Small Church April 28, 2024

Conversation Guide for April 28, 2024

Becoming Present to God

While lighting a candle to remind you of God’s Presence, have someone read the candle prayer:

Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
You have called us out of darkness into light.
Open our eyes to your presence,
Open our ears to your call,
Open our hearts to your love.

AMEN

Becoming Present to One Another

Share a consolation (what you are most grateful for) and desolation (what you are least grateful for) from the past week.

As an introductory question, answer:

How have you seen physical healing portrayed in popular culture (movies, tv, etc.)?

In Conversation with the Word

Read Scripture

1 Corinthians 1:10-18

Watch the Video

Discuss

1. In our society today, what are some places, organizations, that vie for our affiliation?
2. Have you ever been part of a group that demanded intense affiliation/commitment? What are some positives of such connection? What are some negatives?
3. How is what is being described in the passage mirrored in our church culture today?
4. What do you make of the fact that Paul can’t seem to remember who he baptized?
5. Can denominations be a good thing? How so?
6. What are some ways in which we can be guided by our awareness of common faith rather than differences?
7. What are some of the ways which an awareness of common humanity will be a blessing to living out our faith?
8. How does verse 18 point out that holding affiliations loosely might be seen as ignorant by society as a whole?
9. What do you think of the verb tense in the verse when it says “to those who are being saved”?

Prayer and Blessing

As according to your particular small church practice, spend some time in prayer for one another and for the world.

Close with someone reading the blessing over you all as the candle is blown out.

May the Father of many resting places grant you rest;
May the Christ who stilled the storm grant you calm;
May the Spirit who fills all things grant you peace.
God’s light be your light,
God’s love be your love,
God’s way be your way.

AMEN