CELL NOTES 23/3/09

ICE BREAKER

What has brought you the most joy in the past few years, and what the most grief? What has brought relief from the grief?

THEME

On Sunday we had the twin thrusts of family life, centring on the place of mum, and God’s purposes in our life to make each of us wonderfully unique.

Reading 1 Sam 1 : 21 – 27

SERMON OUTLINE

The message on Sunday came in a number of smaller segments

1) Kate Caroe introduced the idea of Mother Blessing, for expectant mothers. This is an event in which other mums gather, in a social setting, to encourage, pray for and honour the mum-to-be. Such an event is to be held this Friday for Katherine Stewart, due to give birth very soon.

2) We looked at the passage, and reflected on the crucial place that mothers have in scripture (Hannah, whose son Samuel was to anoint King David, and Mary, mother of Jesus as two examples). In both cases their role was a very costly one, involving some very difficult choices. Having the Lord at the centre was crucial for them both.

3) We remembered that for some, because of life’s experience in a huge range of ways, reflecting on the place of mothers, and God’s intentions for them, can be a very difficult area.

4) Golddigger, who have a particular focus on teenage girls, reminded us how uniquely precious and significant each one of us is, irrespective of  external circumstances. Building a relationship with God, and one another  is so important in realising and living that out.

5) Not to forget the men, Kevin Carter gave us an update on the Thursday night football  event – pointing out what a valuable bridge this continues to be between men in the church (in Totley and Dore) and others who at present  are not.

QUESTIONS OF APPLICATION

Read the passage and also verses  1 – 11. What is God saying to you?

1) How would you describe Hannah’s state of mind and heart? Have you ever grieved over an “unchangeable situation”? How have you / do you handle disappointment? Are you facing disappointment at the moment?

2) Has there been a time when the Lord “remembered” you, in a time of great need, or you “remembered” the Lord? What has helped at such times?

3) Have you or your parents ever made a vow? How has that worked out? How has it affected you?

4) What things or people are most indispensable to you? Can you “Give them back to the Lord” as Hannah did? How?