Micah 6:8 Life Group Manual To Act Justly... Pray & Discern Listen closely. Keep it Practical, Keep it Relational

Transcription

1 The Gathering UMC 1 Micah 6:8 Life Group Manual He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly [a] with your God. To Act Justly... At the Gathering we intentionally practice acts of justice and missions as a result of our personal and corporate encounters with Jesus Christ. Jesus words in Matthew 25 are a constant and penetrating reminder that though we encounter Him personally and powerfully, there must be outward demonstrations of that power and faith to break the bonds of injustice that we see in our communities and our world. We must work to remove our apathy, indifference and fear of going where Jesus is. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Pray & Discern So, we are asking your Life Group to pray and discern for an act of justice to be involved in. We are not going to give you an organization or cause to support, we want it to be organically chosen through prayer by your group. How does that happen? We have compiled a list of many organizations doing great things in our community. Pray over that list and ask the group members where their passion for serving others lies. Maybe it is something a group member has been personally affected by. Maybe it is something that a group member is already involved in. If it lies beyond that list, that is ok too. Listen closely. Sometimes the most reserved group member, who would not normally share in front of the whole group, has a deep passion for an issue or cause. Keep it Practical, Keep it Relational It doesn't have to be difficult, highly organized, nor require a lot of time. We just ask that it be consistent and done as servants of Jesus: with humility, willingness and out of love and respect for those you serve. Perhaps you decide on a once-a-month visit to the organization or in some cases you will only visit a few times a year and the other months you work on a special project to bless the organization. The most important thing to remember is to develop a long-term, generative relationship with the organization. Here is a general principle to follow as a group when you decide on an organization to support: Get to know them, hear their needs and respond to those needs creatively, consistently & compassionately. Take the time to develop a beautiful

2 The Gathering UMC 2 relationship with those you serve, allowing your group the opportunity to share the love of God. A Few Side Notes Some people in your Life Group may feel pressure to witness or evangelize during this project. Reassure them that our actions will be a profound witness and we desire to develop a relationship first, followed by the opportunity to share the love of Christ. This will feel natural and loving, rather than forced and awkward. Delegation is a great thing! As you are empowered to lead this group, understand that if someone in your group shows a passion for the cause you support, help them to put that into action. Perhaps another shows a gift of administration and organization, partner the two up to create a great outreach for your group to get behind. As you build a relationship of trust and compassion with the organization your group supports, keep in mind that our goal is not to solve all their problems nor meet every need. It may be best to find one specific need you can fill as a group. To Love Mercy... Establish Relationships of Trust Another component of a Life Group is to love our neighbors mercifully. We are called by God to care for our brothers and sisters in Christ. We will do this by supporting, loving, confiding in each other, and praying for one another as we deepen our relationships and build a community of trust. It is essential that group members establish trust, as few people are going to share their true needs and struggles if they do not feel it is a safe place to do so. This is achieved through committing to the group, attending as many meetings as you can, breaking bread together, discussing the Word, praying with one another, and following up. Also, leaders should occasionally remind the group that discussions between members should be kept in confidence. Care for One Another To have mercy on your neighbors is to take them under your wing, come from a place of acceptance, and reach out to them especially in times of need. There are times in the life of every family when extra care is required, such as when a family member is ill, a spouse is deployed, there has been a death in the family, a new birth (a celebration, yet sometimes a hardship), a job loss, divorce, financial struggles, issues with transportation, mental illness, drug and/or alcohol abuse, and abuse or neglect. All too often, people lose support in the times when they need it most because those around them do not know how to respond so they just don t. A Life Group can work together

3 The Gathering UMC 3 to find ways to respond to their neighbors in need, such as making meals, sharing the responsibility of caring for children (it takes a village!), taking someone to the doctor, etc. It is not within the groups responsibility to provide counseling for families dealing with struggles of abuse that should be left up to professionals but you can still care for them by helping them find the resources they need. Luke 10:25-37 The Parable of the Good Samaritan On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. Teacher, he asked, what must I do to inherit eternal life? What is written in the Law? he replied. How do you read it? He answered, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind ; and, Love your neighbor as yourself. You have answered correctly, Jesus replied. Do this and you will live. But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, And who is my neighbor? In reply Jesus said: A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day to took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. Look after him, he said, and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have. Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers? The expert in the law replied, The one who had mercy on him. Jesus told him, Go and do likewise. Additional Information Participants will be encouraged to start attending the Life Group closest to their neighborhood; however, people are always welcome to join a different group if they feel it will better meet their needs and interests. Group meeting dates and times will not be listed on the church calendar. Life Groups should meet at least once a month, but may meet as often as they feel led. People who are interested in joining a group should contact the leader for information about the next meeting time and location. Leaders will be listed on the calendar.

