statement reflect where you think God has St. Andrew's as a church?  Why or why not?
5. How do you think you fit in to this mission? What contributions would you bring?
6. Father Mike spoke about looking down on the ministry of St. Andrew's from heaven 200 years from now.  What would you like to see the church doing?  What can we do now to see that dream come true?
7. Pray for one another.....

Week of October 8, 2012

1. Read Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12.
2. What is the most amazing thing that you've ever seen?  A landscape?  An event?  What?
3. Read 1:2-3.  What are the seven ways the writer of Hebrews describes Jesus?  Which one is the most important to you?
4. Why is it important for us to hold on to the greatness of Jesus?
5. Read 2:5-9.  What do these verses say about how God created humanity?  Do you think of yourself as "a little lower than the angels"?  What does it mean that God has given us dominion over creation?
6. Now that sin has entered into the world, what has this done?  What is the connection between the grace of God and Jesus "tasting death for everyone"?
7. Did Jesus need perfecting?  How, then, has He been perfected through suffering?
8. How is it that Jesus could call us a brother or sister?
9. What has this study shown you about Jesus?  About salvation?  What is the most amazing aspect of this to you?
10. Pray for one another....

Week of September 23, 2012

1. Read Mark 9:33-37.
2. If you could recapture one quality you had as a child, what quality would it be?
3. Contrast the agenda of the disciples with that of Jesus.
4. According to Jesus, what is the true measure of greatness?  Why did he use a child to illustrate greatness?
5. What does it mean to receive the weak and powerless in Jesus' name?  What is the surprising outcome of such an act?
6. How do you measure success?
7. How well do you do when it comes to being a servant?
8. Pray for one another....

Pent 16 / Proper 19 - Small Group Questions

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

Mark 8:27-38
1. If your closest friends were asked what word best describes you, what would they say?
2. Why is the question, "Who do you say that I am?" so important?  How would you answer this question if Jesus put it to you?  How has your answer changed over the years?
3. How did Peter go from 'gold star teacher's pet' to being in the doghouse?  Why do you think Jesus reacted so strongly?
4. What comes to mind when you hear 'deny yourself?'  Can you recall a time when you felt called to deny yourself but chose not to?  What was the result?  How did you 'rationalize' your decision?
5. Can you recall a time when you responded obediently to a call to 'deny yourself?'  What was the result?  How did that impact your relationship with God?
6. Jesus calls us to 'follow me.'  Do you believe you are more an admirer of Christ or a follower of Christ?  Why?
7.  What is the scariest part for you in contemplating submitting more of your life to Christ?  What do you believe it will require of you?  Why do you fear this would be too much for you?

Week of September 10, 2012

1. Read Mark 7:24-30.
2. When have you felt like an outsider in a group situation?  What did it make you want to do?
3. Tyre was outside of Israel.  Why do you think that Jesus went to a non-Jewish territory:  Was Jesus trying to dodge the crowds?  Did God have a mission to accomplish in Tyre?  Or both?
4. Were Jesus' words in verse 27 harsh, or were they some kind of play on words?  How does this woman take in (v. 28)?  How is her reply evidence of her faith?
5. What message is Jesus giving by healing the daughter?
6. Jesus walks one hundred miles to heal one person.  How far are you willing to go for one person?
7. Pray for one another....

Week of September 3, 2012

1. Read James 1:17-27.
2. Who has a relationship with God that you admire?  What is it about their walk with Christ that you would like to have?  Is there a "gap" between you and them?  What is it?
3. V. 18.  What do you think James means by "birth by the word of truth"?
4. Do you agree that Christians can be a "firstfruit" of the Kingdom of God?  What characteristics about the Christian do you think are most needed in society today?  in our city?  in our church?  in your group?
5. We are told in v. 21 to receive the word with meekness.  What keeps you from doing that?  Are there  particular issues, like the ones in v. 19-21 that you struggle with the most?
6. What does it mean to be a doer of the word and not just a hearer?
7. Do you understand the image of the mirror James uses in these verses?  How is the word "perfect" and a "liberty"?  How can you better persevere in keeping it?
8. Read v. 26-27.  Of these challenges - in speech, action and purity - which speaks the most to you right now?
9. What is keeping you from a closer walk with Christ?  How can the group help you?
10. Pray for one another....

