The Grove Covenant Church
Unlikely Places: The Spring of Hope and the Winter of Despair
The season of Advent is full of stories of God at work in dark and challenging times, in and through unlikely people in UNLIKELY PLACES. So many of the heroines and heroes of the Christmas Story do not initially seem to fit our expectations of those categories. Join us as we (re)discover their stories, witness their faithfulness and courage, and embrace the hope they have to offer us.
Locations & Times
The Grove Covenant Church
3600 S 9th St, Lafayette, IN 47909, USA
Sunday 10:25 AM
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Luke 1.39-56
Second Sunday of Advent
Pastor Stacey Littlefield
Luke 1.39-56
Second Sunday of Advent
Pastor Stacey Littlefield
A Question to Ponder
Stories from the Bible often highlight unexpected heroes like Deborah, Jael, and Mary. Can you think of a time when you were surprised by someone’s courage or leadership? How did that influence your understanding of leadership?
Stories from the Bible often highlight unexpected heroes like Deborah, Jael, and Mary. Can you think of a time when you were surprised by someone’s courage or leadership? How did that influence your understanding of leadership?
A Question to Ponder
The sermon draws on contrasting seasons like “spring of hope” and “winter of despair.” What personal experiences come to your mind when you think of these seasons? How do they relate to your spiritual journey?
The sermon draws on contrasting seasons like “spring of hope” and “winter of despair.” What personal experiences come to your mind when you think of these seasons? How do they relate to your spiritual journey?
A Question to Ponder
Reflect on the contrasting questions asked by Zechariah and Mary. How can we distinguish between seeking understanding and expressing doubt in our faith journeys? How does this shape the way we engage with our belief in divine intervention?
Reflect on the contrasting questions asked by Zechariah and Mary. How can we distinguish between seeking understanding and expressing doubt in our faith journeys? How does this shape the way we engage with our belief in divine intervention?
A Question to Ponder
The sermon metaphorically likens oppressive systems to a "Jenga tower." What are some modern-day “towers” that may seem indestructible to us, and how can faith help us take small steps towards their dismantling?
The sermon metaphorically likens oppressive systems to a "Jenga tower." What are some modern-day “towers” that may seem indestructible to us, and how can faith help us take small steps towards their dismantling?
A Prayer to Pray.
O holy God, open unto us light for our darkness, courage for our fear, hope for our despair.
O God of peace, open to us peace for our turmoil, joy for our sorrow, strength for our weakness.
O generous God, open our hearts to receive all your gifts. Amen.
(From Ruth Haley Barton)
O holy God, open unto us light for our darkness, courage for our fear, hope for our despair.
O God of peace, open to us peace for our turmoil, joy for our sorrow, strength for our weakness.
O generous God, open our hearts to receive all your gifts. Amen.
(From Ruth Haley Barton)
Advent Meditations PDF
Click the link below to access weekly meditations for the season of Advent, from Practicing the Way.
https://practicingtheway.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Guides/Advent-Meditations-2024.pdf?utm_source=Practicing+the+Way&utm_campaign=5b5da948e4-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_11_11_06_50_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-749ded0778-604989852Daily Scripture Emails
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https://www.thegrovecov.church/daily-scripture-emailsSecond Sunday of Advent
Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.