4 The Gathering UMC 4 Be open minded to new people joining your group; always welcome newcomers and follow up with them immediately. Is up to the group whether they would like to include children in their meetings or not. Some groups may want a more family oriented group, while others may like to focus on the adults. This is an organic process! If you have questions as your group evolves, please contact Andrew, Angela, or Rachel. To Walk Humbly with your God... Our prayer at The Gathering is that everything we do finds its genesis in a relationship with God. Everything we do comes from a desire to know God on a deeper level. The Hebrew word for humbly in Micah 6:8 actually means to be conscientious or mindful of how you are seeking God. Sometimes we take our relationship with God for granted, but just as our relationships with friends or family won t improve or deepen if we don t take the time to invest in them, our relationship with God will remain shallow if we don t commit to DAILY connecting to God. Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote a book called Life Together where he talks about establishing certain spiritual practices that shape our faith, step by step, so that the rhythm of our life is one centered around God. Our prayer is that your Life Group will help every member create a rhythm of faith through these practices so that when tough times come, they can continue to walk and rest in that rhythm of holiness. How do we help people walk humbly with God? Here are some suggestions to explore in your Life Group and encourage folks to do outside of the Life Group in their daily lives. Please try to incorporate 1-3 of these things in each of your meetings. 1. Pray- there are great online resources for different ways to pray and books that we can recommend to help people learn about prayer. 2. Read Scripture- lectio divina is a great way to engage more deeply in Scripture reading, you can google it for more information or talk to Pastor Rachel, or Andrew Schwartz for more guidance! 3. Worship- Our prayer is that your Life Group looks forward to seeing each other on Sunday mornings because corporate worship can be a time for us to be both challenged and uplifted in our faith. It s a time where we gather at Christ s table for communion and are reminded that, in the journey of faith, we are never alone. God and others are always there to walk with us! We also encourage you, if there is a musically gifted person in your Life Group, to sing a worship song or two when you meet together. If there is no one who can play an instrument, you could always use a CD or youtube and

5 The Gathering UMC 5 have people sing along or meditate to the words. Another great resource is to read the words of a hymn together and explore the deep meaning of the verses, some of which were written hundreds of years ago. 4. Tithe- it s our goal at The Gathering for all of us to move towards tithing 10% towards the church, why? Because scientific research has shown that when we are generous with our finances, it releases endorphins and can induce joy and pleasure that is similar to what we feel when we eat chocolate or have sex! We were created to give of our time, talents, financial gifts, service, and witness and when we trust God with our finances, it helps us deepen our relationship with Him. 5. Fast- Your Life Group may decide to fast together for one meal each week. During the time you would have spent eating, you could pray for each other, the church, the community, or other personal needs or joys. Fasting can be a powerful way to open ourselves up to hear the voice of God and center ourselves in our walk with Him. The very first small groups in the Methodist Church, which began in the 1700s, would fast every Friday. 6. Meditate- There might be times when your Life Group wants to meditate silently on a song, Scripture, sound, object or image related to faith. Silence can be a beautiful gift to your Life Group and we have resources to help you guide people in meditation. Additional Tips: We all connect with God in different ways. Some of us feel closer to God in prayer, music, or by reading Scripture so please check in with your group to find out which spiritual disciplines are most meaningful to them. This is not an accountability group, so please try to refrain from times of confession which are meant for smaller groups that don t have the same influx of different people each time you meet. If there are people who are drawn into closer Christian friendships after meeting in your Life Group, they could become accountability partners or an accountability group if they are the same sex. If you feel your Life Group members are struggling with a particular Scripture passage, issue, or temptation, feel free to contact Pastor Rachel and she or Angela or Andrew can attend that Life Group session to have a teaching session based on the needs of the group. Please know that we are here for you and can provide other general tips and suggestions for how to structure your Life Group meeting, this is just a manual to help you begin visioning for how your group will act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God together!

