Posts with the category “coregroup-discussion-guides”

Eleanor Roosevelt once said "Do one thing everyday that scares you. Those small things that make us uncomfortable help us build courage to do the work we do.” It was a bold way to look at stepping outside of a comfort zone.  That isn't easy for all of us.  Taking a leap of faith can be downright frightening, but sometimes those leaps lead to wonderful things.Icebreaker - Have you ever felt compell...  Read More

CoreGroup Guide | Inside Voice - Week 2Welcome! Last week Pastor Matt Miofsky began a new sermon series called Inside Voice: A Study of the Holy Spirit. Part 1 of this series focussed on the Holy Spirit as Fire – a fire that refines, illuminates, empowers, and energizes our lives. As part of last week’s discussion, we watched a meditation video from Pastor Adam Baker. Take a few minutes at the beg...  Read More

Welcome to CoreGroups! Ice Breaker: Share a brief introduction (if there are new people in your group) OR share a highlight from your summer (if an existing group) and one or two words that come up for you when you hear Holy Spirit.Opening Prayer: Holy Spirit, we are so grateful to be together today. We thank you for you presence with us among us. May you illuminate what we most need to hear as we...  Read More

Faith Like a Child - Part 4 Dependency Written and submitted by Curriculum Writing Team Jen Jordan, Rebekah Backowski, & Sherrill Wall(This week our talk focuses on the word and idea “dependency” please be mindful of the use of the word in relation to addiction, this can be triggering to many people)   Opening Prayer Gracious God, we come together as a group to learn from your Word and each other....  Read More

Faith Like a Child - Part 3 Saying SorryContributing Curriculum Team Writers:  Sherrill Wall & Rebekah BackowskiWelcomeToday we consider something almost all parents and teachers insist that children practice in their interactions with others at home, in school, and on the playground, and yet as adults we often have ceased to use in our own interactions – saying “I’m sorry.”  Rather than addressin...  Read More

 Discussion Guide for Faith Like A Child - Part 2: PLAYContributing Curriculum Team Writers: Rebekah Backowski & Sherrill WallWelcomeThis is the second week of our sermon series entitled, “Faith Like A Child.” In today’s CG discussion we will present how PLAY et al is vital in ways we may not have imagined! Science has studied the value of mammal play in….yep, you guessed it…rats.  In his journal ...  Read More

Faith Like a Child – Part 1  Wonder A dandelion, a worm, a butterfly, a rock, a seashell, a rainbow, a cloud – all have the possibility of wonder. Things in our everyday surroundings that so easily go unnoticed often become the object of fascination and/or amazement to the children in our lives.  Do you remember your first big natural discovery? Or have you been the recipient of some precious wild...  Read More

CoreGroup Guide | Burnout - Week 4Welcome:This is the fourth week of our sermon series called Burnout: Rest and the Power of Going Dark. In today’s CoreGroup discussion we will continue to wrestle with what it means to rest for something, not just to rest from something. The truth is, God needs us to be revived, refreshed, and renewed for the meaningful work the rest of the week holds for us! God ...  Read More

Nature is beautiful.  In some of us, nature has the ability to put our souls at rest and ground us in ways that feel restorative.  From epic hikes through national parks to just relaxing in the backyard or at a park, it feels good to be outside.  God designed some truly wonderful creatures, feelings, and experiences.God also placed unique aspects in nature that can be physical manifestations of Hi...  Read More

CoreGroup Guide | Burnout - Week 2Welcome!Last week Pastor Matt began our sermon series called Burnout: Rest and the Power of Going Dark. We learned that burnout is defined as a state of emotional, spiritual, mental, and/or physical exhaustion. But at the end of the sermon, Matt suggested that, “Burnout is not really about overworking; it’s about an unhealthy rhythm of living.” In other words, bur...  Read More

Week 1 Discussion GuideIn 2021, U.S. tennis star Naomi Osaka made headlines at the French Open not for her performance, but for what she did off the court.  At that time, Osaka was No. 2 in the world's tennis rankings and was one of the highest paid athletes.  It is safe to say that tennis was a passion for Osaka.  In a step that seemed to be out of nowhere, Osaka just started skipping obligated m...  Read More

Core Group Discussion GuideEaster Reflection"Easter is the demonstration of God that life is essentially spiritual and timeless."— Charles M. CroweThis week we will be taking a break from our traditional discussion guide. We will be coming together as core groups to reflect, share, and listen. Let's Pray and then discuss these ideas together. Opening prayerJesus, the greatest gift we receive from ...  Read More

Who is Jesus?Jesus is the Good ShephardContributing Writers: The Gathering Curriculum Writers: Dan Hutti, Rebekkah BackoskiOpening PrayerDear Lord — You are our good shepherd. You are with us and guide us always. Please be with our conversation as we continue to discuss who you are and what you mean to us. It’s in your name we pray. Amen.Ice BreakerThis week we are talking about how Jesus is the g...  Read More

