OCCUPY: Should the church OCCUPY?

Connection Group Questions

November 6, 2011

Opening:

Remind folks of upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.  

OCCUPY Opportunities:

• Bring winter wear for “Coats for kids” all November
• Bring milk bags for “Milk Bag Mats” for Haiti
• Help our youth pack Operation Christmas Child boxes by donating items, money, or your time on the 23rd
• Serve at the ARK, November 18: 10-12 volunteers, 6:30-9pm
• Lead in worship Sunday, Nov. 13 at 3pm in Komoka Terrace
• Mission to Haiti Canada trips: January, February and March

Information and applications available online at mthcanada.org

Digging In

First, discuss the OCCUPY movement: what is is about, what are your questions, why do you think it’s gaining momentum for now?  Just have a conversation about the movement so we’re all better informed.

The church has has many different responses and stances towards culture and cultural movements.

• What is a helpful definition/understanding of culture?
• What are some different ways the church has created, responded and influenced culture?
• What do you make of the position mentioned, Christ Transforming Culture?
• Read Romans 12:1-2 and discuss.

Read Isaiah 58: 6-12

• What does it mean, “This is the fast that I choose...”
• Do you think wickedness exists in the world?  How do we know what is wicked and wrong?
• Who are the oppressed, and who or what is oppressing them?
• Have you shared your bread with the hungry?
• Have you helped to house the homeless?
• Have you seen the exposed and covered them?
• What does it mean when it says, “do not hide yourself from your own flesh?” v. 7
• Is there a correlation between obeying what it taught in this passage and hearing God answer when you call?  Read v. 9
• Skipping to verse 12, what does it mean to be the repairer of the breach, and the restorer of streets to dwell in?  
• Could that be said of ourselves?  Our church?
• How does God live out an “Occupation” in Jesus Christ?
• How does God Occupy our lives now?

What does it look like to invite God to...

• Occupy my life.
• Occupy my home.
• Occupy my street.
• Occupy my city.
• Occupy your world.

Prayer

Of course not everyone has to speak, but invite everyone to participate.  The bible teaches us that it’s good to pray in worship, as individuals, and as groups.  Here are some things to pray about in your group...

For our Church:

• to attract over 300 people with the AWESOME truth of Jesus!
• to find a new facility that we can call home!

For our neighbours:

• to invite and bring new people to worship or Group.
• to see lives changed through this series.

For ourselves:

• Share prayers for one another