6 The Gathering UMC 1 Micah 6:8 Life Group Manual He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly [a] with your God. To Act Justly... At the Gathering we intentionally practice acts of justice and missions as a result of our personal and corporate encounters with Jesus Christ. Jesus words in Matthew 25 are a constant and penetrating reminder that though we encounter Him personally and powerfully, there must be outward demonstrations of that power and faith to break the bonds of injustice that we see in our communities and our world. We must work to remove our apathy, indifference and fear of going where Jesus is. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Pray & Discern So, we are asking your Life Group to pray and discern for an act of justice to be involved in. We are not going to give you an organization or cause to support, we want it to be organically chosen through prayer by your group. How does that happen? We have compiled a list of many organizations doing great things in our community. Pray over that list and ask the group members where their passion for serving others lies. Maybe it is something a group member has been personally affected by. Maybe it is something that a group member is already involved in. If it lies beyond that list, that is ok too. Listen closely. Sometimes the most reserved group member, who would not normally share in front of the whole group, has a deep passion for an issue or cause. Keep it Practical, Keep it Relational It doesn't have to be difficult, highly organized, nor require a lot of time. We just ask that it be consistent and done as servants of Jesus: with humility, willingness and out of love and respect for those you serve. Perhaps you decide on a once-a-month visit to the organization or in some cases you will only visit a few times a year and the other months you work on a special project to bless the organization. The most important thing to remember is to develop a long-term, generative relationship with the organization. Here is a general principle to follow as a group when you decide on an organization to support: Get to know them, hear their needs and respond to those needs creatively, consistently & compassionately. Take the time to develop a beautiful

7 The Gathering UMC 2 relationship with those you serve, allowing your group the opportunity to share the love of God. A Few Side Notes Some people in your Life Group may feel pressure to witness or evangelize during this project. Reassure them that our actions will be a profound witness and we desire to develop a relationship first, followed by the opportunity to share the love of Christ. This will feel natural and loving, rather than forced and awkward. Delegation is a great thing! As you are empowered to lead this group, understand that if someone in your group shows a passion for the cause you support, help them to put that into action. Perhaps another shows a gift of administration and organization, partner the two up to create a great outreach for your group to get behind. As you build a relationship of trust and compassion with the organization your group supports, keep in mind that our goal is not to solve all their problems nor meet every need. It may be best to find one specific need you can fill as a group. To Love Mercy... Establish Relationships of Trust Another component of a Life Group is to love our neighbors mercifully. We are called by God to care for our brothers and sisters in Christ. We will do this by supporting, loving, confiding in each other, and praying for one another as we deepen our relationships and build a community of trust. It is essential that group members establish trust, as few people are going to share their true needs and struggles if they do not feel it is a safe place to do so. This is achieved through committing to the group, attending as many meetings as you can, breaking bread together, discussing the Word, praying with one another, and following up. Also, leaders should occasionally remind the group that discussions between members should be kept in confidence. Care for One Another To have mercy on your neighbors is to take them under your wing, come from a place of acceptance, and reach out to them especially in times of need. There are times in the life of every family when extra care is required, such as when a family member is ill, a spouse is deployed, there has been a death in the family, a new birth (a celebration, yet sometimes a hardship), a job loss, divorce, financial struggles, issues with transportation, mental illness, drug and/or alcohol abuse, and abuse or neglect. All too often, people lose support in the times when they need it most because those around them do not know how to respond so they just don t. A Life Group can work together

8 The Gathering UMC 3 to find ways to respond to their neighbors in need, such as making meals, sharing the responsibility of caring for children (it takes a village!), taking someone to the doctor, etc. It is not within the groups responsibility to provide counseling for families dealing with struggles of abuse that should be left up to professionals but you can still care for them by helping them find the resources they need. Luke 10:25-37 The Parable of the Good Samaritan On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. Teacher, he asked, what must I do to inherit eternal life? What is written in the Law? he replied. How do you read it? He answered, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind ; and, Love your neighbor as yourself. You have answered correctly, Jesus replied. Do this and you will live. But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, And who is my neighbor? In reply Jesus said: A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day to took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. Look after him, he said, and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have. Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers? The expert in the law replied, The one who had mercy on him. Jesus told him, Go and do likewise. Additional Information Participants will be encouraged to start attending the Life Group closest to their neighborhood; however, people are always welcome to join a different group if they feel it will better meet their needs and interests. Group meeting dates and times will not be listed on the church calendar. Life Groups should meet at least once a month, but may meet as often as they feel led. People who are interested in joining a group should contact the leader for information about the next meeting time and location. Leaders will be listed on the calendar.

