week #4 intermission - missions sunday
TRANSCRIPT
Hi Everyone. This Sunday, Oct. 11th, is a Missions Sunday at MCC. It will be placed within the context of The Voice message series by encouraging us all to take an “Intermission” from the busyness of our lives and create space for participating in a missions opportunity. In this way, WE become “the voice” of the Lord in our day. I am asking you to strategically partner with your pastors this week to make this an effective Missions Sunday. Here’s what we know:
• Community groups create the best-‐possible, ongoing environments where people can experience transformation in their spiritual lives (recall our training in September!)
• Mission trips are the most powerful and transformative events that we can help provide for individuals.
Combining these two types of opportunities has the potential for yielding a tremendous impact on our church family. Here’s the plan: This Sunday, every household attending MCC will receive the “Inter//Mission” catalog that details MCC mission trips for 2015-‐2016. In your groups this week, please use the catalog coupled with the questions and group discussion ideas below, to lead an effective group meeting about missions – even if you’ve never been on a mission trip, yourself. The goal for this experience is that individuals and families in your group will begin to prayerfully consider personally participating in a mission endeavor over the next year. Just to be clear, this week is NOT about the “Group Mission Opportunities” you received and began to discuss with your group last week. This week is about inspiring individuals and families to participate in MCC missions opportunities on their own. Please pick up enough "Inter//Mission Catalogs" for your whole group in the Grand Foyer on Sunday. Thank you in advance for partnering with us as we strategically place this Missions Sunday and emphasis in the middle of our fall series and community groups. Let’s pray and believe God, together, that He will inspire BIG DREAMS in the hearts of our great people! Have a great week! Pastor Dwayne
WEEK #4 BULLETIN INSERT
Matthew� �5�:�6� Mission is imbedded in the Gospel Luke� �4�:�18� NIV Mission is our call � Mark� �16�:�15� NIV Mission requires action James� �2�:�17� Mission engages our faith 1 Timothy� �6�:�12� Mission invites us into Gods work Isaiah� �6�:�8� Mission involves every believer 1 Peter� �2�:�9-‐10�
GENERAL GROUP LEADERSHIP TIPS Has someone else hosted your group yet, helped out with refreshments, or led the ice breaker?
MATERIALS NEEDED:
Pens/Pencils available for bulletin-‐insert fill-‐ins and for the response time A “Inter//Mission Catalog” for each member of your group (available in the Grand Foyer on Sunday) Bulletin inserts for those who missed on Sunday See Orange Resources page for additional materials
WELCOME/SNACKS 15 minutes
OPEN (Ice Breakers) 10-‐15 minutes Choose From:
1. Briefly tell the group about one activity or hobby you wish that you had the time to enjoy in your regular weekly or monthly schedule (i.e. golf, painting classes, exercise, dancing, etc.).
2. What is one special opportunity you would like to have time and resources to do at least once in your lifetime? (i.e. visit Europe; stay in a castle; run with the bulls in Pamplona; visit all 50 states; etc.)
3. Invite a few people to talk about previous missions trips and their experiences. (Watch your time.)
ADULT INTERACTION OVER SUNDAY’S TOPIC/MESSAGE 40-‐45 minutes Make certain that everyone has a copy of the “Inter//Mission Catalog” to use during your discussion. Take 2-‐3 minutes to ensure that everyone has all the blanks completed from Sunday’s Inter//mission bulletin insert.
1. Whenever you are called to “go to the store on your way home,” what are the two most likely items your will be asked to purchase? (i.e. milk, bread, eggs, ice cream, etc.)
What cost(s) will you incur by making this stop on the way home? (money, time, convenience, physical energy, patience to wait in line, arriving at home later than planned, etc.)
With all of those “costs”, why do you do it? (Because you were asked to do so by someone you love; non-‐compliance could result in unwelcome reactions from the one who asked; you are meeting a need; it’s inconvenient but not really that big of deal; you will likely benefit from making the stop as well; etc.)
