Sermon Prep. February 1: Joel Furrow

North Harbor January 28, 2015

This coming Sunday, Joel Furrow of the Root Cellar will be speaking with us about his experience seeking for God's Kingdom come in his work. This can be a good opportunity to review what we've been learning about thus far by catching up on any sermons you missed [or could stand to listen to twice!] or going over any passages and questions you haven't been able to spend enough time with yet.

Click here for Sermons

Sermon Passages and study questions:

Part 1: Where we've been and how we proceed

Part 2: The Already, Not Yet Kingdom

Part 3: Who Are the Poor?

Part 4: Responsible Giving

Sermon Prep for Jan. 25 - Kingdom Come Part 4: Responsible Giving

North Harbor January 28, 2015

to access recent sermons click here.

Getting to Know You: What’s one of the most fun gifts you’ve ever given?

Background

Poverty Alleviation Vocab: 3 types of aid [from When Helping Hurts]

For diagram see: http://kingdomatwork.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/relief-rehap-dev-graphic1.jpg

Relief: The urgent and temporary provision of emergency aid to reduce immediate suffering from a natural or man-made crisis. “stop the bleeding” A provider gives assistance [often material] to a receiver who is largely incapable of helping himself at that time.

Rehabilitation: seeks to restore people and their communities to the positive elements of their pre-crisis conditions. Provider and receiver are working together – receiver is participating in the process of recovery.

Development: process of ongoing change that moves all the people involved – both the “helpers” and the “helped” – closer to being in right relationship with God, self, others, and the rest of creation, enabling individuals to better fulfill their calling of glorifying God. **promoting and empowering process in which all the people involved become more of what God created them to be, moving to levels of reconciliation they’ve never experienced before.

Getting to Know the Bible:

1) How would you define “good religion”?

a. Read James 1:27-2:7. What are your initial impressions?

b. How does James define good religion? How does your own experience of religion match up with this definition?

c. If you are really honest, has anyone ever entered a church you were attending and made you uncomfortable because of how they looked/acted? Describe that experience.

2) What in your opinion qualifies an individual as deserving of aid?

a. Read1 Timothy 5:3-16. What are your initial impressions?

b. How does this passage help delineate between true need and simpler categories of individuals we might consider as needy?

c. What individuals fall into the sphere of your own responsibility to care for? [parents, grandparents, children] What if these people and a nonprofit are asking for your support, how should you distribute what you are able to give?

d. Reread vs. 5. What does it mean for this widow to put her hope in the Lord? What does it mean for you? What does this have to do with charity?

3) What is the difference between being busy and being a busy-body?

a. Read 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13. What are your initial impressions?

b. Reread all of the assigned passages for this week in addition to 1 Timothy 6:17-19. As you do so, highlight all the times the author mentions the importance of good or just deeds or behavior.

c. How do you view/explain this emphasis on good deeds with a gospel and Kingdom of grace freely given?

d. Consider the above vocabulary definitions of types of poverty alleviation. Consider this biblical emphasis on doing good. Discuss the intersections between the two: guidelines for who should receive aid, guidelines for why you should give aid, goals for both the provider and the recipient in the process of participating in aid.

Applying Myself to this Message:

What good do you have to give? Are you giving it to whom it should be given in the appropriate time that they truly need it? [distributing appropriately according to a need for relief, rehabilitation or development]

What aid could you stand to receive in order to become more of what God created you to be?

What is God’s grace to you through these messages?

Sermon Prep for Jan. 18: Part 3: Who are the poor?

North Harbor January 12, 2015

Getting to Know You: Describe a time when you received “help” in someway from someone else [specifically human – not just “God sightings” here, though of course all good gifts come from God!]. Did you agree with the giver about your need for that “help”? What did that feel like? Did it make you feel small or dignified?

Before you begin, try to write out your own definition of poverty.

**A good supplemental resource in preparing for this week’s sermons are two videos on Right Now Media, which you can find here: HWOH video part 1 & 2 [https://www.rightnow.org/Media/Series/2881] If you do not have a Right Now Media account, you can get free access by emailing Lisa Wells lisa@northharbor.org.**

Getting to Know the Bible:

1) Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-26

a. Where do “the poor” show up in this passage?

b. For good measure, reread vs. 22-26. What does this passage reveal to you about God’s heart? What would it mean for you to grow more into a person after God’s own heart in this regard?

c. How does this passage challenge both conservative and liberal viewpoints? How does this passage challenge “the poor”? How does this passage dignify “the poor”?

