Important information and Wesley Study Notes
Rev. Ellen Ely
Good afternoon friends,
Yesterday we discovered that there was some in our building who had tested positive for COVID-19, and others who had possibly been exposed. Out of an abundance of caution, the decision was made to close the Bluebonnet Methodist Preschool until July 6th. During that time, there will be extensive sanitizing measures taken to insure the safety of our children and the wonderful staff who works with them each day.
For this reason, and because of the increase of positive tests in the State of Texas, we would strongly encourage you to wear a mask when out in public, and when you come into our building for worship. If you arrive on Sunday morning and you do not have a mask, we will have some available for you if you so desire.
Know that we continue to take great care to sanitize our building daily and to protect all of our staff, members, and others who come into our building. On Sunday morning we will continue to have stringent safety protocols to make sure we are doing everything to reduce the chances of contact and to help eliminate the COVID – 19 virus. Please join us in that effort.
Attached and copied into this email you will find Wesley Study Notes for our preparation for this Sunday morning worship in person, or online. I hope to see as many of you as feel safe coming on Sunday morning. Please call on any of your pastors if we can be of assistance to you!
Blessings
Ellen
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you..… Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid" John 14: 27
Rev. Ellen Ely
Senior Pastor
First United Methodist Church
1101 Bluebonnet Dr.
Marble Falls, TX 78654
(830) 693-4341 Office
(830) 265-0761 Cell
Wesley Groups Study Lesson
Week of June 28, 2020
Scripture: Daniel 6:1-23
Countdown of your Favorites!
Theme: “Daniel in the Lions’ Den”
Opening Prayer:
Dear God, Daniel is such an amazing example of a man of faith. Teach us through this lesson to have the kind of faith that he displayed when he found himself in a difficult situation. May we know, as he did, the power of prayer and of trusting in you for all that we need. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Overview: This week we launch our new sermon series: “Our Favorite Bible Stories” Thanks to all who voted! This week we study the 5th favorite Old Testament story: Daniel in the Lions’ Den
Questions for reflection:
1) Read this entire lesson. While it could’ve been abridged, the context of the introductory verses is important. What is the context? What is happening? Discuss in your groups the dynamics.
2) What character traits did Daniel have? Why did the other leaders decide to conspire against him? Are there other Old Testament figures who found themselves in a similar situation?
3) Have you ever been in a situation similar to Daniel’s? You were doing what you knew to be the right thing and others became jealous and conspired against you? Isolated you? What happened?
4) Why was the king so greatly disturbed (verses 14-16)? What did he do?
5) What lessons can we learn from Daniel and from this lesson? What challenges did he face?
6) Where do you see God at work in this pandemic?
Closing Thoughts on Scripture Lesson: Discuss anything else that you noticed in this lesson that speaks to you.
Sharing of Prayer Concerns & Celebrations
Closing Prayer: Mighty God, help us remember in these days of pandemic that there is nothing bigger than your love for us. On days when we become scared or nervous or angry, let us relax and breathe in the power of your Holy Spirit, knowing that you will watch over and guide us if we ask and if we listen to your wisdom as it comes to us from unexpected sources. Amen!