Blackstone 2016 Family Group Material
Friday Evening
“I AM the Door”
Opening Prayer
Game: Crossword Names
Give a pen and paper to each person in your group. Ask them to write their first name in capitals, in the middle of the paper. Each person then moves around the room, inviting others (including leaders) to attach their name, where the first letter matches a letter on the paper. The names are then added like a branching crossword puzzle. The person who is able to attach the most names in the given time is the winner.
Introduction:
1. Life is full of decisions and your decisions will shape your life
Proverbs 3:13-17 Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying.
2. Jesus is the door to abundant life
John 10:7-10 So Jesus again said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
3. Jesus is knocking on your door
Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
Card Activity for the Cross
Each of you has a card that we encourage you to use to help you think about our family group time. I’m going to ask a question - think about the question for a while and then answer it on your card. You can answer with words or with a drawing or some other way. Be creative! After each session we’ll have a question to answer on a card.
First Question: Jesus is knocking on your door. Why are you here on this retreat?
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Saturday Morning
“I AM the Good Shepherd"
Family Group based on John 10:11-16
Opening Prayer
Game: This or That
Have everyone sit in a circle. The first person says two things that are related (for example- “chicken or steak”). The next person has 3 seconds to choose one of those items that they prefer, plus a new item that is related (In the example above, they might say “pork” or “fish”). The next person has 3 seconds to choose one of those items and add a new one, and so forth.
Introduction
We’re going to learn a little about sheep and sheep herding today :)
Sheep are unintelligent and need a shepherd. If undirected, they will wander away, get lost, fall off a cliff, etc.
Even though sheep aren’t the smartest animals, they learn to recognize their shepherd.
Watch this two minute clip of how sheep respond to their shepherd:
http://tinyurl.com/blackstonesheep
Read John 10:11-16
In this scripture Jesus is the shepherd we are the sheep.
1. How can you relate the video to the scripture?
2. What does this scripture say to you?
3. In verse 12, the hired hand runs away, and the sheep are vulnerable to attack from the wolf. What does the wolf represent? Where do you feel “the wolf” can be a threat in your life? Others’ lives?
4. Jesus is the shepherd because He knows His sheep and they know Him. (v. 14) Why do we need a shepherd? Describe a time in your life when you knew God was giving you direction or “herding” you as your shepherd? Imagine life without a shepherd and compare to your life with a shepherd.
5. Jesus is the shepherd because he wants to bring in all sheep to his fold. (v. 16) Who are His sheep? Who are NOT His sheep? How can Jesus use me/us to help him bring in new sheep?
Conclusion
When is it important to lean on this scripture or remember this scripture?
For the index cards for the cross: “Where do I need guidance right now?”
Closing prayer (praying for herding people into the flock, notice when people need guidance, rejecting the wolf/evil)
If time allows, you can play Find the Shepherd
A moderator secretly picks a person to be the “wink shepherd” while everyone’s eyes are closed. Once a wink shepherd has been selected and everyone is ready to play, the game begins. Everyone stands up and wanders around the room, making conversation. Each person must make eye contact with each other. The wink shepherd must try to wink at other people.
If a person receives a wink from the shepherd, that person must “become a sheep” by beginning to say “Baaaaa.” S/he is allowed to wait a few seconds in order to make it harder to tell who the shepherd is. The sheep must leave the game and play resumes. If a person thinks that he or she knows who the shepherd is, he or she can raise their hand and say “I know!” The accuser says the name of the person they suspect is the shepherd. The accused must say “yes” (they are the shepherd) or “no” (they are not). If correct, the shepherd has been successfully caught and the round is over (a win for the people). If the accusation is incorrect, the accuser must leave the game as penalty. The game continues until the shepherd is identified or there is only one mingler left.
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Saturday Evening
“I AM the Way the Truth and the Life”
Introduction
Illustration - “Whoever buys my son gets everything”
A story -
I once heard about a wealthy English baron called Mr. Fitzgerald. This man had one son. His son left home and, while he was away from home, died. Mr. Fitzgerald never got over this loss, but as his wealth increased, he invested in very valuable paintings by the ‘old masters’.When he died, his will called for all the paintings to be sold. He had such a great collection, collectors and museum representatives came from all over the world to attend the auction. Before it began, the lawyer read from Fitzgerald’s will, and it said this: ‘The first painting to be sold in this auction is a portrait of my beloved son.’ The portrait was by an unknown painter, it was poor quality. Only one person even bothered to bid for it – somebody who’d worked for the family and who’d known and loved the boy. He bought it for sentimental value and for the memories it held. Then the lawyer said, ‘I must now read the second clause of the will. It says this: “Whoever buys My Son gets everything.” The auction is over.’ The man who bought the painting of the son was given everything.
