What really matters...

Today at church the scripture was the story of Mary and Martha, found in Luke 10:38-42 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha   opened her home to him.   She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.     But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,”  the Lord answered,  “you are worried and upset about many things,   but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” As this scripture was read in church this morning, I found myself thinking of it in relation to work mission.  See, in years past, I tended to be the person who kept working when the homeowner came by, but this year, I stopped and took time to talk.  One of the jobs that I was on was a house t

By Katy Wright Open your time together in prayer. Read Matthew 25:31-46 Think about the things listed in this passage.  These are situations that people live with everyday – and opportunities that we have to live into our calling to live for Christ in the everyday.  Discussion questions: ·         How have you lived for Christ this week?  How can that transfer to your life at home? ·         What are the challenges to living for Christ at home?  What are some of the distractions we have to deal with?   ·         What have you learned this week that might help with living into our calling? ·         Jesus told lots of stories to teach his followers and to remind them to focus on what is important.  What stories can you take from your week that will remind you to focus on Christ?  (Feel free to add those to your 2x4) Close this part in prayer, and then spend some time finalizing your presentation for large group time. Planning for large group time: As

By Bob Rodgers Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 o        What do you think this passage is telling us? o        How does it relate to being called? o        Is there any part of the passage that confuses you that other members of your group might be able to clarify? These verses I just read say that God calls us to give to others not grudgingly, but joyfully, as we each deem appropriate. He has blessed us so that we may be a blessing to others. God gives us much, not so that we hold on to what we have, but so that we can share with those who are not as fortunate. We have been called to serve Christ and to be a blessing to others because of what He has done for us. While some of us may not think that we have abundance, we need to realize that we have all been greatly blessed. Take a minute to think of some of the ways you have been blessed, and discuss these with your group .  When we come to an area such as where we are now, we come with the intent of helping “the poor”.

By Mark Boyce and Elyse Schnabel ·         Read the Ephesians 4:1-16 aloud as a group. o        What do you think this passage is telling us? o        How does it relate to being called? o        Is there any part of the passage that confuses you that other members of your group might be able to clarify? ·         Each group leader was handed a baggie with different names of body parts on different pieces of paper. Pass out those papers now. The object of this game is to see how quickly the group can form a body. When the game starts, everyone walks around, telling people their name (optional) and body part. If their body parts go together (Arm to torso, nose to face, ect.), then they link arms. If they do not go together (nose to arm, leg to head, ect.) then they continue to look for other people. The game will be timed by the leader of the group. Then put the papers back in the bag and pick again so you have new body parts.  This will be done three times and used to sh

By Marisa Allen and Sarah Robinson Open in prayer Read Matthew 4:18-22 ·         What do you think we are supposed to learn from this scripture ·         How does it relate to being called? ·         Is there any part of the passage that confuses you that other members of your group might be able to clarify? Rhythm game – have one person stand away from the group where they cannot see or hear the group.  Then those who are left in the group choose a leader.  Whatever this person does, the other group members must do.  So for example this person might start by clapping their hands, and everyone else starts clapping their hands.  Once everyone is doing this, call back the person who went away from the group.  They stand in the middle of the circle, and watch the group.  The person who is the leader must occasionally change motions.  For example they might stop clapping their hands and start tapping their finger on their nose instead.  Everyone else must follow suit.  You

By Alfred Yates Opening Prayer Please ask someone to open the devotion with prayer.   Opening Discussion What are some things we value in our life? We are going to read a Psalm that illustrates the value of God’s Word and Law. Psalms 119:9-16 9  How can a young person stay on the path of purity?      By living according to your word. 10  I seek you with all my heart;      do not let me stray from your commands. 11  I have hidden your word in my heart      that I might not sin   against you. 12  Praise be   to you,   Lord ;      teach me   your decrees. 13  With my lips I recount      all the laws that come from your mouth. 14  I rejoice in following your statutes      as one rejoices in great riches. 15  I meditate on your precepts      and consider your ways. 16  I delight   in your decrees;      I will not neglect your word. Questions from the Passage 1)       From where does seeking God start? 2)       How does the Psalm say we can live acco

Tonight's devotions were written By Lora Fritsche Read Matthew 11:28-30 ·         What do you think this passage is telling us? ·         How does it relate to being called? ·         Is there any part of the passage that confuses you that other members of your group might be able to clarify? o        Yoke (according to dictionary.com): a device for joining together a pair of draft animals, especially oxen, usually consisting of a crosspiece with two bowshaped pieces, each enclosing the head of an animal . o        How does understanding what a yoke is help you understand the verses? No matter where you are in life, every person carries their own personal burdens.  There are some burdens we all face, such as  1. Sin 2. Demands of family, work, school 3. Oppression and persecution 4. Weariness in the search for God. How can you find rest and renewal with Jesus and allow Him to help you with your burdens ? Think about the best qualities of a relationsh

If you want to follow along on devotions with the work mission team, I will be posting the devotions here.   I may also post some reflections - we'll just see how it goes! ~ Katy Saturday Night: Called 2x4 Christ Katy: (Have someone open in prayer) (Place signs on wall – words CALLED ________________  CHRIST) How would you fill in the blank?  (take a few answers – then continue) There are three ways that we are each called that we are going to focus on this week.  Let’s hear a little more about these… Reader 1: Matthew 9:9 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. Jesus met Matthew where he was.  He saw him sitting at the tax booth.   But Jesus didn’t want Matthew to stay there.  He said to Matthew, “Follow me.”  Following requires movement.  It also requires relationship.  This was the beginning of Matthew’s relationship with Jesus. Je

Some people are naturally gifted with regards to music.  I can think of a number of people in my life for whom that is true.  For these people, they pick up music easily, they have an ear for rhythm and pitch and key.  That is not me.  Don't get me wrong - I am a huge fan of music.  But I don't have a natural gift for it.  I have a nice voice - but I start in a different key every time I start a song. And I have no rhythm - whether it's with my flute or singing, I just do it by what sounds right to me, which does not have a steady rhythm.  Which drives those musically gifted people crazy, I'm sure. But the thing is, despite my less than stellar musical skills, I love music.  I especially love lyrics.  There are so many songs that I can point to as just saying what I am feeling in a particular time of my life.  And music is definitely a way that I connect to God.  There are many times that I have been singing a song, and I suddenly hear God challenging me to somethin