2) Applying Myself to this Message:

a. Consider your own social/racial/economic privileges [in what ways are you considered more honorable in our society] in contrast to the “poor” [“inferior members”] in these arenas. [For further challenge, consider reading the following essay about privilege and use this as an example exercise for yourself as you consider your own privileges: https://www.isr.umich.edu/home/diversity/resources/white-privilege.pdf]

b. Consider your own poverty. Even with your “wealth” in social/racial/economic arenas, in what ways are you poor and in need of receiving help?

3) Read Matthew 25:31-46

a. What does this passage tell us about who the poor are? Who are the hungry, thirsty, strangers, and naked? Think creatively.

b. How does Jesus’ identification with the poor and as His family challenge how you currently and in the past have thought about the poor?

c. How does this passage dignify “the poor”?

4) Applying Myself to this Message:

a. Consider times you have encountered the hungry, thirsty, strangers, and naked. Try to list a few times you have both helped these people and disregarded these people. Try to think of one person in these categories you encounter on a regular basis. What is one way you could shift your thinking about them to appreciate their identity and familial relationship with Christ? How will that transform your behavior?

Sermon Prep for January 11: Part 2: Thy Kingdom Come – Leviticus, Exodus, Beatitudes, Today the Day of Salvation

North Harbor January 9, 2015

Getting to know you: What is something you have pursued in your life? A goal, a person, an object . . . something you’ve been willing to focus for, sacrifice for, been determined to secure for yourself? How long did you pursue it? Did you attain it? What was that like? Did anything change in your thinking/feelings/behavior in the process of that pursuit?

Getting to know the Bible:

1) Off the top of your head, how would you define or describe what is the Kingdom of God is or is like?

2) What would the Jews have thought the Kingdom of God was about at the time of Jesus’ birth?

a. Read Exodus 19:3-6

3) What did Jesus say the Kingdom of God was like/about?

a. Read Luke 4:14-30

b. Read Mark’s version of the above story in Mark 1:14-15 [note both accounts immediately follow the temptation in the desert and are followed by Jesus’ cleansing of the man with the unclean spirit]

c. Read Matthew 5:3-12

4) What does Jesus’ take on the Old Testament show us about what God has always had in mind with regards to the poor and the Kingdom of God? Read at least two of the following:

a. Deuteronomy 14:22-29;

b. Deuteronomy 15:1-18;

c. Leviticus 19:1-10;

d. Leviticus 25:1-28;

e. Leviticus 19:11-19 (do not favor poor or wealthy)

How do I apply myself to this message?

What does the reality of the Kingdom of God and its nature do to instruct how we can a) think about God’s plan for the world around us b) feel towards God, and feel towards people around us and c) live our lives accordingly?

Sermon Prep. for January 4

North Harbor December 30, 2014

Part 1: Starting Point – 1 John 3.14-20, Isaiah 58, Matthew 25.14-30

For the next seven weeks, we will be in a sermon series called Thy Kingdom Come, looking at how to practice responsible Christian charity. A few months ago, to begin investigation into how our community could enhance our charity practices, we administered a Community Ministry Interests Survey. If you have not already done so, you can fill out this survey here and submit it to zoefaithreyes@gmail.com to give us a more complete overview of our community resources and interests moving forward.

Getting to know you: What were the high and low points of your holiday?

Getting to know the Bible:

1) Read 1 John 3.14-20

a. As a new year begins, begin by applying yourself to this message: Use this passage in a time of quiet as a guide for some honest self-reflection. Are you of the truth? Do not miss the power of vs. 20. How are you challenged? How are you encouraged? Does this alter the way you evaluate your own or others’ spiritual health at all?

2) Read Isaiah 58 verses 1-2

a. On a scale of 1-10, how much does this picture of religion so far line up with your idea of good spiritual practice?

b. Read vs. 3-7: Where do you see the “bonds of wickedness” and people being oppressed around you? How much does this alternative picture of religion line up with what you practice?

c. Read vs. 8-12: What do you find appealing in these verses?

d. Read vs. 13-14: Why do you think Isaiah included these comments on Sabbath with this passage?

e. How do I apply myself to this message? Read the chapter all together. What do you find to be challenging in this passage? What do you find to be hopeful in this passage?

