Wesley Study Notes and some good news!

[Rev. Ellen Ely]

Friends,

 

Good news: Our W.O.W. Service will begin again next Wednesday, May 13^th! Because we are still under restrictions, we will do a few things differently. Please bring a lawn chair and we will sit outside under the oak trees behind the chapel. We will carefully maintain the social distancing standards. It will be a brief service but will involve communion as we leave. Please plan to come at 5:50 next Wednesday evening!

 

Here are the Wesley Study Notes for this week’s preparation for our Sunday worship together online. If you are not in a Wesley group and would like to join one, please let one of the pastors know and we will help you find a group, or start a new one!

 

 

Wesley Groups Study Lesson

Week of May 10, 2020 – Mother’s Day

Scripture: Isaiah 43: 16-21

Week One: “30 Second Theology” Series

Theme: Casting a Vision for a New Future

 

Opening Prayer:

Dear God, in the midst of a global pandemic you are still with us and we thank you! These times are so crazy, but we know that regardless what happens in the world, it was you who created the world so we know all will be well. Bless us in all that we do to serve you this week. Amen!

 

Overview:  This week we continue our sermon series: “30 Second Theology”. The link to the commercial this week is: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMCfaJDQ6j8

 

Questions for reflection:

1. Watch the TV commercial. Read the scripture lesson.
2. Consider for a few moments, the TV commercial and this scripture lesson in light of the current state of affairs in the world. What connections can you make?
3. Have you ever wished for the “Good ‘ol days”? When? What was going on in your life at the time?  Discuss in your groups.
4. What other scripture lessons come to mind when you want to look back instead of forward? What were the settings of the scripture lessons? How do they relate to the circumstances of today?  
5. What kinds of things can we do today to move forward the Gospel message in light of the world we live in today? What threatens to set us back?
6. Discuss in your groups ways in which we can look back with appropriate fondness and reverence, but then get about the family business, touching lives and making a difference for Christ in the world today.
7. What are the “unmet needs” in the Highland Lakes today? What can we do about those?

 

Closing Thoughts on Scripture Lesson: Discuss anything else that you noticed in this lesson that challenges you.

 

Sharing of Prayer Concerns & Celebrations

 

Closing Prayer: Loving God, thank you for guiding us every step of our lives. Forgive us when we freeze up and get stuck, not moving forward with the plan you have for us. Guide us forward when we become reluctant or uncertain, knowing that you are with us no matter what! Thank you for that gift! Amen.

 

 

Rev. Ellen Ely

Senior Pastor

First United Methodist Church

1101 Bluebonnet Dr.

Marble Falls, TX 78654

(830) 693-4341 Office

(830) 265-0761 Cell