Who is Jesus?Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.Discussion guide written by: Rebekah Backoski, Dan Hutti; with Praxis contribution by Kelley Webber. A note: Leaders, at the end of this guide you will find a list of upcoming events. These events would be great to invite your group to attend together as a form of fellowship and discipleship. (Find exhaustive list of Gathering events on the ap...  Read More

Week three: Jesus is the VineContributing Writers: The Gathering Curriculum Writers: Dan Hutti, Rebekkah Backoski & Praxis Team-Kelley Webber Opening Prayer Jesus, thank you for showing us who you are and for inviting us into a relationship with you. You are the true vine. Please be with us as we discuss what this means. It’s in your name we pray. Amen. Ice breaker This sermon series has been focu...  Read More

Who is Jesus? Week Two:  Jesus is the Light of the WorldContributing Writers: Dan Hutti, Rebekah Backowski with Praxis questions from Kelley WebberOpening prayerJesus, we long to know you!  We are grateful to be here in your presence to learn more about your love for us and your promises for our lives.  Thank you for blessing this group’s time together.  May you stir inside each of our hearts and ...  Read More

Core Group Discussion GuideSeries: Who is Jesus?Week one: Jesus is the bread of lifeContributing Writers: The Gathering Curriculum Writing & Praxis TeamsOpening prayerJesus, you have been in this world since the very beginning, and you created us. Thank you for bringing us here at this moment. Thank you for this time together and for your presence. Please be with us in this conversation and open o...  Read More

Core Group Discussion GuideSeries: Who is Jesus?Week one: Jesus is The WordContributing writers for the series: Dan Hutti, Rebekah Backowski, Kelley WebberOpening prayerJesus, you have been in this world since the very beginning, and you created us. Thank you for bringing us here at this moment. Thank you for this time together and for your presence. Please be with us in this conversation and open...  Read More

WelcomeWelcome to Week 4 and our final session of Sent.  Last week we were reminded us through the parable of a farmer planting seed in different types of soil, that the response/growth that results from invitations we extend are beyond our responsibility to control or even our power to effect.  This week, in another agricultural analogy, we examine the reason invitation is still important.  We wi...  Read More

Welcome:Welcome to Week Three of our Sent sermon series! We’re so glad you’re here. This week we heard a message about the Parable of the Sower as told in the Gospel of Luke. This story reminds us that God is the ultimate farmer, sowing seeds in the hearts of all people. But we can’t always control what happens once those seeds are planted and that can be frustrating, discouraging, and dishearteni...  Read More

Welcome!This is the second week of SENT, a series designed to unpack the last words of Jesus in Acts 1:8 … “and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and all Judea, and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”  Last week Pastor Matt suggested our discomfort in sharing our faith could be related to a misunderstanding of what it means to be a witness.  He defined a witness as someone who shares somet...  Read More

Welcome! Over the past four weeks we have been discussing Signs and Wonders. Pastor Matt encouraged us to pay attention to God, to create space for God, to be present, and curious and open, and to welcome God into all aspects of our lives. In this new sermon series, we turn our focus to what it means to be Sent out to invite others to join us in witnessing these signs and wonders from God. This ca...  Read More

“You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.”This quote is from a book titled "We Bought A Zoo" written by Benjamin Mee that was published in 2008 and later turned into a movie in 2011.  The story recounts the true events of one family's purchase and management ...  Read More

Signs & WondersWeek 3Discerning a SignOver the course of this series we have been reminded that signs from God rarely lay out clear step-by-step instructions. More often we are left wondering if the song we heard on the radio, the comment made by a friend, or the bird we saw in the backyard was a coincidence or a message from God. This is where discernment comes into play. This week we will talk a...  Read More

There’s a pun about not listening that goes something like this:So, I was on the couch the other day and my friend said "hey, you're not listening!" and I said "well, that's a funny way to start a conversation."It's a light joke about the classic "tune-out".  It happens to the best of us. Active listening can be tricky though.  You have to pay attention to the speaker;  maintain the appropriate le...  Read More

Opening Prayer: God, thank you for this time we get to share and learn from each other. We acknowledge your presence with us in the conversation and thank you for your wisdom as we talk. Show us something new, deepen our faith and connect us closer to you and each other. In the name of Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit we pray, amen. Ice Breaker: What component, rubric, and/or ...  Read More

Listen to What Child is This? on this week’s playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/71yO4ndhjf0WLWZfE3iG5y?si=6gfcwTlDSpSPk5PERRGIHQ Welcome! We are so glad you’re here, whether in the setting of a group meeting or self-study. The celebration of Christ’s birth is very close, and many groups are taking a break or subbing in a social week.Opening Prayer:Dearest God, who is this Holy Child? We h...  Read More