3) Read Matthew 25.14-30

a. How did the third servant’s view of the master affect how the master ended up assessing him?

b. How do I apply myself to this message? What is your assessment of who God is? How does that affect how effectively you are able to serve Him?

Community Interests Survey

North Harbor December 30, 2014

As we enter into a new sermon series, Thy Kingdom Come, we are continuing to compile a map of the assets in our community to understand how we might offer our own gifts and talents to meet the needs of our fellow North Harborites as well as members of our larger community. If you didn't have a chance to fill out the survey on Sunday, or have had further thoughts since, please use the below survey to share your responses with us. Thank you in advance for the love you show in filling this survey out!

Note to the congregation: Our church is exploring new ways of sharing God's love in word and deed with our local area. We want to learn more about your interests and experiences in outreach. We appreciate you taking time to answer these questions. You can print this out and put it in the offering box on Sunday or into the hands of a church staff person [ideally Zoë Reyes]; or you can copy and paste this text into a word document, type in your answers, save as your name_Ministry Interests survey, and email to zoefaithreyes@gmail.com.

Name: ________________________

Phone:_______________ Email: _____________________

1. What aspects of community outreach are most important to you? (Check the 3 that most apply)
o Make this a better community for all residents
o Show compassion to people in need
oShare the Gospel with people
oWork for justice in our community and world
oUse my gifts, skills and time in ways that matter
oEngage in ministry together as a family
oGive thanks for what God has done for me
oGet to know people in the church and community
oDeepen my faith through service
oOther: __________________________

2. What might hold you back from participating in an outreach ministry? (Check all that apply)
o I’m too busy
oI'm already involved with other church ministries and activities
oThis isn't important to me
o I don’t think I’m gifted or called in this area
oI don't know what to do
oI had a bad experience in the past
oOther: __________________________

3. Is there a local concern or area of ministry that you feel passionate about or a kind of volunteer activity you feel particularly drawn to do?

4. What skills, training, hobbies or experiences do you have that you could share in local service? (Example: skills in graphic design; training in real estate; gardening; camp counseling experience)

5. What current or past experiences have you had as a community ministry volunteer (for example, tutoring, visiting a nursing home, or serving meals at a homeless shelter)? What nonprofits or ministries have you been involved with in the Midcoast Maine area? Share what made this a positive or negative experience.

6. What questions might you have about why or how we can engage in local outreach ministry?

7.Would you like someone to follow up with you about your current ministry involvement or about specific ministry opportunities as they develop? [be sure you’ve included your name/contact info!]
o Yes oNo

Survey written By Heidi Unruh: Congregations, Community Outreach andLeadership Development Project. Adapted for North Harbor Community Church by Zoë Reyes, Community Development Director

Advent Resources

North Harbor November 19, 2014

Advent is coming soon! Taking advantage of Advent as a season truly helps maintain our centeredness in the Christmas season being a time to celebrate, above all else [though certainly with other good things as well!] the miraculous incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. We've begun to compile some potential advent resources you or your family might like to take advantage of in this season. Do you have other resources or traditions you employ in expectation of the coming Christ at Christmas? Please share in the comments!

From Christina Milazzo: The Story of Christmas Advent Calendar

From Lisa Wells: A new Christmas album I've been loving from Sovereign Grace (the KC kids and FG students will be doing the song Prepare Him Room for our Christmas service on Dec. 21st): http://sovereigngracemusic.org/albums/prepare_him_room_celebrating_the_birth_of_jesus_in_song

From Graham Buck: The Rhythms Project (they have a Lent/Easter guide as well): https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/184348/The%20Rhythms%20Project%20-%20pt%201.pdf

From Christ Church East Bay in California: Come Lord Jesus: songs of Advent

From Page CXVI: Advent to Christmas, Page CXVI [another advent album, you have to scroll down a touch for that post, includes chord charts for the musically inclined ;) They also have albums for the other liturgical seasons, remaking of traditional hymns, and a lullaby album as well]

And if you follow this Advent dropbox link you'll find the following:

1) Jesse Tree Advent Guide [by Ann Voskamp, inspirational for adults year after year, and yet the stories and ornaments also make it accessible and engaging for even young kids]

2) Christ Church Advent Guide [uses some traditional/liturgical resources, has considerations for families]

3) God is in the Manger [mp3's that go through advent with excerpts/reflections by Dietrich Bonhoeffer]

Sermon Prep. Nov. 23: Ephesians 3:14-21

North Harbor November 17, 2014

Week 3: Ephesians 3.14-21
This is Paul’s prayer of understanding for the Ephesus church

Getting to know you:

What is one way you have been encouraged by your North Harbor Community in the past few months (especially through the prayers of another)? [someone in your CUD group, or someone in the larger church community] What is one prayer of thanksgiving you could offer up to God in affirmation of a fellow community group member?

