This week in worship. Our church is in a worship series called As For Me and My House. Sunday’s sermon: “Do Justice, Love Kindness,” Micah 1:3-5; 5:2-5a; 6:6-8. This week’s belief: Personal faith and social holiness, held together. Worship is also online at mcphersonfirst.org.
A Grace Group is up to 12 people who meet about an hour each week to grow in faith and care for one another. There is no homework and nothing to prepare. We talk honestly, ask a few questions, and pray. You only need to show up and be honest, and everyone is welcome.
A Methodist Way of Making Disciples
Grace Groups recover one of the oldest Methodist practices. Almost three hundred years ago, John Wesley gathered Methodists into small weekly groups that asked one another, “How is it with your soul?” and watched over one another in love. A Grace Group is that same way of making disciples, brought back for today.
This Week’s Practice, 17 of 25, Service: Acts of Mercy. Micah’s middle verb is “embrace faithful love.” Most mercy looks ordinary: a meal, a ride, a call. Start with the people already in your path. Ways to try it. Start the day asking “God, who can I serve today?”. Do one thing today: send the text, drop off the meal.
Your Hour Together
The times are a guide, not a rule.
Getting to Know One Another (:00)
Share your name, then pick one of these to answer.
What is something you are proud of that no one would guess?
What is a movie you would gladly watch again?
We Begin (:05)
Before we pray, a little quiet to arrive.
. . . a few moments of silence . . .
Holy God, you are gentle with what is broken. Be gentle with us this hour, and make us gentle with one another. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Our Covenant (:08)
We read these four out loud and say yes to them together.
Show up. Keep coming. God grows faith in us slowly, together.
Be honest. Share what’s real. God works with the truth.
Keep it private. What’s shared stays with us and with God.
Give everyone space. Listen to understand. Jesus listened before he spoke.
The Three Questions
Soul Tending: How is your faith journey going? (:10)
Where is your faith showing up in how you treat others?
Where did you show mercy this week, and where did you see Christ in it?
God Sightings: Where do you see God at work in your life? (:25)
Where have you seen faith make a difference in our community?
Which of Micah’s three verbs comes easiest to you, and which is hardest?
Growing in Grace: What challenge are you giving to God? (:40)
Who needs you to put your faith into action this week?
What one act of mercy will you do before we meet again?
We Close (:50)
If there is time, share one of these out loud. If not, reflect on them in silence.
What did you hear from someone that you want to sit with this week?
Who here will you check in with before we meet again?
. . . a few moments of silence . . .
Gracious God, you receive grief and gladness alike. Take ours, and send us out held. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
McPherson First United Methodist Church · mcphersonfirst.org/gracegroups