Small Church October 8, 2023

Conversation Guide for October 8, 2023

Whether you are using this material in a small church, or watching on your own, Happy Thanksgiving.

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

In Conversation with the Word

Watch the video:

Read Scriptures

Exodus 1:8-14, 3:1-15

Conversation Starters (Pick a few)

• What stands out to you?
• How is God present in times of uncertainty and suffering?
• How do you respond to the statement that God has heard the cries of the people and seen their misery?
• What does it mean to be redeemed? (in the story of Exodus, in the world, in your life)

Moses “turned aside” to see the supernatural manifestation (the burning bush).

• What might it mean to “turn aside” in your life? How are you open to God speaking?

Moses encounters the burning bush, this encounter with God, in the same place where some time later God will speak to the people in the giving of the 10 commandments.

• How might the work of redemption and healing in your life be part of redemption and healing for others?

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

CapKids

If there are children in your Small Church, we have resources to lead them through a story, conversation and activity.

Traditions or holidays can be a great opportunity to give space for meaningful connection and
reflection as a family. We wanted to invite your family to not just talk about gratitude, but find ways to
practice it. We identified 3 ways you could approach Thanksgiving as a family by: noticing goodness,
expressing gratitude for others, or finding good in the midst of hard things.

Click HERE to access the guide.