Getting to Know the Bible: Read Ephesians 3:14-21

1) What strikes you?

2) Read a portion of Paul’s prayer aloud to yourself, inserting your name in the blanks.

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen _________with power through his Spirit in [her] inner being, so that Christ may dwell in [her] heart through faith. And I pray that _______, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that _______ may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (vs. 14-19). [credit: N. T.Wright]

3) If it was written in the Bible this way or if Paul was praying this prayer for you in a situation in which you were actually present, which part(s) of his prayer would most affect you, solicit some kind of feeling or response from you? What word or phrase does your heart or mind dwell on as you receive his words?

4) Now read this prayer as issued for our church:

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen North Harbor with power through his Spirit in [her] inner being, so that Christ may dwell in [her] heart through faith. And I pray that North Harbor, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that North Harbor may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (vs. 14-19).

5) Note the use of “glory” in vs. 20 as well as earlier in the chapter. Why is it important to glorify God? Why is it not self-serving of God to ask this of us? How do you bring glory to God with your participation in our church?

How do I apply myself to this message?

1) Reflect on this prayer experience. What do you learn? What do you feel? How might you live differently in light of this prayer?

2) Not the phrase: “far more Abundantly” (vs. 20). How is your view of God’s power, and especially God’s power through you, and through our church, too limited?

ALL the time, God is GOOD!

North Harbor November 10, 2014

I just wanted to share an amazing story that happened to me just this week. Monday morning I was enjoying a hot coffee after the girls got off to school and was thinking of the upcoming work week. I knew being the beginning of the month that we had several large bills coming due and was feeling a little anxious about having to dip into our O&O fund to pay them all. Of course, that is why we have the fund and we're miles ahead of where we were two years ago this time in terms of finances, but still we have the goal to get O&O fully funded this year and I was feeling some anxiety over dipping into it. So I started day-dreaming about getting a surprise $10,000 anonymous gift and what joy it would be to be getting off to a good start in November as far as paying bills AND putting the rest into savings so that we'd exceed our goal of funding O&O. We all do this from time to time don't we? We imagine ourselves winning the lottery, even though we don't play it, and day dream about the debt we could retire and the good work we could help fund across the globe. I also thought how fun it would be to have a bulletin offering update that read "last week's offering $12,000+/-" Anyway, I eventually snapped out of my daydreaming, determined to have faith, not anxiety, about church finances and got on with my day.

When Tuesday morning rolls around I head into the office to find an envelope containing an anonymous $10,000 bank check for North Harbor. Nope, not kidding. Sooooooo . . . last week's offering was $12,478. We have fully funded our O&O fund according to the goals Danielle Gustafson set for us. God is faithful - understatement of the day.

A big thank you to whomever sent this gift. I hope the story is as faith building to all of you as experiencing it was for me.

Blessings,

Dan Wells
Senior Pastor
North Harbor Community Church

You too can contribute to North Harbor's growth, stability, and greater investments in God's Kingdom. Donations online now available here.

Sermon Prep. Nov. 16: Ephesians 3:8-13

North Harbor November 10, 2014

Week 2: Ephesians 3.8-13

This passage deals with the potential witness of Jew / Gentile unification to authorities

Getting to Know You:

Imagine if you were a kitchen utensil. What would you be?
1) rolling pin
2)   cheese grater
3)   oven mitt
4)   corkscrew
5)   nutcracker
6)   whisk
7) Other?

Getting to Know the Bible: Read Ephesians 3.8-13

What strikes you?

Read verse 8. Why/how does Paul consider himself the least? (hint: see 1 Corinthians 15:8-10) How has his least-ness served you and your belief?

Read verse 10. What is he saying in your own words?

Meditate on the phrase “through the church.” What does this say about the role/purpose of the church? Are we accomplishing this purpose? What might we do differently to become more effective in this purpose?

What is the “manifold wisdom of God?”

