All Categories

October 4, 2026

10/3/2026

Why Did God Create Us Knowing We Would Sin?

Icebreaker
What is something you thought was a brilliant idea as a child that your parents probably remember differently?

Study Questions

Read Genesis 1:26–31. What do God’s blessing, humanity’s responsibility, and the description “very good” reveal about how God views people and creation?
Read Genesis 3:1–13. How does the serpent encourage distrust of God? After the humans eat, what changes in their relationships with God and each other?
Read Hebrews 12:9–10. What does this say about the purpose of God’s discipline and the potential of humanity? How is being lovingly helped to mature different from being shamed into compliance?
Read Ephesians 1:5 and Isaiah 49:15–16. What do these passages reveal about God’s desire for us and commitment to us?

Application Questions

Take joy in the good: Where have you recently noticed goodness or beauty that you usually overlook? What could help you enjoy and give thanks for it this week?
Stand against evil: Where do you have an opportunity to resist something harmful in your own habits, your relationships, or your community? What would one concrete step toward making things right look like?
Trust in God: When you fail, are you more likely to hide, make excuses, blame someone else, or seek help? How might knowing that God wants you as his child change your response?
Bottom Line: “To God, the joy and beauty of our existence outweigh the cost of our resistance.”
What part of that is encouraging, and what part is difficult to believe? How might it change the way you treat yourself or another person?

Prayer
Invite each person to name one good thing they are thankful for and, if comfortable, one area where they need God’s help. Thank God for wanting us as his children. Ask him to help you delight in goodness, resist evil, receive his correction, and trust his faithful love.

September 27, 2026

9/26/2026

Finding Acceptance When Everyone's Watching

Icebreaker
What is one "ideal image" you had for yourself growing up? For example, someone you really wanted to be like, or something you really wanted to be.

Study Questions

Why was Jesus concerned with what the disciples were arguing about on their travels?
Why do you think Jesus used a small child as his example for the disciples?
What are your immediate reactions to Jesus' teachings in Mark and Galatians about turning away from worldly greatness and praise?

Application Questions

What currently puts pressure on you to measure up, either in church or outside it?
When have you felt most accepted in your Christian life?
How can you begin to walk with more acceptance (and more boldness)?

Prayer
Take time to ask for specific prayer requests and also pray for God to release any pressure we feel to "measure up" and look "good," and for the reality of his love to break through our patterns, our routines, our noisy culture, reminding us that we can find true acceptance through Christ.

September 20, 2026

9/19/2026

Finding Rest When You're Overwhelmed

Icebreaker
When you feel stressed, are you more likely to clean everything, eat everything, avoid everything, or try to control everything?

Study Questions

According to verse 1, what attitudes and habits does the psalmist choose to release? How might pride, haughtiness, and constantly dwelling on big complicated things contribute to feeling overwhelmed?
What do the words “I have calmed and quieted myself” suggest about our role—and God’s role—in finding peace?
Why do you think the psalmist compares himself to a weaned child rather than an infant demanding to be fed?
How does the command to hope in God “both now and forevermore” address our anxiety about both present circumstances and the future?

Application Questions

What are the earliest signs that stress is beginning to take over your thoughts, body, or behavior? How could you “catch it” sooner?
What stressful situation do you need to name honestly? Which parts can you control, and which parts do you need to release to God?
What practical boundary could help remind you, “I am not my problems; my identity is found in Christ, not my crisis”?
Which practice could help you train your heart this week: breathing prayer, Scripture, worship, Sabbath rest, wise counsel, or something else?

Prayer
Take time to ask what pressures people are feeling today—how are you feeling overwhelmed? Pray for one another to experience a calmer heart, a quieter soul, and renewed hope.

September 13, 2026

9/11/2026

FINDING PEACE
WHEN MONEY IS TIGHT

Icebreaker
What is one purchase you were convinced you needed but later wondered why you ever bought it?

Study Questions

Read Matthew 6:19–21. What are some “earthly treasures” people pursue for security, happiness, or status beyond money and possessions?
Jesus says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” How can where we invest our money, time, and energy gradually shape what we value and love?
Read Matthew 6:25–34. What does Jesus say about our needs, our heavenly Father, and the limits of worrying?
What is the difference between anxious worry that makes wise action harder and responsible concern that leads us to plan, seek help, and take faithful action?
In verse 33, Jesus contrasts “running after” material security with seeking God’s kingdom first. What might that contrast look like in someone’s everyday financial decisions?

Application Questions

When you experience financial pressure, which response comes most naturally: imagining what could go wrong, avoiding the situation, trying to control everything, or asking for help?
Which lie are you most tempted to believe during financial stress?
- "I am alone in this."
- "I must be bad with money."
- "The amount of money I have determines my worth."
- "My security depends entirely on me."
Which of the four steps would help you most right now:
1. Grounding yourself in gratitude?
2. Wrapping your worries in prayer?
3. Seeking help from your community?
4. Learning to live Jesus’ way?
What is one faithful and practical step you can take this week, such as making a budget, asking for help, simplifying, giving generously, or releasing something beyond your control to God?

