Laity Sunday

Week 3 – Laity Sunday

Jeremiah 31:27-34; Psalm 119:97-104 or Psalm 19; 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5; Luke 18:1-8

Fellowship – Snacks (10 minutes)

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). In pairs or groups of three, discuss the following: Name a person, not a pastor, who positively influenced your faith the most.

Read: Luke 18:1-8

• As a group, work to define the word “witness” as it is used in church (as opposed to how the word “witness” is used in legal settings). [For help, think about the Gospel of Luke; consider how the disciples were witnesses to the person and ministry of Jesus.]
• How is the widow a witness for justice? [She articulated her case. She advocated with perseverance, even when the judge refused.]
• How would being a witness against injustice be familiar to everyday life in Israel at the time of Jesus? [Everyday Jews lived under the oppressive and unjust policies of the Romans.]
• What does this parable teach us about God? [Though we pray and nothing may seem to happen as a result, God is a god of justice.]
• What does it mean to be called “of God”? Where do we find our calling? [All Christians, by virtue of their baptisms, are called to love God and love our neighbor.] Read sections 4-8 of the baptismal covenant: https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/the-baptismal-covenant-i (also found in the United Methodist Hymnal). Discuss the baptismal promises and how we can live those out in our everyday lives.
• How is your church being a witness for justice? Why will this call to be a witness for justice be a continual role for the church?

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). End by praying the following or similar prayer: