Big Idea: If you want unwavering faith, then you must build consistent spiritual routines. Our Mission as a church is "Helping people find and follow Jesus” Our Vision: To be a church who worships passionately, connects in community, grows in faith, serves selflessly, and shares Jesus boldly. The Routine Of Connecting In Community: 1. Creates Consistency in Seeking God “All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.” Acts 2:42 (NLT2) Remember Verse Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:23-25 (NLT2) 2. Provides Stability During Challenges It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. 2 He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. 3 When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. 4 After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. 5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. Acts 12:1-5 (NIV) 6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists. Acts 12:6-7 (NIV) Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. 3 If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. Galatians 6:1-3 (NLT2) Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NLT2) Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Romans 12:15-16 (NLT2) 3. Leads The Next Generation Of Followers Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever. 2 I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever. 3 Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness. 4 Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. Psalm 145:1-4 (NLT2) “You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of complete rest, an official day for holy assembly. It is the LORD’s Sabbath day, and it must be observed wherever you live. Leviticus 23:3 (NLT2) Will you connect to a community of faith? My Next Right Step I Will: Actively support children’s, teens, or young adults. Commit to joining or leading a small group [launch January 19] Attend Date Night: February 7th, 6:30pm-8:30pm [This is only a guide – select the points you want to discuss.] Big Idea: If you want unwavering faith, then you must build consistent spiritual routines. Opening Icebreaker: Share a time when you felt supported by a group or community. How did their involvement make a difference in your situation? The Routine Of Connecting In Community: 1. Creates Consistency in Seeking God Read: Acts 2:42 Why do you think the early church prioritized fellowship and shared routines? How does being part of a faith community help you stay consistent in seeking God? What specific routine could be strengthened from connecting with others? (i.e. Prayer, Bible Study, Worship) 2. Provides Stability During Challenges Read: Acts 12:1-18 How does the church’s response to Peter’s imprisonment (earnestly praying together) reflect the importance of community during difficult times? Have you ever experienced a time when your community supported you through prayer or encouragement? How did it impact you? How can we, as a small group, create a space where people feel safe and supported during their struggles? Read: Galatians 6:1-3 How has someone helped carry your burden during a difficult time? Why is it important to share both joys and struggles within a community? Illustration: Redwood trees Consider the redwood tree analogy: How does intertwining roots with others provide strength and resilience? Reflection: What prevents people from leaning on their community in times of struggle? How can we create a safe space for vulnerability? 3. Leads the Next Generation of Followers Read: Psalm 145:1-4 Why is it important for a community of faith to pass on values and beliefs to the next generation? How can connecting in community strengthen the faith of younger believers? Illustration: Relay race Discuss the relay race analogy: How is faith like passing the baton to the next generation? Reflection: What role can you play in mentoring or guiding someone younger in their faith? Action Step: Think of a younger believer or family member. Commit to praying for them or sharing your testimony with them this week. How can you personally contribute to creating a strong, connected community? For the Next Generation: Discuss ideas for mentoring or discipling younger believers within your group or church. What has God taught you about the importance of community? How will you respond to this teaching in the coming week? Prayer: “Lord, thank You for the gift of community. Help us to remain consistent in seeking You together, to support one another during challenges, and to pass on our faith to the next generation. May our group reflect Your love, grace, and truth in all we do. Amen.” Next Steps: Plan a group outreach or fellowship activity to build deeper connections.