ONE EASTER ONE MISSION

Theme: Generous God, Generous People

Readings: Psalm 36:5-9; Luke 12:22-34; John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 9:7-8

Written by: Amy Jacobson, Dan Currell, and Sara Currell

video

Video: https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/generosity/

Connecting Questions

Who do you think is the best example of a cheerful giver? Why do you think they are that way?

What are some ways you’ve had fun giving?

Prayer for One Easter, One Mission Campaign

God of the promise, you call your people together into your one mission in Christ’s name. Make us brave, grant us peace, challenge our expectations, and empower us to truly follow your Spirit’s lead. You are our one God who calls us together as one people, and we thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Context

Easter’s mission statement is, “To grow in faith and carry on the work of Jesus Christ.” Easter has been fulfilling this mission for nearly 50 years!

In 1974, 43 families joined together and officially organized as Easter Lutheran church. The people of Easter built the first worship space on the Hill in 1977 - what we now call Fellowship Hall. In 1986, they built the Hill sanctuary to handle increased growth. In 1991 the congregation added classrooms, music spaces and offices, and in 2001 they built the Lake to make room for more growth. In 2013 the Let Your Light Shine capital appeal made important upgrades to the Hill and expanded Easter’s capabilities at the Lake.

Easter has been growing, changing and building for almost 50 years thanks to the generosity of Easter people like you! The One Easter, One Mission campaign is the next step for Easter people to be together in one building.

Look at the Book

How should we live by God’s generous example? Watch the five-minute video from The Bible Project to see what the Bible says (link/button above).
Read Psalm 36:5-9. God’s generous love is expressed in all of creation. God is the host and we are the guests. What are some ways we have seen provision for God’s people? How has God been generous in your life?
Do people always experience abundance and generosity in their lives? Why or why not? Sometimes we feel like the world we live in is filled with scarcity and struggle. Jesus himself lived at a time when poverty and debt were crushing the people and the Romans ruled over them brutally. Look up Luke 12:22-34. What reasons does Jesus give not to worry?
Sometimes it’s hard to trust that God will provide everything we need. Look up Genesis 3:1-6 to see one way people react when they don’t trust God. Why is it more difficult to believe that God will provide vs. to believe that God will not provide?
Give some examples of how Jesus lived here generously and sacrificially knowing that God would provide. What is God’s ultimate gift to us? Hint: Look up John 3:16. God’s sacrificial gift turns scarcity to abundance and death to life!
Jesus calls us to live sacrificially, trusting in God’s abundance. Look up 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 and Psalm 112:5. What kinds of things do you happily give money to, or would you like to give money to in the future? How does the theme of generosity over scarcity translate to giving to the church? What excites you most about the potential of Easter people being together in one building?

Taking it Home

This week, look for ways to be generous - brainstorm some possibilities. Take the next step: pair up with a friend and text each other with updates on your generosity mission of the week.

Spend time giving thanks to God for all the ways God is generous and trustworthy in all things.

Benediction

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

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