What is “eternal purpose which he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord”?

How do I apply myself to this message?

Read vs. 12. Do you live like this is true? How might you make one change to do so, or to do so more fully?

Read vs. 13. Then read Colossians 1:24-29. What strikes you? How are you (or might you) making good use of these sacrifices on your behalf? Read 2 Corinthians 1:6-7. Do you experience hope in these verses? Do you experience a sense of value? A sense of purpose?

Sermon Prep for Nov. 9: Ephesians 3:1-7

North Harbor November 3, 2014

Week 1: Ephesians 3.1-7

This passage deals with Paul’s joy at his own calling to preach the Gospel to Gentiles

Getting to Know You: Imagine if you were a profession. Which would you be?

1)    Astronaut
2)    Photographer
3)    Lawyer
4)    Chef
5)    Model
6)    Brick layer

Day 1:

Ephesians Re-Cap:

We’ve been doing a sermon series on Ephesians for some months, taking breaks for topical mini-series along the way. In September, we studied Ephesians 2. Consider reviewing your own notes from these sermons, catching up on sermons you missed online, re-reading Ephesians chapters 1 and 2. Below are some short sermon recaps:

In verses 1-10, Dan taught about how Identity shapes decision-making. We’ve been made alive together with Christ, the choices we make should flow from our identity as raised with Christ. This is a daily decision we need to make.

In verses 11-13, John Andrade taught us to remember that we were all once excluded. We all need Jesus. Christ destroys the barriers of inner circles so that all have access and the gospel is unleashed.

In verses 14-18, Dan taught us that you can’t separate your own salvation from your love of other people. Jesus did the work to tear down walls of hostility between us all, so we need to stop acting like the walls are still there – we need to stop harboring hostility and instead experience the salvation of God.

In verses 19-22, Dan taught us that we that believe in Christ are together the new Temple, with Christ as the cornerstone, where the Spirit of God dwells. We as the body, with Christ as the head, can meet each other’s needs, just as the Jews had all their needs met in the temple.

And now we’ll enter into Ephesians 3 for the next three weeks. . . .

Day 2:

Getting to Know the Bible: Read Ephesians 3.1-7

Try to explain what Paul means by “the commission (or stewardship) of God’s grace “ in verse 2. [the original word is “oikonomia” . . . try to unpack what that means in this context]

How would you explain in your own words what Paul’s “ understanding of the mystery of Christ” is? (vs. 4) see Ephesians 1:9-10 and 2:11-22

How do I apply myself to this message?

Are you “a prisoner for Christ”? For what reason? [see Ephesians 2:21-3:1]

Day 3:

Getting to Know the Bible: Read Acts 9.1-31

(Note: if you’ve been around church enough for the story of the Saul/Paul conversion to be familiar, try reading this in an unfamiliar translation to freshen things up)

Look at verse 11. It says of Paul, “at this moment he is praying.” What does Paul’s praying look like in that moment? How does this shape how you might consider the act of prayer?

Look at verse 15. God calls Paul an “instrument of the Lord.” How does this shape how you think about what it means for Paul to have a calling? For you to have a calling?

How do I apply myself to this message?

Read verse 31. What would it look like for you to participate in and help our church to “live in fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit”?

Day 4:

Getting to Know the Bible: Re-Read Ephesians 3.1-7

What do you think it means that Paul has become a servant of this gospel? (vs. 7)

Contrast Paul’s posture/actions towards Christians in the beginning of Acts 9 with the types of descriptors he uses in reference to himself in this section of Ephesians. What does this tell you about the nature of Christianity or being a Christian?

How do I apply myself to this message?

Read verse 7. So often I think of God’s grace as salvation, but here it seems to be a gift of employment of sorts. What is God’s gift of grace to you in particular?

Sermon Prep for Nov. 2: Luke 24:13-34

North Harbor October 26, 2014

Week 5 of Breaking Bread: Luke 24:13-34

Getting to Know you: What is your favorite way to enjoy something bready? (what type of bread? What add on’s/dips? What condition – fresh out of the oven? Toasted?)

Day 1:

Getting to know the Bible: Read Luke 24.13-34 (Jesus revealed on the Road to Emmaus)

How does Jesus minister to the men in this story?

What makes these men recognize Jesus?

Bonus question: Who was Cleopas? Who else is he connected to? How did they experience the resurrection?

