Belong

January 13-19, 2013

Welcome This week we begin a 3 week journey through Philippians 1, leading us to follow the road to spiritual renewal. Along this journey were exploring PBCs spiritual pathway. Our journey begins with BELONG & a look at Biblical Community. Opening Prayer Thank the Lord for the grace that He has given each of us so that we might belong to Him. Ask God to open our hearts to experience true biblical community within the church and within our Home Group.

Become
Family Time A) What does it mean to BELONG? What are some teams or clubs that you have belonged to? What does it mean to belong to God? What does it mean to belong to PBC? What does it mean to belong to our Home Group? B) Pauls prayer for the church in Philippi gives us an example of a prayer that we can pray for our church & our HG. Leader write a letter to your HG & read it to them. Begin with the phrase I thank my God every time I remember of you (Phil 1:3). Continue by praying for individuals & the group as a whole. Identify positive contributions to biblical community. Affirm ways that theyre living as partners in Gods grace, contributing to the fellowship in the HG, & sharing the love of Christ with other people. You could also have each member of the group write their own letters. Kids Time A) This week the Bible showed us that it is important to pray for other people. When Paul prayed for people he did it with joy. What things in your life bring you joy? How can you pray with joy for other people? Have the children identify special people in their lives who they should pray for. Leader conclude in prayer & encourage children to say Thank you for _________ as part of their prayer. B) Creative project Follow the Yellow Brick Road! Materials needed: One large piece of butcher block paper, several pieces of yellow construction paper, tape or glue, & crayons or markers. Cut the pieces of construction of paper in half, give each child a half a sheet,. Have them write their names in the middle. They can then draw pictures or write words that show how they can share the love of Christ with others (at home, at school, in the community, in the world). Attach all yellow bricks onto the piece of butcher block paper. The yellow brick road shows the powerful impact your HG can have when we partner together! Adult Time A) What does it mean when Paul says I have you in my heart (Phil 1:7) & I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus (Phil 1:8)? What would it look like to have the same affections for people in the church? For people in our HG? What hinders you from having these affections? B) Discuss how we build a stronger partnership in the gospel within our HG. In what ways can we encourage each other? In what ways can we physically help each other? How can we improve the way we pray for each other? Prayer Time Lord, thank You that you first loved us & that You saved us. Thank you for our church & the HG You placed us in so that we might experience true Biblical community. Please remove all barriers that hinder us from loving each other. Amen.

Beyond
Community Calendar Will your HG host a Super Bowl party together? The date is Sunday, February 3! This could be a great time to invite someone to your HG who has not yet found a place to BELONG! Share this opportunity with the members of your group! Church Calendar The Womens Retreat is February 15-17! Cost ranges from $135-$215 depending on the accommodations you choose.. Get the ladies in your HG to register on the church website on the Events page ASAP. Space is limited.