9 The Gathering UMC 4 Be open minded to new people joining your group; always welcome newcomers and follow up with them immediately. Is up to the group whether they would like to include children in their meetings or not. Some groups may want a more family oriented group, while others may like to focus on the adults. This is an organic process! If you have questions as your group evolves, please contact Andrew, Angela, or Rachel. To Walk Humbly with your God... Our prayer at The Gathering is that everything we do finds its genesis in a relationship with God. Everything we do comes from a desire to know God on a deeper level. The Hebrew word for humbly in Micah 6:8 actually means to be conscientious or mindful of how you are seeking God. Sometimes we take our relationship with God for granted, but just as our relationships with friends or family won t improve or deepen if we don t take the time to invest in them, our relationship with God will remain shallow if we don t commit to DAILY connecting to God. Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote a book called Life Together where he talks about establishing certain spiritual practices that shape our faith, step by step, so that the rhythm of our life is one centered around God. Our prayer is that your Life Group will help every member create a rhythm of faith through these practices so that when tough times come, they can continue to walk and rest in that rhythm of holiness. How do we help people walk humbly with God? Here are some suggestions to explore in your Life Group and encourage folks to do outside of the Life Group in their daily lives. Please try to incorporate 1-3 of these things in each of your meetings. 1. Pray- there are great online resources for different ways to pray and books that we can recommend to help people learn about prayer. 2. Read Scripture- lectio divina is a great way to engage more deeply in Scripture reading, you can google it for more information or talk to Pastor Rachel, or Andrew Schwartz for more guidance! 3. Worship- Our prayer is that your Life Group looks forward to seeing each other on Sunday mornings because corporate worship can be a time for us to be both challenged and uplifted in our faith. It s a time where we gather at Christ s table for communion and are reminded that, in the journey of faith, we are never alone. God and others are always there to walk with us! We also encourage you, if there is a musically gifted person in your Life Group, to sing a worship song or two when you meet together. If there is no one who can play an instrument, you could always use a CD or youtube and

10 The Gathering UMC 5 have people sing along or meditate to the words. Another great resource is to read the words of a hymn together and explore the deep meaning of the verses, some of which were written hundreds of years ago. 4. Tithe- it s our goal at The Gathering for all of us to move towards tithing 10% towards the church, why? Because scientific research has shown that when we are generous with our finances, it releases endorphins and can induce joy and pleasure that is similar to what we feel when we eat chocolate or have sex! We were created to give of our time, talents, financial gifts, service, and witness and when we trust God with our finances, it helps us deepen our relationship with Him. 5. Fast- Your Life Group may decide to fast together for one meal each week. During the time you would have spent eating, you could pray for each other, the church, the community, or other personal needs or joys. Fasting can be a powerful way to open ourselves up to hear the voice of God and center ourselves in our walk with Him. The very first small groups in the Methodist Church, which began in the 1700s, would fast every Friday. 6. Meditate- There might be times when your Life Group wants to meditate silently on a song, Scripture, sound, object or image related to faith. Silence can be a beautiful gift to your Life Group and we have resources to help you guide people in meditation. Additional Tips: We all connect with God in different ways. Some of us feel closer to God in prayer, music, or by reading Scripture so please check in with your group to find out which spiritual disciplines are most meaningful to them. This is not an accountability group, so please try to refrain from times of confession which are meant for smaller groups that don t have the same influx of different people each time you meet. If there are people who are drawn into closer Christian friendships after meeting in your Life Group, they could become accountability partners or an accountability group if they are the same sex. If you feel your Life Group members are struggling with a particular Scripture passage, issue, or temptation, feel free to contact Pastor Rachel and she or Angela or Andrew can attend that Life Group session to have a teaching session based on the needs of the group. Please know that we are here for you and can provide other general tips and suggestions for how to structure your Life Group meeting, this is just a manual to help you begin visioning for how your group will act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God together!

