Assemble a basket of little items to bless a person's heart.
Sue Skalicky
It's a new year. The old calendar has been removed and a new one has taken its place. For many, the crisp, clean, dated boxes of January communicate the freshness of a new beginning. But for others the thought of a new year can be overwhelming due to an illness, an unplanned pregnancy, a divorce, a financial disaster or the death of a loved one. These circumstances alone are painful, but to experience ...
Model prayer postures listed in Scripture while praying.
Tami Rudkin
Group Leader: This is a complete reading and personal application prepared so that you may take it and lead your group through a unique aspect of worship.
Because of the Bible, a historical account of God's people, we have the special privilege of peeking into the lives of the legendary. What we learn from observing their lives is that the faithful, the truly righteous men and women praised and begged ...
Wad up a piece of scratch paper for each person in your group and give it to them as they come into the group meeting. Tell them to just hang onto it until you give them instructions. Place a trashcan in the middle of the room. Say to your group, "I want you to think about one thing in your life you would like to throw away, get rid of. It can be anything, an item, an attitude, an old memory, whatever. ...
Read through Scripture passages that remind us of our new identity in Christ.
Tami Rudkin
Take a few minutes and let your group look over this list. Explain that each describes our identity in Christ. As a part of worship have your group randomly pray thanksgiving using these descriptions. (See the one sentence prayer below.) Encourage them to pray "popcorn" style, praying short phrases several different times. Be sure, as the leader, to model what you expect.
Share memories and praise God for how he has worked in your life.
Tami Rudkin
We are often drawn to the Psalms as we prepare to worship. Many of the Psalms are prayers of thankfulness as the writers recall events in which God moved mightily in their lives. Just as individuals worship by recalling God's work in their lives, worship in a small group can be a focused time of "remembering."
1. Begin your worship time with one sentence prayers of thanksgiving. Explain to the group ...
Most of us miss out on life's big prizes,
(The Pulitzer, the Nobel, Oscar, Tonys, Emmys)
But we're all eligible for life's small pleasures:
A pat on the back. A kiss behind the ear.
A four-pound bass. A full moon.
An empty parking space. A crackling fire.
A great meal. A glorious sunset. Hot soup.
Don't fret about missing life's grand awards.
Enjoy its tiny delights.
There are plenty ...
Consider using a drama or role-play to add reality to your group's discussion of a text.
Sue Skalicky
Several years ago, those in our small group noticed what looked like a homeless man sitting on the front lawn of our host home. At first, we were shocked because we were in a nice neighborhood and had never seen a homeless person in this area. We took turns questioning what we should do. Should we call the police? Should we offer him some food? What will we do if he has a weapon? However, our conjectures ...
Participate in an activity that encourages thankfulness instead of materialism.
Tami Rudkin
Things you will need:
5-7 pieces of play money for each person (paper money or coins)
Fine-tipped markers
Small chest or basket
As people are getting seated, hand out 5-7 pieces of play money to each person. Explain to them that we are going to be thinking of our treasures, and the play money is symbolic of those riches. Ask them to take a few minutes to ponder their riches and to write a different ...
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