![[Sunday] Famous Expectations - Missio Dei](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1660323540486-RA45IZ6E7KOX1K9L2LYF/mis+dei+week4a.jpg)
[Sunday] Famous Expectations - Missio Dei
We can sure be nasty when our expectations are not met. But would you throw someone off a cliff if they failed to meet your famous expectations? Let's see how God creates a new creation outside of our famous expectations.
Questions for the week
The people of Nazareth thought they were entitled to receive Jesus’ gracious words and deeds because they were his friends and relatives. What things cause us to feel entitled to receive God’s grace and mercy? How do we counteract that sense of entitlement?
Read Luke 4:14-30. Nazareth was a thoroughly Jewish community. As such, the people labored non-stop to keep themselves pure from spiritual uncleanliness of the Gentile world surrounding them. Their penchant for personal purity, however, blinded them to God’s compassion for the world and their participation in his mission. How do we do similar things today that get in the way of our participation in God’s mission to the world?
How has Jesus liberated you to serve in his mission? Who might you bring this Good News of Jesus to this week?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] Those Whos - Kingdom Way](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1734706430827-PEGBX5Z9X6VP47NJQIK8/KW+5a.jpg)
![A Loo in Haiti [Photos]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1734841213607-V90F35T05B68E5TYBXNR/IMG_6795%281%29.jpeg)
![Christmas Boxes in Haiti [Photos]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1734839684218-8490XT8KC0KHK3OZ4QCT/IMG_6682.jpeg)
![Christmas at the Movies [Photos]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1734715621100-SC7YG5BCLVJOUKNCRXLT/PXL_20241215_210319577.NIGHT.jpg)
![Crafters Finishing up Christmas [Photos]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1734710557665-PM59DQONZ5B6Q96XGJOH/PXL_20241218_154420824.jpg)
![Christmas Dinner! 2024 [Photos]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1734708994288-K2M68Q82KCB54C3MN7Z0/PXL_20241218_225656774.jpg)
![[Christmas Day] Christmas Light - Kingdom Way](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1734714379466-22ATKY05IF5ZWU9TJAZB/KW+ChristmasDa.jpg)
![[Sunday] Feather In The Wind - Missio Dei](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1659619346863-WAW1YUESMOEYBZCUQDA0/mis+dei+week3a.jpg)
[Sunday] Feather In The Wind - Missio Dei
It seems like chaos as Jesus is arrested. It’s like He’s a feather in the wind, being blown around into beatings and shame with a crown of thorns placed on his head. But what if the wind is not chaos but more like a cloud in the wilderness?
Questions for the week
How have you seen God work in the middle of chaos in your life?
Read John 12:27-36 (and John 18 and 19 for extra credit). How do you see God in control at all times, even in chaos?
How can we be more effective as witnesses in presenting the cross as a sign that God is in control of the chaos?
Bollywood Remake of Forrest Gump Trailer
Opening Scene From Forrest Gump Featuring the Feater
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] Constant Christmas - Missio Dei](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1659112796108-80YI5F118B86LZXSFD3B/mis+dei+week2a.jpg)
[Sunday] Constant Christmas - Missio Dei
Just like our favorite gifts we have received at Christmas, God's gift of the Messiah is a better gift than Peter could ever have imagined.
Questions for the week
Describe a time when you’ve misunderstood Jesus or a teaching of His.
If someone were to ask you “Who is Jesus?”, how would you answer?
Read Matthew 16:13-20. How does Peter appear to get it all correct but also get it all wrong about Jesus at the same time?
How does knowing that Jesus came even for “the Peters” of the world, give you hope?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] I Am Sending - Missio Dei](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1658507300862-FKEZH2ZZAU866N1VO6S4/mis+dei+week1a.jpg)
[Sunday] I Am Sending - Missio Dei
Jesus breathes that same spirit that hovered over the waters of creation, that same breath that animated and bright life into Adam's nostrils, that same wind that hit the church and put all over us that same mission of bringing life and beauty to everywhere we go.
Questions for the week
How "Sent by Christ" do you feel? That is, how aware are you each day that Christ has sent you on His mission to proclaim the forgiveness of sins?
What does it mean to you that the risen Christ came back for Thomas? What does this say about Jesus, about Thomas, about you?
As a mission-hearted Christian, give your best answer to the question, “Where do you come from?”
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] 2 Corinthians 12:9 - Richer](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1657807734734-ZH74IVJBK5BKP54Y4QUD/Richer+3a.jpg)
[Sunday] 2 Corinthians 12:9 - Richer
What do you mean power is made perfect in weakness? Perhaps it has something to do with the man who saw the third heaven.
Questions for the week
No Questions this week.
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] 1 Peter 3:15 - Richer](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1657246717732-K83UQ4BAKWX1LPMRWXGP/Richer+2a.jpg)
[Sunday] 1 Peter 3:15 - Richer
This super popular verse used mostly for evangelism actually has more in common with Daniel and the lion's den than telling your neighbors about Christ. Let's make it richer.