11 The Gathering UMC 1 Micah 6:8 Life Group Manual He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly [a] with your God. To Act Justly... At the Gathering we intentionally practice acts of justice and missions as a result of our personal and corporate encounters with Jesus Christ. Jesus words in Matthew 25 are a constant and penetrating reminder that though we encounter Him personally and powerfully, there must be outward demonstrations of that power and faith to break the bonds of injustice that we see in our communities and our world. We must work to remove our apathy, indifference and fear of going where Jesus is. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Pray & Discern So, we are asking your Life Group to pray and discern for an act of justice to be involved in. We are not going to give you an organization or cause to support, we want it to be organically chosen through prayer by your group. How does that happen? We have compiled a list of many organizations doing great things in our community. Pray over that list and ask the group members where their passion for serving others lies. Maybe it is something a group member has been personally affected by. Maybe it is something that a group member is already involved in. If it lies beyond that list, that is ok too. Listen closely. Sometimes the most reserved group member, who would not normally share in front of the whole group, has a deep passion for an issue or cause. Keep it Practical, Keep it Relational It doesn't have to be difficult, highly organized, nor require a lot of time. We just ask that it be consistent and done as servants of Jesus: with humility, willingness and out of love and respect for those you serve. Perhaps you decide on a once-a-month visit to the organization or in some cases you will only visit a few times a year and the other months you work on a special project to bless the organization. The most important thing to remember is to develop a long-term, generative relationship with the organization. Here is a general principle to follow as a group when you decide on an organization to support: Get to know them, hear their needs and respond to those needs creatively, consistently & compassionately. Take the time to develop a beautiful

12 The Gathering UMC 2 relationship with those you serve, allowing your group the opportunity to share the love of God. A Few Side Notes Some people in your Life Group may feel pressure to witness or evangelize during this project. Reassure them that our actions will be a profound witness and we desire to develop a relationship first, followed by the opportunity to share the love of Christ. This will feel natural and loving, rather than forced and awkward. Delegation is a great thing! As you are empowered to lead this group, understand that if someone in your group shows a passion for the cause you support, help them to put that into action. Perhaps another shows a gift of administration and organization, partner the two up to create a great outreach for your group to get behind. As you build a relationship of trust and compassion with the organization your group supports, keep in mind that our goal is not to solve all their problems nor meet every need. It may be best to find one specific need you can fill as a group. To Love Mercy... Establish Relationships of Trust Another component of a Life Group is to love our neighbors mercifully. We are called by God to care for our brothers and sisters in Christ. We will do this by supporting, loving, confiding in each other, and praying for one another as we deepen our relationships and build a community of trust. It is essential that group members establish trust, as few people are going to share their true needs and struggles if they do not feel it is a safe place to do so. This is achieved through committing to the group, attending as many meetings as you can, breaking bread together, discussing the Word, praying with one another, and following up. Also, leaders should occasionally remind the group that discussions between members should be kept in confidence. Care for One Another To have mercy on your neighbors is to take them under your wing, come from a place of acceptance, and reach out to them especially in times of need. There are times in the life of every family when extra care is required, such as when a family member is ill, a spouse is deployed, there has been a death in the family, a new birth (a celebration, yet sometimes a hardship), a job loss, divorce, financial struggles, issues with transportation, mental illness, drug and/or alcohol abuse, and abuse or neglect. All too often, people lose support in the times when they need it most because those around them do not know how to respond so they just don t. A Life Group can work together

13 The Gathering UMC 3 to find ways to respond to their neighbors in need, such as making meals, sharing the responsibility of caring for children (it takes a village!), taking someone to the doctor, etc. It is not within the groups responsibility to provide counseling for families dealing with struggles of abuse that should be left up to professionals but you can still care for them by helping them find the resources they need. Luke 10:25-37 The Parable of the Good Samaritan On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. Teacher, he asked, what must I do to inherit eternal life? What is written in the Law? he replied. How do you read it? He answered, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind ; and, Love your neighbor as yourself. You have answered correctly, Jesus replied. Do this and you will live. But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, And who is my neighbor? In reply Jesus said: A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day to took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. Look after him, he said, and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have. Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers? The expert in the law replied, The one who had mercy on him. Jesus told him, Go and do likewise. Additional Information Participants will be encouraged to start attending the Life Group closest to their neighborhood; however, people are always welcome to join a different group if they feel it will better meet their needs and interests. Group meeting dates and times will not be listed on the church calendar. Life Groups should meet at least once a month, but may meet as often as they feel led. People who are interested in joining a group should contact the leader for information about the next meeting time and location. Leaders will be listed on the calendar.