Week of August 27, 2012

1. Read Ephesians 6:10-20.
2. Growing up, what were some of your favorite Halloween costumes, and why?
3. Go back and read Ephesians 1:19-21.  Where is Christ now?  How does this give us hope as we encounter the evil forces described here?  If you like, read also Ephesians 2:1-3, 14; 4:14,17-19, 26-27; and 5:3-18.  How are these forces demonstrated in our lives?
4. What do verses 11-14 say about how we are to respond to these forces?  To resist evil what six pieces of equipment are needed (v. 14-17)?  Which piece is the only offensive weapon listed?
5. Where does prayer fit in (v. 18)?  What does Paul pray for in v. 19-20?  Why?  What does this tell you about spiritual warfare?
6. As you consider your armor, what parts are in good shape?  What is moldy and rusty?  What do you need to do to get ready for battle?  What is at stake if you don't?
7. Paul was on the front lines of the battle (v. 20).  What role do you think you play in the church's resistance movement against Satan?  What evidence do you see of the battle around you?
8. Pray for one another.....

Pentecost 12 - Small Group Questions

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

1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14
1. Do you remember your dreams?  Can you recall a time when you thought God was telling you something in a dream?  In what ways does God communicate with you?
2. Have you heard of 'the wisdom of Solomon?'  If so, what does this mean to you?  If you had to explain to someone what made Solomon wise, what would you say?
3. Why do you suppose Solomon's prayer and request pleased God?
4. God grants Solomon's request for wisdom.  What else does God promise Solomon (vv. 13-14)?  What does Jesus say in Matthew 6:33?  How are these two passages related?
5. How would you define wisdom?  Could you define wisdom apart from God?  Or does all true wisdom start with God?
6. Mtr. Mary said that information is not knowledge and knowledge is not wisdom.  How have you found this to be true in your own experience?
7.  If wisdom is aligning our lives with God's ways and precepts, how 'aligned' do you feel your life is?  Where do you feel most 'out of alignment?'
8. Time and experience is necessary for the development of wisdom; so those who have had more 'time and experience' are more likely to have developed some wisdom.  How well do you think our society values 'time and experience?'  Is this different than how it has been valued in the past?  What do you think this says about our society?  Can you share some examples of this?
9.  What is your immediate and heartfelt response to the question, "Ask what I shall give you?"  Is your wish something for yourself?  or for the benefit of another?  Why is this your dearest desire?

Week of August 13, 2012

1. Read Ephesians 4:25-5:2.
2. Share with the group a time when you got angry, and now, looking back on it, you find it silly that you got so upset.
3. Do you think you have a problem with anger?  Why or why not?
4. Have you been a victim of someone's anger?  What was it like?  What did you do about it?
5. Father Mike mentioned two different approaches to anger.  A "rhino", that charges when angry and a "hedgehog" who curls up in a ball.  Which one are you?  Do you lash out in anger or internalize it?
6. Read 4:26.  What does it mean to "be angry but not sin"?  How can you do this?
7. What are the consequences of "letting the sun go down on your anger"?  In your relationships?  On your health?  What are the dangers of internalizing your anger?
8. Verse 4:31-32 tells us to "put away our anger", replacing it with kindness and forgiveness.  What are some tips that you have learned about how to control your anger?
9. Talk in the group about the connection between unforgiveness and anger.  Is it hard for you to forgive when you are angry?  What can you do to help with this?
10. Father Mike talked about the "switch" of anger and love.  Which one is your default switch?  What sorts of things trigger it from anger to love?  From love to anger?
11. How can the group support you with what we've talked about today?
12. Pray for one another.

The Wise Disciple: Rest - Small Group Questions

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

Mk 6:30-34, 53-56

1. How do you feel about the pace of your life?  Too busy?  Not enough balance between work and rest?  The balance in your life feels good?
2. In what way, if any, do you keep Sabbath?
3. Why do you think we take keeping the Sabbath less seriously than, say, the commandment not to murder?  What do you think God would say to this?
4. If you honestly look at your work situation, are the long hours and stress more required by your employer or more self-induced?  If you're driving yourself (more than others' requirements of you) why do you think this is?  What reasons do you give yourself?
5. How might the unremittant activity in your life be a way of checking out of the deeper aspects of life?
6. When was the last time you had the time and space to look at the whole of your life? to discern where you wanted to go and what you wanted to take leave of?
7. How comfortable are you sitting in silence with God and with your thoughts?  What kind of things tend to rise in your thoughts when you sit in silence?
8. Mtr. Mary told the story of baby Sam and his journey toward resting his head on the shoulder of his parent.  How are you refusing to rest your head on God's shoulder?