Listen to this weeks playlist here:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4wqgdrkGeBU5qmssCjfGDZ?si=JLbHBjrPTC2S0Wfu3CS ofAWelcome!Opening Prayer:God, thank you for bringing this group together. Thank you for this time to discuss life, and yourword...and maybe even sing. Please be with us during this time. It’s in your name we pray.Amen.Ice Breaker: This week’s song focuses on hopes and fears through a...  Read More

Check out this weeks hymn playlist @ https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0Qs98rx2QGXoc9ox4D7iEj?si=S5psgYNfQwKljdbBZtVNawOpening Prayer: Lord, we are so grateful for this opportunity to gather in your Holy name...right here and right now.  We ask you to fill our hearts with your love, mercy, and a desire for learning about your precious Son and each other.  Thank you for this opportunity for fun and...  Read More

As your group comes together this week take a moment to listen to our “Come thou long expected Jesus” playlist or even share with your group to listen to before group or listen to one version after the icebreaker.https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5dQFC0dLXgzAt6X1yVQhiN?si=O3OlIj-0QDi-XApBNoupfAWelcome! Let’s get ready for this series of music. The guide below will be the basis for our discussion i...  Read More

Welcome! We are excited to be together again for connection, learning, and growth. This is the final week of our OPEN series, which means it’s time to really reflect on our giving practices and decide what sort of financial commitment we are willing to God through the ministry of The Gathering. This week in CoreGroup we are discussing a story from the Gospel of Mark often referred to as The Widow’...  Read More

OPEN Anniversary: Part 2 Core Group Discussion Guide Welcome!  We are so happy to gather in community and discipleship this week.  In this OPEN series we revisit a commitment many of us made last year to a vision of expansion for The Gathering.  This year new people get the opportunity to join in. Last week, Pastor Matt shared the ways in which that vision is being realized because of the financi...  Read More

OPEN AnniversaryPart 1 We have heard all of the phrases “walk the walk”, “talk the talk”, “fake it until you make it”, “go with the flow”- we could go on and on. All of these sayings give us an excuse to skim the surface and avoid digging deep into our faith. This week, we are Invited by Jesus’ words to Isaiah to pause and reflect on what it means to open up to God’s word. Opening Prayer: God, tha...  Read More

They say it takes 17 muscles to smile (usually in comparison to the 43 it takes to frown). But still, 17 is more than you would expect.  It seems like smiling should qualify as an aerobic workout, yet it is one of the most effortless facial expressions we have as people.  So many times, a smile is uncontrollable, and it is most often a signal that we are happy.  Now happiness is truly a gift from ...  Read More

Words to Live By - Week 4On SpeechWelcome! The average person speaks around 15,000 words in a day. While many of us would be hard pressed to remember all the things we’ve said at the end of the day, our words can have a lasting impact on the people around us. The writers of Proverbs understood the power of our speech. As followers of Jesus we are representatives of God in the world. So we don’t ju...  Read More

Okay, it's time to clock in folks!  This week's theme is all about work and that can mean so many different things.  Work is one of those interesting umbrella terms.  It could be as vivid as Dolly Parton sang about climbing the ladder on a 9 to 5.  Or as fabulous as a supermodel strutting down a runway to an old school RuPaul remix (sashay, shante).  Or it could be as compassionate as an ER nurse ...  Read More

Words to Live By - Week 2On FriendsWelcome! Cue the Golden Girls theme song…this week we’re talking about friendship! Scripture contains more wisdom about friendship than you might expect. God cares about who we surround ourselves with and how we show up in those relationships. We hope that your conversations about friendships will also help deepen the relationships you are building within your Co...  Read More

Words To Live By: Part 1Week of October 2Welcome!Inevitably, there is a moment in one's life when all of sudden you become hyper aware that there is a grown up decision that needs to be made and you are the grown up. You may look around the room just to be sure you are reading the situation correctly and then it hits you. The decision is important and it's up to you. The flow chart of the experien...  Read More

Commit/Five Shared PracticesWeek of September 25Welcome! We are so happy to be together in fellowship and growing in faith this week! Core Groups are structured a little differently this year. Each week our groups will use the same scripture as the sermon to unpack and discuss. The guide is based on the scripture not the sermon.; We will use that scripture as our basis for discussion in learning (...  Read More

Untethered Part 5Week of September 18Welcome! We are so happy to be together in fellowship and growing in faith this week! Core Groups are structured a little differently this year. Each week our groups will use the same scripture as the sermon to unpack and discuss. The guide is based on the scripture not the sermon.; We will use that scripture as our basis for discussion in learning (the head) ,...  Read More