Below are the scriptures and questions that were discussed at Cafe Church this past Sunday (November 17th). 

1. 1 John 3: 1-10: How does embracing your identity as a Child of God help you live in the world today? What practices, have helped you live out your Christian identity as a Child of God?
2. 1 John 3: 11-24: What barriers do you face that prevent you from growing closer with your brothers and sisters in Christ? How can we as a family of believers at St Aidan’s, overcome these obstacles?
3. John 15: 1-11: How does the image of pruning help you understand what God’s intent is when allowing us to go through new or unfamiliar seasons? How does this image help us understand the season we are undergoing at St. Aidan’s?
4. 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11: Why is the church’s gathering of worship the ideal time to exercise the gifts of the Holy Spirit? What are some ways that St. Aidan’s can provide more opportunity to exercise our spiritual gifts?

If you have any additional insights to these questions, please share with Rev. Chris.
 

This blog is based on issues arising from Rev. Kim's sermon on Nov. 10th, Remembrance Sunday.

Read Romans 13:1-5

1. Nero Caesar reigned from 54 to 63 A.D. Paul wrote his letter to the churches of Rome in 57 or 58 A.D., probably before Nero's persecution of them. Why do you suppose Paul raised the issue of submission to civic authorities in his letter to the Roman Christians? (Hint: look at 2 Timothy 2:1-4, Titus 3:1-2, I Peter 2:13-17, Proverbs 8:15-16, Mark 12:17)

2. Do you think each and every civic authority is instituted by God? Does God grant unlimited or limited authority to earthly governments? 

3. How is Romans 13:3-5 helpful for a Christian in the armed forces or a police force, who is concerned about being judged for breaking the commandment "Thou shalt not kill"?

4. Why did Jesus say, at Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God"?

​November 6th – Based on a sermon given November 3rd by Les Kovacs
 
My sermon this past Sunday focused on being missional Children of God as exemplified by the saints throughout the ages.  Like many of our brothers and sisters, we may want to share our faith with others but feel unsure of ourselves, seeing several obstacles that can make it challenging. I’ve listed a few below for you to consider.
1. Fear of Rejection or Judgement

• Many of us worry about how others will react, or we fear being rejected, ridiculed, or even alienated.  This can lead to hesitancy in openly sharing our beliefs.

2. Feeling Unqualified or Unprepared

• Sometimes we may hold back because we feel a lack of knowledge about the Bible or feel we may not have the "right" answers.  We may worry that tough questions will come up, and we won’t be able to respond.

3. Cultural Sensitivity and Fear of Offense

• Today’s pluralistic society places high value on respecting diverse beliefs, and we may fear offending others or being perceived as being pushy or intolerant.

4. Personal Doubts or Spiritual Struggles

• We may even be struggling with doubts, questions, or a sense of spiritual inadequacy ourselves and feel unprepared to share a faith we feel we haven’t fully mastered or embodied.

5. Pressure to "Convert" Rather Than Connect

• We may feel responsible for convincing or converting someone.  This can make faith-sharing feel like a performance or goal, rather than a natural expression of our belief.  

7. Lack of Practice and Confidence

• Like any skill, sharing one’s faith requires practice.  Without prior experience or mentorship, we may lack the confidence and skill to initiate these conversations comfortably.

8. Concern About Relationship Dynamics

• Many of us worry that sharing faith could strain relationships, particularly with family, friends, or colleagues who might view it as a sensitive or divisive topic.

When considering these obstacles, do you recognize any that may apply to you, and if so what practical steps can you take to overcome them?  Learning to share faith with compassion, patience, and authenticity can help overcome many of these barriers.

These questions are a follow-up from the Sermon “Fruitful Children” on October 27th by Rev. Chris. 

Read John 15: 1-11

1. What do you think Jesus means by the word “abide” and how is that illustrated through the image of the vineyard and the gardener in this passage? Why did Jesus choose this illustration when talking with his disciples? 

2. How does the image of pruning help us understand what God’s intent is with allowing us to go through difficult seasons? How do you react in times of pruning? Does this passage help you think differently about-facing affliction? 

3. Jesus mentioned that when we bear fruit, we prove to be his disciples. What does bearing fruit look like and how does it glorify God (John 15:8)? What fruits of the Spirit are present in your life (Galatians 5: 22-23)? Have the inner graces of the Spirit within you produced outward fruit? 