How do I apply myself to these messages?

How does this story paint a picture of hope for you personally?

Day 2:

Getting to know the Bible: Read Exodus 16 (Bread from Heaven)

Why did God start sending manna to the Israelites?

Describe the Israelites attitude and degrees of gratitude throughout the chapter.

What do you learn about God/about yourself, from the instructions about how it was to be eaten?

Do you recognize Jesus in this story?

How do I apply myself to these messages?

How does this impact how you pray about your “daily bread”? [see Matthew 6:11]

Day 3:

Getting to know the Bible: Read John 6 (The Bread from Heaven)

How is this story like the one in Exodus 16? (the manna)

How is this story like the stories recounting the Last Supper? (Matthew 26.17-30; Mark 14.12-26; Luke 23.1-24)

Who do people recognize Jesus to be in this chapter [there are atleast 3 instances of recognition/identification]?

How do I apply myself to these messages?

How does this passage inform how you understand or would experience communion?

Day 4:

Getting to know the Bible: Re-read Luke 24.13-34 (Jesus revealed on the Road to Emmaus)

Why do people recognize Jesus to be in this chapter?

What does this post-resurrection story do to tell you the full historical picture/purpose of communion?

How do I apply myself to these messages?

How does this passage inform how you understand or would experience communion?

Looking for more? Check out “Shift with Louie Giglio, SESSION 3: Jesus Is Enough For Today” on Right Now Media for a great sermon about Jesus being the bread that sustains us. If you don’t have a login yet for Right Now Media, just email Lisa Wells <lisa@northharbor.org>.

Sermon Prep for Oct. 26: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

North Harbor October 20, 2014

Week 4 of Breaking Bread: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

Getting to Know you: What were/are the “tables” in your high school cafeteria (or an analogous setting)? [example: the jocks, the nerds, the emo kids] Which table did you sit at?

Day 1:

Getting to know the Bible: Read 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

What is the new covenant?

How are the Corinthians dishonoring the new covenant?

How is this scene an issue of justice [or injustice as the case may be]?

How do I apply myself to this message?

Compare and contrast the way you participate in Communion with how the Corinthians were practicing it?

Day 2:

Getting to know the Bible:

Pick one of these accounts of the Last Supper to read about [try a different one from what you’ve read in the previous weeks]:

Matthew 26.17-30

Mark 14.12-26

Luke 23.1-24

What strikes you? What makes you uncomfortable? What encourages you?

What is something you new you notice in the account you read this week?

What similarities do you see between the 1 Corinthians story and the account you just read of the Last Supper?

How do I apply myself to this message?

Day 3:

Getting to know the Bible: Read Genesis 17 and Ephesians 2:11-13

What is the “old covenant”?

What is the “new covenant”?

What do these covenants tell you about who God is and how He engages His creation [us]?

How do I apply myself to these messages?

What does partaking in communion do to “bring you near” and to whom?

Sermon Prep for Oct. 19: Genesis 44:17-45:11

North Harbor October 13, 2014

Week 3 of Breaking Bread: Genesis 44:17-34-45:11

Getting to Know you: Think of one of your favorite characters in a story? How do they change from the beginning of their story to the end?

Getting to Know the Bible: Read Genesis 37-50 and enjoy getting into the story. It’s a page turner!

Get curious. Why do these brothers act this way? Who is the hero? What is God up to? What might this story have to do with communion (highlight where you see bread or wine show up and anything else you feel relates to what communion is about)?

How might you apply yourself to this message?

Sermon Prep for Oct. 12: Exodus 12.1 – 13.22

North Harbor October 6, 2014

Week 2 of Breaking Bread: Exodus 12.1 – 13.22

Getting to Know you: What are some of the rituals you go through before departing for a trip? (Such as: Do you start planning weeks in advance or are you cramming things into a suitcase as the taxi waits outside? In what condition do you like to leave your house? Are there responsibilities you feel anxious to take care of? Are there habitual messes that are left or things you always forget? Do you always eat at a certain restaurant when you get on the road?)

Day 1:

Getting to know the Bible: Read Exodus 12:1-13:22

What strikes you?

What do you learn about God in this passage?

In chapter 12, verse 26, the Israelites are given instructions for how to explain to their children what is going on. What is to be their answer?

Almost uniformly in the Bible, yeast [or “leaven”] represents sin. What significance might that symbolism have in this story?

