Much of the Christian experience is more of a both/and than an either/or. In some ways it can feel like contradiction, and yet seeming opposites are often held together in both scripture and life. Save your life by losing it? The foolishness of the cross is the wisdom of God? Unless a seed dies it cannot bear fruit? And so this Lent at Trinity, we’ll head out on a journey to meet God and each other in the midst of the “both/and.” Lenten Groups begin the week of February 14, and will meet weekly for six weeks.
To join a group, click here.
Week of February 14
Wilderness//Transformation
Mark 1:9–15
Open with Prayer
Introductions | Especially if a group is meeting for the first time
Warm-up Question
Have you had a wilderness experience where you spent several days alone? Have you been on a silent retreat? What was it like? What did you learn?
Watch Video | “Feel What You Feel,” Dale Ryan, The Work of the People (6 min)
Read | Mark 1:9–15
Questions | Leaders, feel free to pick and choose.
What does it mean to you that the “Spirit descended like a dove”? Why the dove image?
What is the importance of a “voice from heaven” and the message given to Jesus? Do you think God says the same thing about us? How do you know?
What do you make of Satan’s temptations and the angels attending to him?
Why did Jesus wait until John was in prison before starting his ministry? What is the significance if any?
Jesus’ message: “the kingdom is near, repent and believe the good news.” What does he mean? Does it affect you and how?
What do you hope to do or change in the lenten season?
Pray Together
Play Song (Silent Reflection) | “Dust We Are & Shall Return,” The Brilliance
Invite people to participate in the Wilderness Walk next week.
Week of February 21
Saving//Losing
Mark 8:31–38
Open with Prayer
Warm-up Question
Have you been asked to do something that you didn’t think you could do? What and what happened?
Watch Video | “Lent & Dying to Self,” Diana Butler Bass, The Work of the People
Read | Mark 8:31–38
Questions
Scholars have argued about when Jesus became aware of who he was and what his mission was to be. He is very clear in this story about the road ahead for him and his followers.
Why do you think Peter had such a hard time with what Jesus said?
Does Jesus’ response seem harsh? Why or why not?
What does Jesus mean “take up your cross?
In what ways do we try to save our lives? Examples.
How do you interpret “losing you life and finding it”? Is Jesus only talking about eternal life?
Have you ever been ashamed that you were a follower of Jesus? What does the word “ashamed” mean to you?
Play Song (Silent Reflection) | “Empty Me Out,” Liz Vice
Pray Together
Week of February 28
Foolishness//Wisdom
1 Corinthians 1:18–25
Open with Prayer
Warm-up Questions
Have there been times when you felt foolish? What happened and why did you feel that way? Does faith in general feel foolish at times? Why?
Read | 1 Corinthians 1:18–25
Watch Video | “The Word of the Cross,” Christena Cleveland
Questions
How is it that the cross is “power” for those who are being saved? What does saved mean?
Likewise, why is Christ crucified a stumbling block for many people? Or seem foolish?
Has the gospel been a stumbling block or foolish for you at times?
Does it seem like Jesus is the power and wisdom of God? To those in the church and those who are not a part of the church?
In your experience how do you live in this paradox of foolishness and wisdom?
Play Song (Silent Reflection) | “God’s Own Fool,” Michael Card
Pray Together
Invite group to experience the outdoor Labyrinth at Trinity next week at Trinity.
Week of March 7
Suffering//Healing
Numbers 21:4–9 & John 3:14–21
Open with Prayer
Watch video | “Pain to Possibility,” Marlon Hall
Questions to Consider:
Do you like or dislike snakes? Why?
Read | Numbers 21:4–9 and John 3:14–21
Questions to Consider:
Why do you think the Israelites rebelled against God and Moses when they had what the needed?
Do you think God sent the snakes or that is how the people understood their presence as punishment?
Have you thought God was afflicting you or your family because of something you felt guilty about?
Why do you think God chose the image of what was threatening them to be the symbol of their healing? Can you think of other examples where God uses something hard to bring something good?
Jesus uses this image too in John's gospel. What does the word “believe” mean in this context and what does it mean to you?
Does it ring true that people like the darkness of evil deeds rather than light?
How does the truth bring us to the light? What is the result of seeing the light?
Play Song (Silent reflection): “O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus,” Audrey Assad
Pray Together
Invite people to Healing service next week in the Sanctuary, March 18, 6–7p.m. Sign-up for time on link in eNews.
Week of March 14
Buried//Fruit
John 12:20–33
Opening Prayer
Watch Video | “The Ultimate Act of Love,” Brene Brown
Read | John 12:20–33
Questions
Do you like the metephone of a seed dying to bring life?
What does it mean to either love or hate one's life?
Who is the “Prince of this world”? Is Jesus using it to help us understand evil in our time? Or for some other reason?
Is Jesus correct in saying if he dies “all” people will be drawn to him? What does he mean?
Play Song (Silent Reflection) | “Be Thou My Vision,” Visual Liturgy
Prayer Together
Invite group to plant seeds from lenten bag this week.
Week of March 21
Hosanna//Crucify
Mark 11:1–11
Open with Prayer
Warm-up Questions
What is the first parade you saw or were involved in? What was the experience like? Have you been accused of something you didn’t do or seemed unfair?
Read | Mark 11:1–11
Questions
What stand out to you? What catches your attention?
What is the purpose of Jesus entry into Jerusalem on a colt? (young donkey)
“Hosanna” means “save” then became an expression of praise. How did the people know about Jesus and why do you think they responded in this way? What were they hoping for?
If you were there watching the parade, what would you be thinking or doing?
Read | Mark 15:1–15
Questions
What stands out to you in this passage?
What was significant about Pilot’s question to Jesus in verse 2?
According to Matthew’s gospel, Jesus is accused of not paying taxes to Caesar and claiming to be Christ and King of the Jews, Why do you think he makes no reply to the charges?
What causes the turn around in people’s attitude toward Jesus?
Do you wonder what Barabas thought about Jesus? What do you think?
Why does this event seem unjust to us?
Is there current injustice happening in our courts? Why? What is our response?
Watch Video | “Stations on the Street,” Scott Erickson (in preparation for the Stations of the Cross at Trinity during Holy Week
Play Song (Silent Reflection) | “O Sacred Neck, Now Wounded,” Jon Guerra (written after George Floyd’s death, a re-write of the traditional hymn)
Prayer Together
Invite group to the Stations of the Cross next week at Trinity.