March 14th, 2025
by Denee Bowers and Christopher Burford
by Denee Bowers and Christopher Burford
CoreGroup Guide | Emotional Rollercoaster - Part 2
Written by Denee Bowers and Christopher Burford
Welcome
I’ve got the joy joy joy joy
Down in my heart
WHERE?!?
Down in my heart
If you weren’t already singing the Sunday School song about this week’s topic, well, you’re welcome. Joy, a seemingly simple emotion, can often be tricky to find and tough to hang onto. Religious types love to talk about how joy is more than just happiness. Joy carries a spiritual significance, and so, if we don’t have a ton of it, we can start to feel like a bad Christian.
This week, you are invited to have an honest conversation about joy. Instead of judging ourselves for the joy we do or don’t have, let’s open ourselves up to the good all around us.
Opening Prayer
God of the journey, we continue to walk this Lenten path together. Thank you for giving us a group to go through the twists and turns with. Help us to remember that you don’t expect us to be perfect. Help us to keep showing up with engaged minds, open hearts, and hands ready to serve. Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is a little treat you love to give to yourself? Share something small that brings you a disproportionate amount of joy.
The Head
At the end of Jesus’ life there are plenty of difficult emotions, but one story features an explosion of joy. So much so that you may know it as the Triumphal Entry. When Jesus enters Jerusalem there is a party-like atmosphere. The crowd is overjoyed to see him. As you read and discuss this story, try to imagine what it would have been like to be present for this moment.
Luke 19:29-40
29 As Jesus came to Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he gave two disciples a task. 30 He said, “Go into the village over there. When you enter it, you will find tied up there a colt that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say, ‘Its master needs it.’” 32 Those who had been sent found it exactly as he had said.
33 As they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?”
34 They replied, “Its master needs it.” 35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their clothes on the colt, and lifted Jesus onto it. 36 As Jesus rode along, they spread their clothes on the road.
37 As Jesus approached the road leading down from the Mount of Olives, the whole throng of his disciples began rejoicing. They praised God with a loud voice because of all the mighty things they had seen. 38 They said,
“Blessings on the king who comes in the name of the Lord.
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heavens.”
39 Some of the Pharisees from the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, scold your disciples! Tell them to stop!”
40 He answered, “I tell you, if they were silent, the stones would shout.”
Later, in the book of Philippians, the apostle Paul gives us some instructions for cultivating joy. Jesus isn’t physically approaching us on a horse, but we have been given other ways of connecting with God and finding reasons for joy.
Philippians 4:4-7
4 Be glad in the Lord always! Again I say, be glad! 5 Let your gentleness show in your treatment of all people. The Lord is near. 6 Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. 7 Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.
The Heart
Just as Jesus was facing dark days ahead, our world is full of reasons not to feel joyful. It might feel naive to pursue joy, but God wants us to remember that God is bigger than the problems of the world. If you have a complicated relationship with joy, you’re not alone. Still, God urges us to open our hearts to sources of joy.
The Hands
Sometimes we don’t experience the joy God is offering us because we fail to notice the good things in our lives. Or we get too distracted with things we know won’t lead us to a joyful place. We don’t have to try to manufacture joy because God is at work all around us.
Closing Prayer
God, you are the one who created joy and through Jesus you experienced it just as we do. Be with us when we feel tired, numb, and beaten down by life’s challenges. Help us to remember that joy is worth fighting for. Give us eyes to see the glimmers of joy you are placing in our lives. We thank you for each and every one of those gifts. Amen.
I’ve got the joy joy joy joy
Down in my heart
WHERE?!?
Down in my heart
If you weren’t already singing the Sunday School song about this week’s topic, well, you’re welcome. Joy, a seemingly simple emotion, can often be tricky to find and tough to hang onto. Religious types love to talk about how joy is more than just happiness. Joy carries a spiritual significance, and so, if we don’t have a ton of it, we can start to feel like a bad Christian.
This week, you are invited to have an honest conversation about joy. Instead of judging ourselves for the joy we do or don’t have, let’s open ourselves up to the good all around us.
Opening Prayer
God of the journey, we continue to walk this Lenten path together. Thank you for giving us a group to go through the twists and turns with. Help us to remember that you don’t expect us to be perfect. Help us to keep showing up with engaged minds, open hearts, and hands ready to serve. Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is a little treat you love to give to yourself? Share something small that brings you a disproportionate amount of joy.
