Week 2: Understanding this Time - rising from the ashes
LOOKING BACK
Family Time (15 mins)
LOOKING UP
Worship (~10-15 mins)
Bible Study (30 mins)
Context: In Southern California we experience limited seasons, [though we are technically in Winter right now]. As we move into this New Year it is important that we discern with God the ‘times and seasons’ that we are in, recognizing that seasons cycle and change. After a season of fruitfulness comes a season of pruning (which feels like a death). After the pruning comes a season of growth and then greater fruitfulness (c.f. John 15).
Scriptures: Isaiah 11.1 and the Song of Solomon 2.10-13
Have two people read the passages out loud.
“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.” (Isaiah 11:1 NIV)
“My beloved spoke and said to me, “Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, come with me.
See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone.
Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.
The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.”
(Song 2:10-13 NIV)
Questions:
LOOKING FORWARD (10 mins)
In smaller groups, discuss the following:
Announcements (5 mins)
Youth Retreat Fundraiser (Jan. 14 after service)
Support our youth as they cover their retreat costs and scholarships! They will be serving food, treats, and drinks!
Vision & Values (Saturday, Jan 27, 2-5:30 pm)
Vision & Values will give you a fuller picture of who we are, our history as a movement, and ways you can grow in your calling & purpose in our church family! It's also a time to connect with others in the class and hear testimonies of what God is doing in our church! After attending Vision & Values, you can apply to become a church member, which means you can vote at our next membership meeting.
Connect Lunches (Sun. Jan 28 after service)
Hang out with other Epicentre folks for lunch after service! Come by the Connection Center right after service and find out what restaurants people will go to. It's a great, easy way to make new connections and enjoy a good meal.
All info at epicentre.org/events!
Family Time (15 mins)
- Vision: Invite someone in your lifegroup to share what your Lifegroup’s vision means to them.
- Connection Question: what is an area of your life that feels dead, burned or barren that you need God to bring renewed life to?
- Announcements (see bottom of this doc)
- Check-Ins: life updates, praise reports, etc.
LOOKING UP
Worship (~10-15 mins)
- Build My Life - Pat Barrett ft Cory Asbury
- Heart of Worship - Brandon Lake
Bible Study (30 mins)
Context: In Southern California we experience limited seasons, [though we are technically in Winter right now]. As we move into this New Year it is important that we discern with God the ‘times and seasons’ that we are in, recognizing that seasons cycle and change. After a season of fruitfulness comes a season of pruning (which feels like a death). After the pruning comes a season of growth and then greater fruitfulness (c.f. John 15).
Scriptures: Isaiah 11.1 and the Song of Solomon 2.10-13
Have two people read the passages out loud.
“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.” (Isaiah 11:1 NIV)
“My beloved spoke and said to me, “Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, come with me.
See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone.
Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.
The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.”
(Song 2:10-13 NIV)
Questions:
- What stands out to you from these passages?
- What does this passage reveal about God?
- What does this passage reveal about the changing seasons?
- What feelings do these passages provoke in you?
LOOKING FORWARD (10 mins)
In smaller groups, discuss the following:
- What season do you feel you are (have been in)?
- How might these Scriptures speak into your personal (& community) situations? What are some signs that help you identify the season you are in?
- How might these Scriptures inform the way we are praying?
- Take some time to pray with and for each other, to discern the season the Lord has you in or wants to move you into.
Announcements (5 mins)
Youth Retreat Fundraiser (Jan. 14 after service)
Support our youth as they cover their retreat costs and scholarships! They will be serving food, treats, and drinks!
Vision & Values (Saturday, Jan 27, 2-5:30 pm)
Vision & Values will give you a fuller picture of who we are, our history as a movement, and ways you can grow in your calling & purpose in our church family! It's also a time to connect with others in the class and hear testimonies of what God is doing in our church! After attending Vision & Values, you can apply to become a church member, which means you can vote at our next membership meeting.
Connect Lunches (Sun. Jan 28 after service)
Hang out with other Epicentre folks for lunch after service! Come by the Connection Center right after service and find out what restaurants people will go to. It's a great, easy way to make new connections and enjoy a good meal.
All info at epicentre.org/events!