Caring for the Family of Believers

isThese questions are a follow-up to the sermon by Rev. Susan on May 18th. 

1. a. How or when have you felt most cared for in your church?
b. In which ways are you most comfortable caring for others in the church? 
c. Have you ever stepped outside of your comfort zone to help others, and how did that go?

2. a. Are there some ways we are missing the mark of caring for one another in our church? 
b. How can we do better?

3. a. "It's easier to care for people if you know them." True or false? 
b. How do you get to know people best - by chatting after service, by joining a small group or a 'task force' (like Choir or Feed My Sheep), or by _______?

4. a. How do we most effectively use our 'spiritual gifts' to care for each other? 
b. What has been your experience with this? 
c. What would have been more effective?

5. Which of the 'quiet gifts' (faith, administration, wisdom, etc.) has an impact on our relationships within the church?

6. In several epistles (letters to churches) the writers bid people to persevere in the face of persecution and difficulties. We now face the challenge to persevere through this period of adjustment/transition at St. Aidan's. 

[READ Romans 5.3-5] What do we hope our perseverance will benefit us at St. Aidan's?