Why else was unleavened bread crucial in this experience?

How do I apply myself to this message?

What does this tell you about how we should explain our religious practices to or involve children in our community? [see also 13:14-16]

How do you see God engaging with His creation in this passage? What does that tell you about how God might be able to be working around you?

Day 2:

Getting to know the Bible:

Pick one of these accounts of the Last Supper to read about [try a different one from last week]:

Matthew 26.17-30

Mark 14.12-26

Luke 23.1-24

What strikes you? What makes you uncomfortable? What encourages you?

What is something you new you notice in the account you read this week?

What connections do you see in the Last Supper to the Passover account in Exodus?

Why do you think Jesus would use Passover to communicate the message of communion?

How do I apply myself to this message?

How does this story change the relevance of the Passover story to you personally?

Survey of Community Ministry Interests

North Harbor September 29, 2014

This past Sunday, Dan preached to us from Ephesians 2:19-22 about having Access to God Together. He taught us that we as the body, the new Temple, can meet each others needs, just as the Jews would have gone to the Temple building to meet all of their needs in the time of Christ. Therefore, we are compiling a map of the assets in our community to understand how we might offer our own gifts and talents to meet the needs of our fellow North Harborites as well as members of our larger community. If you didn't have a chance to fill out the survey on Sunday, or have had further thoughts since, please use the below survey to share your responses with us. Thank you in advance for the love you show in filling this survey out!

Name: ________________________

Phone:_______________ Email: _____________________

3. Is there a local concern or area of ministry that you feel passionate about or a kind of volunteer activity you feel particularly drawn to do?

6. What questions might you have about why or how we can engage in local outreach ministry?

Please Note: Kingdom Come is a new commission team exploring what poverty is and how we can help as Christians. If you have a heart for serving but want to be challenged to think differently about a healthy, Christ-like approach to poverty alleviation, this group is for you! Bring your passions; bring your ideas! The group meetis weekly on Wednesdays at 7:30 at the Lilly's house in Topsham. Please email Denise Lilly <deniselilly@gmail.com> if you are interested in checking it out.

Survey written By Heidi Unruh: Congregations, Community Outreach andLeadership Development Project. Adapted for North Harbor Community Church by Zoë Reyes, Community Development Director

Sermon Prep for Oct. 5: Acts 10

North Harbor September 29, 2014

New Sermon Series: Breaking Bread, Week 1: Acts 10.1-48

Getting to Know you: Describe a memorable meal you spent with another person or other people [be it a thanksgiving gathering, a dinner party, a date, grabbing a quick bite at a café . . . anything]. Who were you with? What do you remember about the food? What made the experience significant?

Day 1:

Getting to know the Bible:
Pick one of these meals to read about:
Mark 2.13-17: Jesus eats with Levi (Matthew)
John 2.1-12: Jesus turns water into wine
Luke14:15-24: Parable of a great feast
Luke 19.1-10: Jesus eats with Zacchaeus

What strikes you?

How is a meal used to communicate the message of Christ?

How do I apply myself to this message?

Compare and contrast this meal with how you normally eat.

Compare and contrast this scene with how you normally spend time with God.

Day 2:

Getting to know the Bible: Read Acts 10

What strikes you?

What time was it and what state was Peter in when he dreamt (see vs. 10)?

How is food used to communicate the message of Christ here?

How is Peter transformed through this experience?

How do I apply myself to this message?

Who do you identify with in this story? Cornelius? Peter? The Gentiles? The Jews? Why?

Day 3:

Getting to know the Bible:
Pick one of these accounts of the Last Supper to read about:
Matthew 26.17-30
Mark 14.12-26
Luke 23.1-24

What strikes you? What makes you uncomfortable? What encourages you?

Put into you own words the message you think Jesus is trying to convey in this scene.

Why do you think Jesus used a meal to communicate that message?

How do I apply myself to this message?

What is your own experience of taking communion/the Eucharist? How does that compare and contrast with what the disciples experienced?

Day 4:

Getting to know the Bible:

Pick one of these meals to read about:

Luke 24.13-34: Jesus revealed on the Road to Emmaus

Acts 15.1-21: Jerusalem council on the inclusion of Gentiles

Revelation 19.1-10: Wedding feast of the Lamb

What strikes you?

How is a meal used to communicate the message of Christ?

What is new [since it is after the resurrection of Christ] about this meal?

