Zoom Services - January
Sunday 3rd January
Margery and Ron led the first Zoom Service of 2021
Theme: All the World Welcome Jesus. Matthew 2: 1-12
Questions for the Breakout groups
What made the magi set out on their journey?
Are we on journeys ourselves?
What would make you leave home and travel as they did?
What New Year's Resolutions will you make/have already broken?
Songs
Christian Journey Game
Challenge Cards
Sunday 10th January
Colossians session 6 - from Colossians Chapter 3 v 18 to Chapter 4 v 1
Leaders: Nigel & Rhoda
Fit Me In Somewhere
Gerard Kelly
Fit me in somewhere
in this giant jigsaw, God,
somewhere in this work of art
you're working,
select a space my shape can fill
and with a puzzle maker's skill
let my contours find their fit without contortion.
Teach me which patch I am, God,
in the cosmic quilt you're quilting.
Show me where my square of selfhood is of use.
Let the colourful complexities
of the pattern that is me
find their purpose in the placement that you choose.
Show me my position, God,
in this group photograph.
Stand me where you want me to stand.
Put me next to who you will.
Make me stand, for good or ill,
precisely in the place your plan demands.
Tell me what I am, God,
in this body you are building;
a tongue to taste,
a nerve to serve,
an ear to hear.
Give me grace
to not be, gracefully,
the parts I am not called to be
and to play with elegance
the roles I'm given.
Fit me in somewhere
in this giant jigsaw, God,
somewhere in this work of art you're working.
Weave your wondrous tapestry
until the twisted, tangled threads of me,
surrendered to your artistry,
form an image that is beautiful to see.
Spoken Worship: Living Words for Personal and Public Prayer (Paperback Edition)
Questions for the Breakout Rooms
In what ways do/did you see your work or other responsibilities as something you do/did for God?
How do/did you feel that encouragement or discouragement played a part in children's development in your family or in another situation you know?
Slavery is now seen as an injustice. What injustice should we be taking action against today? Are you? What can we do?
Songs
Sunday 17th January
Colossians session 7
Leader: Liz W
Text: Colossians Chapter 4 verse 2 - 19Colossians 4
Message version2-4Pray diligently. Stay alert, with your eyes wide open in gratitude. Don’t forget to pray for us, that God will open doors for telling the mystery of Christ, even while I’m locked up in this jail. Pray that every time I open my mouth I’ll be able to make Christ plain as day to them.5-6Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don’t miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.7-9My good friend Tychicus will tell you all about me. He’s a trusted minister and companion in the service of the Master. I’ve sent him to you so that you would know how things are with us, and so he could encourage you in your faith. And I’ve sent Onesimus with him. Onesimus is one of you, and has become such a trusted and dear brother! Together they’ll bring you up-to-date on everything that has been going on here.10-11Aristarchus, who is in jail here with me, sends greetings; also Mark, cousin of Barnabas (you received a letter regarding him; if he shows up, welcome him);and also Jesus, the one they call Justus. These are the only ones left from the old crowd who have stuck with me in working for God’s kingdom. Don’t think they haven’t been a big help!12-13Epaphras, who is one of you, says hello. What a trooper he has been!He’s been tireless in his prayers for you, praying that you’ll stand firm, mature and confident in everything God wants you to do. I’ve watched him closely, and can report on how hard he has worked for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis.14Luke, good friendand physician, and Demas both send greetings.15Say hello to our friends in Laodicea; also to Nympha and the church that meets in her house.16After this letter has been read to you, make sure it gets read also in Laodicea. And get the letter that went to Laodicea and have it read to you.17And, oh, yes, tell Archippus, “Do your best in the job you received from the Master. Do your very best.”18I’m signing off in my own handwriting—Paul. Remember to pray for me in this jail. Grace be with you.
Colossians 4Message version2-4Pray diligently. Stay alert, with your eyes wide open in gratitude. Don’t forget to pray for us, that God will open doors for telling the mystery of Christ, even while I’m locked up in this jail. Pray that every time I open my mouth I’ll be able to make Christ plain as day to them.5-6Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don’t miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.7-9My good friend Tychicus will tell you all about me. He’s a trusted minister and companion in the service of the Master. I’ve sent him to you so that you would know how things are with us, and so he could encourage you in your faith. And I’ve sent Onesimus with him. Onesimus is one of you, and has become such a trusted and dear brother! Together they’ll bring you up-to-date on everything that has been going on here.10-11Aristarchus, who is in jail here with me, sends greetings; also Mark, cousin of Barnabas (you received a letter regarding him; if he shows up, welcome him);and also Jesus, the one they call Justus. These are the only ones left from the old crowd who have stuck with me in working for God’s kingdom. Don’t think they haven’t been a big help!12-13Epaphras, who is one of you, says hello. What a trooper he has been!He’s been tireless in his prayers for you, praying that you’ll stand firm, mature and confident in everything God wants you to do. I’ve watched him closely, and can report on how hard he has worked for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis.14Luke, good friendand physician, and Demas both send greetings.15Say hello to our friends in Laodicea; also to Nympha and the church that meets in her house.16After this letter has been read to you, make sure it gets read also in Laodicea. And get the letter that went to Laodicea and have it read to you.17And, oh, yes, tell Archippus, “Do your best in the job you received from the Master. Do your very best.”18I’m signing off in my own handwriting—Paul. Remember to pray for me in this jail. Grace be with you.
Questions for discussions
- What form of verbal communication do you feel most comfortable with? (i.e. phone, writing, face - to face, video).
- What other forms of communication do you appreciate? (music, art, craft, etc.)
- How has/does God communicate with you and you with him?
- Our means of communication give us opportunities to express our faith in Jesus and what it means to us do we always use that wisely and effectively?
- Paul says to Archippus that he should do his best, he doesn't say he should try to be like anyone else, just to do his best, how would you feel if he said the same to you?