Fellowship Groups
Week beginning 12^th September 2011

Introduction:
Each year in the parish sermons in the month of September reflect one of the
church priorities: Dependence on God. We touched on Prayer two years ago, Bible
Reading last year and this year we are focussing on God’s generosity in
providing for us all. Included in this is the need for us to becoming generous
people.

While there are some plain truths in scripture there are
several areas in the application of those scriptures which are not clear at
all, and open to debate. This evening’s study gives us permission to debate
some of these, hopefully without creating division.

Welcome: use the above introduction to set the scene
and then Pray

Bible Reading: 2
Corinthians 8.1-15

The ESV title to this section is ‘Encouragement to give generously’. Let’s look for words &
phrases that Paul uses to commend both the Macedonians (about whom he was writing) and the Corinthians (to whom he was writing). Form a list
from all the answers given for use later.

Discussion Point One:
Reporting/Recording Giving

In Matthew 6.3 Jesus said “When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your
right hand is doing”. What does this ‘saying’ mean for reporting/recording
giving?

In Matthew 5:16 Jesus said: “.. let your light
shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father
in heaven. What does this ‘saying’ mean for
reporting/recording giving?

If Gift Aid requires us to
record and report our giving, does this square with these verses?

Does the necessity to obey government laws supersede our desire to obey Jesus
teaching?

Discussion Point Two:
Lotteries and Ballots

The Bible acknowledges the use of ballots to discern God’s
will (see the choice of Matthias as the replacement for Judas as an apostle,
and Urim/Thummin, a device used in OT to discern God’s choice, e.g. Urim and
Thummin. [look up one or two of these: Exodus 28:29-30; Numbers 27:21, 1Samuel
14:36-42; Proverbs 16:33; Jonah 1:7; Acts 1:26] No such process is used after
Pentecost.

Archbishop John Sentamu reckons that Christians can make
better use of Lottery Money than non-Christians, as we have the mind of Christ,
so he advocates its use in lots of situations (though not all) We read: “The Archbishop
of York, said it was wonderful the Minster was to receive the lottery funding.”

The National Lottery is a means of raising public money for
use on good projects which would otherwise not have funding. The criteria for
its use allows for places of public worship to benefit with certain provisions.

Is there a place for a local church raising funds via
lottery funding or ballots?

What use (if any) can Christians make of the National Lottery Funds for worthy
projects?

Fellowship Prayer:
you have a list of qualities of the Macedonians and the Corinthians [Words like
overflowing joy, rich generosity, pleading for the privilege of sharing. Excel,
etc, etc.]. Using the first names of people present in the room and other
Christians in the church, pray along these lines: “Lord, help John to overflow
in generosity” or ask members of the group to identify particular qualities
that they feel they lack and say.. Lord, help me to excel in my faith and my
giving’

Community Prayer:
local churches and denominations are divided about issues concerning how money
is raised, how giving is reported and the use or non-use of ballots, and
Lottery type funding. Pray that God would shine his light and his truth to help
his disciples see:

How best to raise funds for the
Lord’s work

How to reflect biblical principles in a world of financial scrutiny,

When and where different sources of funding can and cannot be used.

As a fresh initiative for young people we would
value prayer support from across the parish family.

We thank Ashley, Lisa and the organising team for their efforts. But most of all we thank members of the community who have rummaged over the summer and come up with a great total. Well done.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/15246078/1109%20dcrock%20resources.docx

These are resources in use by the new D C Rock team in September 2011. Contact Fiona or Stephen for further details.