Discussion Questions:

1. Paul in Athens:
   o Paul is troubled by the idols in Athens, but instead of reacting with anger, he enters into conversation. What does his approach teach us about engaging people whose beliefs or practices differ from our own?
   o Pastor Mark describes this as almost “a master class in interfaith dialogue.” Where do you see opportunities in your own life to be curious, respectful, and honest in conversation?
2. A Faith That Grows:
   o Pastor Mark says, “Faith is not static. It grows, it evolves, it changes.” How has your faith changed over the course of your life?
   o What parts of the faith you learned earlier in life still serve as a foundation for you? What have you had to rethink, expand, or let go?
3. Something Old and Something New:
   o The sermon reflects on how old and new can come together to create something that has never been before. Where do you see that happening in your own spiritual life?
   o How can a church honor its history while also remaining open to transformation, new questions, and new ways of serving?
4. Remembering Those Who Came Before Us:
   o Pastor Mark tells the story of Joe Day and the lasting impact of his generosity, love, and faithfulness. Who is someone whose memory is a blessing in your life or in the life of the church?
   o Joe’s gift helped the congregation understand that even a small church could do great things. What gifts—financial, relational, spiritual, or practical—help sustain a community of faith?
5. Grace, Gratitude, and the Table:
   o Pastor Mark invites us to come to the table remembering all those who gathered before us and all those who will gather after us. How does that image shape your understanding of communion and community?
   o Frederick Buechner’s words remind us, “Here is your life. You might never have been, but you are.” How does this understanding of grace speak to you today?
6. Applying the Sermon:
   o What is one way you can practice a living, growing faith this week?
   o How can RPPC continue to be a place where people experience grace, belonging, and transformation across generations?

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Discussion Questions:

1. Power and Control
   • Pastor Mark contrasts “power over” and “power with.” Where do you see these two kinds of power at work in the world today?
   • When have you experienced “power with”—a kind of leadership or relationship rooted in service, compassion, or shared dignity?
2. Pilate, Jesus, and the Illusion of Control
   • Pilate appears to be in charge, yet seems controlled by fear and pressure. Where do we see similar dynamics in our own lives or leadership systems?
   • Jesus remains calm and grounded, even when his life is at risk. What do you think gives him that kind of presence and courage?
3. The Temptation of Dominant Power
   • The sermon suggests that even good intentions can be corrupted by the pursuit of control. Have you ever seen—or experienced—this happen?
   • Why do you think dominant power can feel so effective or appealing, even when it conflicts with our values?
4. Faith and Influence
   • The religious authorities align themselves with empire, declaring, “We have no king but Caesar.” Where do we see faith communities today tempted to align with power in unhealthy ways?
   • What does it look like to live faithfully without trying to impose beliefs on others?
5. Choosing the Way of Jesus
   • Jesus models nonviolence, forgiveness, and service even in the face of suffering. Which of these feels most challenging for you right now? Why?
   • Madeleine L’Engle writes about drawing others to Christ through a “lovely light.” What might that look like in your daily life?
6. Applying the Sermon
   • Where in your life this week are you being invited to choose “power with” instead of “power over”?
   • How can we as a church embody a kind of faith that reflects humility, justice, and love—especially in a divided world?

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Discussion Questions:

1. Mary’s Voice and Divine Calling

• In Luke 1, Mary responds to God’s call with humility and courage. What stands out to you about her response: “Here am I, the servant of the Lord”?
• How do you think God still calls people today through unexpected or marginalized voices?

2. The Magnificat as Protest and Praise

• The sermon compares Mary’s song to protest music across history. In what ways is the Magnificat a revolutionary or political song?
• How does Mary’s praise of God challenge systems of power and privilege? What might it be saying to us today?

3. God’s Justice and Joy

• Diana Butler Bass writes that Advent is a season of “justice and joy.” How does this contrast with how we usually experience or understand Advent?
• What does biblical justice mean to you? How is it different from revenge or punishment?

4. Human Response to Divine Initiative

• The sermon emphasizes that God’s action and our response go hand in hand. What does that balance of divine initiative and human participation look like in your own life?
• Have you ever experienced a moment where you sensed God was “up to something new”? What was your response?

5. Singing Your Own Song

• Pastor Mark said that “each and every one of you has a song.” What might your Magnificat sound like?
• What hopes, longings, or convictions might God be inviting you to share with the world right now?

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Discussion Questions

1. God Sees, Hears, and Responds

• In Exodus, we’re told that God heard the Israelites’ groaning and took notice of them.
• How does this picture of a listening and responsive God impact your understanding of who God is?
• Where do you see God noticing suffering in today’s world? Where do you hope God is noticing?

2. Divine Calling and Self-Doubt

• Moses expresses deep doubts about his ability and worthiness—“Who am I?”
• Have you ever felt unqualified or afraid when called to something new?
• How do you respond to the idea that God equips us for the work we’re called to? What does that look like in your own life?

3. I Am Who I Am

• God reveals the divine name to Moses as “I Am Who I Am.”
• What do you think this name means? How does it speak to God’s nature?
• How does the mystery of God’s identity deepen or challenge your faith?

4. Interdependence as Strength

• Moses isn’t alone in his calling—God provides Aaron to help. Pastor Mark highlighted this as the point, not just a solution.
• How do you see interdependence at work in your life, family, or community?
• How might we better celebrate and embody interdependence in the life of our church?

5. Modern Liberation and Accessibility

• Pastor Mark connected the Exodus story to RPPC’s capital campaign and the importance of making our sanctuary physically accessible.
• What does liberation look like in our context today?
• How is God calling us—as individuals or as a church—to help remove barriers for others?

6. Faith in Action

• “We are all connected,” Pastor Mark said. “Our freedom and our well-being are inseparable.”
• How can you live out this truth in the week ahead?
• What are tangible ways we as a church can proclaim, through word and deed, that all are welcome, and all are beloved?

7. Closing Reflection

• Like Moses, we may hesitate or feel unworthy, but God still calls and equips.
• What specific courage or next step do you feel nudged toward this week
• How can you support someone else who might be wrestling with their own sense of calling or inclusion?

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