Questions for the week
Describe a time you felt persecuted or experienced suffering for your faith. How did you respond to that persecution and suffering?
Read 1 Peter 3: 8-22. What does Peter encourage us to do in the midst of suffering? Why does he encourage us to do that?
Read Daniel 6. What happens to Daniel in the middle of unjust suffering? How does Daniel respond? Why do you think Daniel could respond the way he did? How does the chapter end?
Following the advice of Peter, who is someone you can do good to this week?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] John 3:16 - Richer](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1656620271292-5FF8I7Q1N6N12UXJWUG1/Richer+1a.jpg)
[Sunday] John 3:16 - Richer
For God so loved the world that he gave… It’s such a humbling verse for us, and yet we receive so much comfort from it. God is saving us and is saving the world. This gives us comfort that we can stop trying to be the saviors of ourselves and our neighbors and find rest in our Lord.
Questions for the week
Describe a time that forced you to see the world in a new way.
Read John 3:1-21. Who is Nicodemus? Why do you think he is questioning Jesus in this way?
How does Jesus respond? Why does Jesus respond this way?
What does this teach you about God and his love for you and the world?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] Christ In All Things - In All Things](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1656083572547-8NPQTORRZXMZIICABI9A/IAT+5aa.jpg)
[Sunday] Christ In All Things - In All Things
Paul, in prison, writes a letter of encouragement to the church, a letter that does not say Christ is just in what you do, but rather Christ is in all things. So we are confident that he is here to help. We're encouraged to live in peace, knowing that God is on our side.
Questions for the week
No Questions this week
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] Good In All Things - In All Things](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1655472116410-5V697U3D182DKAKNJTCU/IAT+4a.jpg)
[Sunday] Good In All Things - In All Things
We desire to live the good life which will ultimately land us in the good place. But in our search for the good place, we may find ourselves not fulfilled as our lust for desires goes unmet. Maybe true fulfillment can be found in death and resurrection.
Questions for the week
Describe something you thought was good, but ended up being bad in your life.
Read Colossians 3:1-17. What two types of lifestyles does Paul compare? How has Jesus freed you to live the second type of lifestyle?
Read Colossians 3:18- 4:1. How does Paul's encouragement in these verses encourage us to reflect Jesus in relationships with others?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] Forward In All Things - In All Things](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1654867356344-O33STPWPFW691U3BFXYZ/IAT+3a.jpg)
[Sunday] Forward In All Things - In All Things
When I moved, I placed everything in a huge moving truck and rolled my car onto a small trailer. This taught me a simple lesson in life, one we see here in the Bible: always be moving forward.
Questions for the week
Describe a time when you stopped moving forward and got stuck going backwards.
Read Colossians 2:6-15. What does it mean to “walk in Christ?”
What empty philosophies might hold you captive?
How does walking in Christ and in what he has done free us from that captivity?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] Hope In All Things - In All Things](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1654222823414-AHLCONIOUPLEL6OQFSML/IAT+2a.jpg)
[Sunday] Hope In All Things - In All Things
When looking for hope, we often try to find it in other gods and gospels, but the Holy Spirit is always calling us back to the one that can truly save us. See why Jesus matters.
Questions for the week
Describe a song that has impacted you. What about it made such an impact?
Read Colossians 1:15-20. Paul is writing in poetry. What other parts of the Bible is this song like?
Paul draws us to the wonder of creation and how that creator is with us in all things. How does that change how you look at the world around you?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] Song of All Things - In All Things](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1653619794124-MWIZMNCXP8C9IXJA46YW/IAT+1a.jpg)
[Sunday] Song of All Things - In All Things
Beginning his letter of encouragement, Paul leans into the history of the scriptures, using the language of song to convey something bigger than can be realized with just mere words. With the prophets, the psalms, and even the first five books behind him, he weaves encouragement the only way a song can.
Questions for the week
Describe a song that has impacted you. What about it made such an impact?
Read Colossians 1:15-20. Paul is writing in poetry. What other parts of the Bible is this song like?
Paul draws us to the wonder of creation and how that creator is with us in all things. How does that change how you look at the world around you?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] Gentleness & Respect - Spiritual Conversations](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1653012509674-H2OG52EIUQ3NVEJZ27ER/SC+5a.jpg)
[Sunday] Gentleness & Respect - Spiritual Conversations
Peter sat up from writing the last paragraph and thought about all the times he was difficult to Jesus. He had put his foot in his mouth so many times. He even denied the Lord on that cold day when everything changed. But Peter's heart filled with warmth when he remembered how Jesus treated him when he rose: with gentleness and respect.
Questions for the week
Think of the last time you had a spiritual conversation. How did it go? How did it feel?
Read 1 Peter 3:8-18. What are the Christians whom Peter is writing to facing in life?
How does Peter encourage them to respond? What has Jesus done that enables them to respond that way?