14 The Gathering UMC 4 Be open minded to new people joining your group; always welcome newcomers and follow up with them immediately. Is up to the group whether they would like to include children in their meetings or not. Some groups may want a more family oriented group, while others may like to focus on the adults. This is an organic process! If you have questions as your group evolves, please contact Andrew, Angela, or Rachel. To Walk Humbly with your God... Our prayer at The Gathering is that everything we do finds its genesis in a relationship with God. Everything we do comes from a desire to know God on a deeper level. The Hebrew word for humbly in Micah 6:8 actually means to be conscientious or mindful of how you are seeking God. Sometimes we take our relationship with God for granted, but just as our relationships with friends or family won t improve or deepen if we don t take the time to invest in them, our relationship with God will remain shallow if we don t commit to DAILY connecting to God. Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote a book called Life Together where he talks about establishing certain spiritual practices that shape our faith, step by step, so that the rhythm of our life is one centered around God. Our prayer is that your Life Group will help every member create a rhythm of faith through these practices so that when tough times come, they can continue to walk and rest in that rhythm of holiness. How do we help people walk humbly with God? Here are some suggestions to explore in your Life Group and encourage folks to do outside of the Life Group in their daily lives. Please try to incorporate 1-3 of these things in each of your meetings. 1. Pray- there are great online resources for different ways to pray and books that we can recommend to help people learn about prayer. 2. Read Scripture- lectio divina is a great way to engage more deeply in Scripture reading, you can google it for more information or talk to Pastor Rachel, or Andrew Schwartz for more guidance! 3. Worship- Our prayer is that your Life Group looks forward to seeing each other on Sunday mornings because corporate worship can be a time for us to be both challenged and uplifted in our faith. It s a time where we gather at Christ s table for communion and are reminded that, in the journey of faith, we are never alone. God and others are always there to walk with us! We also encourage you, if there is a musically gifted person in your Life Group, to sing a worship song or two when you meet together. If there is no one who can play an instrument, you could always use a CD or youtube and

15 The Gathering UMC 5 have people sing along or meditate to the words. Another great resource is to read the words of a hymn together and explore the deep meaning of the verses, some of which were written hundreds of years ago. 4. Tithe- it s our goal at The Gathering for all of us to move towards tithing 10% towards the church, why? Because scientific research has shown that when we are generous with our finances, it releases endorphins and can induce joy and pleasure that is similar to what we feel when we eat chocolate or have sex! We were created to give of our time, talents, financial gifts, service, and witness and when we trust God with our finances, it helps us deepen our relationship with Him. 5. Fast- Your Life Group may decide to fast together for one meal each week. During the time you would have spent eating, you could pray for each other, the church, the community, or other personal needs or joys. Fasting can be a powerful way to open ourselves up to hear the voice of God and center ourselves in our walk with Him. The very first small groups in the Methodist Church, which began in the 1700s, would fast every Friday. 6. Meditate- There might be times when your Life Group wants to meditate silently on a song, Scripture, sound, object or image related to faith. Silence can be a beautiful gift to your Life Group and we have resources to help you guide people in meditation. Additional Tips: We all connect with God in different ways. Some of us feel closer to God in prayer, music, or by reading Scripture so please check in with your group to find out which spiritual disciplines are most meaningful to them. This is not an accountability group, so please try to refrain from times of confession which are meant for smaller groups that don t have the same influx of different people each time you meet. If there are people who are drawn into closer Christian friendships after meeting in your Life Group, they could become accountability partners or an accountability group if they are the same sex. If you feel your Life Group members are struggling with a particular Scripture passage, issue, or temptation, feel free to contact Pastor Rachel and she or Angela or Andrew can attend that Life Group session to have a teaching session based on the needs of the group. Please know that we are here for you and can provide other general tips and suggestions for how to structure your Life Group meeting, this is just a manual to help you begin visioning for how your group will act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God together!