How do I apply myself to this message?

After reading this passage how/why might you to give glory to God?

Partnering in Education

North Harbor September 23, 2014

In effort towards community development, we are beginning to support our partners as they aim to serve the Kingdom of God with their particular gifts and talents. This could look like joining our new Commission Teams [groups working together with each other and God to be better parents of teens, better volunteers to our Surf Cove kids, and servants of our community alleviating poverty]. And it can also look like encouraging our partners in their vocations through financial support.

North Harbor Partner, loyal Cove volunteer, and board member, Eric Funderburk pursues his vocation and serves the Kingdom of God through teaching in one of Brunswick's public 1st grade classrooms. Our community has an opportunity to encourage Eric's faithful efforts through helping to fund a better classroom reading environment for his students. The invitation to donate to Eric's fundraiser offers an opportunity to spur on a brother on in his faith, give to "the least of these" - under-resourced children in our community, faithfully steward your own gifts, and glorify God.

To learn more about how to develop your community in this way, click this link for information about the fundraiser and how to donate.

Sermon Prep for Sept. 28: Ephesians 2:19-22

North Harbor September 22, 2014

Ephesians 2.19-22: A new place of worship

This chapter culminates in a vision of a new temple, or place of worship, which is Christ’s body. The temple represents the place where divine and human meet for forgiveness, healing, judgment and justice.

Getting to Know you: If you were a building, what kind of building would you be? Why? Consider sketching a picture.

Day 1:

Getting to know the Bible: Read Ephesians 2:19-22

What are your initial impressions?

Based on verse 22, what is the significance/purpose of the temple?

How do I apply myself to this message?

Attempt a sketch/diagram of the household/building/temple described in vs. 19-22. Consider locating some of the principle characters, including yourself.

Day 2:

Getting to know the Bible: Read John 2.13-25

How does Jesus feel about the purity of the temple?

If Jesus stepped into His Temple right now, what would His emotional/physical reaction be?

How do I apply myself to this message?

Based on Ephesians, if you have allowed Jesus to bring you near, you are being built into the temple. What are the implications from these two passages [Ephesians and John] about your significance to Christ? What are the implications for the significance of your purity? What is one way you could honor how significant you are better this week?

Day 3:

Getting to know the Bible: Read 1 Peter 2.4-12

Make two columns for notes side by side. In one column, bullet point out how “those who believe” react to and experience Christ. In the other column, bullet point out how “those who do not believe” react to and experience Christ. Indicate which column you identify with. Does this passage do anything to help you to understand people who fall into the other column?

How do I apply myself to this message?

Read 1 Peter 2:1-3. Have you tasted that the Lord is good? How so?

What are the implications from these three passages [Ephesians, John, AND 1 Peter] about your significance to Christ? What are the implications for the significance of your purity? What is one way you could honor how significant you are better this week [same or new answer from the previous day when this same question was asked]?

Day 4:

Getting to know the Bible: Read Psalm 149

Based on these verses, what does it mean to be God’s people?

Where do you learn things about being God’s people in the previous passages?

How do I apply myself to this message?

How much of this psalm describes how you regularly live your life? How does it describe how you might live your life?

Groups Starting Up!

North Harbor September 19, 2014

The leaves are changing and North Harbor is full of opportunities to plug into our community and experience transformation together. If you are interested in any of the following opportunities, contact zoefaithreyes@gmail.com to learn more or sign up.

This week, our new Communities Under Development held their first meetings. New members are still welcome to join them as they dig into the sermon content together on Tuesdays (Funderburks' home), Wednesdays (church office), and Thursdays (Whitneys' home) at 7:30pm.

On September 24, Pastor Dan Wells will begin a new training on Scripture Meditation, the spiritual discipline practiced by most of our discipleship groups. But this training will ONLY happen IF we have sufficient sign ups, so sign up ASAP!

Also on September 24, we launch our first Commission Team!

NEW Commission Team: Kingdom Come
Join us as we explore what poverty is and how we can help as Christians. We'll be using When Helping Hurts (both in book and video format); as well as, moving beyond the theoretical to practically address poverty in our own backyard and beyond. If you have a heart for serving but want to be challenged to think differently about a healthy, Christ-like approach to poverty alleviation, this group is for you! Bring your passions; bring your ideas! We'll be meeting weekly on Wednesdays at 7:30 at the Lilly's house in Topsham.