For your small group study try using more than one version of the Bible in addition to the NIV or NRSV.
> The Contemporary English Version, Amplified, The Message-paraphrase are all available at http://biblegateway.com
> The J B Philips New Testament in Modern English.
http://www.ccel.org/bible/phillips/JBPhillips.htm
> The Laughing Bird Scripture Paraphrase -
http://www.laughingbird.net/ScriptureParaphrases.html
Dramatised Readings in Philippians by Doug Whitely
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ng8at5yR4go
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwM9RS-mZWI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwQhNtRYAAs&feature=related
Map of Paul's Journeys
http://www.searchgodsword.org/se/pbm/view.cgi?js=yes&number=35&size=1024
Free Powerpoint backgrounds for Philippians
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi/powerpoint.cgi
Showing posts with label small group ideas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label small group ideas. Show all posts
Monday, September 28, 2009
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Christmas Baskets
A great idea for an end of year small group activity. One small group at our church put together a number of "Christmas baskets". The group members brought along wrapping paper, recycled baskets, food, gifts, and some toys. The baskets were filled with gifts and then covered with cellophane and a gift card attached. These baskets were then distributed to folk who have been through a difficult time or who would appreciate some encouragement. The little note attached simply said: "Please accept this gift from a St Alfred's small group. Christmas blessing to you!" Most of the baskets were delivered anonymously.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Ending Small Groups
Does every small group have a distinct life cycle?
Every small group has a beginning, a middle and an end. We hear a lot about starting small groups and helping the group to establish trust. But planning for the end of a group is seldom discussed. Each small group needs to be helped to have a realistic understanding that the group is going to end. Both ends of the life cycle need an equal amount of attention.
What do group members need to know to prepare for their group finishing?
People often think that if something is really good it will continue. If the group is helpful and beneficial to those in it, the group will grow. But when a group begins to plateau and some members are increasingly absent, often group members feel guilty… they feel that the group has failed. Group members need to be aware that this point will come regardless of how successful or unsuccessful they have been. Leaders need to be aware upfront of the fact that there will always be groups dying and groups being born.
What problems occur when a group is not prepared for termination?
If you don’t help people deal with the loss of their group, then they may be emotionally blocked from going into a new group experience.
What is a healthy way to help a group come to termination?
Before ending a group the members need to tell their stories. They need to give thanks where thanks is due and to identify and discuss significant experiences of Christian growth or new understanding that have taken place within the group. They need to talk about how the group has left its mark on them.
# A Blessing Exercise ( When Finishing Your Group)
Before a group disbands, it is important that there be healthy closure. Jacob told the angel, “ I will not let you go until you bless me.” When your group discontinues ( as every group will sooner or later), you are –in fact—letting go of one another. Some of the ways you might “bless” one another include:
Prayer. Each member of the group might offer a special prayer for each of the others, such as, “My prayer for you is…” or” May God grant you …”
Forgiveness: In some ways a blessing is a way of saying. “Maybe we have disappointed each other. Maybe we have not met each other’s expectations. And I let you go so that you are free.” this might require forgiving old wrongs and putting your house in order.
Encouragement and affirmation. Often groups finish because members are beginning to wrestle and respond to new calls. Part of blessing is to help people explore these new callings … to help people make decisions and take the next step. They need to move on in their journey with your affirmation and encouragement.
Every small group has a beginning, a middle and an end. We hear a lot about starting small groups and helping the group to establish trust. But planning for the end of a group is seldom discussed. Each small group needs to be helped to have a realistic understanding that the group is going to end. Both ends of the life cycle need an equal amount of attention.
What do group members need to know to prepare for their group finishing?
People often think that if something is really good it will continue. If the group is helpful and beneficial to those in it, the group will grow. But when a group begins to plateau and some members are increasingly absent, often group members feel guilty… they feel that the group has failed. Group members need to be aware that this point will come regardless of how successful or unsuccessful they have been. Leaders need to be aware upfront of the fact that there will always be groups dying and groups being born.
What problems occur when a group is not prepared for termination?
If you don’t help people deal with the loss of their group, then they may be emotionally blocked from going into a new group experience.
What is a healthy way to help a group come to termination?
Before ending a group the members need to tell their stories. They need to give thanks where thanks is due and to identify and discuss significant experiences of Christian growth or new understanding that have taken place within the group. They need to talk about how the group has left its mark on them.
# A Blessing Exercise ( When Finishing Your Group)
Before a group disbands, it is important that there be healthy closure. Jacob told the angel, “ I will not let you go until you bless me.” When your group discontinues ( as every group will sooner or later), you are –in fact—letting go of one another. Some of the ways you might “bless” one another include:
Prayer. Each member of the group might offer a special prayer for each of the others, such as, “My prayer for you is…” or” May God grant you …”
Forgiveness: In some ways a blessing is a way of saying. “Maybe we have disappointed each other. Maybe we have not met each other’s expectations. And I let you go so that you are free.” this might require forgiving old wrongs and putting your house in order.
