SINGLES

ENGAGEMENT:

In what ways do Jesus' words (You give them something to eat) challenge our understanding of personal responsibility and community support?

How can these words inspire us to rethink our approach to sharing resources with those around us?

What makes these words difficult to practice?

ENGAGEMENT QUESTIONS:

• What pain have you carried quietly? How can you invite someone into it? How does it feel when someone simply shows up when life feels heavy?

• When or where do you have the opportunity to show up and hold space for others during times of grief or pain?

• When was a time you've felt misunderstood, misrepresented or marginalized in the past? Was it personal or systemic? If you were able, who or what helped you to find security in who you were created to be outside of others perceptions or expectations of you?

• The Magi tracked stars. Imogene auditioned for a play. What are practices that help you or could help you show-up, so that you make room for the spark of Epiphany?

• If power like Herod's isn't true power, if Imogene's disruption shared the gospel more than a perfect play: Then what really matters for you this year? What's really important? What's worth living and journeying for?

• The Magi, and the story of the Herdman's speak to openness and inclusion. How can or do you remain open to outsiders and the gifts they bring?

Engagement Questions:

• What God-placed desire has God but in your heart to orient your life towards? What internal obstacles might you need to overcome to pursue that?

• Are there any areas in your life that you know you have not fully surrendered to the LORD? What might be holding you back from allowing God to full own that part of your life?

• What challenges will you face by putting God central in your life as to wealth, honor, pleasure, and power?

Engagement Questions:

With God:

• What might you need to confess, consider to whom and how you might do this?

With eachother:

• What is your experience with self-disclosure? What would it take to find a good space for confession?

• What are some things that frustrate you, and how might your reaction help you see your programs for happiness?

• What most scares you about a change you are currently facing or experiencing?

• When have you experienced whirling with the divine dance of the Trinity?

Engagement Questions:

• Have you ever felt deep disappointment in God? How did you handle it?

• New Testament scholars still debate the meaning of Martha and Mary's words to Jesus when he arrives-"Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died...but even now I know" Do you see these words as a profession of faith, an expression of disappointment, or something else.

• Maybe Palm Sunday can encourage us to trust in the arrival of goodness and hope even in the wake of difficulty, even in the wake of tension, even in the wake of disbelief, even in the wake of disappointment, even in the wake of whatever suffering or disillusionment we've had to endure. Yes? No? Maybe? Why?

Engagement Questions:

• What fears or barriers prevent us from fully embracing a lifestyle of generosity?

• How does living generously challenge societal norms and expectations?

• Those who give generously receive more, but those who are stingy with what is appropriate will grow needy. What do you think the wisdom writer means by these words?

Engagement Questions:

• The Alongsiders culture provides the contour for our spiritual formation and practice, while offering discernment and direction when it comes to engaging with our neighbors locally and globally. It's our hope and prayer that however long people are with us they will walk away knowing and nurturing their belovedness, wholeness, relationships, gifting, and unique self and contribution.

• In what ways can you continue to foster your belovedness, wholeness, relationships, gifting, and unique self and contribution this year?

• What seems to stifle you seeing yourself as beloved? What hinders your journey of wholeness? When you look at your relationships do they promote your growth and wholeness? In what ways are you familiar with your gifts and gifting? And how do you imagine your uniqueness contributing to society in 2024?