Introduction & ice breaker
Hardest part of Lent so far...
What I’ve realized about myself is...
Themes to Consider
Christ as revelation of God
No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known. —John 1:18
A revelation creates in us a passion and longing for kingdom and home
Perseverance
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. —James 1:4 NIV
Practices
Inhale: Meditate - Consider the shape God’s grace has taken for you in the last 12 months.
Exhale: Embrace discomfort this week in an attempt to love and serve a neigbor practically.
Discussion Questions
What does the revelation in this letter show you about God?
What comforts does Jesus want you to consider giving up in order to serve others?
To which injustices around you in our world are you indifferent because you are comfortable?
Guided Prayer
May God bless you with a restless discomfort about easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships, so that you may seek truth boldly and love deep within your heart.
May God bless you with holy anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may tirelessly work for justice, freedom, and peace among all people.
May God bless you with the gift of tears to shed with those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, or the loss of all that they cherish, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and transform their pain into joy.
May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you really CAN make a difference in this world, so that you are able, with God’s grace, to do what others claim cannot be done.
And the blessing of God the Supreme Majesty and our Creator, Jesus Christ the Incarnate Word who is our brother and Saviour, and the Holy Spirit, our Advocate and Guide, be with you and remain with you, this day and forevermore.
Amen.
Supplemental Content
“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. “‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Revelation 3:1-6
Matthew 11: 25-27
Luke 10: 21-24
Prophetic Charge
To the church at Brooklyn:
You have done good deeds. You have built something that wasn’t there before. You have birthed a spiritual refuge, gathered to lift up my Name, and planted church homes that have served my people for years. You have brought many together and created a life-giving community.
Yet...
I urge you not to forget your mission. Do not become too easily satisfied with what you have started when there is work unfinished. The harvest is plenty but the workers are few. “Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold fast and repent”. Because of love, continue to receive my dreams for flourishing for all New Yorkers, and work toward the renewal of all things.
Imagine what Heaven manifesting in Brooklyn might look like, specifically. What does it look like on your block, at your workplace, in your family, with your neighbors? Release your skepticism and receive my longing, hear my heart for nothing is impossible with God.
Together, you are members of one body, each an important part of a beautiful whole. Go and spread My love! And know that I am with you always. May it be in Brooklyn as it is in Heaven.
(Authored by deacons and leaders of Trinity Grace Church)