In what ways might the above scenario be similar to God’s call to go on a short-‐term missions trip? (From Sunday – Mission is our calling (Mark 16:15) God invites us into His missional work. Our faith requires action (James 2:17) – we must respond by taking action, trusting that God has good reasons for asking us to join Him. When we go to give, we will receive something of eternal worth in return.)
2. Without warning, ask everyone in the group to change where they are seated so that they are in a different part of the circle and seated beside someone else. SAY: Each of you just moved out of your comfort zone. Why did you move? (you were asked; you were willing to obey the leader’s authority; you deemed that the adjustment was not too costly to make, etc.) Now that you’re seated somewhere else, what is your new perspective showing you that you hadn’t noticed before? (Different perspective on the room itself and on the people in the room; I’m now able to engage closely with different individuals than before; it also enlivened me – my senses are more engaged as I’m seeing new things, hearing differently, etc.)
3. What would it take for you to go on a mission trip sometime over the course of the next year? (God would need to tell me – I’d have to be asked; the money would have to materialize – or I’d have to work hard to generate the money for it; I’d have to take vacation days off work & maybe shorten time off at Christmas, etc.) SAY: Ultimately – going begins when we say “yes”, just as it did when we switched our seats. All of the other “issues” (like money, time, etc.) will be worked out AFTER our “yes” is solidified. And for most of us, the change of location that God is asking us to make is temporary. (Indicate that everyone can go back to where he/she was originally sitting, if they like, or stay where they are.)
4. Take some time to browse through the Inter//Mission Catalog together as a group, noting the stateside and overseas opportunities. ASK: Who already knows that they are going on one of these missions? Ask them to express why and how they came to that conclusion.
5. On Sunday we heard that mission involves “every believer.” Prior to Sunday, what reasons for NOT being involved in missions seemed reasonable? (no time; no money; too afraid; my family needs me here; etc.) How do you feel about those reasons now? Invite the group to comment on how they think God might respond to those reasons.
GROUP RESPONSE AND PRAYER 15-‐20 MINUTES
(You will need to choose from these options.)
1. Ask: Is there a mission that you feel God may be beginning to put on your heart to consider? (You may discuss these briefly and have the group pray for those who are feeling a direction to go.)
2. Distribute the “My Voice” page to each participant and invite people to take five minutes on their own to write out their ideas. Then, have them pair up with someone else in the group and practice telling their story to one another. Afterward, pray together, thanking Christ for His great love and grace in your lives.
3. Most of our own missionaries are presently in the field where they are regularly confronted with many spiritual and physical obstacles. Let’s spend time praying for each of “Our Own” in the Inter//Mission Catalog > “Our Own” are found on the pages following the Overseas Excursions (just two pages from the back cover). > You may elect to go around the circle and have your group members pray for the next MCC missionary on the page. There are 21 missionaries included, so even a 30-‐second prayer for each family will be 12 minutes of prayer.
4. Read and discuss the “Missions Support” paragraph on the last page of the Inter//Mission Catalog.
Invite your group members to please consider Faith Promise. (They will hear more on this in January. Refer to the Faith Promise page below to be certain that you are fully apprised of how the concept works.)
My Voice
…Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. (1 Peter 3:15 MSG)
The goal of this exercise is to be able to tell others what Christ has done in your life. Your story will be different from everybody else’s story, but you should be prepared to tell it without notes in 60 seconds or less. Briefly write what you and your life were like before you came to know Christ. Briefly write about how you came to receive Christ. Tell about how your life is different now. After you’ve completed the above, your group leader may ask you to pair up with someone else in the group and practice telling your story to one another. Afterward, pray together, thanking Christ for His great love and
grace in your lives.
For leaders info only: Faith Promise FAQ Frequently Asked Questions on Faith Promise, a system of giving to missions.
"They gave of themselves as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. . . . See that you also excel in this grace of giving. . . . Your plenty will supply what they need" II Corinthians 8:3, 7, 14
1. What is Faith Promise? Faith Promise is a way of giving to world evangelism. Rather than waiting to respond to individual appeals as they come along, believers ask the Lord how much they should give to missions over the next year. They then commit to that annual total as a "Faith Promise."
