Mercy - Part 3
Sunday, November 12, 2023
Main text: James 1:27
A few side texts you can explore during group:
Isaiah 1:17 (Caring for widows in your midst)
Exodus 2 (Moses being saved out of the Hebrew male child purge)
Discuss the takeaways:
Why caring for orphans and widows matters
391,000 children in foster care in our country today.
139 children in Greene county in 2022 needing foster care
What the Bible has to say about it
How we can respond (see below)
How we can respond:
Widows/Widowers
Remember memories and places that are hard for those who have lost a spouse.
When someone you know loses a spouse, put the date in your calendar.
Look after them on the anniversaries, on the birthdays, and holidays.
Continue to support widows/widowers here at our church in tangible ways.
Orphans/Vulnerable children
We need to pray for case-workers in the trenches
Right now there are 16 kids in Greene County who need a forever home
Support foster/adoptive parents
Support a ministry: “Called to care”
Questions for greater discussion
What is an orphan or a widow? How should we understand these terms in our current context?
Rob said in his sermon, “sometimes God wants your two inches even if it seems insignificant.” What are some ways you can get rid of excuses to do something the Lord is calling you to do? (Luke 9:23 here might be a good side passage to explore).
What does it mean to be a spiritual orphan? What are some implications of our adoption into the family of God? (Ephesians 1:5)
How is God prompting you to participate in helping hurting children in our community around us? Are you considering joining a care team for ‘called to care’ or becoming a foster family?
If you or someone in your group is feeling prompted to participate in mercy ministry:
For more information, go to: https://www.ubcbeavercreek.com/mercy-ministry
To sign up, go to: https://ubc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/91207
For all other inquires, email: aldin.fafulovic@ubcbeavercreek.com
Pray for one another and close it out!