FLOURISH in Friendship with Rev. Laura Wiens

FLOURISH in Friendship with Laura Wiens Join us this Sunday as we delve into the theme of friendship and joy from the words of Jesus in John 15:8-17. Discover how abiding in Christ's love and following His commandments lead to true joy and flourishing. Reflect on the profound friendship Jesus offers us and the transformative power of walking in His ways. -- Home Church For reflection & discussion: How do you understand the concept of joy as described in John 15:11? Can you share a personal experience where you felt joy in your relationship with Christ? Jesus refers to His followers as friends in verses 14-15. Do you sense that you enjoy friendship with Christ? If so, when or how did this start and what is it like? Compare and contrast being Christ’s servant and Christ’s friend. In John 15:9, Jesus talks about abiding in His love. How do you practice abiding in Christ’s love in your daily life? How do you “make your home with Him” (as Frederick Bruner wrote)? What impact does this have on your life? How does obeying Christ’s commands contribute to joy (John 15:10-11)? Share a time when you experienced joy through obedience to God. Jesus speaks of the greatest love being laying down one’s life for friends (John 15:13). How can we practice sacrificial love in our everyday relationships? How does the joy that comes from a relationship with Christ differ from the happiness sought in other worldviews? Reflect on the mission statement: “We exist to love our city and to invite our neighbours to flourish.” How can we practically invite our friends and neighbors to experience this flourishing in Christ? Share ideas on how to invite others to church community events and gatherings.