Fall 2008 Kick-Off
We have been praying for our groups all summer long- anticipating this kick off! We trust your group will have a great time this semester.
Your first gathering is really about meeting one another, breaking the ice, answering questions and getting on the same page together.
Opening:
Take few minutes to "break the ice" and get to know each other– play a silly game, ask a profound question, eat some good food!
Digging Deeper:
First, talk a littel bit about how you found Connections and what compelled you to sign up for a CG. Make sure folks understand the basics about our Church- our vision and our values.
Ask if there was anythign from the Wiii Church series that the group wants to talk about.
Begin by going over the CG Covenant (See below) and discuss the structure of a CG meeting. Add any of your own elements (child care plans, etc) and distribute copies to the group.
Read Acts 2:38-41. What does it mean to repent? Why is baptism so important? Why is the Holy Spirit even more important? What is the promise and how does it apply to us? Read Acts 2:42-47. There is so much in this passage, but focus on three points:
Common Purpose:
Do people lack purpose today? Where are they looking? What is the purpose of being the church and our CG's? Common Place:
Is there an isolation problem in our society? Do you feel "rootless?" How can you be a presence in your neighborhood? Common Possessions:
Do we struggle with materialism and greed? How can we begin to care for one another's needs? Closing:
Pray for one another.
Connection Group Covenant
Connecting with God. Connecting with people. Connecting with the world.
Connection Groups target the second part of our mission- to connect with people. We believe that being in relationships, in the body of Christ, is an essential part of every Christ-followers life.
In the days of the early Church the first Christ followers gathered the first day of the week (Sunday) for worship. In addition, they meet throughout the week, daily in fact, in homes (Acts 2:46; Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Colossians 4:15). We believe that being a part of a Connection Group is not something we do in addition to “going to church,” it is essential to “be the church.”
We gather around the following values:
Common Purpose: To become more Christ-like in everything.
Common Place: To become more a part of our community.
Common Possessions: To become more generous in supporting one another.
Therefore,
• We agree to meet for the duration of this semester.
• We will try to make every Group meeting.
• We will discuss the topic/text of worship services.
• We will make worshiping at Connections a priority. If we cannot be at worship we will listen or read the message online.
• We will support our facilitators and hosts and respect their role.
• We will be respecters of persons.
• We will practice confidentiality.
• We will seek to deepen relationships within the group.
• We will play together.
• We will serve together.
When: _________________________________________________
Where: _________________________________________________
Other:
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