Categories: Preparing for Sunday

Serve It Up-week thirteen

Dear Friends,

I turned 51 last week. That means that I’m closer to 100 now than I am to 0. It won’t be long before the AARP comes calling, inviting me to join their ranks. While I still wouldn’t classify myself as “elderly”, every day I get a bit closer to their ranks.

I do have a great fondness for the elderly. Many of the people who invested in me earlier in my life and continue to invest in me and my family have achieved that honorable moniker. I’m sure that you too can remember with fondness those older people who set aside their own lives to spend time helping you navigate the often-challenging journey of childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood.

This week, we’ll look at the early church in the book of Acts and discover how they intentionally honored and served the elderly in their congregation. Take some time and read over the scripture and small group questions and even maybe pick up the phone and call someone elderly that invested in your life.

I love you all! See you Sunday.

Danny.<><

STEPS TO PREPARE

PRAY FOR THE SERVICES AND FOR YOURSELF
AND ME AND THE OTHER TEACHERS.

PRAYERFULLY READ THE SCRIPTURES
AND CONSIDER THE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS.

MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND A PREACHING SERVICE AND A SMALL GROUP.

INVITE SOMEONE TO COME WITH YOU.

PREPARING FOR SUNDAY: SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Read Acts 6.1-7 aloud and consider the following questions:

OPEN:

Which responsibility at home or work would you gladly give up?
Never give up?

DIG:

  1. Look at Acts 2:44-45 and 4:32. Does it seem surprising that the widows could be neglected?
  2. How do the apostles propose to resolve this problem?
  3. What was the response of the group to the apostle’s proposal?
  4. What were the character qualities of these men who would be “waiting tables” for the widows? Why is that significant?
  5. Luke lists Stephen first in the list of the seven original deacons. What is significant about Stephen? (Hint: Acts 6:8-7:60)
  6. What was the result of the work and wisdom of the apostles regarding the church? (v.7)

REFLECT:

  1. Read Acts 1:8. What secondary issues might hinder our church from fulfilling this commission?
  2. How does the way that we serve the elderly (and other groups) in our church bear witness to the gospel of Jesus?
  3. What specifically can you do to “wait tables” for the marginalized groups in our church and community?
  4. How can we pray for you this week?
Danny Brown

Youth Pastor - Click Here for full profile