Saint Davids Anglican Church - Sermons

John 3 tells the story of Nicodemus, curiously visiting Jesus in the night to talk to him. Is there anyone in your life who has a curiosity to know more about Jesus? What kinds of things could you share with them to help their understanding of who Jesus is?
When speaking to Nicodemus, Jesus tells him, “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but spirit gives birth to spirit.” What are some of the ways you have noticed the work of the Spirit in your life in the past month?
When he speaks with Nicodemus, Jesus says “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” What do you think it means to compare the Holy Spirit with the wind? What might this mean for our own relationship with God?
In Romans 4, Paul makes it clear to us that we are justified by faith, not works. However, there are certainly things we can do that make us more aware of God’s presence and gifts in our life. Is there anything you do that you find helpful for connecting with God that you could share with others in your home group?

Scripture:  Matthew 6.19-34
What stands out to you from this passage in relation to money and resources?

What does this passage say about who God is, and God's attitude to money and resources?

If we (genuinely) trust that God is a self-giving, generous God, what does that mean for us and the way we live?

Matthew 10.8b says, in the Message version: "You have been treated generously, so live generously."  (NIV has: Freely you have received; freely give.) If we are shaped by Jesus' life we will live lives of generosity and giving. What does that look like? How might that work in practice?

What are pressures in our lives which work against generosity and giving?

How does "giving to the church" fit in to this?
(If we are the church, what does it mean to give to the church? How does giving for "funding the institution" fit? And what about giving for the mission of the church?)

If we accept that to be a follower of Jesus is to have an orientation to and a practice of generosity and giving, how do we decide what and how much to give: money, other material resources, time, skills, etc. What about for people who are struggling financially? What about for those who have abundant financial and material resources?

(For self reflection? sharing?) Is there anything that needs to change in relation to your orientation to and practice of generosity and giving? 
A helpful resource: Chapters from Wayne Kirkland's book Just Money, Ch.9 "Giving" & Ch. 20 "Generosity"

1. What stood out for you from the talk?
2. Of the three areas covered in Micah's challenge (working for justice, being compassionate and merciful, walking intimately with God in prayer), which one do you feel the most encouraged about in your life currently? Which one would you like to work on developing further this year? 
3. How do you outwork your commitment to justice and mercy currently? 
4. What areas of injustice make you most angry or upset? How could you creatively weave that passion into your life without adding more to your load? 
5. How do you think St David's is going as a good treaty partner? What gaps do you see currently that we could realistically fill? 
6. What might a next step look like for you in your journey in response to Ali's message?

Martin leads us through a final reflection for the year and Alison shares all the things we have been involved in and celebrating those who got us there.
And of course.. the ever important, parishioner of the year!

Jonny shares the big and small of Jesus' glory.