Community Circle Inspiration Resource

You DO NOT need to use all or any of this. You can pick or choose or use it for inspiration for something else or take it in a completely different direction. Your groups are all meeting in different ways. Some via phone calls or texts, some via email, and some through virtual meetings. So, use this as is helpful. The main goal of these groups is connection and sense of community. If these resources help you have a deeper and more fruitful conversation or sharing – then great. New information will be added by Wednesday.  Pastor Tad Monroe

September 30, 2020

Genesis 50: 15-21( talk about Joseph’s story if you can)
Realizing that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers said, ‘What if Joseph still bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong that we did to him?’ So they approached Joseph, saying, ‘Your father gave this instruction before he died, “Say to Joseph: I beg you, forgive the crime of your brothers and the wrong they did in harming you.” Now therefore please forgive the crime of the servants of the God of your father.’ Joseph wept when they spoke to him. Then his brothers also wept, fell down before him, and said, ‘We are here as your slaves.’ But Joseph said to them, ‘Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God? Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones.’ In this way he reassured them, speaking kindly to them.

Questions: 

1. Joseph’s story and this poem both carry within them the theme of survival. What are your stories of survival and what have you learned from those experiences?

2. There is a saying, “I want to do more than just survive.” Are you just surviving right now or are you thriving in some ways as well? Please share.

3. What meaning do you take from the line in Lorde’s poem, “We were never meant to survive?”

4. Joseph’s story is a crazy one. His life completely fell apart. He just kind of stayed the course. Joseph simply did what he could, he focused on what was in front of him, used his gift, relied on God. What can we learn about how to live in a “time such as this” from Joseph’s story?

5. ​Are you someone who lives more in the past, the present, or the future? Please describe. What are the pros and cons to a past, present, and future minded focus?