Prayer
Identify the financial pressures you'd like to pray for as a group and pray for each other's requests. Thank God for the ways he has provided, and honestly name any financial pressure, fear, or shame people are carrying. Ask God for peace, wisdom, and the courage to take the next faithful step.

May 17 - ACTS: HOW THE GOSPEL CHANGED THE WORLD

5/18/2026

To the Ends of the Earth

Icebreaker
Tell us about a fun museum you've been to.

Study Questions

What do you know about the book of Acts—its connection to the Gospel of Luke, its purpose, etc.?
Read Acts 1:1–11. What stands out to you most in this passage?
Why do you think the disciples were still asking Jesus about restoring the kingdom to Israel in Acts 1:6?
Jesus told His disciples not to focus on “times or dates” but on their mission (Acts 1:7–8). Why do you think that matters for Christians today?
What do you think Jesus meant when He said the disciples would receive power through the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses?
Why do you think the two men dressed in white told the disciples that Jesus would return? There could be a connection to the parable Jesus told them in Matthew 25:14-30.

Application Questions

Have you ever treated faith more like learning about what God did in the past than expecting God to work today?
What is one way you have seen Jesus working through ordinary people?
Where might Jesus be inviting you to move from “watching to witnessing” in your everyday life?
What fear or hesitation most keeps you from sharing your faith or serving others in Jesus’ name?

Prayer Prompt
Pray that God would help you recognize where Jesus is at work around you and give you courage to move from watching to witnessing this week. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to reflect the love and Kingdom of Jesus in practical ways.

May 10 - UNEXPECTED JOY!

5/11/2026

Unexpected Joy for the Fallen

Icebreaker
What is something you tried and failed at but eventually gave another chance?
Study Questions

Read John 21:12–17. What stands out to you most about the interaction between Jesus and Peter? Why?
Peter had denied Jesus three times before the crucifixion (John 18:15-27). The Gospels all show that Jesus first appeared to the women near the tomb. Paul tells us that Jesus then appeared to Peter before the other disciples (1 Corinthians 15:5). We have no record of what Jesus or Peter said during that appearance. After that appearance, we never see Peter say anything during any of Jesus' other appearances.
1. Why do you think Jesus appeared to Peter before the disciples?
2. What do you think that first conversation was like?
3. Why do you think Peter kept quiet during the other appearances?
Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?”
1. Why do you think Jesus repeated the question?
2. What might Peter have been feeling in that moment?
3. Why do you think Jesus chose to restore Peter publicly after what had been a very public failure?
What do you think Jesus meant by “Do you love me more than these?” Do you think He was referring to Peter’s fishing life, comparing himself to the other disciples, or something else? Why?
What does this teach us about grace, forgiveness, and calling?

Application Questions

Have you ever experienced a failure that made you feel “finished” or disqualified? What helped you move forward?
Failure does not disqualify someone from following Jesus. Is that easy or hard for you to believe personally? Why?
What “other loyalties” might compete with fully trusting and following Jesus in your life right now?
Imagine yourself sitting with Jesus on the lakeshore and hearing Him ask, “Do you love me more than these?” What do you think your honest response would be?

Prayer
Take time to quietly confess any failures, regrets, or places where you feel distant from Jesus, trusting His grace and restoration. Pray for one another's needs, to receive Jesus’ grace, and to experience unexpected joy.

April 26 - MISSIONS SUNDAY

4/29/2026

IcebreakerWhat’s one practical way someone has helped you in a time of need, and how did it impact you beyond the immediate situation?
Study Questions

Read Matthew 28:16–20. What stands out to you about Jesus’ command to “go and make disciples”?
Tom and Cody emphasized that “ministries are different, but the purpose is the same.” Where did you see that idea lived out across the six mission partners we highlighted this last Sunday?
Looking at Jesus Driven, how does meeting practical needs (like car repair) open doors for spiritual conversations and discipleship?
What does the work of LightSys Technology Services teach us about using professional skills (like technology) for God’s kingdom?
How does the mission of Alaska Christian College reflect both discipleship and justice, especially in serving students from underserved communities?
What challenges do you notice in the global ministries (the Pauls in Haiti, the Isazas in Colombia, and Marta Klein in Cameroon), and how do those challenges deepen your understanding of what it costs to follow Jesus in different contexts?

Application Questions

Which mission partner or story impacted you the most, and why do you think it resonated with you personally?
Where do you see opportunities in your own life to live out the Great Commission right where you are (work, neighborhood, relationships)?
The team emphasized that mission isn’t just “out there” but also something we support through prayer, giving, and serving here. Which of those feels like your next step?
What is one specific way you (or your group) could support one of these mission partners this week through prayer, encouragement, or action?

PrayerSpend time praying for one local partner and one global partner, asking God to provide strength, safety, resources, and open hearts—and to show you how to participate in His mission.

April 12 - BAPTISM SUNDAY

4/13/2026

Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ!