1. Jesus doesn’t want our hearts to be troubled
John 14:1 "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.
2. Jesus has prepared a place for us
John 14:2-4 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going."
Revelation 21:1-5 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
3. Jesus is the only way
John 14:5-7 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."
For the index cards for the cross: “Is anything keeping you from the Way, the Truth and the Life?”
\f
Sunday Morning
“How will you shine your light for God?”
Friday Evening
“I AM the Door”
Opening Prayer
Game: Crossword Names
Give a pen and paper to each person in your group. Ask them to write their first name in capitals, in the middle of the paper. Each person then moves around the room, inviting others (including leaders) to attach their name, where the first letter matches a letter on the paper. The names are then added like a branching crossword puzzle. The person who is able to attach the most names in the given time is the winner.
Introduction:
- We’re glad you are here
- This is going to be a great weekend
- [Share about how you were impacted on a previous retreat at Blackstone or some other retreat]
- If you have any questions or concerns during the weekend you can come to your family group leaders
- You won’t be pressured to do anything you don’t want to do
- The family groups are intended to be place where we can support one another
- Feel free to share what is going on your life
- Tonight’s family group is about “I AM the Door”
1. Life is full of decisions and your decisions will shape your life
- What are some decisions that you made today?
- Has there ever been a time when you had to make a big decision? Were you happy with your decision?
- Read Proverbs 3:13-17
Proverbs 3:13-17 Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying.
- What does the Bible say about wisdom?
- How can you tell when someone has made a wise decision?
- How could wisdom (or the lack of it) shape your life and future?
2. Jesus is the door to abundant life
- Think about your room at home. Have you decorated the door to your room? What do you have on it?
- What is special about your room? Is it a place where you feel comfortable and can relax? Why?
- Read John 10:7-10
John 10:7-10 So Jesus again said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
- In this passage, Jesus makes the claim that He is the door. Who is he the door for?
- Jesus says that if someone enters by him that they will find something. What will they find?
- In verse 10 Jesus compares himself to a thief. What does the thief want to do? What does Jesus want to do?
- What would it look like for your life to be abundant or full? What would make you happy?
3. Jesus is knocking on your door
- Read Rev 3:20
Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
- In this passage, Jesus is talking and he makes a promise. What is the promise?
- He uses the word “anyone”. In other words, Jesus is knocking on everyone’s door, no matter what they have done or how they feel.
- Jesus says that if someone opens the door to him that he will eat with him. Do you like to eat? Is it better to have a meal by yourself or with your friends? Why?
- Jesus is saying that if you open the door to him he will be your friend
- If you take the passage from John 10 and from Revelation 3 together, it means that Jesus wants to be your friend and he wants you to have abundant life!
- He also says that a person has to open the door to him. Jesus will never force anyone to be his friend or to open the door for him.
- During this weekend you will have an opportunity to open the door of your life to Jesus. Perhaps it will be for the first time or perhaps you will re-open the door to him.
Card Activity for the Cross
Each of you has a card that we encourage you to use to help you think about our family group time. I’m going to ask a question - think about the question for a while and then answer it on your card. You can answer with words or with a drawing or some other way. Be creative! After each session we’ll have a question to answer on a card.
First Question: Jesus is knocking on your door. Why are you here on this retreat?
\f
Saturday Morning
“I AM the Good Shepherd"
Family Group based on John 10:11-16
Opening Prayer
Game: This or That
Have everyone sit in a circle. The first person says two things that are related (for example- “chicken or steak”). The next person has 3 seconds to choose one of those items that they prefer, plus a new item that is related (In the example above, they might say “pork” or “fish”). The next person has 3 seconds to choose one of those items and add a new one, and so forth.
Introduction
We’re going to learn a little about sheep and sheep herding today :)
Sheep are unintelligent and need a shepherd. If undirected, they will wander away, get lost, fall off a cliff, etc.
Even though sheep aren’t the smartest animals, they learn to recognize their shepherd.
Watch this two minute clip of how sheep respond to their shepherd:
http://tinyurl.com/blackstonesheep
Read John 10:11-16
In this scripture Jesus is the shepherd we are the sheep.
1. How can you relate the video to the scripture?
2. What does this scripture say to you?
3. In verse 12, the hired hand runs away, and the sheep are vulnerable to attack from the wolf. What does the wolf represent? Where do you feel “the wolf” can be a threat in your life? Others’ lives?
4. Jesus is the shepherd because He knows His sheep and they know Him. (v. 14) Why do we need a shepherd? Describe a time in your life when you knew God was giving you direction or “herding” you as your shepherd? Imagine life without a shepherd and compare to your life with a shepherd.
