Small Group 11/9/08

This week in our small group we will be talking more about "community." In preparation for this week, take a look at John 17 and be thinking about some of these questions:

1. What roles have meaningful relationships played in your faith journey?
2. "One of God greatest dreams for us is to experience true community." Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?
3. Have you ever had a time in your life when you felt isolated from others? What was it that kept/keeps you in isolation?
4. What, right now, distracts you from connecting well with others?
5. How can you begin to create opportunities in your current situation for people to connect meaningfully?

Also this week, our small group will be assembling 6 shoe boxes for needy children. These shoe boxes will be sent overseas to change a child's Christmas and possibly their life. These are some of the items that we will need to collect in order to assemble them on Sunday Night:

1. TOYS -- small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky, etc.
2. SCHOOL SUPPLIES -- pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.
3. HYGIENE ITEMS -- toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.
4. OTHER -- Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)
5. A PERSONAL NOTE -- In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)
6. DO NOT INCLUDE: Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans

Please comment to this post and indicate what item or items your family will be bringing so that we do not overlap each other. Check out what others have "commented" to see what they are bringing. Please bring 6 of your item or items as we will be trying to fill 6 shoe boxes.

Much Love,

Chad