First listen to the sermon (posts Sun. afternoon). Then use the ideas below to help you and your group apply what the Lord is teaching you.

Icebreaker idea: Who is someone famous, important, well-known, etc. (outside of the Bible) you'd like to meet? What would you want to talk to them about?

A way to pray: Thank God for announcing His Son's arrival to common people like us, and ask Him to help us pass along the Good News to others in our lives as we seek to see 2,000 people by 2022 baptized and growing in relationship with Him through the Word, prayer, and community.

Talk It Over:

• Treasuring God: Why was God's glory announced to "outsiders"? What does that reveal about God's love for ordinary people like me?

• Being Transformed: When I am afraid, what would it look like practically for me to obey the Lord's call to "fear not"?

• Loving Others: What if the shepherds had kept silent about what they'd seen? Who in my life right now needs me to tell them the good news about Jesus?

• Pursuing Unity: How does knowing Jesus as my Good Shepherd enable me to live peacefully with others, especially those I'd otherwise be at odds with?

First listen to the sermon (posts Sun. afternoon). Then use the ideas below to help you and your group apply what the Lord is teaching you.

Icebreaker idea: What's one Christmas tradition that especially helps you focus on the gift of Jesus?

A way to pray: Pray for our hearts during this Advent season to slow down and focus on the strange arrival we're remembering, and the return of Jesus we're anticipating!

Talk It Over:

• Treasuring God: What was strange about Jesus' arrival? What does this tell us about God's character? How does this help me treasure Him more?

• Being Transformed: How might this story of pain, difficulty, and humility help me face my own trials? How can I see trials as an opportunity for joy?

• Loving Others: From the start, Jesus paid a price to love us. How far am I willing to go to connect with others? What cost am I wiling to endure?

• Pursuing Unity: What would it look like practically for me to embrace the humility of Jesus (e.g. His choice of birthplace) to pursue unity with others?

First listen to the sermon (posts Sun. afternoon). Then use the ideas below to help you and your group apply what the Lord is teaching you.

Icebreaker idea: If you could wave a magic wand and heal one thing in the world right now, what would it be?

A way to pray: Ask the Lord to help us reflect His character – His love, life, healing, and goodness – in the way we live our lives. Pray that He'll use our lives to draw many people to Himself, as we seek to see 2,000 people by 2022 baptized and growing in relationship with Jesus Christ through the Word, prayer, and community.

Talk It Over:

• Treasuring God: What are some ways the river reflects God's character? Which aspects particularly remind me of God's goodness and power?

• Being Transformed: Where do I need the river of God to bring His healing power to bear? What do I need Him to change in me?

• Loving Others: How does my life reflect the presence of God's river bringing life and healing to my family, friends, coworkers, and community?

• Pursuing Unity: What relationships do I have that are "dead" or "too salty"? How might the river's presence revive them and bring unity?

On November 11 and 18, we'll be hearing from guest preachers Jorge Pacheco and Scott Mathis. You can find the audio for these sermons here (updates each Sun. afternoon). Then use the ideas below to help you and your group apply what the Lord is teaching you.

Icebreaker idea: What was one highlight of this past week for you?

A way to pray: Pray with us that by 2022, through God's grace and power, we will see 2000 people baptized and growing in relationship with Jesus through the Word, prayer, and community.

Talk It Over:

• Treasuring God: What is God showing me about Himself lately that I really appreciate?

• Being Transformed: How is God calling me to be more like Jesus? What's my next step?

• Loving Others: How have I experienced God's love recently? How can I share His love with someone this week?

• Pursuing Unity: Where do I see the enemy working to cause division and discord? How does what God is showing me help me pursue unity instead?