Opening:
Since this is your first meeting take the time for introductions. If there are a lot of familiar faces in your group make sure you truly welcome the new comers.
Play an “ice breaker.”
If this next part takes the whole meeting, fine.
Read over the “Connection Group Commitment.”
Make sure the group is clear on the purpose of the Group and the expectations of participants.
If you feel the need to add to the commitment, go ahead- just make sure folks are in agreement.
Address childcare needs if relevant.
Send around a sign-up for snacks!
This is really the purpose of tonight’s meeting!
Digging Deeper:
If you have time to get into the study, start by sharing some of your own “Unveiled” moments- a time, an experience, an event that opened your eyes and you saw yourself, life, or Jesus in a whole new way. If anyone has a great story we might ask you to share it during a worship service!
Get into the text- read all of Matthew 3.
Tell us about your baptism? Share 2-3 different stories- perhaps some was baptized as a baby, another as a youth, and someone as an adult.
What do you believe regarding baptism?
Why does the church see this as such an important event? Do you see this as an important moment in the life of a Christian?
For more background on baptism you can read Connections Statement regarding this practice at Connection Articles. You can also read Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 2:37-47, Acts 8:35-39, Acts 16:14-15, Romans 6:1-9, Ephesians 4:4-6 (and this is just a small sampling!)
Now focus on Jesus’ baptism: Why is Jesus baptized?
What does this teach us about the meaning and purpose of baptism?
What does this baptism “unveil” about Jesus, God, the Holy Spirit, and reality, as we know it?
How is our baptism different than Jesus’?
Closing:
Set a date now to volunteer at the London Food Bank! Think about whom you might invite to your group.
Review the announcements from worship- upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.
Pray for one another.
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