Words of Welcome

Prayer

Dear God, we thank you for this meal and the joy of sharing it with friends. We ask that you bless this food to nourish our bodies and conversations to uplift our spirits. May our time together be filled with laughter, love, and meaningful connection. We are grateful for your presence in our lives and for the gift of community. Amen.

GRAB FOOD AND START TO EAT

If there is someone you don’t recognize at your table Introduce yourself:

Name and Pronouns
What do you do full time? Work, school, etc. and what do you do/study?
What is a food combination people eat that you just can’t get behind? (For example, dipping french fries in Frosties, unfrosted pop tarts, etc.)

CONVERSATION TIME

“I didn’t keep your righteousness only to myself”

discussion

Have someone in your group read the scripture out loud then proceed with the questions.

Psalm 40:5-10 (CEB)

5 You, Lord my God!
    You’ve done so many things—
    your wonderful deeds and your plans for us—
        no one can compare with you!
    If I were to proclaim and talk about all of them,
        they would be too numerous to count!
6 You don’t relish sacrifices or offerings;
    you don’t require entirely burned offerings or compensation offerings—
    but you have given me ears!
7 So I said, “Here I come!
    I’m inscribed in the written scroll.
8     I want to do your will, my God.
    Your Instruction is deep within me.”
9 I’ve told the good news of your righteousness
    in the great assembly.
    I didn’t hold anything back—
        as you well know, Lord!
10 I didn’t keep your righteousness only to myself.
    I declared your faithfulness and your salvation.
I didn’t hide your loyal love and trustworthiness
    from the great assembly.

Questions:

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you heard/read this scripture? What emotions did it evoke? Why do you think that is?
Many of the psalms (including Psalm 40) are attributed as being written by Kind David. What to you think David is trying to convey with this message? What is the call to action?
Do you feel like you do a good job of sharing the “good news” with others? Or sharing about RISE and what it means to be a part of a community of faith? What could you do or what steps could you take to be more open and invitational?

Blessing

May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)

REMEMBER - YOU ARE A GIFT!

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