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....