2. Is there a scriptural basis for Faith Promise missions giving? • Faith Promise giving is more than one can afford (II Corinthians 8:2-‐3, II Corinthians 9:6-‐15) • Faith Promise giving reflects our personal commitments (II Corinthians 8:5) • Though Faith Promise giving is optional, it does clearly demonstrate our love. (Philippians 2:1-‐4; Luke 6:38, 12:9-‐
10)
3. Who should give to Faith Promise? We invite everyone whose church home is Mechanicsville Christian Center (including children) to be a part of Faith Promise. We ask two things: 1) that everybody prays and asks God for the amount. 2) That everybody participates.
4. What's the relationship between Faith Promise and paying a tithe?
Faith Promise giving is over and above the tithe. In practical terms, tithe money runs the local church and its ministries. Faith Promise is a way for us to give specifically reaching the unreached of the world. Faith Promise giving tangibly expresses my desire that the whole world know the Good News.
5. How do I get the funds to fulfill my Faith Promise? God may increase your income. God may decrease your expenses. God may lead you to sacrifice.
6. Do I give my Faith Promise before I get it? A Faith Promise is a FAITH commitment. Promise only what you believe God wants to give through you. Then trust God to be faithful in this promise. Your Faith Promise involvement says that you believe: 1) World evangelism is vital to accomplishing the mission of the church 2) The gospel can change lives 3) Giving, although important, is secondary to faith and praying 4) God will help pay the amount promised
7. How do I make a Faith Promise? • Make a decision in heart to participle in Faith Promise. • Prayerfully consider the amount you can faithfully purpose to give. (II Corinthians 9:7) Do not be surprised
at what God lays on your heart. Just be obedient. • Fill out a Faith Promise Card, indicating your Faith and Promise.
8. Is this a pledge and will I be notified of my progress?
This is a promise to God, not a pledge to the church. Your Faith Promise amount is between you and God. No one will notify you or keep track of your progress toward your commitment.
9. How long does my Faith Promise commitment last?
Generally, Faith Promise commitments are made once a year during our missions Sundays. The weekly or monthly or annual commitments extend for one year from that time.
10. Why do I have to sign my name if this is a commitment I'm making to God? Signing your name is optional. However, indicating name and amount allows you opportunity to express your Faith and your Promise. It is a way of saying to God: "This is me, Lord. You can count on me."
Week #4 – ORANGE Resources for Group Leaders and Parents Who Will Go?
Send one child out of the room (with appropriate supervision) and far enough away that he/she will be able to hear that the children are calling out, but not really understand what they are saying. Give the other children a small treat (i.e. chewing gum, Nerds, Starburst, etc.). As you give each child the treat, say, "God loves you!" As children enjoy their snack, explain that there's also a treat for the child who went out of the room. Ask, "How will the child know about the treat? How could we get the treat to the child?" Have the children try yelling, throwing the treat toward the door, and using any other means. Children will finally conclude that the only way to get the treat to the child is to take it to him or her. Send one child as the "Missionary" to deliver the message and the treat. Then have both children return to the room. Discuss how the child wouldn't have known about the treat if the Missionary had never gone to share. Read Isaiah 6:2-‐8.
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord. He was seated on his throne. His long robe filled the temple. He was highly honored. 2 Above him were seraphs. Each of them had six wings. With two wings they covered their faces. With two wings they covered their feet. And with two wings they were flying. 3 They were calling out to one another. They were saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord who rules over all. The whole earth is full of his glory.” 4 The sound of their voices caused the stone doorframe to shake. The temple was filled with smoke. 5 “How terrible it is for me!” I cried out. “I’m about to be destroyed! My mouth speaks sinful words. And I live among people who speak sinful words. Now I have seen the King with my own eyes. He is the Lord who rules over all.” 6 A seraph flew over to me. He was holding a hot coal. He had used tongs to take it from the altar. 7 He touched my mouth with the coal. He said, “This has touched your lips. Your guilt has been taken away. Your sin has been paid for.” 8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord. He said, “Who will I send? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me!”
