WAYS TO BEGIN: If this is your first Sunday back from a summer break, spend time talking together about the summer's activities, vacations etc. If you have newcomers, plan for some way to incorporate them. Be sure everyone knows everyone else. A sharing time with everyone introducing themselves and saying a few words about their favorite things to do or their past summer will serve to break the ice. Include yourself in the introductions.
THE THEME: The Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin...seek, find and rejoice!
THE STORY: Luke 15: 1-10. Have someone read the text aloud.
SOME QUESTIONS TO TALK ABOUT:
1. Have you ever lost something that was very important to you? If so, how did you feel when you discovered it was lost? Did you find it? How did you feel when you found it?
2. What do you think Jesus is trying to say to us in these two parables?
3. Have you ever felt "lost"? What was it like?
4. The story is told within the context of Jesus' eating with sinners and being scorned by the proper "religious people". Who do we avoid in our society? Are these persons who might receive God's blessing if we reached out to them? Why or why not?
5. What do you think this passage is calling us to do?
AN ACTIVITY TO DO: Consider as a group who might be the "lost coin" or "lost sheep" of your community. Plan a simple way of reaching out that the class might do as a project. For example, letters or cards to shut-ins, prisoners; making lunches for hungry or homeless people....something that is achievable and in no way infringes upon the dignity of the person or persons to whom you seek to serve. Then plan a time to gather and carry out your project.
End with the Collect for the day or a simple prayer.