Week of July 1, 2012

1. Read Mark 5:21-43.
2. What is the closest you've ever come to dying?
3. Of all the people pressing for Jesus' attention, two get through to Him in the story - how so?
4. Both Jairus and the sick woman took Jesus' seriously.  What promises of Jesus do you feel like you need to take more seriously:  forgiveness, grace, peace, wholeness, eternal life, something else?
5. Father Mike made the observation that the sick woman had been ill for twelve years and that Jairus' daughter was twelve years old.  What is your "twelve" issue?  The thing that you are the most hopeless or desperate about?  Have you taken it to Jesus?
6. Both the sick woman and the dead child would have been unclean.  Why is Jesus not worried about the Jewish laws about ceremonial uncleanness?
7. Do you have a problem taking your uncleanliness to Jesus?  Why or why not?
8. Jesus the woman "go in peace" (wholeness) and "your faith has healed you" (salvation).  He restores the 12 year old girl to live and strength.  What are you most in need of today?  Wholeness, salvation or strength?
9. What is the relationship between faith and wholeness?  
10. In what area of your life will you trust Jesus to heal you?
11. Pray for one another.

Week of June 24, 2012

1. Read 1 Samuel 17:32-49.
2. Do you know someone who has "beaten the odds"?  Who are they, what did they do and how did they do it?
3. Do you have a Goliath in your life?  Something that has positioned itself in your life that is making it hard for you to move forward?  How did it get there?  How long has it been there?
4. Before going down to Goliath's valley, David remembered how God had helped him in the past (v. 34-37).  Is it hard to remember God's faithfulness when you are facing your giants?  What "lions and bears" has the Lord rescued you from in the past?
5. Note how David rejects Saul's armor (v. 38-39).  Why does he do this?  What is a modern day example of "false armor"?  What do we use to fight our battles when we don't rely on the Lord?
6. What does David take as his weapon instead (v. 40)?  How can you use your gifts and resources now to battle your Goliath?
7. How does David respond to the taunts of the Goliath (v. 41-47)?  Does your "Goliath" speak to you? What does it say?
8. Note how eager David was to engage his enemy (v. 48).  Are you willing to engage your Goliath?  Why or why not?
9. At his first opportunity, David slings his stone in faith (v. 49).  What work will it take for you to overcome the giants in your life?  Will it be a short term or a long term process?  What will you do if you don't succeed at first?  How can your group support you?
10. Pray for one another.....

Pentecost 3 - Small Group Questions

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

Mark 4:26-34

1. Do you garden?  Is it easy for you to grow things or do you need to tend your plants carefully?
2. What is your impression of parables?  Do you enjoy them or do they confuse or frustrate you?  Have you had 'a-ha' moments when reflecting on a parable or not so much?
3. Mtr. Mary spoke of how we have become selective listeners.  Think of some examples of how this is true in your life.  What do you think we might be losing in our 'selective listening?'
4. Think of times in the past when you have chosen not to spread your seed.  Why was this?  Do you still agree with your decision, or would you handle it differently today?
5. Can you recall a time when you planted your seed convinced that nothing would come of it only to see God bless and grow it?  Share with the group.
6. Are you using the world's standard of successful results to determine how/when you serve God?  What do you think is the biggest barrier to your ability to 'let go of results' and 'trust God?'
7. Mtr. Mary shared a few home-grown parables about St. Andrew's (VBS, Summer Food, Belize Mission).  Share some St. Andrew's' parables of your own.
8. What could you do that might make it easier for you to 'listen to God' and 'spread your seed' more readily?

