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Rising Tide: Week 2

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Rising Tide: Week 2

We took time last week, on Anniversary Sunday, to cast some vision for the year to come. The word this year is Rising Tide.

A rising tide lifts all boats. Generally this term is associated with the idea that an improved economy benefits all participants. We are using this phrase in terms of spiritual economy of opportunity for ministry + discipleship. We are preparing for this rising tide of opportunity to lead, serve and grow in depth and breadth in 2020. 

Listen along with us to learn more about this Rising Tide – This week we engaged with what a Rising Tide looks like through Connection and Belonging.

If you are looking to develop your spiritual life and create more of a rhythm of intentional spiritual practice, check out our resource guide from our series Rhythm here.

Community Group Discussion Guide:

STEP 1- Ice Breaker:

Help people to loosen up and share. It will be helpful if someone is new to go around and do names and have each person share about a question and share a bit about themselves. CLICK HERE for ice breaker questions ideas.

(Group Leader Note: Use the Learning/Living Circle to guide your discussion and application of the content. Try your best to keep the “learning” and “living” focus balanced. The goal is working towards practical and personal life application.)

Step 2- Learning- Observe, Reflect, Discuss

(Group Leader Note: Don’t feel the need to go through every scripture, point or question. Pick and choose what you feel will make the most impact for your group. If you are not sure where to start, just ask your group what stuck out to them about the message most and start with that.)

Read this scriptures together:

Hebrews 10:19-25 

“19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Observation & Reflection Questions to Discuss:

  • Anything that jumps out to you as important, helpful or interesting in this scripture?
  • Are there any questions or curiosities you have about this portion of scripture that you would like to look into more?
  • How might this scripture connect with the idea of, “preparing for a rising tide”?
  • What does the idea of “preparing for a rising tide” mean to you?
  • What ways does this scripture offer us to form a vulnerable and authentic connection with God?
  • What ways does this scripture offer us to form a deeper connection with our faith and one another?

STEP 3- Living- Planning, Accountability, Action

  • Talk through the Layers of Relationship Chart Below. What do you think of using this to form a Rule/Rhythm of Life in regards to relationships?

  • What layers are hardest for you to show up in during this season in your life?
  • What layers are easiest for you to show up in during this season in your life?
  • What layers of relationship are lacking during this season of your life?
  • What might be a helpful next step you could take to fill in some of the gaps in these different layers?
  • Who are some specific people or relational environments you can be more intentional about showing up and being present in?

STEP 4- Prayer And/Or Meditation:

Please don’t skip prayer!! Cut the discussion short if needed to pray for one another 🙂 Try one of these options, don’t be afraid to mix it up.

  • Have people split into groups of 2-3 to share prayer needs and pray for each other.
  • Share requests as a group and pray for one another. Assign requests to people that are comfortable with praying and go around the circle praying for each others needs.
  • Help your group develop a vocabulary of prayer. Pray a wrote prayer together.  Prayerfully read a Psalm or something from the Book of Common Prayer .
  • Meditation with silence and stillness- A word or phrase to focus your group. A time of silence and stillness, set a timer for 5 minutes if you want. Close the time with a prayer for your group.
  • Develop someone in your group as the Prayer Coordinator. Have them write down prayer needs, ask them to pray for those needs during the week, have them send a list to the group to keep in prayer, go through the list regularly to celebrate answered prayers and check off or add on prayers.

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