September 5th, 2025
by Sarah Hines
by Sarah Hines
CoreGroup Discussion Guide | September 7, 2025
Written by Melissa Ross and Jenny Huffman
Welcome
Welcome to a new season of groups at The Gathering! We’re glad you’re here. Usually this CoreGroup Guide will lead us through a discussion related to the current sermon series. Each week we will dive into scripture, reflect on the main themes of the sermon, and ponder how we can engage our Head, Heart, and Hands as we journey together in faith.
This week will follow a similar pattern, but instead of a sermon, we’ll be discussing… Our CoreGroup! Whether you’re just meeting for the first time today, or you’ve been together for years, this is a time to get to know each other better and discuss the shared values, goals, hopes, and expectations of this group. Let’s jump in!
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus, Thank you for today and for the people gathered here. We are grateful to have this fresh opportunity to be part of a Gathering CoreGroup. Use our conversation today to help us get to know one another. We pray that this will begin a meaningful journey to know each other and you more deeply through this time together. In your name Lord, Amen.
Ice Breaker
Choose 1-2 of the questions below, or come up with your own “get to know you” type question. If you have a new group, the leader can model the first answer if needed and then go around the circle so each person has an opportunity to share if they would like.
The Head
In the “Head” section, we typically talk about what we learned from the week’s sermon and explore the key scripture from the sermon. For this first week of CoreGroups, we will use this time to get to know the main “characters” of your group. Even if you already know each other, this is a great opportunity to share updates and to learn something new.
The Heart
In the “Heart” section, we typically reflect on questions that are more personal, spiritual, and relational; questions that encourage us to look inward to our own inspiration, passion, feelings, doubts, motivations, and so on. As the group feels comfortable, start to go a little deeper.
The Hands
In the “Hands” section, we typically discuss what group members can do this week to allow the scripture and the sermon to live through them. In other words, how can we be the hands and feet of Christ in the community and/or the world? We often share resources, tools, practices, and activities that we can try out together in the week to come. For today, we will use this section to make some group agreements together.
Closing Prayer
We give you thanks and praise
For those who have shared their faith with us,
For all who have encouraged us in the way of goodness.
We ask your blessing upon them
And upon our loved ones and friends.
(David Adam, 1000 Prayers for Public Worship)
From Pastor Charity
I’m so glad you’re in a CoreGroup this year! It is the best way to grow your faith and find your people. I am praying for you and have two simple requests:
Welcome to a new season of groups at The Gathering! We’re glad you’re here. Usually this CoreGroup Guide will lead us through a discussion related to the current sermon series. Each week we will dive into scripture, reflect on the main themes of the sermon, and ponder how we can engage our Head, Heart, and Hands as we journey together in faith.
This week will follow a similar pattern, but instead of a sermon, we’ll be discussing… Our CoreGroup! Whether you’re just meeting for the first time today, or you’ve been together for years, this is a time to get to know each other better and discuss the shared values, goals, hopes, and expectations of this group. Let’s jump in!
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus, Thank you for today and for the people gathered here. We are grateful to have this fresh opportunity to be part of a Gathering CoreGroup. Use our conversation today to help us get to know one another. We pray that this will begin a meaningful journey to know each other and you more deeply through this time together. In your name Lord, Amen.
Ice Breaker
Choose 1-2 of the questions below, or come up with your own “get to know you” type question. If you have a new group, the leader can model the first answer if needed and then go around the circle so each person has an opportunity to share if they would like.
- Share your name, pronouns, and a word that describes a high point of this summer.
- What is your favorite season (summer, winter, spring, fall) and why?
- In The Gathering’s recent sermon series, Boomers to Zoomers, which age group did you associate with? What resonated with you about that sermon? What else would you add?
The Head
In the “Head” section, we typically talk about what we learned from the week’s sermon and explore the key scripture from the sermon. For this first week of CoreGroups, we will use this time to get to know the main “characters” of your group. Even if you already know each other, this is a great opportunity to share updates and to learn something new.
- Where were you born?
- What brought you to St. Louis (or wherever you currently live)?
- What neighborhood do you live in? What makes your neighborhood special?
- Who do you live with? [This could include friends, partners, family, kids, pets, etc.]
- How do you spend your days? [This could include work, school, family, hobbies, etc.]
The Heart
In the “Heart” section, we typically reflect on questions that are more personal, spiritual, and relational; questions that encourage us to look inward to our own inspiration, passion, feelings, doubts, motivations, and so on. As the group feels comfortable, start to go a little deeper.
- Did you grow up in the church? If so, briefly describe that experience.
- What led you to The Gathering, and how long have you been attending?
- What is your favorite Shared Practice at The Gathering (i.e. Worship, Serve, Pray, Grow, Give, Invite)? How does this practice strengthen your faith?
- What excites you most about participating in this CoreGroup?