Week of June 10, 2012

1. Read Mark 3:20:30.
2. What is the one thing you could do that would make your family think you were out of your mind?
3. Why do you think Jesus' family was worried about Him?
4. When have you felt misunderstood by your family?  How was the issue resolved?
5. Why would the Pharisees connect Jesus with Beelzebub (the Devil)?
6. How do Jesus' parables answer the charges?
7. What sorts of things have you done that would seem "strange" to those without your faith?
8. What sins can be forgiven?  What is the sin that cannot be forgiven?  (Remember:  to receive forgiveness, you must ask.)
9. Have you ever worried about committing the "unforgivable sin"?  Explain.  How does your concern prove that you are not guilty of such a sin?
10. Pray for one another....

Week of June 3, 2012

1. Read John 3:1-17.
2. Read also the Proper Preface for Trinity Sunday, found on page 380 of The Book of Common Prayer: For with your co‑eternal Son and Holy Spirit, you are one God, one Lord, in Trinity of Persons and in Unity of Being; and we celebrate the one and equal glory of you, O Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
3. Do your best to describe your views of the doctrine of the Trinity.  What does it mean?
4. How do you see the three Persons of the Trinity active in our reading from John?
5. Let's look closer at the Proper Preface.  What does it mean that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are "co-eternal"?
6. What does it mean that they are "in Unity of Being"?
7. What does it mean that they "one and equal"?
8. Is there anything about this doctrine that is challenging for you?
9. How does God being in Trinity help you know God better?
10. Pray for one another.

Week of May 27, 2012

1. Read Acts 2:1-21.
2. What do you know about the Holy Spirit?  What do you think it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit?  Is this something you are comfortable with?
3. Luke says that they were all together in one place (v. 1).  How important is unity to the church?  How should we handle conflict?  Do you think there is a connection between division in the church and the absence of the presence of the Holy Spirit?
4. Read v. 2-4.  What do you think was happening here?
5. Do you think people are filled with the Holy Spirit today?  How does it happen?  How do you know if it is happened to you?
6. Note how the Lord immediately uses them to reach the people in town for Pentecost (v. 5-12).  Father Mike made the point that the Holy Spirit will empower us to reach our mission field "in a language that they can understand".  What do you think he meant by this?  Who are the people he is gathering around us?  Where are they from?  What do they need?
7. Peter gets up and quotes from Joel 2:28-32 (v. 14-21).  In it, he mentions things like prophesy, visions and dreams.  Has the Holy Spirit ever spoken to you like this?  What happened?
8. Father Mike talked about how prophesy is a simple, encouraging word that the Lord inspires and gifts you to articulate.  What words of encouragement might the Holy Spirit be giving members of your group to encourage others?
9. Pray for one another....

Easter 7 - Small Group Questions

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

Acts 1:15-17, 21-26

1. Can you recall an experience of 'not making the team?'  How did that feel? Share with the group.
2. This passage, only half a chapter, occurs between when the resurrected Jesus ascended to the Father and when the Holy Spirit descended on believers at Pentecost.  What do you think about this 10 day period?  What do you think the disciples were thinking during this time?  Try and put yourself in their place.  How do you think this period would have felt for you?
3. Can you recall a time when you were called to 'wait on the Holy Spirit?'  Were you able to do so? or did you start working out a solution on your own?  Discuss when you've been blessed by waiting on the HS.
4. The disciples reflected on scripture, prayed together, established qualifications, discussed it amongst the believers, asked God to guide their decision, chose, and moved forward.  Is this a pattern that you regularly follow in your own discernment of God's will?  If not, what is your pattern?  How is that working for you?  What aspects of this pattern might you incorporate in your discernment?
5. Have you had a powerful experience of group prayer?  How was this different than private prayer?
6. Mtr. Mary quoted Adam Hamilton who says, "God’s will is more about how we make our decisions than about the specific decisions we make."  Do you agree?  Why or why not?
7. How might this understanding of God's will be freeing for you?  Do you believe that God is always working to redeem our decisions?  Do you live that way?  Or do you live in fear - of God's judgment, of getting it wrong?
8. Consider your ministry in the Church and the world.  How have you been a 'Matthias-like apostle?'