What do you think is important to keep in mind so that you can spark a spiritual conversation while still being gentle and respectful?
Past Links and Helps
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] Eager - Spiritual Conversations](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1652451592564-OR8VRNJ5T9YCLS6P4ZR7/SC+4a.jpg)
[Sunday] Eager - Spiritual Conversations
The armor of God sometimes seems like it's something we daily put on to fight our way through the culture. However, when we look at what Paul was actually saying, it's something that signals our readiness and eagerness to show the love of our God in Christ Jesus our lord.
Questions for the week
What do you think you would need to be able to talk about your faith more effectively?
Read Ephesians 6:10-20. Who does Paul encourage us to find our strength in? What does it look like to be strong in the Lord in your life?
How does getting ready by putting on the armor of God equip you to share your faith?
Review Lutheran Hour Ministries description of an “Eager Conversationalist” at www.lhm.org/eager. Take the “Eager Inventory” found on that website. Which letter are you strongest in? Which can you most improve in? How can spending more time with Jesus help you grow in those areas?
BONUS: Visit www.lhm.org/eager and begin the free LHM Learn course “Eager to Share.”
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] Shattered Beautiful - Spiritual Conversations](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1651785690302-VA8ZK4LAMJDT3ZXHZYGC/SC+3a.jpg)
[Sunday] Shattered Beautiful - Spiritual Conversations
The residents of Winchester stare despondently as all the stained glass lay shattered all over the ground, shattered like the homes and lives of God’s people in Babylon, shattered like our lives when things have not worked out. But wait, look, there's a runner from the mountains with good news of grace and peace on their breath.
Questions for the week
Thinking back over your life, what’s the most pleasant, interesting or delightful spiritual conversation you’ve ever had? Where were you? How did the conversation start?
Who in your life is a non-Christian friend? How much time per week do you spend nurturing a friendship with a non-Christian?
Read Isaiah 52:7-12. What makes spiritual conversations beautiful?
Think about the last spiritual conversation you had with a non-Christian. Are you glad about that conversation? If so, why? If not, what do you think could have changed the trajectory of that conversation to make it more enjoyable?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] Why We Stopped Talking - Spiritual Conversations](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1651194231068-V79DNM80WD6ZM3TG3M7Q/SC+2a.jpg)
[Sunday] Why We Stopped Talking - Spiritual Conversations
Over the years, we have sold the faith in a way which has left us damaged, fearful, and mute. Perhaps, the Good Shepherd can gather us all in fields of abundance, heal our wounds, and give us voices of hope.
Questions for the week
Have you ever had a bad experience talking about your faith? Why do you think it’s so difficult to talk about your faith?
Read Colossians 4:2-6. How does Paul encourage us to witness our faith?
Look at the Lutheran Hour Ministries Conversations Curve. How can recognizing if a person is unreceptive, receptive, or seeking allow your conversation to be “gracious and seasoned with salt so you may know how you ought to answer each person?”
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] How Will They Hear - Spiritual Conversations](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1650637265412-WN94VFZQCGUDQTPGYOUU/SC+1bb.jpg)
[Sunday] How Will They Hear - Spiritual Conversations
God’s people were saved from slavery - incredible news! God created them to be a blessing to all the nations in the world. But right before the captivity, they were only interested in what God could do for them. Those gentile outsiders were not good enough for what they had. To this, the prophet asks them, and us, “How will they hear?”
Questions for the week
How many spiritual conversations (conversations about faith) do you have, on average, per month?
Read Romans 10:1-4. How did Israel’s self-righteous attitude affect their witness to the nations around them?
Read Romans 10:5-13. What does the good news look like?
Read Romans 10:14-21. Paul asks a series of rhetorical questions. How has Israel shared the good news? What promise does he give us about God’s nature?
What hope do you have that God has chosen you to share good news? What good news can you share with someone this week?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] Mark 16 | Amazed Easter - Revealing True Power](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1650056072699-PC55569C0DPBUVULH69M/Revealing+Easter+a.jpg)
[Sunday] Mark 16 | Amazed Easter - Revealing True Power
There are clues and breadcrumbs which God has left us so we can see the resurrection today. We see it when our faces light up with a glory of amazement that can only be told about over and over.
Questions for the week
Describe a time when you were amazed. What caused you to be amazed?
Read Mark 16:1-8. Why were the women at the tomb amazed?
Think back over the Gospel of Mark. What are some other stories where people are amazed at Jesus?
When have you been amazed by Jesus in your life?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
Good Friday | The Passion of True Power
The Passion of Jesus the Christ in Mark
Service Noon
What Had happened at Grace this week.
Maundy Thursday | Unraveled - Revealing True Power
Sometimes life just seems to unravel before our eyes. Maybe we need a savior who will unravel the creation to get us back.
Service 6PM
What Had happened at Grace this week.
The Kids sing "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" And they also play "First Noel" on the Bells!