16 The Gathering UMC 1 Micah 6:8 Life Group Manual He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly [a] with your God. To Act Justly... At the Gathering we intentionally practice acts of justice and missions as a result of our personal and corporate encounters with Jesus Christ. Jesus words in Matthew 25 are a constant and penetrating reminder that though we encounter Him personally and powerfully, there must be outward demonstrations of that power and faith to break the bonds of injustice that we see in our communities and our world. We must work to remove our apathy, indifference and fear of going where Jesus is. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Pray & Discern So, we are asking your Life Group to pray and discern for an act of justice to be involved in. We are not going to give you an organization or cause to support, we want it to be organically chosen through prayer by your group. How does that happen? We have compiled a list of many organizations doing great things in our community. Pray over that list and ask the group members where their passion for serving others lies. Maybe it is something a group member has been personally affected by. Maybe it is something that a group member is already involved in. If it lies beyond that list, that is ok too. Listen closely. Sometimes the most reserved group member, who would not normally share in front of the whole group, has a deep passion for an issue or cause. Keep it Practical, Keep it Relational It doesn't have to be difficult, highly organized, nor require a lot of time. We just ask that it be consistent and done as servants of Jesus: with humility, willingness and out of love and respect for those you serve. Perhaps you decide on a once-a-month visit to the organization or in some cases you will only visit a few times a year and the other months you work on a special project to bless the organization. The most important thing to remember is to develop a long-term, generative relationship with the organization. Here is a general principle to follow as a group when you decide on an organization to support: Get to know them, hear their needs and respond to those needs creatively, consistently & compassionately. Take the time to develop a beautiful

17 The Gathering UMC 2 relationship with those you serve, allowing your group the opportunity to share the love of God. A Few Side Notes Some people in your Life Group may feel pressure to witness or evangelize during this project. Reassure them that our actions will be a profound witness and we desire to develop a relationship first, followed by the opportunity to share the love of Christ. This will feel natural and loving, rather than forced and awkward. Delegation is a great thing! As you are empowered to lead this group, understand that if someone in your group shows a passion for the cause you support, help them to put that into action. Perhaps another shows a gift of administration and organization, partner the two up to create a great outreach for your group to get behind. As you build a relationship of trust and compassion with the organization your group supports, keep in mind that our goal is not to solve all their problems nor meet every need. It may be best to find one specific need you can fill as a group. To Love Mercy... Establish Relationships of Trust Another component of a Life Group is to love our neighbors mercifully. We are called by God to care for our brothers and sisters in Christ. We will do this by supporting, loving, confiding in each other, and praying for one another as we deepen our relationships and build a community of trust. It is essential that group members establish trust, as few people are going to share their true needs and struggles if they do not feel it is a safe place to do so. This is achieved through committing to the group, attending as many meetings as you can, breaking bread together, discussing the Word, praying with one another, and following up. Also, leaders should occasionally remind the group that discussions between members should be kept in confidence. Care for One Another To have mercy on your neighbors is to take them under your wing, come from a place of acceptance, and reach out to them especially in times of need. There are times in the life of every family when extra care is required, such as when a family member is ill, a spouse is deployed, there has been a death in the family, a new birth (a celebration, yet sometimes a hardship), a job loss, divorce, financial struggles, issues with transportation, mental illness, drug and/or alcohol abuse, and abuse or neglect. All too often, people lose support in the times when they need it most because those around them do not know how to respond so they just don t. A Life Group can work together

18 The Gathering UMC 3 to find ways to respond to their neighbors in need, such as making meals, sharing the responsibility of caring for children (it takes a village!), taking someone to the doctor, etc. It is not within the groups responsibility to provide counseling for families dealing with struggles of abuse that should be left up to professionals but you can still care for them by helping them find the resources they need. Luke 10:25-37 The Parable of the Good Samaritan On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. Teacher, he asked, what must I do to inherit eternal life? What is written in the Law? he replied. How do you read it? He answered, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind ; and, Love your neighbor as yourself. You have answered correctly, Jesus replied. Do this and you will live. But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, And who is my neighbor? In reply Jesus said: A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day to took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. Look after him, he said, and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have. Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers? The expert in the law replied, The one who had mercy on him. Jesus told him, Go and do likewise. Additional Information Participants will be encouraged to start attending the Life Group closest to their neighborhood; however, people are always welcome to join a different group if they feel it will better meet their needs and interests. Group meeting dates and times will not be listed on the church calendar. Life Groups should meet at least once a month, but may meet as often as they feel led. People who are interested in joining a group should contact the leader for information about the next meeting time and location. Leaders will be listed on the calendar.