Week of May 14, 2012

1. Read Matthew 6:5-15.
2. Can you think of someone you know who has a great prayer life?  How can you tell?  What about them would you most like to emulate?
3. Father Mike talked about how prayer involves the entire Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  How is this so?
4. How often do you think we should pray?  Do you think you pray often enough?  Why or why not?
5. Share with the group a time when God answered a prayer of yours with a "yes".
6. Share with the group a time when God answered a prayer of yours with a "wait".
7. Share with the group a time when God answered a prayer of yours with a "no".
8. For each, of the above, how did it make you feel?
9. Do you find praying easy or hard?  If you are comfortable, share with the group about how you pray.  Where?  When?  How do you do it?  Any advice on what works well?  What doesn't work well?
10. What do you think are the major barriers for you in having the prayer life that you desire?
11. Pray for one another.....

Week of May 7, 2012

1. Read Acts 8:26-40.
2. Who was your favorite teacher?  What made them great?
3. What kind of person are you:  one for whom learning comes easy or hard?  Was school easy for you or hard?
4. What do make of Father Mike's statement from his sermon:  "disciples of Jesus Christ are life long learners"?
5. What do you think it was that compelled the Ethiopian eunuch to go to Jerusalem?  Why did he make the trip?
6. On his way home, was is the eunuch doing?  Why?
7. What non-fiction book would you like to read? On what topic?  
8. How do you feel about your current knowledge of the Bible?  What could you do to learn more?
9. What role does Philip play in the Ethiopian's life?  Who are the "Philips" in your life:  the people that God has sent to help you learn?  Have you invited them into your chariot?  Why or why not?
10. What actions are you prepared to take to be a better life long learner?  How can your group help you?
11. Pray for one another.....

Week of April 30, 2012

1. Read 1 John 3:11-24.
2. What person really taught you what love is all about?  How?
3. How does the story of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:1-8) illustrate the meaning of "love one another"?  How does the cross of Christ illustrate the same point?
4. How does John's definition of love (v. 16-18) differ from your experience and expression of love in romantic relationships?  in your family?  in your church?
5. V. 21-22.  Does obedience result in answered prayer or obedience move us to pray?  Why?
6. V. 24.  Does obedience result in unions with God or does union with God result from obedience?  Why?
7. Make a list of all the ways that God gives us assurance in this passage.  See v. 14, 16, 19, 20, 24.  Which means the most to you?
8. Are there people you cannot get along with?  What can you do about it this week?  Are you willing to try?  Pray for one another....

Easter 3 - Small Group Questions

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

Book of Common Prayer - Catechism (p 845)
1. Have you ever read through the Catechism? What was your familiarity with the Catechism prior to our sermon on Sunday?
2. Read "the duty of all Christians" on p 856. Do you agree with this list? What would you add? What, if anything, would you remove? How do you feel about how you are living into your 'duty as a Christian?'
3. Read "corporate worship" on p 857. We come to worship, first and foremost, to acknowledge the holiness of God - to worship and praise him. Is this true for you? Is your primary motivation in coming to worship praise of God? If not, what is your primary motivation?
4. Were you aware how much scripture you are surrounded by in worship by the Episcopal liturgy, scripture, and the sermon? How have you been formed by this immersion in the Word? In what way do you most clearly hear God's Word in worship?
5. Mtr. Mary said that liturgical prayer is the essential prayer that provides the ground of all other forms of prayer. Do you agree or disagree with this? What is most meaningful to you about prayer in our worship service?
6. A major aspect of corporate worship is to celebrate the sacraments. How many of you were raised in a tradition that did not emphasize the sacraments in worship? What has it been like for you to come into a more sacramental tradition? For everyone - what does partaking of Holy Eucharist each week mean to you?
7. Of all the aspects of worship that we have reflected upon, which aspects are the most meaningful to you? What would you like to see become a part of weekly worship? What, if anything, would you remove from weekly worship?

Week of April 15, 2012

1. Read Psalm 113.
2. Do you know someone who just radiates the love and faith that comes from Jesus Christ? Tell us about them. What do you think makes them the way that they are?
3. How important is serving others to the Christian? Or, is it that important?
4. Father Mike challenged us to serve the people in our "lifespace": family, friends, and co-workers. How and who is God calling you to serve? What will you do?
5. Father Mike challenged us to serve our church at least once a month. How do you think you are doing in that area? Do you think you need to do more? less? Is there something that you are not doing that you would like to do?
6. Father Mike challenged us to serve our community. If there were no limitations, what would you most like to do in our community? What do you think God is calling St. Andrew's to do in our outreach? How can you help make that happen?
7. What is the connection between a church that serves and the unity described is Psalm 133? How might the Lord anoint and bless us?
8. Pray for one another....

