Text:  Luke 2:36-38Big Ideas:* Although we don’t have much info from scripture on Anna, we can learn a lot form the info we do have.  In just 3 short verses we can learn a great deal from this faithful elderly widow.  * Anna was prophetess.  She was a woman who knew the word of God and faithfully proclaimed the word of God to others.* Anna was a widow.  Her life wan’t easy.  She lost her husband after only 7 years of marriage and never remarried. As a widow, she most likely lived a difficult life in extreme poverty.  * Anna did not depart from the Temple.  Despite her difficult circumstances she trusted God and served His people.* Anna had a hunger for the Lord.  For more than 60 years she worshipped, fasted, and prayed regularly.  * Anna was full of praise and thanksgiving after seeing Jesus.* Anna spoke of Christ to others and became one of the first witnesses (evangelist) to who he was.  Questions:1.  What was most interesting or encouraging to you about the sermon this week?2.  What was most challenging to you about the sermon this week?3.  Who is the most spiritually influential woman in your life?  How has she influenced you to be a more faithful follower of Jesus?4.  Read Luke 2:36-38.  What stands out to you most about Anna’s life?  In what ways does she challenge you in your spiritual journey?5.  Verse 38 says that Anna “spoke of Him (Christ) to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.”  How can we “speak of Christ” more in our conversations with others?  

As we dedicate our new building expansion to the Lord, we remember what makes a space sacred; namely, God's people, the church.

As believers, we are recipients of God's generosity to us through His son Jesus. As such, we should be the most generous people in the world. In order to be generous we must understand that we are not owners of anything, but stewards. So the questions becomes, how do we steward well and invest in God's kingdom?ACTION STEP: Read Matt. 6:21. Take a close look at your budget this week and make a commitment to regularly invest in God's kingdom.Text:Luke 12:13–21, Matthew 25:14–29Big Ideas:* Roughly 25% of Jesus’ teaching was about money, possessions, finances, etc...* Giving is not really a money issue, it’s a heart issue (Matt. 6:21).* When it comes to giving, it’s not what God wants from you, it’s what God wants foryou.* Everything Jesus says about money is built upon the foundation that we’re not ownersof anything, but stewards.* We steward well through generosity rather than hoarding.* We steward well through investment rather than protecting.Questions:1. What was most interesting or encouraging to you about the sermon this week?2. What was most challenging to you about the sermon this week?3. If we can agree that we’re called to be generous, what are some obstacles togenerosity that we need to be aware of and avoid?4. Read Luke 12:13–21. What does it mean to be rich toward God? What are some wayswe can do that?5. Read Matthew 25:14–29. As the parable begins (v. 15) says that the master gavetalents “to each according to his ability.” What does this mean? What can we learnfrom this? How can we increase our “ability” when it comes to stewarding money?6. The action step this week was to take a look at your budget and make a commitmentto regularly invest in God’s kingdom. Have you had a chance to do this? How do youregularly invest in God’s kingdom?

As believers, we are recipients of God's generosity to us through His son Jesus. As such, we should be the most generous people in the world. In order to be generous we must understand that we are not owners of anything, but stewards. So the questions becomes, how do we steward well and invest in God's kingdom?ACTION STEP: Read Matt. 6:21. Take a close look at your budget this week and make a commitment to regularly invest in God's kingdom.Text:Luke 12:13–21, Matthew 25:14–29Big Ideas:* Roughly 25% of Jesus’ teaching was about money, possessions, finances, etc...* Giving is not really a money issue, it’s a heart issue (Matt. 6:21).* When it comes to giving, it’s not what God wants from you, it’s what God wants foryou.* Everything Jesus says about money is built upon the foundation that we’re not ownersof anything, but stewards.* We steward well through generosity rather than hoarding.* We steward well through investment rather than protecting.Questions:1. What was most interesting or encouraging to you about the sermon this week?2. What was most challenging to you about the sermon this week?3. If we can agree that we’re called to be generous, what are some obstacles togenerosity that we need to be aware of and avoid?4. Read Luke 12:13–21. What does it mean to be rich toward God? What are some wayswe can do that?5. Read Matthew 25:14–29. As the parable begins (v. 15) says that the master gavetalents “to each according to his ability.” What does this mean? What can we learnfrom this? How can we increase our “ability” when it comes to stewarding money?6. The action step this week was to take a look at your budget and make a commitmentto regularly invest in God’s kingdom. Have you had a chance to do this? How do youregularly invest in God’s kingdom?

Sinners loved being around Jesus. Do they love being around you?

Salvation isn't just about believing some things in your heart so that you can go to heaven. Salvation is also about joining a family (community) of faith where you're on mission together building the Kingdom of God. Community is essential to being a Christ follower for several reasons and there is an inseparable link between your faith in Jesus and your love for his family (the Church).Text:Ephesians 4:11–16, Hebrews 10:24–25, I Corinthians 12:4–7, 14–20, and 27,Colossians 3:12–17 and Ephesians 5:25–27Big Ideas:•Salvation is not just about you believing some things so that you can go toheaven when you die. It is also about belonging to a family (community) of faithwhere you’re on mission together building the Kingdom of God.•The family (community) of faith is essential for...1. Spiritual growth and maturity (discipleship/sanctification)2. Accountability3. Utilizing spiritual gifts (ministry/service)4. Putting into practice the things God calls us to live out... your dailyChristian life/walk.•Jesus’ love and commitment to the church should compel us to love and becommitted to the church as well.Questions:1. What was most interesting or encouraging to you about the sermon this week?2. What was most challenging to you about the sermon this week?3. What brought you to the small group you’re a part of?4. What difference has small group made in your life or spiritual journey?5. What hopes do you have for your small group moving forward?6. The action step this week was to try out a small group or invite someone newto yours. Obviously, if you’re reading this, you’re in one, but take some time anddiscuss how your group can be really proactive in inviting people to join yourgroup.