Small Church September 2, 2024

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Conversation Guide for September 29, 2024

Becoming Present to God

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

Candle prayer inviting the presence of God.

Conversation Starters

 

Share a consolation/desolation from your week.

Video Starter

Watch this video with Kim and Todd introducing the concept of pathos.

Discussion Questions

Read Jeremiah 9:1-3

  • What is Jeremiah feeling? Why?

  • There are two desires mentioned by Jeremiah in these few verses, what are they?

  • How are these two things felt today? What does it mean to want to weep because of the circumstance of other people? (This is an example of pathos)

  • How is the second desire an expression of being overwhelmed?

  • How do  we feel similar things today?

  • How does this demonstrate a different idea of what a prophet was?

Poetry, Person, Pathos

  • You can see, in how the text is shaped, that it is part of a poem?
  • How does poetry work differently than other forms of language?
  • Take a line like, “O that my head were waters!” – how does the poetic image help us more than simply saying , “Jeremiah was anguished over the situation of the people”?

 

Resources

Consider listening/watching this song by Johnny Cash

  • How does this song present a pretty classic view of prophecy?
  • How is what we see in Jeremiah different than this?
  • How is it the same?

Abraham Heschel notes that

“The disparity between God and humanity is overcome in God, not in humanity.”

We see in Jer 9:1-3 that Jeremiah feels pathos.

  • What might it mean that God does the same?
  • How can the incarnation of Jesus be seen as a fulfilment of the divine pathos of God and of a hope for renewal beyond judgment?

 

 

Christ is Lower Still
  • How does this song express the idea of Jesus’ presence in the depths instead of the heights?
  • Perhaps use this song to lead and guide a time of prayer.

Blessing One Another

As one person reads the final blessing, let it be something you all offer and receive from one another as the candle is blown out.

Blessing Prayer
CapKids Title

This fall CapKids will be learning all about the Psalms in a series called “Make a Joyful Noise”. Click here to download the guide for this week or scroll down. 

Psalm 23

A Psalm of David
The Lord is my Shepherd, I have all that
I need.
The Shepherd brings me to green fields,
and leads me by quiet waters,
The Shepherd gives life to my soul,
and leads me in the right paths.
Even when I go through the darkest
valley
I am not afraid,
For the Shepherd is with me,
with a rod and staff to protect me.
The Lord prepares a feast for me
as my enemies watch nearby.
The Lord anoints my head with oil,
my cup overflows.
Goodness and love will follow me,
every day of my life.
I will live in the Lord’s house all my
days.

Psalm 23

God is my shepherd.
He leads me in the right direction. And
even if I have to walk in a dark place,
I am not scared.
I know nothing will hurt me if I walk with
God!
(Psalm 23 from Psalms for Young Children)

Wonder Questions

  • The Psalm Describes God as a Shepherd. What is another way you could describe God
    and why?
  • Share about a hard or painful time in your life. How did you feel? Who helped you?
  • What are some ways God leads us and comforts us? Can you think of a specific
    example from your life?

Prayer Activity

Express your prayer through art. Draw green fields, water, and a valley. In the fields and water draw things that make you feel happy and peaceful. In the valley, draw things that worry or upset you.

Finish by saying “Amen!”

Book Resources

4
This book paraphrases Psalm 23 in child-friendly language that helps little ones know they are always cared for and protected by God. It has colourful pictures that help bring the Psalm to life and even help convey the tone and deeper meaning to a younger audience. Recommended for Ages 1-4
The description of this book is excellent: “Through poignant, heart-warming images of an urban African-American family, children experience the comfort and encouragement this favorite Psalm still offers — the powerful message that they can rely on the Lord as they thread their way through the risk-filled maze of daily life in the city.” The pictures help bring the Psalm into modern life. Recommended for Age 5-9
6
This book fits so well into our Joyful Noise series, as it's written like a song with lots of repetitive lines and imagery throughout. This book focuses on the fact that we can be brave in any circumstance because “Jesus loves you, makes you strong. In Him, you’re brave and you belong.” This book covers the similar theme that Psalm 23 does in that God is with us in the good and difficult moments; he wants to protect and care for us. Recommended for Ages 4-8
I really loved this book when I first read it. The conversation throughout the book between the child and the road perfectly captures the natural curiosity of children. When reading this book you could envision the road as a metaphor for God, as it guides, encourages, and cares for the child. It also can be an example of how we pray and talk to God, similar to the Psalms where we learn how to communicate with God. This book models that questions are a great way to enter into prayer. Recommended for Ages 6-10

CapKids Playlist

Looking for some music to enjoy with your kids? Check out this curated playlist that Janine and Mikaila have put together. Each week they’ll be adding more songs to the list. 

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