Week of April 8, 2012

1. Read John 20:1-8.
2. After you bury someone you love, how do you deal with your grief? Do you find comfort in going out to the cemetery? Why?
3. As Mary, having seen Jesus' tortuous death, what is your emotional state two days later? Would you be sleepless? Why else would you visit the tomb so early? Realizing the body is gone, how do you react?
4. What does "the other disciple" (likely John, the author) believe? Why?
5. Father Mike mentioned in his sermon that love for someone gives you insight. How is that true for John here? How is it true in our relationship with the Lord?
6. John believes because of the sign of the grave clothes. What signs are around you that help you believe?
7. Father Mike said, "if your heart is right, your head will catch up". Do you believe this? How has this been true in your life?
8. What do you rely on for evidence that Jesus is the Son of God and that He rose from the dead?
9. Pray for one another....

Week of March 26, 2012

1. Read John 12:20-36.
2. Are you more likely to panic in the big crises or in the little ones?
3. What would motive these Gentiles in v. 20 to come to Jerusalem during a special time of Jewish patriotism?
4. What was so unique about their request that Philip would filter it through Andrew instead of just going right to Jesus?
5. Jesus has said several times that "His time had not yet come". What about this request caused Him to say that now His time has come?
6. What is He calling His disciples to do in verses 25-26? What promise do they receive?
7. In verses 27-32 "now" is repeated three times. What things are about to occur? How do these realities affect Jesus? How doe He deal with the anxiety?
8. How is Jesus' death (v. 32) related to His being glorified (v. 23)?
9. From verses 24-26, where is Jesus calling you to "die" so that you may really "live"? What do you tend to hold on to rather than Jesus?
10. How does Jesus' example in verse 27 give you the courage to deal with your ambiguous feelings about life?
    
11. Pray for one another....

Lent 4 - Small Group Questions

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

Jn 3:14-21
1. What is your childhood memory of the dark?
2. Give examples of ways that you equate light with goodness and evil (or badness) with darkness?
3. Sometimes we place people in boxes, labeling them as good or bad. Do you tend to see folks as 'all light' or 'all dark?' Or do you see that folks are indwelt by both light and darkness? How might this understanding help you find a space for relationship with folks that you disagree with?
4. Have you examined yourself to see where the darkness is in your life? Have you tried to keep it hidden, or have you offered it up to Jesus for healing?
5. What are your thoughts about the judgment of God? What does this passage say about God's judgment?
6. Can you recall times in your life when you experienced judgment through an unwillingness or inability to live in Christ's light? to allow your life or your will to be submitted to God's?
7. What are ways that you can be Christ's light to others?

Week of March 12, 2012

1. Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5.
2. On a scale of 1-10, how important are the following to you: great wealth? personal power? physical beauty? immense intellect? Why?
3. What qualities were most important to the Greeks and Jews of Paul's day?
4. What has God done to the wisdom of the world? Why do the "wise" so often miss the significance of Christ and the cross? What has it become for them? How does God show both wisdom and power?
5. Describe the Corinthian church. Why did God choose them? What is their boast?
6. How did Paul's ministry demonstrate the distinction between the wisdom and power of the world and that of God? What was a priority for Paul? Why?
7. What does a ministry devoid of God's wisdom and power look like? Sound like? Feel like?
8. How is our society like and unlike the one pictured in this passage? Where do your friends and family confuse God's wisdom and power from the world's? In whom or what does your family trust? Why do we Christians often miss the significance of Christ and the cross?
9. Can you think of any situation today where God uses the foolish, the weak, the lowly or the despised to build His kingdom?
10. How has God demonstrated His wisdom and power in your life recently?
11. Pray for one another....