Encouragement and affirmation. Often groups finish because members are beginning to wrestle and respond to new calls. Part of blessing is to help people explore these new callings … to help people make decisions and take the next step. They need to move on in their journey with your affirmation and encouragement.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Social ideas for Small Groups
Social ideas for Small Groups
From time to time your small group might like to run a social activity to help new members get to know each other and to build friendship.
1. Quiet games - Pictionary, Scrabble or other board games.
2. Active games - volleyball, basketball, scavenger hunts.
3. Group outings- picnics, BBQ's bowling, pizza, movies, concerts, cultural experiences, progressive dinners.
4. Meals together- pot luck, international food, dessert & coffee night.
5. Parties and celebrations - Christmas parties, group anniversaries, special birthdays, "green" night (everyone wears something green) hat night etc...
6. Service/ outreach/ mission projects. Volunteer gardening, painting, house moving...
7. Group discussions- choose a topic and some questions that allows the group to get to know each other member in a deeper way.
8. Group camp, Group retreat ( sometimes combine with another group). A day camp.
From time to time your small group might like to run a social activity to help new members get to know each other and to build friendship.
1. Quiet games - Pictionary, Scrabble or other board games.
2. Active games - volleyball, basketball, scavenger hunts.
3. Group outings- picnics, BBQ's bowling, pizza, movies, concerts, cultural experiences, progressive dinners.
4. Meals together- pot luck, international food, dessert & coffee night.
5. Parties and celebrations - Christmas parties, group anniversaries, special birthdays, "green" night (everyone wears something green) hat night etc...
6. Service/ outreach/ mission projects. Volunteer gardening, painting, house moving...
7. Group discussions- choose a topic and some questions that allows the group to get to know each other member in a deeper way.
8. Group camp, Group retreat ( sometimes combine with another group). A day camp.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Try writing to aid worship
Sometimes it's helpful to collect our thoughts and write them down. The leader asks the group to think over the last day or two. Then to list things for which they are thankful. Share their list with the group. Have members lead in prayer as they praise God with what they have written. Also write letters of gratitude to God; share parts of them; pray them conversationally back to God.
Creative writing can also be a help in worship. Give group members time to write a poem, song or psalm. Read them to each other as an introduction to worship.
Creative writing can also be a help in worship. Give group members time to write a poem, song or psalm. Read them to each other as an introduction to worship.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Fun ideas for eating together
Sharing a meal together helps people socailize in a casual way and gives them time to build relationships in a casual and unhurried atmosphere. It's also a great way for group small group members and their whole family to be involved. Keep it simple and have fun.
Some suggestions-
1. Pot luck dinner ( easy to organise and fun because no-one knows what anyone else will bring).
2. Fish & Chips at the beach or favourite park.
3. International food night )Mexican, Italian, Chinese...) Everyone brings a different dish to share.
4. Dessert and coffee night (simple and very yummy).
5. Pink Night ( or green etc...) Pick a theme colour. Pink tablecloth, pink drinks, everyone wears pink, strawberry ice-cream. etc... Get the children involved with ideas.
6. Celebrate a Passover meal together.
7. Make your own pizzas and play some board games together.
8. Progressive dinner. (Eat at the homes of different group members for different courses).
9. Choose a special occasion to celebrate. (Someone's birthday, graduation, public holiday...)
10. Invite another small group to share a meal together.
11. Have a BBQ and each person brings a neigbour or friend.
These ideas are just for starters. Why not talk about as a group and plan an " eating together" night soon?
Some suggestions-
1. Pot luck dinner ( easy to organise and fun because no-one knows what anyone else will bring).
2. Fish & Chips at the beach or favourite park.
3. International food night )Mexican, Italian, Chinese...) Everyone brings a different dish to share.
4. Dessert and coffee night (simple and very yummy).
5. Pink Night ( or green etc...) Pick a theme colour. Pink tablecloth, pink drinks, everyone wears pink, strawberry ice-cream. etc... Get the children involved with ideas.
6. Celebrate a Passover meal together.
7. Make your own pizzas and play some board games together.
8. Progressive dinner. (Eat at the homes of different group members for different courses).
9. Choose a special occasion to celebrate. (Someone's birthday, graduation, public holiday...)
10. Invite another small group to share a meal together.
11. Have a BBQ and each person brings a neigbour or friend.
These ideas are just for starters. Why not talk about as a group and plan an " eating together" night soon?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
