11/30/22 7th/8th grade: Acts

 

7^th+8^th grade Axis Guide Sheet: Acts                                                                      

Small Group time (6:30-7:30)

 

Takeaway – Church was & always will be a messy affair. What we have in common is the Gospel message & the presence of the Holy Spirit.

 

Key verse – Acts 1:8

 

Discussion starters:

-When is a time you experienced a huge change within a subject or circumstance you felt you had a good handle on or understanding of?

 

-What has been your most memorable church/faith related experience to date? What happened, how did you feel, has that changed your belief or faith at all?

 

-In your opinion, what do you think the church is for?

 

-We often use the word church to talk about the buildings & the people who worship there, the believers. What are the pros & cons of this? What does it tell you that we can use the same word for both?

 

-Is it possible for God to be at work outside of the church (including its people, believers)?

 

-What do you think would make an ideal faith community?

 

-Name one thing our church should have but doesn’t…

 

-Until now, how have you understood or experienced the Holy Spirit? Or is this your first time really considering it (that’s ok!)?

 

Further readings to check out: (Have different volunteers read the passages)

-          Things to think/talk about as you read: What does this say to me personally? What questions come to mind? What does this tell me about who God is?

o   Read the introduction to Acts in their Bibles.

o   Acts 1:6-11

§  Does it seem like Jesus’ disciples understand him yet? What would you expect Jesus to do right now? Is it surprising that Jesus trusts the disciples to be his witnesses when they keep misunderstanding him?

§  What do you think Jesus means by his disciples being his witnesses “to the ends of the earth?”

o   Acts 10:44-48

§  Surprise & astonishment seem to be a common reaction of the early church witnessing the movement of the Holy Spirit. Who is the Holy Spirit surprising in this passage?

§  Where or with whom would you be surprised to see evidence of the Holy Spirit today? Do you even think the Holy Spirit can still surprise us today?

 

 

 

Activity Ideas:

 

You’re invited! – In the book of Acts, we hear about all sorts of people being included in the church who had never been included before. Think of someone who might not know they are invited & welcome here at church with you. Write them a note/letter that would give them reasons to join you here at Axis or at worship on a Sunday. In other words, what are the reasons you come, or feel excited about/engaged in, here at church, & how could you share that with someone who might want to experience it too?

 

Church Building – A church is not just a building. It’s you, your family, your friends! It’s all the people who gather to hear the Gospel, take part in the sacraments & encourage one another in the faith. If you had to start a church from scratch, how would you do it?!What would you include to help this community thrive?

You can consider a broad description or pick a specific aspect to focus on from below…

-Kinds of people.

-Location.

-Music style.

-Activities (the things you would do).

-Outreach.

-Communication style.

 

Do come up with a name & logo for your faith community. Describe it as much as you’re able.