5. Jesus is the shepherd because he wants to bring in all sheep to his fold. (v. 16) Who are His sheep? Who are NOT His sheep? How can Jesus use me/us to help him bring in new sheep?
Conclusion
When is it important to lean on this scripture or remember this scripture?
For the index cards for the cross: “Where do I need guidance right now?”
Closing prayer (praying for herding people into the flock, notice when people need guidance, rejecting the wolf/evil)
If time allows, you can play Find the Shepherd
A moderator secretly picks a person to be the “wink shepherd” while everyone’s eyes are closed. Once a wink shepherd has been selected and everyone is ready to play, the game begins. Everyone stands up and wanders around the room, making conversation. Each person must make eye contact with each other. The wink shepherd must try to wink at other people.
If a person receives a wink from the shepherd, that person must “become a sheep” by beginning to say “Baaaaa.” S/he is allowed to wait a few seconds in order to make it harder to tell who the shepherd is. The sheep must leave the game and play resumes. If a person thinks that he or she knows who the shepherd is, he or she can raise their hand and say “I know!” The accuser says the name of the person they suspect is the shepherd. The accused must say “yes” (they are the shepherd) or “no” (they are not). If correct, the shepherd has been successfully caught and the round is over (a win for the people). If the accusation is incorrect, the accuser must leave the game as penalty. The game continues until the shepherd is identified or there is only one mingler left.
\f
Saturday Evening
“I AM the Way the Truth and the Life”
Introduction
- In tonight’s family group we will talk about how Jesus is the only way to the abundant life that God has for us.
- You will have an opportunity tonight to respond to whatever God has been saying to you this weekend.
- Think about what God may be saying to you and get ready!
- [The Leader may want to share about previous experiences of Saturday night at Blackstone]
Illustration - “Whoever buys my son gets everything”
A story -
I once heard about a wealthy English baron called Mr. Fitzgerald. This man had one son. His son left home and, while he was away from home, died. Mr. Fitzgerald never got over this loss, but as his wealth increased, he invested in very valuable paintings by the ‘old masters’.When he died, his will called for all the paintings to be sold. He had such a great collection, collectors and museum representatives came from all over the world to attend the auction. Before it began, the lawyer read from Fitzgerald’s will, and it said this: ‘The first painting to be sold in this auction is a portrait of my beloved son.’ The portrait was by an unknown painter, it was poor quality. Only one person even bothered to bid for it – somebody who’d worked for the family and who’d known and loved the boy. He bought it for sentimental value and for the memories it held. Then the lawyer said, ‘I must now read the second clause of the will. It says this: “Whoever buys My Son gets everything.” The auction is over.’ The man who bought the painting of the son was given everything.
- Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God … all these things will be given to you.” Matthew 6:33
- If we live for Jesus, then we will not miss out on life - in fact our lives will be as full as they could possibly be
1. Jesus doesn’t want our hearts to be troubled
- Read John 14:1
John 14:1 "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.
- What does it mean to have a troubled heart? Has there ever been a time when your heart was troubled? If you are willing, share.
- One of the hardest parts of feeling really down or troubled is that it seems like nobody cares. In this verse Jesus lets us know that he doesn’t want us to be troubled - he actually does care.
- Many times when our hearts are really troubled, we may be tempted to blame God or perhaps just ignore him. If we know that he cares when we are troubled, it should make it easier to go to God when we need him.
- How can God help you when your heart is really troubled?
2. Jesus has prepared a place for us
- Read John 14:2-4
John 14:2-4 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going."
- Jesus said this right before he died on the cross. He was talking about his Father’s house in heaven.
- What do you think heaven is like?
- Why do you think that Jesus wants to prepare a place for us there?
- It’s hard to know exactly what heaven is like but the next passage gives us an idea:
- Read Revelation 21:1-5
Revelation 21:1-5 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
- What are some parts of that passage that jump out at you?
- What will be in heaven? What will NOT be in heaven?
3. Jesus is the only way
- Read John 14:5-7
John 14:5-7 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."
- Thomas asked a very reasonable question. “If you have prepared a place for us, Jesus, how do we get there?” Thomas was looking for GPS directions or a map. He wanted to know the way. How did Jesus reply?
- The way to heaven isn’t a road or anything like that. The way is a person - Jesus.
- How is Jesus the way to heaven?
- Jesus said that no one can come to his Father except through him. Why do you think he would say such a thing? Do you agree with him?
- We started this session with a story about a man who said, “Whoever buys my son gets everything.” You don’t have to wait for heaven to “get everything.” Jesus wants you to have a full and abundant life here on earth. How could Jesus be the way to an abundant life in your home? At school? With your friends?
For the index cards for the cross: “Is anything keeping you from the Way, the Truth and the Life?”
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Sunday Morning
“How will you shine your light for God?”