Week of March 2, 2012

1. Read Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16.
2. Do you know someone who did some amazing things late in life? Who were they? What did they do?
3. God visits Abram at a time in his life when he was presumably fine with his life with Ishmael. Still, God had Isaac in mind! Have you ever tried to fulfill God's plans for your life on your own? Can you think of a time when you've settled for Ishmael when God wanted to give you Isaac?
4. Can you relate to the following statement from the sermon: "You may me finished with you, but God isn't finished with you yet!"?
5. The Lord asks Abram to respond to Him with trust and obedience. How do you see this in our passage for today? What is the connection between God's calling and righteousness?
6. The Lord promises Abraham that He will bless him and "be his God" forever. How do you see this in the passage for today? What is the significance of Abraham's name change?
7. Why does the Lord go out of His way to include Sarai?
8. Have you given over your limitations to God? What parameters have you set on what God can and cannot do through you?
9. Which do you need more today, to be changed like Abraham (surrendering your will to the Lord) or to be changed like Sarah (laying down your limitations to the Lord?
10. Pray for one another.....

Lent 1 - Small Group Questions

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

Gen 9:8-17
1. Think about some of the storms you have weathered in your life. Were they short or long? Did they do a lot of damage? Could you see them coming, or did they catch you off guard? Share with the group.
2. After the storm, God establishes a new covenant with Noah and all his descendents and 'with every living creature.' What does this say that God covenants with every person and every living thing? Is this consistent with your understanding of God, that every living thing is part of the covenant?
3. Does your life reflect God's care and love for every living thing?
4. Fr. Mike noted that all of the promises in this covenant are on God's side. There is no requirement on our part. How does this fit with your understanding of your relationship with God? How does it fit with how you view (and perhaps judge) others' relationship with God?
5. Do you believe that God loves you the same no matter what you do or don't do? Or does your life reflect a belief that God 'requires' something to love you?
6. Fr. Mike compared this Noachic covenant with the New Covenant in Jesus Christ. John tells us that Jesus came not to condemn the world but to save the world through him. How is this as inclusive and everlasting as God's covenant with Noah? Is it consistent with your understanding of how Jesus saves?
7. What rainbows - actual or metaphorical - have you been given? How did they make you feel? Can you speak to a 'storm' that was redeemed? That became a New Day?

Last Epiphany - Small Group Questions

Mk 9:2-9
1. Can you recall a time outdoors, in nature, when you had an intense experience of God's presence? Share this with the group.
2. Was Peter's response appropriate? If not, why do you think he responded this way?
3. Do you think you would be tempted to speak into God's revelation? If so, why do you think this is? What anxiety would you be attempting to relieve?
4. How comfortable are you with silence? Are you less comfortable with it than you used to be, or more? Why do you think this is?
5. Reflect on all those things that have contributed to a lack of silence in your life. How might you limit or eliminate them to create more space for silence? Do you even want to?
6. What is your greatest fear about spending more time in silence with God?
7. Are you able to bear witness with others in their pain and loss? Or do you feel compelled to speak when no words are adequate?
8. What do you think was the point of God's message to those on the mountain?
9. Do you accept that faith in Jesus Christ requires sacrificial suffering? Or are you hoping to have the glory without the cost? How might suffering and sacrifice lead to a more mature and deeper faith?

Week of February 12, 2012

1. Read Matthew 5:13-16.
2. Are you a person that is more comfortable on the sidelines or "in the game"? Why is that so?
3. Consider salt. How does it function? Become useless? What prevails in its absence?
4. How does the salt metaphor relate to our spiritual lives? How does it apply directly to you today?
5. Consider light. How does it function? Become useless? What prevails in its absence?
6. How does the light metaphor relate to our spiritual lives? How does it apply directly to you today?
7. To whom is the Lord sending you as salt and light? What difference do you think you can make?
8. V. 16. What is the difference between good works where people glorify the person doing them and good works where people glorify God?
9. How do you think you are doing? Is your life salty or saltless? Covered or open? Why?
10. Pray for one another....

Week of February 5, 2012

1. Read Isaiah 40:21-31.
2. Can you think of a time when you have been "in exile". Has there ever been, or is there now, an area of your life where you felt like God has abandoned you or where God's power wasn't working?
3. Read v. 21-23. What does this say about God? What does it mean for you that God is "the Creator of creation"?
4. Read v. 25-26. When times are hard, what are most likely to do, keep you eyes down on your situation or lifted up to the Lord? Why is this so?
5. Why did Judah feel this way in v. 27? Have you ever felt this way?
6. V. 28. What does it mean that God is "everlasting"? Do you really believe that He does not grow weary, even when it relates to you?
7. V. 29-31. Describe an instance where you've seen this happen for you or someone you know.
8. In what area of your life do you need power? What does waiting on the Lord mean for you right now?
9. Pray for one another....