19 The Gathering UMC 4 Be open minded to new people joining your group; always welcome newcomers and follow up with them immediately. Is up to the group whether they would like to include children in their meetings or not. Some groups may want a more family oriented group, while others may like to focus on the adults. This is an organic process! If you have questions as your group evolves, please contact Andrew, Angela, or Rachel. To Walk Humbly with your God... Our prayer at The Gathering is that everything we do finds its genesis in a relationship with God. Everything we do comes from a desire to know God on a deeper level. The Hebrew word for humbly in Micah 6:8 actually means to be conscientious or mindful of how you are seeking God. Sometimes we take our relationship with God for granted, but just as our relationships with friends or family won t improve or deepen if we don t take the time to invest in them, our relationship with God will remain shallow if we don t commit to DAILY connecting to God. Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote a book called Life Together where he talks about establishing certain spiritual practices that shape our faith, step by step, so that the rhythm of our life is one centered around God. Our prayer is that your Life Group will help every member create a rhythm of faith through these practices so that when tough times come, they can continue to walk and rest in that rhythm of holiness. How do we help people walk humbly with God? Here are some suggestions to explore in your Life Group and encourage folks to do outside of the Life Group in their daily lives. Please try to incorporate 1-3 of these things in each of your meetings. 1. Pray- there are great online resources for different ways to pray and books that we can recommend to help people learn about prayer. 2. Read Scripture- lectio divina is a great way to engage more deeply in Scripture reading, you can google it for more information or talk to Pastor Rachel, or Andrew Schwartz for more guidance! 3. Worship- Our prayer is that your Life Group looks forward to seeing each other on Sunday mornings because corporate worship can be a time for us to be both challenged and uplifted in our faith. It s a time where we gather at Christ s table for communion and are reminded that, in the journey of faith, we are never alone. God and others are always there to walk with us! We also encourage you, if there is a musically gifted person in your Life Group, to sing a worship song or two when you meet together. If there is no one who can play an instrument, you could always use a CD or youtube and

20 The Gathering UMC 5 have people sing along or meditate to the words. Another great resource is to read the words of a hymn together and explore the deep meaning of the verses, some of which were written hundreds of years ago. 4. Tithe- it s our goal at The Gathering for all of us to move towards tithing 10% towards the church, why? Because scientific research has shown that when we are generous with our finances, it releases endorphins and can induce joy and pleasure that is similar to what we feel when we eat chocolate or have sex! We were created to give of our time, talents, financial gifts, service, and witness and when we trust God with our finances, it helps us deepen our relationship with Him. 5. Fast- Your Life Group may decide to fast together for one meal each week. During the time you would have spent eating, you could pray for each other, the church, the community, or other personal needs or joys. Fasting can be a powerful way to open ourselves up to hear the voice of God and center ourselves in our walk with Him. The very first small groups in the Methodist Church, which began in the 1700s, would fast every Friday. 6. Meditate- There might be times when your Life Group wants to meditate silently on a song, Scripture, sound, object or image related to faith. Silence can be a beautiful gift to your Life Group and we have resources to help you guide people in meditation. Additional Tips: We all connect with God in different ways. Some of us feel closer to God in prayer, music, or by reading Scripture so please check in with your group to find out which spiritual disciplines are most meaningful to them. This is not an accountability group, so please try to refrain from times of confession which are meant for smaller groups that don t have the same influx of different people each time you meet. If there are people who are drawn into closer Christian friendships after meeting in your Life Group, they could become accountability partners or an accountability group if they are the same sex. If you feel your Life Group members are struggling with a particular Scripture passage, issue, or temptation, feel free to contact Pastor Rachel and she or Angela or Andrew can attend that Life Group session to have a teaching session based on the needs of the group. Please know that we are here for you and can provide other general tips and suggestions for how to structure your Life Group meeting, this is just a manual to help you begin visioning for how your group will act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God together!