- What (if anything) worries you about participating in this CoreGroup?
The Hands
In the “Hands” section, we typically discuss what group members can do this week to allow the scripture and the sermon to live through them. In other words, how can we be the hands and feet of Christ in the community and/or the world? We often share resources, tools, practices, and activities that we can try out together in the week to come. For today, we will use this section to make some group agreements together.
- In what ways will this group work to ensure confidentiality together?
- What are some shared values of this group? For example, kindness, respect, grace, curiosity, and active listening. How will you embrace these values together?
- What other aspects of group life are important to this group? [e.g. Timing, communication, snacks, pets, childcare, use of phones and other technology, etc.]
- Are there any special accommodations or support needs the group should know about so that all members can participate fully?
- What is one word to describe your hopes for this CoreGroup?
Closing Prayer
We give you thanks and praise
For those who have shared their faith with us,
For all who have encouraged us in the way of goodness.
We ask your blessing upon them
And upon our loved ones and friends.
(David Adam, 1000 Prayers for Public Worship)
From Pastor Charity
I’m so glad you’re in a CoreGroup this year! It is the best way to grow your faith and find your people. I am praying for you and have two simple requests:
- Either with your group or individually, take some time to assess where you are on your faith journey using this Start. Grow. Stretch. Tool.
- Please take one minute, if you haven’t done so already, to let me know you’re in a CoreGroup. You can use this link. Thank you!
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2025
January
Happy New Year // M-Note 1.4.2025Cancel the Noise // M-Note 1.11.25Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 1The Beloved Community // M-Note 01.18.2025Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 2What A Coincidence // M-Note 1.25.25Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 3Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 4The Original Influencer // M-Note 2.1.25
February
The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 1Exploring New Sites…And You’re Invited // M-Note 2.8.25The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 2Uncovering Implicit Bias // M-Note 2.15.2025A "Flurry" of Activity // M-Note 2.22.25The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 3The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 4
March
Beloved Community Action Steps // M-Note 3.1.25Vulnerability & Wilderness | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 1Trusting the Spirit's Lead | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 2Courageous Connection | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 3What's Your Emotional IQ? // M-Note 3.8.25The Spaces Between Us | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 4Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 1Jesus Weeps With You | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 5When Sadness Lingers | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 6Lurking in the Shadows | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 7Cycles of Life and Death | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 8Inked in Memory | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 9The Void of Grief | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 10Sending Forth // M-Note 3.15.25Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 2Journey Not Alone | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 11Friends Along the Way | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 12The Loneliness of Fear | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 13Not Through With You Yet | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 14Clinging to Hope | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 15Bring It To The King | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 16Pray When Unsteady | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 17Courage to Stand for Faith | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 18Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 3A Holy Rage | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 19Focus on What is Holy | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 20Fast for Justice and Kindness | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 21The World is Harsh and Beautiful | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 22I Feel Sorry for Jesus | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 23Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 4i flipped a table once | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 24Ain’t Got Nothin’ | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 25Spring Forward in Faith // M-Note 3.29.25Visio Divina | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 26Everlasting Joy Sealed in Your Heart | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 27
April
Sometimes Joy is Simply Doing Your Best | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 28An Unexpected Gift of Spring | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 29When Joy Flows Freely | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 30Easter Challenge // M-Note 4.5.25Joy Even When It Rains | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 31Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 5Joy Entwined with Loss | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 32When Betrayal is Part of the Plan | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 33Healing From Disappointment | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 34Betraying Others is Betraying Yourself | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 35A Sarcastic Jesus | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 36Have Compassion for Yourself | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 37Another Easter Challenge // M-Note 4.12.25A Disappointing Disciple | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 38When We Disappoint Others | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 39Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 6The Belief of Jesus | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 40The Value of Praise | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 41Through the Eyes of Those Who Knew Him | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 42Feeling Called Out | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 43Where Was Judas? | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Maundy ThursdayEaster Discussion GuideEasterSTL @The Factory Pro-Tips // M-Note 4.18.25Today is Not the End of the Story | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Good FridayThe Burning Pain of Hope | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Holy SaturdayHe is Risen | 2025 Lenten Devotional | EasterMuch to Celebrate Post-Easter // M-Note 4.26.25CoreGroup Guide | We Just Click - Part 1
May
Come to Egypt with Me // M-Note 5.3.25CoreGroup Guide | We Just Click - Part 2Celebrating Our Mozambique Partnership // M-Note 5.10.25CoreGroup Guide | We Just Click - Part 3What Season Are YOU In? // M-Note 5.17.2025CoreGroup Guide | We Just Click - Part 4Serving Our City // M-Note 5.23.25Self-Reflection Guide | Multiply - Part 1Congratulations to Own Own Martin Leathers // M-Note 5.31.25Self-Reflection Guide | Multiply - Part 2
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