Week 1

Get Started

Make sure to take time for everyone to introduce themselves. Name, school, favorite color etc. This is the time to do your best to make sure each person gets to speak. 

1. Would you rather never have to stop at a red light ever again or never have to wait in line anywhere?

2. Would you rather loose the ability to read or loose the ability to speak?

3. Would you rather be able to see 10 minutes into your own future or 10 minutes into the future of anyone but yourself?

4. Would you rather be able to control water or be able to control the wind?

Digging In

Would you generally agree or disagree with the following statement…and why? Our problems are not the problem our anxiety about our problems are the problem

Read the following Passage

Matthew 6:31 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

  1. How would you explain this passage to a friend at your lunch table?
  2. Jesus essentially is saying not to be anxious but to seek first his kingdom. What do you think that means?

Discuss

The last passage Jesse used during the message was Philippians 4:4-9.

4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

  1. Paul encourages us to let our requests be made known to God. How do we do this so we don’t fall into the habit of complaining/whining? ( The answer is to let it all out but maintain an attitude of thanksgiving)
  2. Paul tells us that when we release all our requests/anxieties peace will guard our hearts. How can peace guard our hearts? Is the peace of God the opposite of anxiety?
  3. When we practice the rhythm of release what does Paul tell us to embrace? Hint :: the answer is in verse 8. We release all our anxieties and embrace what is right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy,

Bonus: Release and Embrace..how can we incorporate this into our daily practices?

Prayer

Take some time to lift one another up in prayer.

Announcements

October 9 Bon Fire! Huge fire!Food! All your buddies hanging out!

67 Days to FALL RETREAT!!!!!!!!! Register soon space is limited! Scholarships are available. Talk to or email Sarah O’Deens to find out all the details