Circling Toward Food Justice

Acts 9:1-6, (7-20)

Fellowship – Snacks or a Meal (10 minutes with snacks; longer, obviously, if there is a meal)

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). In groups of two or three, respond to the following, “What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done?”

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes). Read: Acts 9:1-6, (7-20)

• What does it mean to say we are followers of Christ?
• What would have been the predominant view of Saul by the first Christians based on verses 1 and 2?
• Who might be more afraid in this story? The men in verse 7 next to Saul hearing the voice but not seeing anyone or the arrogant Saul who has seen a flashing light, heard a voice, and is now blind? What would that walk to Damascus have been like?
• Imagine being Ananias and receiving the vision to visit Saul. What would have been your first thoughts? Would you have obeyed?
• There are at least three people who listen to the voices they’ve heard and/or the visions that they’ve seen: Saul, the men with Saul when he sees Jesus, and Ananias. With whom do you most identify? Where might God being calling you to obey?
• While Saul had a vision from Jesus, he also seems to have learned much from the disciples in Damascus (vv. 19-20). How does the community of believers help us to discern God’s guidance?
• (R) How would you respond to someone who asked you, “Who is Jesus? What does it mean to follow Christ?”

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). End by praying the following or a similar prayer:

God who called Abram, Isaac, and Jacob, Moses, Ruth, David, Mary, and Saul, we believe you continue to call your people to obey your voice. Give us the willingness to hear where you are calling us as individuals and as a community. Empower us to be your witnesses to those closest to us and to all we encounter. Amen.