January 19th, 2024
by Jenny Huffman and Sherrill Wall
by Jenny Huffman and Sherrill Wall
CoreGroup Guide | Clean Slate - Week Three
Written by Jenny Huffman and Sherrill Wall
Welcome
We all have a rhythm to our life, a routine, parts of our day that always seem to happen whether we plan for them or not. Sometimes these routines are beneficial, but sometimes they are not! Sometimes we need a change, and change does not just happen. Meaningful change happens when we create new habits and work to keep those habits in place. This requires continued focus, effort, persistence, prayer, and sometimes even a little help from our friends.
Like an athlete training for a big event, there is power in creating a routine to train for our best lives. This week we will dig into that process and discuss how God uses our small efforts to make meaningful changes, one habit at a time.
Opening Prayer
Lord, thank you for this group and for bringing us together again. Some of us are here today because we are excited to learn and eager to jump into the discussion. Some of us are here because we are lonely and longing for time together with each other. And some of us are here simply because this is a part of our weekly routine. Regardless, we are thankful for the ways that you are working in and through this group. Bless our conversation today, Lord. Guide us, shape us, challenge us, and renew us. It’s in your name we pray. Amen.
Ice Breaker
What part of your daily routine is the most important to you and why? Perhaps it’s a cup of coffee first thing in the morning or a relaxing bath just before bed. Maybe it’s listening to your favorite podcast on the way to work or sharing about your day at the dinner table. It could be a group text thread or checking in with a family member. What one routine really makes your day?
The Head
In the New Testament, there are two letters written by the Apostle Paul to a companion and colleague named Timothy. In the first letter, Paul offers Timothy encouragement and support for his ministry in Ephesus. Over the years, this letter has been used to guide Christian leaders, providing both practical advice and pastoral wisdom. Read this passage from 1 Timothy 4.
(6) If you put these instructions before the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound teaching that you have followed. (7) Have nothing to do with profane and foolish tales. Train yourself in godliness, (8) for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. (9) The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. (10) For to this end we toil and suffer reproach, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
[1 Timothy 4: 6-10, New Revised Standard Version]
The Heart
One of the most important steps in creating lasting change in our lives is establishing new routines and sticking to them. The Bible sometimes calls this discipline. Proverbs 12:1 speaks to one aspect of Biblical discipline.
From the New International Version:
“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.”
From the New Living Translation:
“To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.”
From The Message:
“If you love learning, you love the discipline that goes with it – how shortsighted to refuse correction!”
The Hands
James Clear, author of the bestselling book Atomic Habits, offers four practical tips for building new routines and habits in our lives. Take a look at the following questions and do some brainstorming with your group. Make a plan to circle back next week to follow up.
Closing Prayer
Sometimes when we start to make plans for new habits and routines we lose sight of God’s presence, power, and purpose in our lives. Close your group discussion this week by reading through these verses from Psalm 16. Meditate on the ways that God guides us, protects us, teaches us, and blesses us as we strive to be the best versions of ourselves.
Psalm 16:7-11
I will bless the Lord who advises me;
even at night I am instructed
in the depths of my mind.
I always put the Lord in front of me;
I will not stumble because he is on my right side.
That’s why my heart celebrates and my mood is joyous;
yes, my whole body will rest in safety
because you won’t abandon my life to the grave;
you won’t let your faithful follower see the pit.
You teach me the way of life.
In your presence is total celebration.
Beautiful things are always in your right hand.
Amen.
Additional Resources
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
CoreGroup Announcements
As you may have seen, The Gathering’s Wellness Ministry offers small support groups and special events centered around life changes, challenges, relationships, and other topics related to our emotional well-being. At the beginning of February, the Wellness Ministry will be offering a special half day workshop titled Shift Happens: Navigating Life’s Transitions. All are welcome!
Date: Saturday, February 3, 2024
Time: 8:30am – 12:00pm
Location: McCausland Site Multi Purpose Room
To learn more and register for the event, click here: Shift Happens: Navigating Life's Transitions.
Written by Jenny Huffman and Sherrill Wall
Welcome
We all have a rhythm to our life, a routine, parts of our day that always seem to happen whether we plan for them or not. Sometimes these routines are beneficial, but sometimes they are not! Sometimes we need a change, and change does not just happen. Meaningful change happens when we create new habits and work to keep those habits in place. This requires continued focus, effort, persistence, prayer, and sometimes even a little help from our friends.
Like an athlete training for a big event, there is power in creating a routine to train for our best lives. This week we will dig into that process and discuss how God uses our small efforts to make meaningful changes, one habit at a time.
Opening Prayer
Lord, thank you for this group and for bringing us together again. Some of us are here today because we are excited to learn and eager to jump into the discussion. Some of us are here because we are lonely and longing for time together with each other. And some of us are here simply because this is a part of our weekly routine. Regardless, we are thankful for the ways that you are working in and through this group. Bless our conversation today, Lord. Guide us, shape us, challenge us, and renew us. It’s in your name we pray. Amen.
