Connect Groups

The backbone of our life together.

There are about 25 Connect Groups of up to a dozen people meeting in different locations, and at different times, in the parish and beyond for bible study, prayer and mutual care and support. We encourage every church member to be “connected” to a group (even if they are not always able to attend). Janet McLean and Janet Goodenough together co-ordinate our groups, and they are the people to contact if you want to find a suitable group.


 

Summer 2022

During Summer 2022, we will be looking together, in our morning services at the second half of Exodus, having looked at part one in Autumn 2021.
 

Exodus (3) - 15th May

Sermon: Powerful Prayer (11.15am)
Passage: Exodus 17: 8-16

If your prayer time is often squeezed out, why not spend a few minutes first praying for personal needs. Then look at the questions below together. Finally, dedicate a few minutes at the end to praying about the lessons you’ve learned.

1. The Israelites had been delivered from slavery in Egypt, but their troubles weren’t over. What does this teach us about the Christian life?
2. What comes to your mind when you hear the phrase ‘spiritual battle’? What are the dangers in thinking too much or too little about the spiritual battle we are in?
3. What does it mean that Christ has won the victory over sin, death and the devil at the Cross? What difference should that make to our Christian living day by day?
4. ‘Prayer and action’. How does the battle in Exodus 17 illustrate the need for both? Which are you more likely to practise/neglect in your daily life and ministry? How can the group encourage you?
5. What can we learn from the role of Aaron and Hur in these events?

Don’t forget, Wednesday 25th is our monthly prayer meeting. Why not come as a group. There’s no need to pray out loud if you’d rather not, but it’s a great encouragement to be together united in prayer.

You may like to look at the Open Doors website and watch a short video together as a Connect Group before praying for persecuted Christians elsewhere in the world. https://www.opendoorsuk.org/resources/prayer/
 

Exodus (2) - 8th May

Sermon: Daily Trust (11.15am)
Passage: Exodus 16: 1-30

1. Briefly share your experiences of grumbling, both as the 'grumbler' and the 'grumblee'!  What can lead you to grumble?  How do you feel when grumbled against?
2. Read verse 4 and unpack God's response to his people's grumbling.  What words would you use to describe God's actions?
3. In Matthew 6 verses 11 and 34, Jesus reiterates the 'manna principle'.  What does trusting God one day at a time mean for you in the next little while?
4. Are there any areas of your life in which you particularly struggle to trust God?  Share as appropriate.
5. Use John 6:35 as a springboard for prayer.

Exodus (1) - 1st May

Sermon: A bitter-sweet symphony (11.15am)
Passage: Exodus 15: 22-27

1. Have a think back to the earlier chapter of Exodus (perhaps you can even recall some sermons/studies from the Autumn!). What were some of the key themes and events you remember?
2. What things are most likely to get you complaining? Why does complaining lead to bitterness, and why is it often then directed towards God? Do the examples of the Israelites / Naomi (Ruth 1) resonate with your own experience?
3. Can you remember a "Banks of the Red Sea" type experience - how did it make you feel towards God? Can you remember a "Thirsty in the Wilderness" type experience? Please share together some examples.
4. In v.26, the Lord makes an incredible promise of blessing and healing - how are these promises fulfilled for us in Jesus?
5. Paul writes to the Corinthians (1 Cor. 10) that these events in the wilderness were written down "for us" - what truths and examples from this passage will help you to live for Jesus this week?

Spring 2022 Questions

January 2022 Questions - Life Together