Week of January 29, 2012

1. Read Mark 1:21-28.
2. Besides the "new St. Andrew's", what is the most amazing and moving church you've ever been in? What made it so?
3. Father Mike's sermon stressed the importance of having a building. How important is it, in your point of view? Would St. Andrew's have been OK had we never built?
4. How do you think the building can be used by the Lord as a tool to reach our mission field?
5. What impact do you think it will have on the way we attract and maintain new members? What impact will it have on our current congregation?
6. Can you think of ways that having a building will improve your relationship with the Lord? How so?
7. Note how the demon possessed man was in the synagogue. Do you think that people feel like they need to "fix themselves" before they can come to church? Have you felt that way? What can we do as a church community to make it easier for people to come in?
8. What miracles would you like to see the Lord perform in our new building? For others? For you?
9. Pray for one another...

Epiphany 2 - Small Group Questions

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

Jn 1:43-51
1. Share with the group a time when you made a quick judgment about someone or something and then came to change it. What do you think caused you to jump to your first conclusion?
2. How easy (or difficult) is it for you to believe based on someone's words or testimony? To what extent are you someone who needs to see it for yourself? experience it for yourself?
3. Do you think your faith would be stronger if you could see Jesus 'in the flesh?'
4. Why do you suppose it would be easier to follow a physical Jesus? How might you take that 'thing' and make it more present in your relationship with Jesus now?
5. What do you imagine would be harder about following Jesus 'then;' ie: 'in the flesh?'
6. Mtr. Mary noted that believing in Jesus means seeing with the eyes of faith. How well are you doing at seeing with the eyes of faith? To what extent do you still see with the eyes of the world?
7. Does your life reflect the belief that Jesus is just as present today as he was 2,000 years ago? How might you witness to this more?

Week of January 9, 2012

1. Read Mark 1:4-12.
2. Can you think of a time when you were "baptized", or initiated, into a line of work, a vocation, or a role in life? What happened? What effect did it have on you?
3. Why is John the Baptist so important to the Jesus story? How would describe John by his dress, diet and message in modern terms? Why was he so popular among the masses?
4. Why did Jesus go to John, and Old Testament prophet, to be baptized?
5. What is significant about the dove and the voice from heaven?
6. Do you have something in your life that you need the Holy Spirit's help with? What is it that you know you can't do alone?
7. What do you think of the Father's words of affirmation to Jesus? Do you think the Father feels that way about you? Why or why not?
8. Pray for one another....

Week of January 2, 2012

1. Read Luke 2:21-40.
2. When you were growing up, what teacher, coach or relative made you feel special? How did that person make you feel so good?
3. Who helps you feel special now?
4. Why is Jesus presented in the temple at this time: Circumcision? Christening? Purification? Dedication? What Mosaic laws are hereby fulfilled (see Leviticus 12:1-8, Exodus 13:2, 1,2 13; Numbers 18:15, 16)?
5. Why the name Jesus?
6. What does this temple ceremony reveal about the parents of Jesus: They were very poor? Religious? Proud? Dedicated? Fearful of their salvation?
7. How could Simeon possibly know this baby Jesus was the long promised Messiah (v. 25-28)? In Simeon's prophecies (v. 29-32, 34-35) what was he predicting about the work of Jesus? The fate of the nations? The pain of the parents?
8. Of whom does Anna remind you? How does she compliment Simeon's prophecy?
9. What impact would these startling predictions by Simeon and Anna have on "all" who were listening that day? On the parents of Jesus as they returned home (v. 33, 39)? On Jesus as He grew up (v. 40)?
10. How did your parents dedicate you to the Lord, if at all? How do you feel about the fact that you were or weren't dedicated? How did your parents help you mature spiritually?
11. When has God brought along someone to confirm something in your life, like Simeon and Anna did for the parents of Jesus? How did this make you feel?
12. Pray for one another.