Discussion Questions:

1. Partnership in the Gospel

• Pastor Mark reflects on Paul’s deep affection for the church in Philippi despite the hardships he experienced there. What do you think made that relationship so meaningful to Paul?
• Paul describes the Philippians as his “partners in the gospel.” What does true partnership in faith look like today?
• Have you ever experienced a community that supported you spiritually, emotionally, or materially during a difficult season? What made that support meaningful?

2. Vulnerability and Christian Community

• The sermon quotes Brené Brown’s observation that vulnerability is connected to joy, gratitude, and grace. Why do you think vulnerability is necessary for authentic community?
• What risks are involved in loving others deeply or allowing yourself to be known by a community?
• How can churches create spaces where people feel safe bringing their whole selves — including doubts, grief, questions, and struggles?

3. Hospitality and Welcoming Others

• Pastor Mark describes the importance of making room for guests, newcomers, and introverts within the life of the church. Why can this sometimes be difficult for established communities?
• The sermon contrasts two ways of entering a room: “Here I am” versus “Ah, there you are.” What is the difference between those two postures?
• When have you experienced radical welcome or hospitality in a faith community? How did it affect you?

4. Remembering the Outsider

• Paul never forgot what it meant to be an outsider before encountering the love of Christ. Why is it important for churches to remember the perspective of newcomers and outsiders?
• Pastor Mark says that making room for people with different experiences and perspectives does not impoverish a community — it enriches it. How have you seen diversity of experience strengthen a church or community?
• Are there ways churches unintentionally make people feel excluded or unseen? What changes can help create deeper belonging?

5. Beloved Community and Honest Faith

• The sermon reminds us that confession is necessary because “without confession, forgiveness and repair cannot occur.” Why is honesty about our failures important for spiritual growth?
• As RPPC celebrates 125 years, Pastor Mark encourages both gratitude for the past and honesty about the parts of history we might rather avoid. Why is this balance important for communities of faith?
• What does it mean to you to help build “the beloved community” in today’s divided world?

6. Applying the Sermon

• What is one concrete way you can practice hospitality or make room for someone this week?
• How can we become the kind of church community that says, “Ah, there you are” to those who walk through our doors?
• What part of this sermon challenged or encouraged you most personally?

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Discussion Questions:

1. The Invitation of Jesus

• In the scripture, Jesus responds to the disciples’ curiosity with “Come and see.” What does this phrase mean to you personally?
• Have you ever experienced an invitation that changed your life or perspective? How can the church model this same open invitation to others?

2. Barriers and Hospitality

• Pastor Mark emphasized both physical and internal barriers to community and welcome. What are some “interior barriers” we might carry that prevent us from fully welcoming others?
• What steps can we take as individuals or as a church to practice radical hospitality?

3. An Epiphany for Our Time

• The story of the Magi following the star is a familiar Epiphany narrative. How does the idea of a journey toward something sacred resonate with you this season?
• What does it mean for us today that the Magi went home “by another way”? Have you ever had an experience where you had to take a different path because of what you learned or felt God revealed?

4. Faith and Refuge

• The sermon references Pope Pius XII’s description of the Holy Family as a model for all refugee families. How does this framing impact your understanding of the nativity story?
• Esau McCaulley warns against worshiping a vulnerable God while harming vulnerable people. What does faithful advocacy for displaced people look like for us?

5. Living the Invitation

• The star words are intended to guide us spiritually throughout the year. If you’ve chosen one, what word did you receive, and how might it shape your year ahead?
• How can we, as a church and community, embody the invitation to “Come and see” in 2026 and beyond?

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