4. What is the connection between abiding in Christ and experiencing joy (John 15:11)? Is your joy complete? If not, why?

This Preachers Blog is based on Rev. Kim Salo's sermon titled "What is the Spirit Saying to the Church" from Sunday, Oct. 20.

1. Read John 10:1-5,27-30. How do we know if a voice we hear is from Jesus, or some other source, whether in print, TV, social media, or spoken in our hearing? 

2. When you are with someone and pray for them, what are some of the ways your prayer is guided? Which gifts of the Spirit have you used in vocal prayer for someone?

3. Which of the gifts of the Holy Spirit have you experienced as directed to your church?Think of prophecy, tongues, interpretation of tongues, word of knowledge, miracles, healings, wisdom, discernment of spirits.

4. Why is the church's gathering for worship the ideal time to exercise the gifts of the Holy Spirit? Why is it potentially dangerous to prophesy apart from the church body?

This week's Preacher's Blog is by Rev Susan Salo and is based on her sermon of October 13th, "Give Thanks".

Luke 17:11-19
1. It is said 10 men were healed but only one was saved. Discuss.
2. How does thanking God make a difference in your own everyday life? 
3. The tenth leper came back to Jesus, fell at Jesus' feet and thanked him. How is this worship?
4. Jesus told the leper his faith had made him well. How? Did the other lepers who were healed have faith as well?
5. Why do you think Jesus told the lepers to go show themselves to the priests? What would change for them if they were declared healed?

Based on the sermon of the same title by Lynne McCarthy, October 6/24

1. Read the passage in 1 Corinthians 12 that lists the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Then consider, have you heard any of the three gifts (wisdom, word of knowledge, discernment of spirits) being used publicly? What was your reaction?

2. From the sermon, what struck you about these gifts? Which one would you ask God’s Spirit to give you? Why?

3. Has the Lord prompted you in any way to ask for a spiritual gift, as you began to learn about them? What was your response?

4. In your group or privately, ask the Lord to provide you or members of your group with one of the gifts.

The following questions are a follow-up from the Real Lives Service on September  29th.
​
Read Proverbs 3: 5-8

1. What is the connection between trusting God and obeying God? What does it mean to trust God with all your heart?
2. Do you merely agree with the Bible, or do you obey the Bible? How do you respond when God’s Word contradicts what you want to be true?
3. When was the last time you took a risk to obey Christ? When was the last time your life looked starkly different from the life of someone who does not trust Jesus at all? 

​September 25th – Based on a sermon given September 22nd by Les Kovacs
 
Christians might have several hesitations when it comes to imitating Christ.  Some of His teachings can be very challenging, especially within our modern cultural context.  Here are some issues to consider that may challenge you to reflect on your understanding of God’s call to follow Him.  Do any apply to you, and if so what practical steps can you take to overcome them?

1. Fear of Persecution: Following Christ’s example often means standing up for one’s beliefs, which can lead to social, professional, or even physical persecution.
2. Personal Sacrifice: Imitating Christ involves significant personal sacrifices, such as giving up certain comforts or desires to live a life of service and humility.
3. Feelings of Unworthiness: Many Christians feel they fall short of Christ’s perfection and may doubt their ability to truly emulate His life and teachings.
4. Misunderstanding of Christ’s Teachings: Some may struggle with understanding the depth and implications of Christ’s teachings, leading to hesitation in fully committing to them.
5. Cultural and Societal Pressures: Modern societal values often conflict with Christian teachings, making it challenging to live out one’s faith authentically.

These hesitations are common and can be addressed through church community support, prayer, and continuous learning about Christ’s life and teachings.  I hope these questions encourage you to dive into a deeper exploration and understanding of this profound theological concept.

This week's Preacher's Blog is by Kim Salo, based on his sermon of September 15, "Co-heirs with Christ".

1. What is the most significant thing you have inherited?

2. Read Ephesians 1:13-14, and 2 Cor. 1:21-22. How is the Holy Spirit a "down payment", or a deposit that guarantees our full inheritance from God?

3. Read Romans 8:16-18. Why does Paul add after "heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ", "if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory"? How do we share in Christ's sufferings?

4. Read 1 Peter 1:3-4. What do you imagine is "an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade - kept in heaven for you"?