Ice Breaker
What part of your daily routine is the most important to you and why? Perhaps it’s a cup of coffee first thing in the morning or a relaxing bath just before bed. Maybe it’s listening to your favorite podcast on the way to work or sharing about your day at the dinner table. It could be a group text thread or checking in with a family member. What one routine really makes your day?
The Head
In the New Testament, there are two letters written by the Apostle Paul to a companion and colleague named Timothy. In the first letter, Paul offers Timothy encouragement and support for his ministry in Ephesus. Over the years, this letter has been used to guide Christian leaders, providing both practical advice and pastoral wisdom. Read this passage from 1 Timothy 4.
(6) If you put these instructions before the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound teaching that you have followed. (7) Have nothing to do with profane and foolish tales. Train yourself in godliness, (8) for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. (9) The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. (10) For to this end we toil and suffer reproach, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
[1 Timothy 4: 6-10, New Revised Standard Version]
- As you think about incorporating new habits or routines into your life, what are the “words of faith” and “sound teaching” you turn to in making that decision? (v. 6) In other words, what nudging from God or other people led you to this point?
- What does it mean to “train yourself in godliness” (v. 7)?
- In verse 8, Paul mentions both the present life and the life to come. What would this distinction have meant to original readers of this letter? What does it mean to you today?
- How do the promises God has for us – in both the present life and the life to come – impact your desire for change?
The Heart
One of the most important steps in creating lasting change in our lives is establishing new routines and sticking to them. The Bible sometimes calls this discipline. Proverbs 12:1 speaks to one aspect of Biblical discipline.
From the New International Version:
“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.”
From the New Living Translation:
“To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.”
From The Message:
“If you love learning, you love the discipline that goes with it – how shortsighted to refuse correction!”
- How do knowledge and learning impact your desire to start new habits or routines?
- Do you consider yourself to be a “disciplined” person? What does that mean to you?
- Which is more difficult, creating a new habit or eliminating an old one? Share an example.
- As you reflect on the routines and habits in your life – both old and new – what is one area that comes to mind that could use a little prayer?
The Hands
James Clear, author of the bestselling book Atomic Habits, offers four practical tips for building new routines and habits in our lives. Take a look at the following questions and do some brainstorming with your group. Make a plan to circle back next week to follow up.
- Create your habit – What is one new routine you would like to add to your life?
- Track your habit – How will you keep track of this new routine you hope to begin?
- Reward your habit – What incentives will you put in place to stick with this new routine?
- Share your habit – Who will you invite to hold you accountable to your new routine?
Closing Prayer
Sometimes when we start to make plans for new habits and routines we lose sight of God’s presence, power, and purpose in our lives. Close your group discussion this week by reading through these verses from Psalm 16. Meditate on the ways that God guides us, protects us, teaches us, and blesses us as we strive to be the best versions of ourselves.
Psalm 16:7-11
I will bless the Lord who advises me;
even at night I am instructed
in the depths of my mind.
I always put the Lord in front of me;
I will not stumble because he is on my right side.
That’s why my heart celebrates and my mood is joyous;
yes, my whole body will rest in safety
because you won’t abandon my life to the grave;
you won’t let your faithful follower see the pit.
You teach me the way of life.
In your presence is total celebration.
Beautiful things are always in your right hand.
Amen.
Additional Resources
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
CoreGroup Announcements
As you may have seen, The Gathering’s Wellness Ministry offers small support groups and special events centered around life changes, challenges, relationships, and other topics related to our emotional well-being. At the beginning of February, the Wellness Ministry will be offering a special half day workshop titled Shift Happens: Navigating Life’s Transitions. All are welcome!
Date: Saturday, February 3, 2024
Time: 8:30am – 12:00pm
Location: McCausland Site Multi Purpose Room
To learn more and register for the event, click here: Shift Happens: Navigating Life's Transitions.
