Small Church January 14, 2024

Conversation Guide for January 14, 2024

Happy New  Year, Small Churches! 

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

Spend some time thanking God for the day, for what comes to mind in gratitude in your life and in the world. Notice what is around you, what you see, and hear – offer up thanksgiving.

Becoming Present to One Another

Share with each other: 

• How has the new year been so far?
• How do you think people generally feel at this time of year?
• What are some of the positive feelings?
• What are some of the negative feelings?

In Conversation with the Word

Read Mark 2:1-3:6

Watch the video:

Conversation Questions

1. What stands out to you in the passage, the various stories?
2. From these scenes, why do you think that to some Jesus was seen as a rule breaker?
3. Why was this upsetting to a particular group of people?
4. How might this relate to the call of Jesus today?
5. From the scene with the paralyzed man: What might it mean that our faith can make a positive difference in the lives of others?
6. What does the scene of the healing of the paralyzed man show about the difference between how Jesus thinks of people and the approach that religion often has to people?
7. What does it mean to put people before religion? How might this have an impact in our families, our friendships, our communities?

Prayer and Blessing

If there is time and inclination, pray for one another, or ask one person to pray for the group.

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