Glidden-Lanesboro-Lohrville UMCs

Discussion Questions

What do you know about your name? Does it have a particular meaning?

Are you named after someone?  If so, what do you know about them?

Where or when do you feel closest to God? What does that feel like?

Describe or reflect on a time you had a sense that God was calling you to a task.

Acting on the Word

Take home the paper flame that was handed out today.  Maybe write a word or phrase on it that speaks to you of an encounter with God.  Put it somewhere where you will see it each day: the fridge door, a bathroom mirror, etc.  Use it to remind you that God is present and ask God to help you recognize your encounters with God this day.

Daily Readings

Sunday:          Exodus 1:8-14

Monday:       Exodus 3:1-15
Tuesday:       Exodus 6:1-13

Wednesday:  Exodus 11:1-7, Exodus 12:29-32
Thursday:     Exodus 14:5-31

Friday:          Exodus 16:1-8

Saturday:      Exodus 19:1-8

Who encounters God in this passage?  What does God ask or expect of them?

Discussion Questions

Do you enjoy wrestling and roughhousing?  Why or why not?

Describe a time you felt like you were struggling with God?

When have you (or have you) experienced blessing as a result of or in the aftermath of a struggle?  Describe that experience.

Acting on the Word

Find someone you have reason to believe is struggling and in need of a blessing and give them the blessing card you received today.  (We plan to have a supply available each week, so feel free to do this more than once!)

Daily Readings

Sunday:          Genesis 32:22-30          Jacob wrestles with God

Monday:       Genesis 33:1-17            Jacob and Esau Meet
Tuesday:       Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28   Joseph Sold into Slavery

Wednesday:  Genesis 41:1-36            Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dream
Thursday:     Genesis 41:37-46          Joseph’s Authority

Friday:          Genesis 42:1-13            Joseph’s Brothers in Egypt

Saturday:      Genesis 45:1-20            Jacob and sons invited to Egypt

 Where do you see blessing in these stories?  Struggle?  How is God at work?

NOTE:  The Joseph story is best read in its entirety. You may find it helpful to read through it all, not just the pieces listed above.

Discussion Questions

What kinds of things make you laugh?

When have you offered hospitality to strangers?

What went well?  What was challenging?

When have you felt unseen, only to learn someone noticed you as the visitors noticed Sarah?

Who are the unseen members of our community?

Acting on the Word

Pay attention this week to those who are working behind the scenes.  Find a way to notice and acknowledge them.

Daily Readings

Sunday:        Genesis 18:1-15       Three Visitors for Abraham and Sarah

Monday:       Genesis 21:1-7        Isaac is Born to Sarah and Abraham
Tuesday:       Genesis 25:19-28     Jacob and Esau born to Isaac and Rebekah

Wednesday:  Genesis 27:1-40       Jacob and Rebekah deceive Isaac
Thursday:     Genesis 27:41-18:5  Jacob Leaves Home

Friday:          Genesis 29:13-30     Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel

Saturday:      Genesis 31:1-18       Jacob flees Laban

What surprises you about these “origin stories”?  What is familiar to you?  What questions do you have?  Take some time to ponder these questions, perhaps journaling about them.

Discussion Questions

What is your favorite type of animal?  Why?

Do you have or have you had a pet?  If so, how has it been a companion to you?

Do you enjoy being alone, or do you prefer to have company?

Acting on the Word

Spend some time outdoors this week, paying particular attention to the animals you see.  Offer up a prayer of thanks to God for creation.

Daily Readings

Sunday:         Genesis 2:4b-25

Monday:       Genesis 3:1-24
Tuesday:       Genesis 4:1-16

Wednesday:  Genesis 7:1-23
Thursday:      Genesis 9:1-17

Friday:          Genesis 11:26-32

Saturday:       Genesis 12:1-9

What words or ideas stand out to you?  What questions do you have?

Discussion Questions

What are your fondest memories of church?

What changes have you noticed in the congregation you attend?

What concerns you about the future of the church?

What hope do you see?

Acting on the Word

Talk with other church members about what church means to each of you.  Where do you see hope?

Daily Readings

Sunday:         Isaiah 43:16–21

Monday:       Psalm 42
Tuesday:       Matthew 16:13–20

Wednesday:  Jeremiah 29:11–14
Thursday:      John 10:27–30

Friday:          1 Corinthians 3:9–11

Saturday:       1 Corinthians 15:55–58

Reach each scripture passage slowly two or three times.  What words or phrases stand out to you?  Spend some time in silence, reflecting on what God may be saying to you about the church or your own life.

Discussion Questions

Where do your ancestors come from?

What do you know about why your ancestors came to this country?

What first- or second-generation immigrants have you known personally?

What are your thoughts or feelings about Scripture passages that call us to care for immigrants?  (See the daily readings below)

Acting on the Word

Learn part of the story of a first-generation immigrant—preferably in person, but research online if need be.  What brought them to this country?  What do they miss about the “old country”?  What do they most appreciate here?  How is their story similar and different to your family’s story?

Daily Readings

Sunday:         Genesis 47:1–12

Monday:       Exodus 22:21–23

Tuesday:       Leviticus 19:33–34

Wednesday:  Deuteronomy 10:14–19

Thursday:      Jeremiah 7:1–7

Friday:          Psalm 146:6-9

Saturday:       Galatians 3:26–29

What does each passage say about immigrant/foreigners/strangers?

Discussion Questions

What natural disasters have you personally experienced?

What do you think of the idea that nature/creation can suffer and groan?

How do you care for creation?

Acting on the Word

Do something this week to care for creation. Some ideas:  spend time in a garden, pick up trash, recycle.

Daily Readings

Sunday:         Genesis 2:4b-9

Monday:       Genesis 2:15-17
Tuesday:       Joel 1:10-18

Wednesday:  Joel 2:12-19
Thursday:      Joel 2:21-27

Friday:          Psalm 8

Saturday:       Romans 8:18-25

What do these verses say about our relationship with creation?  Where do we find hope?