CORONAVIRUS UPDATES & IDEAS
Isn't it poetic, how when things start to find a rhythm, that everything changes? With the virus going around, and the government mandates along with it, we find ourselves in an odd position. But if we look at it how God does, we'll see this as an opportunity rather than a source of discouragement! While things are changing, let's pivot and continue to do what we do best: connecting people.

SO, HERE'S WHAT WE DO: WE KEEP MEETING, WE JUST SHIFT "HOW"

Many of your groups were stopped in their tracks - whether you've got material that relies on in-person gathering, or a large percentage of your group is older in age. So, we shift. We use the tools at our fingertips. Here's a few ideas:

1. HAVE A PLAN(ISH)

Ultimately, you're in the drivers seat for your group. Decide with your group what works best for staying connected and communicate. The best thing we can do is communicate clearly.

2. LEAN-IN TO ONE ANOTHER

Some of you are really feeling this. You're discouraged, anxious and just unsure. That's OKAY! Others of you are ready to go for it to help others. Reach out to someone - whether here at the church or in your group. Take a moment to send a text, make a call, say a prayer. Let's lean in with the extra time we have to make people feel seen and loved.

3. UTILIZE TECHNOLOGY
Here's a few ideas for how to meet as a group digitally:
> ZOOM Meetings - This is a live video conferencing platform. Several groups have used this. Sign up for free here!

> Facebook Groups - This is a great way to stay connected throughout the day/week. Consider joining other groups and making a larger "online lifegroup" to send encouragement, etc.
> Sunday Watch Parties - I explain this in the next point.

4. GATHER AROUND WHAT'S ALREADY HAPPENING
Sunday mornings will be more critical than ever, with Church Online @ 10AM! Consider hosting a "Virtual Watch Party" with your LifeGroup and any other friends(here's a short "how to" video)! This is a great way to have a small group during church. It allows you to have your own private chat back-and-forth with comments and more!

5. KEEP US UP-TO-DATE WITH NEEDS

We don't have the touch that you do. When you hear of all kinds of needs from people in or outside your group, first ask, "Can we meet this need within our circle?" If you can, great! If needs exceed what you're able to to do within your sphere of influence, we may be able to help - just reach out!


Questions?
For coaching or facilitation needs, email taylor@reallifechurch.com

For attendance, technical or CCB questions, email cathy@reallifechurch.com

 


SUNDAY SERMON   |   RECAP

Every Sunday, we'll update this section with a recap of the weekend's message, as well as some discussion questions for groups to use. As always, use them as little as much as you want. They're meant to be a helpful guide, not a rule book!

Each message will be uploaded every week by Monday morning here.


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A DIFFERENT SPIRIT
AWKWARD PART II |  PASTOR STEVE MURRAY  |  3.8.2020


In this message, we looked at the story of the people of Israel, who time and time again were shown the faithfulness of God, and time and time again forgot. In Numbers 14:1-4, we see the story of Joshua and Caleb, whose assessment of the threat inside their promised land was one of hope, unlike the others, whose outlook was fear.

This parallels today, as many fear things like the Corona Virus and the upcoming election. The narrative floating around is one of fear, saying, "We should be freaked out" and "Things are only going to get worse..." Like Joshua and Caleb, we don't want to ignore reality, but we want to recognize where our help comes from, and how much God is on our side!

Today, we know that:
     Words create pictures
     Pictures creat emotions
     Emotions lead to actions

God gives us a different spirit (the Holy Spirit), so that the culture we create around us is different (and sometimes awkward) than what the world perpetuates. We've got to remember not to sing along with the sad chorus of the community, but rather go to the secret place - where we find hope and peace.

A DIFFERENT SPIRIT
1. Remembers the Big Picture
The Israelites often forgot God's faithfulness, not passing down the reality of the big picture: that God always has and always will remember His people.
2. Recognizes fear, but doesn't let fear direct vision
Like the check engine light, we need to allow fear to be a reminder to check in (go to the secret place), rather than an opportunity to freak out!
3. Remembers Peace (Philippians 4:6-8)


QUESTIONS:

1. What kinds of negative words around you (work, home, friends) have been creating negative emotions in you or someone you know? Have you been listening to the words?
2. How can you use your words to spread a different spirit this week?
3. What is an area in your life or in the community today that seems overwhelming? Do you believe God could work in that situation?
4. Rather than only waiting on God, what do you think he'd have you do to help bring hope into a fearful situation?
5. Think of some fearful areas in your world. In your group, identify some truths / scriptures you know about God's faithfulness and how they can bring peace and hope.


Have any questions or needs relating to your group? Let us know!

VIDEOS & HELP TOOLS

Below you'll find some helpful tools to help you get better as a LifeGroup Leader. From videos on how to use the LEAD App to tips on leading a group, we've got something that will help you, because we know that when you get better, we'll all get better!





Take Attendance with the LEAD App

FAQ'S (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)

Do I have to take attendance?
Yes. We ask that you record attendance every time. It only takes a moment, and will help us to better know how our groups are doing and measure the health of our congregation. We recommend tracking attendance after you meet.


What if I cancel or reschedule a group one week?

Go to take attendance and select "Did not meet" - or just send us a note! If you're simply moving to a different night in the same week, take attendance and leave a note that it was a different night.


How to I take attendance?
Once you've downloaded the LEAD App, open the "Groups" tab. Select your group (you can also search for it). Once you've selected your group, you'll see several tabs (Attendance, Calendar, Members, etc). Select the "Attendance" tab. Then you will see the "event" you're trying to track attendance for. Select those who were there (you can also add in the notes any people who attendance who may not have signed up).

Worried about forgetting? Don't fret! You'll get an email following each time you meet, reminding you to track your attendance, even giving you a direct link to do it right there from your phone!

*See the video above for step-by-step instructions.


What if someone attending isn't in our database (i.e. a neighbor, someone who's never been on a Sunday)?

When taking attendance, add their name & info in the notes.


How do I download the LEAD App?

From your phone's app store, search "LEAD APP." Or, find the links here.