Posted in CoreGroup Discussion Guides
Recent
Archive
2024
January
Clean Slate: Week 1 Discussion GuideStarting & Sustaining Change // M-Note 1.6.24Clean Slate: Week 2 Discussion GuideStarting Small, Dreaming Big // M-Note 1.13.24Clean Slate: Week 3 Discussion GuideTogether Towards Change...and Healthy Habits // M-Note 1.20.24Clean Slate: Week 4 Discussion GuideSlowing Down for God to Show Up // M-Note 1.27.24
February
More Isn't Always Better // M-Note 2.3.24Money Talks: Week 1 Discussion GuideAshes for Valentine's Day? // M-Note 2.10.24Money Talks: Week 2 Discussion GuideLenten Devotional 2024Money Talks: Week 3 Discussion GuideWhat's your legacy? // M-Note 2.17.24Strength in Numbers: Community in Ministry // M-Note 2.24.24Entourage Discussion Guide - Week One
March
Entourage Discussion Guide - Week TwoUpdates from Clayton and Easter Invitation // M-Note 3.2.24Twenty Students Confirmed Last Sunday // M-Note 3.9.24Entourage Discussion Guide - Week 3How serving at Easter can really make a difference // M-Note 3.16.24Entourage Discussion Guide - Week 4Can You Know Joy Without Pain? // M-Note 3.23.24Entourage Discussion Guide - Week 5It's time for EasterSTL at The Factory // M-Note 3.28.24
April
Easter Discussion GuideScreen Time: Troubleshooting our Relationship with Technology // M-Note 4.6.24Screen Time Discussion Guide - Week 1Springtime Reminders: Joy Comes with the Morning // M-Note 4.13.24Screen Time Discussion Guide - Week 2Shaping the Future at the UMC General Conference // M-Note 4.20.24Screen Time Discussion Guide - Week 3 General Conference Halftime Report// M-Note 4.27.24Screen Time Discussion Guide - Week 4
May
Very Good News at the End of General Conference//M-Note 5.4.24Uncomfortable Truths Discussion Guide - Week 1Uncomfortable Truths Discussion Guide - Week 2Announcing The Gathering’s Church Planters Lab//M-Note 5.11.24My (Hypothetical) Commencement Address // M-Note 5.18.24Uncomfortable Truths Discussion Guide - Week 3Uncomfortable Truths Discussion Guide - Week 4
June
July
September
Worth Sharing Discussion Guide - Week 1Transitioning...to 47 // M-Note 9.7.24Worth Sharing Discussion Guide - Week 2Invitations Work in Mysterious Ways // M-Note 9.14.24Students Stepping Up: Getting Involved in Ministry // M-Note 9.21.24Worth Sharing Discussion Guide - Week 3A Stressful Season // M-Note 9.28.24Worth Sharing Discussion Guide - Week 4
October
It Doesn't Have to Be This Way // M-Note 10.5.24Hold These Truths Discussion Guide - Week 1Love Thy Political Neighbor // M-Note 10.11.2024Hold These Truths Discussion Guide - Week 2Fear is a Powerful Motivator // M-Note 10.19.24Hold These Truths Discussion Guide - Week 3Why Do Bad Things Happen? // M-Note 10.26.24Why? Discussion Guide - Week 1
2023
January
February
Explore - Week 1Explore - Week 2Explore - Week 4Explore - Week 3God is Leading Us Forward // M-Note 2.3.23SENT: Week 1 Discussion GuideSomething To Try This Weekend // M-Note 2.10.23SENT: Week 2 Discussion GuideSENT: Week 3 Discussion GuideWe're Doing Something Big! // M-Note 2.17.23Lent Devotional Day 1Lent Devotional Day 2Lent Devotional Day 3SENT: Week 4 Discussion GuideLent Devotional Day 4Lent Devotional Day 5Lent Devotional Day 6Lent Devotional Day 7
Categories
Tags
1 Kings 3
1 Kings
1 Timothy
2 Corinthians 9:5-7
2 Timothy
Belden Lane
Beyond Simple
Celebrate
Change
Christ
Commit
Confidence
Denee Bowers
Devotional
Discussion Guides
Distractions
Divine Love
Doubt
Easter
Ephesians
Equity
Evangelism
Explore
Five Shared Practices
Focus
Frederick Buechner
Fresh Take
Friends
Generosity
God
Gratitude
Hebrews
Holy Ambiguity
Holy Spirit
Hope
Humanity
Identity
Inside Voice
Isaiah
Jesus
John 21
John
Joy
Kids
King Solomon
Lectio Divina
Lent
Life
Limitations
Longing
M-Note
Matt Miofsky
Matthew
Nadia Bolz-Weber
No Filter
Open
Parables
Parenting
Patience
Paula D'Arcy
Paula D\'Arcy
Paula D\\\'Arcy
Paula D\\\\\\\'Arcy
Paul
Privilege
Proverbs 1
Proverbs
Psalms
Purpose
Questions
Redeem
Rejoice
Righteousness
Sabra Engelbrecht
Second Chance
Self-Love
Struggle
Success
The Bible
The Church
The Gathering
Timothy
Uncertainty
Untethered
Vision
Weird
acts
adulting
advice
challenge
commitment
creation
deconstruction
deconstruct
faith
finances
fitness
forgiveness
forgiving
foundation
freedom
give
growth
kelley weber
love
meister eckhart
money
mystery
new life
opportunity
reconstruction
reconstruct
redemption
relationships
responsibility
simplify
sin
social
thomas merton
transition
truth
willingness
willpower
will
young adult
No Comments