Ask: "How did Isaiah react when he had a vision of God? How would you have reacted? Why do you think Isaiah said what he did in verse 5? How do you think Isaiah felt after God forgave him of his sins?" Read Isaiah 6:8 again. Then ask: "Why do you think Isaiah was willing to go for God? What would you have said if this had happened to you?" Discuss with children what it means to be on mission for God at home, at school, in their community, in their country, and throughout the world.
Stop and Pray Maze
This is a wonderful activity for the children to do individually or in small groups of children. Each can take a turn and pray at one of the stops. This activity will also work well in family groups.
First Stop: “Help suffering Christians to be courageous in hard times.”
Second Stop: “Guide Muslim children to find Jesus, the only One who will forgive their sins.”
Third Stop: “Protect hungry children from diseases. Help them stay healthy and strong.”
Fourth Stop: “Watch over Missionary Kids (MKs) who are living in dangerous parts of the world.”
Fifth Stop: “Give missionaries and their families joy as they tell their communities about You.”
MISSIONS BRAIN TEASERS
Give the children (and adults) a copy of this page. Invite them to see who can decode the famous missions quotes in all three puzzles. (Solutions are on the next page.)
-‐David Livingstone, missionary to Africa
Good News
(Fallen Phrase Puzzle)
-‐Carl F. H. Henry
-‐Hudson Taylor, missionary to China
MISSIONS QUOTE (BRAIN TEASER) SOLUTIONS:
"Sympathy is no substitute for action." _David Livingston "The gospel is only good news if it gets there in time" — Carl F. H. Henry "God isn't looking for people of great faith, but for individuals ready to follow Him" — Hudson Taylor
TRAVELLING TIM or FRIENDLY FRAN
Materials Needed: • Copy(s) of the boy & girl dolls (see next page); scissors • Crayons, washable markers • Manila envelope for each missionary (from Welcome Desk in Grand
Foyer) • One completed Information Form for each designated missionary
(attached)
Many elementary classrooms utilize a character by the name of Flat Stanley to support literacy. Flat Stanley is a paper figure that is folded up and mailed to a child in another part of the country and world. Once Flat Stanley is received, he is welcomed as a guest. Pages of a journal are completed and Flat Stanley returns to the original sender, sometimes with photographs, pins, or postcards of his travels.
1. Using the “Our Own” page near the end of the Inter//Mission Catalog, select a missionary household you would like to communicate with. (Groups can pick more than one household if desired.)
2. Using copies of the attached paper dolls, Invite the older children to help the younger ones create their own character. Name it as desired (i.e. Around the Map Jack, Encouraging Emily, Wally the World Traveler, etc.). Please do not use the name “missionary” in the doll’s name.
Color on a great outfit. Give the doll personality with an expressive face, etc.!
3. Complete the attached form to include with your “doll”.
4. Next, put the completed doll and information form in the envelope and return it to the Receptionists’ Desk in the Main Church Office. We will mail the doll to the designated missionary family.
5. Upon receiving the doll, the missionary may photograph the character in their ministry setting and describe what they do by answering some of the questions on the enclosed form. We hope that they will then send the doll back with the letter that highlights unique foods, sights, a simple language lesson (hello, goodbye, thank you, etc.), cultural specifics, and/or prayer requests.
6. Upon the doll’s return (several weeks, most likely), the group welcomes him/her back with a celebration. The letter is read, photographs shared, and the missionaries prayed for. In addition, a “welcome back party” could include eating a simple food, playing a game, or making an art project native to the area.
This activity serves a threefold purpose:
1. It provides a way for children to participate in world missions. 2. It encourages and supports missionaries (in particular, missionary kids). 3. It teaches children about different peoples, cultures, and places around the world.
INFORMATION FORM To whom is this doll being sent (name only): ____________________________________ Our Group consists of (list first names and ages of everyone in the group):
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
We would like to know things like:
1. What are some unique foods there?
2. What are some special “sights” to see?
3. What do you do on a typical day there?
4. How do you say hello, goodbye, or thank you in the native language?
5. What things could we ask Father to do for you? Could you take as picture of our doll there where you are and send it back to us?