Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 4

January 31st, 2025
by Amanda Stanley and Jenny Huffman

CoreGroup Guide | Cancel the Noise - Part 4

Written by Amanda Stanley and Jenny Huffman

Welcome
The Miriam-Webster dictionary defines the word cacophony as “a harsh or jarring sound…an incongruous or chaotic mixture.” If you look at the Greek origins, the word cacophony essentially means “bad sound” or “bad voices.” In contrast, the word euphony describes a sound that is harmonious, melodious, pleasing, and sweet.

This is the final week of our series Cancel the Noise: Take Control of the Voices You Listen To. In the first three weeks we talked about three of these bad voices, so to speak: The Scoffer, the Fool, and the Narcissist. Amidst the cacophony of these voices in our lives, scripture urges us to listen for the voice of God. But this is sometimes easier said than done. How do we find these places of euphony in our lives so that we may live more faithfully?

Prayer Practice
This week, groups are encouraged to spend 3 minutes in silence together.

Today we will focus on our breathing. As you sit in silence, imagine taking in a deep breath and moving the air towards each part of your body, starting with your head, neck, and shoulders, then down your spine, your chest, your arms, your legs, and to the tips of your fingers and toes.

As you breathe in, imagine that you are pulling in silence, calmness, and peace to every part of your body. Fill yourself with the silence of the moment.

As you breathe out, imagine that you are pushing out all of the noise, the chaos, and the worry of this week. Blow it out as far as it will go. Empty yourself of the noise.

Breathe in silence. Breathe out noise. Breathe in silence. Breath out noise.

Opening Prayer
God of chaos and God of calm, thank you for this day and for this moment to pause and reflect once again on the voices in our lives. This is a stressful time in our world. Thank you that in the midst of all the harsh and jarring messages we receive each week, your voice still rings through. God, we pray for courage today to block out the voices of hate and fear and discrimination. Help us to seek out your voice, above all others, a voice of love, hope, kindness, and truth. Amen.

Ice Breaker
Sometimes we encounter God in the music we listen to. What genre of music helps you hear God’s voice? Is there a certain song that usually connects you with God? Or a particular memory of a time you heard God’s voice while listening to a song? Share with the group.

The Head
In the Old Testament we read that the Israelites spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness after they escaped their captivity in Egypt. The book of Deuteronomy is a farewell message to the Israelites from their leader Moses as they are about to enter the Land of Canaan, also known as The Promised Land. Listen to these words of wisdom from Moses.

Deuteronomy 30:16-20a
16 If you obey the Lord your God’s commandments that I’m commanding you right now by loving the Lord your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments, his regulations, and his case laws, then you will live and thrive, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. 17 But if your heart turns away and you refuse to listen, and so are misled, worshipping other gods and serving them, 18 I’m telling you right now that you will definitely die. You will not prolong your life on the fertile land that you are crossing the Jordan River to enter and possess. 19 I call heaven and earth as my witnesses against you right now: I have set life and death, blessing and curse before you. Now choose life—so that you and your descendants will live— 20 by loving the Lord your God, by obeying his voice, and by clinging to him.

The beginning of this passage offers three instructions: Love the Lord your God, walk in his ways, and keep his commandments. What does Moses say will happen if the Israelites follow these instructions? And what will happen if they don’t?
What was at stake for the original recipients of this message?
What is at stake for the readers of this message today (that’s us!)?
Who are the other gods that we worship and serve instead of the one true God?
What does it mean to “choose life” for you today?
The end of this passage offers another three instructions: Love the Lord your God, obey his voice, and cling to him. Which is the most challenging for you and why?

The Heart
Toward the end of his life on Earth, Jesus gathered his disciples together for one final meal. During this Last Supper, Jesus offers his followers some words of encouragement and a reminder that he will always be there to guide them, even in their darkest moments.

John 14:25-27
25 “I have said these things to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”

How does the Holy Spirit show up in your life?
Share an example of a time God guided you using the voice of the Holy Spirit.
Out of all the things Jesus said to us through scripture, and all of the subsequent teachings of his disciples, what is the one reminder you hold most dearly in your heart?
How do you differentiate between what the world gives us and the peace of Jesus?
What troubles you the most about our world today? What brings you the most peace?

The Hands

As we wrap up this Cancel the Noise series, what voices in your life do you need to quiet the most in order to more fully hear the voice of God? This could include specific people, but it could also be the media you consume, the content you read, and so on.
What is one spiritual practice you could try this week to seek out the voice of God more intentionally and to let God’s voice guide your life more faithfully?
Either as a group or individually, continue spending time in silence and practice cancelling the noise in your life. Check out these resources for some practical ideas:

Closing Prayer
Be still, and know that I am God
(pause)
Be still, and know that I am
(pause)
Be still, and know
(pause)
Be still
(pause)
Be

From Pastor Charity
On February 9, we will begin a new series called Beloved Community: Pursuing Racial Justice. As part of this series, I am encouraging the congregation to take a 3-Part Implicit Bias Course, which is based on scripture and self-paced. Each week there is a module with videos and questions. CoreGroups will discuss these modules in their group each week, in addition to a few questions about the sermon.

This is going to be a powerful experience for our whole congregation! Please plan to use the CoreGroup guide for this series and lean into our collective efforts to pursue racial justice.

Posted in CoreGroup Discussion Guides