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Scriptures that go with the Chapter 16: Psalm 34:1-18 Matthew 1:1-17 Luke 2:8-20 Questions from Chapter 16 1. What one though or idea from today's lesson especially intrigued, provoked, disturbed, challenged, encouraged, warmed, warned, helped, or surprised you? 2. Share a story about a shady or colorful character from your family history. 3. How do you respond to this approach to the meaning of "son of God"? 4. For children: Imagine you are a shepherd in the time of Jesus. What do you think your life would be like? 5. Look for surprising people to whom you can show uncommon respect and unexpected kindness. We are so grateful to have Brian's permission to bring the project to life. You can thank him by visiting his website: https://brianmclaren.net/. Ask me if you want some additional book recommendations by Brian! Visit St. John's Website. https://www.stjohnsumc.com/

Find out more at https://www.stjohnsumc.com/

Find out more at https://www.stjohnsumc.com/

Scriptures that go with the Chapter 16: Jeremiah 32:31-35 Micah 5:2-5a Matthew 1:18-2:15 Questions from Chapter 16 1. What one though or idea from today's lesson especially intrigued, provoked, disturbed, challenged, encouraged, warmed, warned, helped, or surprised you? 2. Share a story about a time when you were a child and an adult other than a parent showed you great respect or kindness. 3. How do you respond to Matthew's deicison to inlcude this story that none of the other gospels recount? 4. For children: If you could ask grown-ups to do one thing to help kids, what would it be? 5. This week, try to lookk at personal and political situations from the vantage pont of how they will affect children and their mothers. We are so grateful to have Brian's permission to bring the project to life. You can thank him by visiting his website: https://brianmclaren.net/. Ask me if you want some additional book recommendations by Brian! Visit St. John's Website. https://www.stjohnsumc.com/

Find out more at https://www.stjohnsumc.com/

Find out more at https://www.stjohnsumc.com/

Scriptures that go with the Chapter 15: Luke 1:5-55 Isaiah 7:14, 9:2-7 Romans 12:1-2 Questions from Chapter 15 1. What one though or idea from today's lesson especially intrigued, provoked, disturbed, challenged, encouraged, warmed, warned, helped, or surprised you? 2. Share a story about a woman in your life who had a powerful influence. 3. How do you respond to these reflections on the meaning of the virgin birth? 4. For children: Tell us about a time you were surprised in a good and happy way. 5. Start each day this week putting Mary's prayer of commitment and surrender, "Let it be to me according to your will," into your own words. Let this be a week of presenting your life to God so that "holy aliveness" grows in you. We are so grateful to have Brian's permission to bring the project to life. You can thank him by visiting his website: https://brianmclaren.net/. Ask me if you want some additional book recommendations by Brian! Visit St. John's Website. https://www.stjohnsumc.com/

Find out more at https://www.stjohnsumc.com/