CELL NOTES  14/6/10 

ICE BREAKER 

What is one special gift that you have received from your children, parents or spouse?

THEME 

Jesus is served by some women

Reading  Luke 7 : 36 – 8 ; 3

SERMON OUTLINE 

1) Presence of this passage, especially the few verses at the beginning of chap 8, underlines how radical Jesus was in his treatment of women. Because of the changing role of women in society in the last  hundred years or so we can lose sight of how revolutionary was Jesus acceptance of women.

2) The gratitude and sacrifice expressed by the women in the passage.

3) Story of woman who has served as a missionary in Sudan for 12 years – level of sacrifice.

4) Situation of women training as ministers in Cof E – currently over 50%. Plea for

prayer for manner of and outcome of debate re women bishops (At General Synod in July).

5) The women in chap 8 enabled Jesus'   ministry financially – a Biblical precedent for the better off to support the less well off, as organised via the  Parish Share system.

6) Story of work of  Geoff and Vanessa Kirby in Pitsmoor, with prostitutes and asylum seekers. – great joy at first woman convert after 3 years ministry.

7) How can we support others more?

QUESTIONS OF APPLICATION 

1)  Read the passage. What hits you?  How do you react to Simon, the woman, the women in chap 8?

2) Who is the greater sinner – the woman, or  Simon?

3) Do you feel that the different sexes bring anything unique and distinctive to ministry?

4) What is the most loving thing you have ever done for Jesus, or been aware that somebody else has done?