Icebreaker
What’s something you thought was finished or “over”… but somehow kept showing back up in your life?
Study Questions

In Romans 6:1–2, Paul asks, “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?” Why do you think some people might think that way, and how does Paul respond?
According to Romans 6:3–5, what does baptism represent about our relationship with Jesus? What stands out to you about being “united with” Him?
In verses 6–7, what does Paul say has happened to our “old self”? What does it mean that we are “no longer slaves to sin”?
How do verses 8–10 describe Jesus’ relationship to sin and death now? What does that imply about our new life in Him?
What do you think Paul means when he says we should “live a new life” (v. 4)? What might that have looked like for the Romans?

Application Questions

What is one lie, habit, or part of your “old self” that still tries to define you today? What would it look like to say, “That version of me is dead”?
How does remembering your baptism (or thinking about being baptized) change the way you see yourself today?
Where is one area of your life where you sense God inviting you to “live like someone who’s alive” this week?
If you have not been baptized, what questions or hesitations do you have about taking that step? If you have been baptized, how can you continue to live out what your baptism represents?

Prayer
Ask God to help you see yourself as dead to sin and alive in Christ, and to give you the strength to walk in that new life each day. Pray for one another to experience freedom, transformation, and courage to take the next step of faith.

April 5 - EASTER SUNDAY

4/8/2026

Unexpected Joy!

Icebreaker
Share about a time you received news that felt too good to be true—what made it so surprising?
Study Questions

Read Matthew 28:1–8. What emotions do you notice in the women at the tomb, and why do you think they experienced both fear and joy at the same time?
Why would the resurrection have felt “too good to be true” for Jesus’ followers based on what they had just experienced?
Which piece of evidence for the resurrection (empty tomb, eyewitnesses, transformed disciples) stands out most to you, and why?
According to Romans 8:1–2, 11-12, 14, what changes for someone who is “in Christ Jesus,” and what does that mean practically?
How does the idea that “sin is no longer your king, but you’re still on the battlefield” help explain the ongoing struggle with sin?

Application Questions

Where in your life do you need to experience the “unexpected joy” of Jesus right now?
In what ways have you been tempted to let your past or your sin define you, and how does the resurrection challenge that?
What is one step you can take this week to live more fully under Jesus as your King rather than sin or fear?
How can you actively participate in Jesus’ mission to bring change to the world (loving neighbors, seeking justice, showing mercy)?

Prayer
Proclaim your faith in Jesus and thank God for the unexpected joy of his resurrection. Ask for help to conquer sin like Jesus and to change the world with the gospel and teachings of Jesus as his followers.

March 28 - PALM SUNDAY

4/1/2026

Peace in the Wilderness

Icebreaker
What’s something you once thought would bring you peace but didn’t or no longer does?
Study Questions

In Luke 19:41–44, what stands out to you about Jesus’ emotional response to Jerusalem, and why do you think He wept?
Why was Jerusalem facing destruction, and what does it mean that they “did not recognize the time of God’s coming”?
How does the historical context (oppressive empires, internal division, violence, and rebellion) help us better understand Jesus’ warning about where their peace would come from?
What kind of “peace” were the people expecting, and how was Jesus’ vision of peace different?
Which of Jesus’ teachings (turn the other cheek, love your neighbors and your enemies, seek God's kingdom, etc.) feels most challenging—and why?

Application Questions

When you think about your own life, where are you tempted to seek peace through control, comfort, or being right instead of through surrender to Jesus?
What would it look like for you to more fully trust Jesus as King—not just in belief, but in daily decisions?
Where might God be inviting you to take one small step of obedience today (leting go, forgiveness, reconciliation, trust, etc.)?
As a group or church, how can we pursue the kind of peace Jesus offers rather than the kind the world pursues?

Prayer
Ask God to reveal where you are seeking peace apart from Him and to help you trust Jesus as King in your daily life. Pray for the courage to follow His way of peace through surrender, obedience, and love for others.

<<Previous

October 4, 2026

Why Did God Create Us Knowing We Would Sin?

September 27, 2026

Finding Acceptance When Everyone's Watching

September 20, 2026

Finding Rest When You're Overwhelmed

September 13, 2026

FINDING PEACE
WHEN MONEY IS TIGHT

May 17 - ACTS: HOW THE GOSPEL CHANGED THE WORLD

To the Ends of the Earth

May 10 - UNEXPECTED JOY!

Unexpected Joy for the Fallen

April 26 - MISSIONS SUNDAY

April 12 - BAPTISM SUNDAY

Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ!

April 5 - EASTER SUNDAY

Unexpected Joy!

March 28 - PALM SUNDAY

Peace in the Wilderness

ABOUT

CATEGORIES

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP
9:30 AM

Why Did God Create Us Knowing We Would Sin?

Finding Acceptance When Everyone's Watching

Finding Rest When You're Overwhelmed

FINDING PEACE​WHEN MONEY IS TIGHT

To the Ends of the Earth

Unexpected Joy for the Fallen

Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ!

Unexpected Joy!

Peace in the Wilderness

ABOUT

CATEGORIES

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP9:30 AM

FINDING PEACE
WHEN MONEY IS TIGHT

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP
9:30 AM