Christ the King

21st November 2021

1. When you think of the term King, what words or images come to mind?

2. Which of these would you be happy to apply to Jesus Christ as King?

3. Read again the gospel for today: John 18.33-37. What phrase or word stands out for you at this time? Share with the group.

4. How does Jesus kingdom contrast with that of Pilate’s kingdom?

5. We live in a world where much truth is seen as being relative and not universal. How can we share our understanding of Jesus as the truth with those who do not believe?

6. The witness of the gospels is that Jesus has died, is risen and has ascended into heaven as King over all. How does that knowledge impact your life?

1. Listen again to the beatitudes: Matthew 5.1-12. On this Remembrance Sunday we are encouraged to hear afresh the character of discipleship.

2. Think about the areas in our world where there is conflict, between nations and regions, between communities, within society and even within families. What is the common reasons for the conflict?

3. How should we live in a world of conflict?

4. What does Jesus mean when he says that peacemakers are to be called children of God?

5. Paul speak of the church as having a ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5.18ff.) What does it mean for KMC to be part of this ministry of reconciliation, try and be specific?

6. Take time to pray for peace, remembering the peacemakers and those who have suffered and faced loss in war.

Generosity & Justice (7th November 2021)

1. Read through our gospel: Mark 12.38-44. There are two characters in the story, what words best describe the ‘scribe’ and the ‘widow’ in this reading?

2. Why does Jesus warn against the scribes?

3. In what ways are the widow’s offering of two small coins more than the large amounts of the rich people?

4. Alan speaks of the generosity and sacrifice of Jesus in his sermon. How does the words you have thought for the widow apply to Christ Jesus?

5. In what ways are you challenged by this reading?

6. How can we encourage one another towards giving sacrificially and generously?

In the absence of a preacher, three KMC Stewards (Chris Robertson, Will Waters and Dawn Freeman) each reflected on one aspect of Psalm 23.

Questions:

1.    Have you ever felt you were ‘stuck in a rut’ and if so, what did you do about it?

2.    What is your response to the reading from Mark 10 verses 46-52?

3.    Do you make quality time in our busy schedules to study God’s word, pray and attend regular worship?

4.    Are you willing to be challenged in what we believe and what we do?

5.    Are we so comfortable in our lives that we do not want to take risks and try things new?

6.    Have you still got unfulfilled dreams?

7.    When we pray, are we prepared to answer when Jesus asks, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’

1. Christian service is at the heart of Jesus teaching on loving our neighbour, and indeed our enemy. What are the practical ways at KMC we show that love to others

2. Read slowly (asking God to speak to you) his word for today: Isaiah 58.6-14. Make a note of all the verbs in this passage, how do they challenge you as you think about your way of life?

3. What is the result of a people who commit to serving their community? (See verses 8-12)

4. The MWOL always starts with the commitment ‘We’ rather than ‘I’. On our own the task of caring, helping, serving the needs of those around us is too great, but between us, together we can make a difference. Where are the needs in our community that together we should be serving?

5. Take time to pray: ‘Show me, gracious God what I should be doing, what is mine to do in helping others?’

6. Read: 1 Thessalonians 1.2-3. Paul in speaking of this church says that the message of Jesus is ringing out because of the way they live. For Paul this is always the world of God in us, so we may not boast in our service. Meditate on what it is that produces their work, prompts their labour and inspires their endurance. How may these 3 inspire you in service of the Lord Jesus Christ?

1. Read again Matthew 20.1-16. Jesus parables often have a twist at the end to make a point. What is the surprise here?

2. ‘It’s not fair’: When have you cried "it is not fair"?

3. In the parable God’s justice is seen in his generosity. It is a story of grace abounding. How does viewing the world from a place of generosity rather than scarcity change our attitudes?

4. Our politics and economics are shaped by scarcity rather than abundance. Who suffers most from an attitude of scarcity?

5. Does the generosity of this parable make you feel uncomfortable?

6. Who in our world is crying out for justice at this time? What issues of injustice and unfairness do you think God is concerned about?

7. How as the Methodist Church family should we respond to injustice in our communities?

8. How can we support one another to speak out and challenge injustice?

Questions for further reflection:

1. As we celebrate this season of harvest, what are you most thankful for at the present time?

2. Take time to read the creation stories in Genesis 1 and 2. What is the relationship between God and human beings?

3. What does it mean for you that you are made in the image of God?

4. What do you notice about the responsibility given to human beings in the creation stories?

5. As image bearers we have responsibility to care for all the creation . If you have time look at some passages that speak of how God restores and brings healing to the creation. (Isaiah 65:25, 66:22; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 8:22-23). How can we join in with this work of new creation?

6. What can we do to develop our awareness of God’s good gifts?

7. In what ways can we be better stewards of creation? What one thing will you change?