Week 1: Understanding this Time -
Peace in Uncertainty
LOOKING BACK
Family Time (15 mins)
LOOKING UP
Worship (-15 mins)
Bible Reflection (30 mins)
Have a few people read the passage out loud.
Context: We are living in a time where life often feels shaky, unexpected, and even scary, whether it’s media overload, crisis, political upheaval, and more. Let’s take a look at some scriptures that speak to us in all of this uncertainty:
“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalm 46:10
“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:14-16 14
4 “Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, 5 for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately.” Matthew 24:4-6
LOOKING FORWARD
In small groups, share:
ANNOUNCEMENTS (5 mins)
Pasadena Homelessness Count (Jan. 23 & 24): There are more than 500 unhoused people living on the streets of Pasadena. We invite you to help with this survey project, which gets funding and resources for long-term support for them. Pastor Matt is leading a team of folks doing the count and we invite you to join in as we love the marginalized people of our city.
Glove Drive - We've extended the deadline till Jan 14th and will continue to collect gloves! We are at about 200 pairs of gloves, out of our 350 pairs goal, so please continue to purchase gloves and bring to Sunday service!
Youth Retreat Fundraiser (Jan. 7 & 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 your LG vision and what it means to them.
- Connection Question: What’s one word, phrase or picture you’re holding onto for this coming year?
- Announcements (see bottom of this doc)
- Check-Ins: life updates, praise reports, etc.
LOOKING UP
Worship (-15 mins)
Bible Reflection (30 mins)
Have a few people read the passage out loud.
Context: We are living in a time where life often feels shaky, unexpected, and even scary, whether it’s media overload, crisis, political upheaval, and more. Let’s take a look at some scriptures that speak to us in all of this uncertainty:
“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalm 46:10
“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:14-16 14
4 “Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, 5 for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately.” Matthew 24:4-6
Questions
- What stands out to you from these passages? What do you find comforting or grounding?
- What do these scriptures tell us about the heart of God?
- What is one way you can see this scripture coming to life for you personally or in your community?
- What questions are you still asking?
LOOKING FORWARD
In small groups, share:
- What are ways that you want these scriptures to impact how you think and live?
- What are the areas you still need more faith or trust in?
- How can we agree with you in prayer? (and ask God for scriptures, words or phrases to encourage one another)
ANNOUNCEMENTS (5 mins)
Pasadena Homelessness Count (Jan. 23 & 24): There are more than 500 unhoused people living on the streets of Pasadena. We invite you to help with this survey project, which gets funding and resources for long-term support for them. Pastor Matt is leading a team of folks doing the count and we invite you to join in as we love the marginalized people of our city.
Glove Drive - We've extended the deadline till Jan 14th and will continue to collect gloves! We are at about 200 pairs of gloves, out of our 350 pairs goal, so please continue to purchase gloves and bring to Sunday service!
Youth Retreat Fundraiser (Jan. 7 & 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!