The Head
At the end of Jesus’ life there are plenty of difficult emotions, but one story features an explosion of joy. So much so that you may know it as the Triumphal Entry. When Jesus enters Jerusalem there is a party-like atmosphere. The crowd is overjoyed to see him. As you read and discuss this story, try to imagine what it would have been like to be present for this moment.
Luke 19:29-40
29 As Jesus came to Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he gave two disciples a task. 30 He said, “Go into the village over there. When you enter it, you will find tied up there a colt that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say, ‘Its master needs it.’” 32 Those who had been sent found it exactly as he had said.
33 As they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?”
34 They replied, “Its master needs it.” 35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their clothes on the colt, and lifted Jesus onto it. 36 As Jesus rode along, they spread their clothes on the road.
37 As Jesus approached the road leading down from the Mount of Olives, the whole throng of his disciples began rejoicing. They praised God with a loud voice because of all the mighty things they had seen. 38 They said,
“Blessings on the king who comes in the name of the Lord.
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heavens.”
39 Some of the Pharisees from the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, scold your disciples! Tell them to stop!”
40 He answered, “I tell you, if they were silent, the stones would shout.”
- Imagine you are one of Jesus’ disciples in the story. How would you describe the thoughts and feelings that come with Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem?
- Verse 37 says that the disciples began rejoicing because of all the mighty things they had seen. What are all of these things? Why was Jesus’ arrival such a big deal?
- Jesus says the stones would shout with joy if his disciples stopped. Where do you see examples of the natural world celebrating God’s glory?
Later, in the book of Philippians, the apostle Paul gives us some instructions for cultivating joy. Jesus isn’t physically approaching us on a horse, but we have been given other ways of connecting with God and finding reasons for joy.
Philippians 4:4-7
4 Be glad in the Lord always! Again I say, be glad! 5 Let your gentleness show in your treatment of all people. The Lord is near. 6 Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. 7 Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.
- What components of a joyful life does Paul list in this passage?
- Why do you think Paul commands readers to pursue joy instead of simply suggesting it?
The Heart
Just as Jesus was facing dark days ahead, our world is full of reasons not to feel joyful. It might feel naive to pursue joy, but God wants us to remember that God is bigger than the problems of the world. If you have a complicated relationship with joy, you’re not alone. Still, God urges us to open our hearts to sources of joy.
- How would you describe the current joy levels in your life?
- Reflect on the verses of Philippians 4:4-7 again. What factors do you think prevent you from experiencing regular, lasting joy?
- When Jesus arrives in Jerusalem his followers rejoice. How could you make your faith in God more of a source of joy?
The Hands
Sometimes we don’t experience the joy God is offering us because we fail to notice the good things in our lives. Or we get too distracted with things we know won’t lead us to a joyful place. We don’t have to try to manufacture joy because God is at work all around us.
- How could you incorporate gratitude into your life more regularly? If you already have a gratitude practice, share what that looks like with the group.
- What changes to your daily or weekly rhythms could you make to cut the joy stealers (not just people) out of your life?
- Glimmers of joy can be small, but naming them can be powerful. Take turns naming recent glimmers of joy you have experienced.
Closing Prayer
God, you are the one who created joy and through Jesus you experienced it just as we do. Be with us when we feel tired, numb, and beaten down by life’s challenges. Help us to remember that joy is worth fighting for. Give us eyes to see the glimmers of joy you are placing in our lives. We thank you for each and every one of those gifts. Amen.
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Archive
2025
January
Happy New Year // M-Note 1.4.2025Cancel the Noise // M-Note 1.11.25Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 1The Beloved Community // M-Note 01.18.2025Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 2What A Coincidence // M-Note 1.25.25Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 3Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 4The Original Influencer // M-Note 2.1.25
February
The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 1Exploring New Sites…And You’re Invited // M-Note 2.8.25The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 2Uncovering Implicit Bias // M-Note 2.15.2025A "Flurry" of Activity // M-Note 2.22.25The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 3The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 4
March
Beloved Community Action Steps // M-Note 3.1.25Vulnerability & Wilderness | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 1Trusting the Spirit's Lead | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 2Courageous Connection | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 3What's Your Emotional IQ? // M-Note 3.8.25The Spaces Between Us | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 4Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 1Jesus Weeps With You | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 5When Sadness Lingers | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 6Lurking in the Shadows | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 7Cycles of Life and Death | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 8Inked in Memory | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 9The Void of Grief | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 10Sending Forth // M-Note 3.15.25Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 2Journey Not Alone | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 11
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 10.26.24
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