StoneBridge Community Church
Pastor Neal Nybo
New York is in lockdown and that includes Sesame Street. Luckily, “Elmo knows it can be hard to be away from your friends, so Elmo’s mommy and daddy are helping Elmo set up a video playdate.” As challenging as our current isolation is for adults, it can be far harder for children who don’t understand social distancing. They may think they've done something wrong and that they are being punished. Adults can feel the same way. This weekend in worship, Pastor Neal gives two reasons why that's not the case in a special message titled, Rest Assured.
Matthew 5:43-45 NIV
GROWTH GROUP / PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. Can you think of a time when you felt something was your fault that really wasn’t?
2. If you have children, are they feeling like something about our current situation is their fault?
3. How much mental energy do you spend on feeling guilty for things that are beyond your control?
4. Who has gotten the blame for this virus?
5. While in this pandemic, how can you rectify misconceptions about guilt and blame?
GROWTH GROUP / PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. When in your life have you wished there was a divine reason for something that happened?
2. Does it help or hinder knowing there isn’t always a reason for bad things that happen?
3. When have you seen good come out of something bad?
4. Pastor Neal and his daughter use the phrase “Remember Oxford” when they are challenged or disappointed. Based on question 3, what would your phrase be, that you can hold onto during challenging times?
5. How can you be part of the good God is doing?
