Sunday, March 29, 2015

Owned: Stewards & Owners

March 28/29, 2015



read matthew 16:26
a familiar question
Ownership is an issue of our soul’s wellbeing. 
  • How do you feel your soul has been affected by the things you feel you own? 
  • To what things or desires does your soul cling? Is it power? Wealth? Status? Personal safety? 
  • What will you gain if you continue to cling to those things? What will you lose?

read mark 14:10-11
the owners
As an owner, Judas was looking out for Judas and didn’t take into account that his choices would affect the whole nation of Israel. What does this passage reveal to you about how being an owner can change how your life impacts the world around you? Your community? Your church? Your family? 


read mark 14:6-9
the stewards: the woman
The woman in this story was willing to go beyond accepted behavior and custom to bless Jesus. She was a steward of the expensive oil and wanted to give to Jesus in an extravagant way. 

  • What was her motivation in doing what she did? Do you think she thought twice about what she was doing? 
  • What spoke to you about the way Jesus responded to those who were rebuking her? 
  • Why was Jesus so pleased with her gift?

the stewards: Jesus
“The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” ~Mark 14:21

“You will all fall away” Jesus told them, “For it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered.’ ” ~Mark 14:27

“Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” ~Mark 14:36

But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. ~Mark 14:61a

But Jesus made no reply, and Pilate was amazed. ~Mark 15:5

With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. ~Mark 15:37

Jesus gave complete control of His life to God. FIND the words in these passages where Jesus submitted to the will of His Father. NOTICE how Jesus remained silent or made no reply. What would your response be if you were in His position? How do His responses challenge you to give God complete control and be the owner of your life?


stewards & owners
Over the past few weeks, in what ways do you feel you've changed your thoughts from being an owner to being a steward? DISCUSS with your group.




next steps
   worship

"What Now My Soul?" Join us in prayer March 31 @6pm in the Fireside Room at JW.

Good Friday Services
5:30pm & 7pm in the auditorium

Easter Weekend Services
auditorium       Saturday 5pm - Sunday 9am - Sunday 10:45am
north venue     Saturday 5pm - Sunday 9am - Sunday 10:45am

   belong
Summer softball teams are now forming, both co-ed and men's teams. Call Tony Engedal at 715.559.9548 or email him at tony@jacobswellec.org to find more info about spring practice and summer games.   
   
   grow
Further reading:
     Every Good Endeavor by Timothy Keller
     Contagious Generosity by Barry L. Cameron

Soul Care is a short-term group meeting March 31 @7pm after prayer and continuing for the next few weeks on Tuesday evenings. Discover practical aspects of caring for your soul. Come as a group as a way to join each other on the journey.


Invest nine weeks to learn God’s way of handling money through a Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University group. Whether you are completely upside down in debt or just want to be the best steward of the finances God has provided for you, FPU is a Biblically-based and proven plan that will set you up for success! Starts Tuesday, March 31, 6:30-9pm at Jacob’s Well. Sign-up at the Welcome Center or online at https://jwccfwi.infellowship.com/GroupSearch/ShowGroup/1602128  
Got questions? Call the leader, Todd Hornquist at 608.879.0116 or email him at tchornquist@gmail.com

Our view of God shapes how we live, whether we're aware of it or not. THE GOOD AND BEAUTIFUL GOD group will help us trade in our false views of God for true ones and give us practical tools for becoming more like Jesus. Starts April 2 @6:30pm at JW. Call Marty & Carol Schultz for more info at 715.382.4530 or email them at schultzmc@charter.net. 

Milestones coming up:

  • The Sex and Dating Milestone class will equip parents of middle school students to help their students navigate the world of sex and dating. If this is something you're interested in or know of other parents who this may affect, join us Satuday, April 11 @5pm in the North Venue. Call or email Paul Behnke at 715.833.2050 or paulbehnke@jacobswellec.org.
  • Our next Family Dedication Milestone class is Saturday, April 18 @5pm in the North Venue. Parents will be encouraged and resourced as they prepare for the dedication services on April 25/26. Sign up at the Welcome Center, or Erika can answer any questions you may have at 715.833.2050 or erika@jacobswellec.org.

New to Jacob’s Well? Never attended this Lunch with the Pastors before? This is your next step! Join us Sunday, April 12 @12:15pm in Room 223 to learn more about Jacob’s Well, get answers to your questions, meet the pastors and staff, and enjoy some good food together. Bring the kids! No need to sign up. Just show up!

   serve
Are you interested in serving but don't know where to start? Try out one of the many positions available on Easter weekend. To have a deeper conversation about the different options available, email Laura Garry, Serve Director at JW at laura@jacobswellec.org.

Know someone who's loves technology? Invite them to serve on the JW Tech Team as a camera or media operator or sound tech. Contact Syd at 715.833.2050 or syd@jacobswellec.org.

   share
JW is hosting the Empowered To Connect Simulcast — a two-day conference equipping you to connect with and help children become all that God desires them to be. Join us April 10/11 from 9am-5pm each day in the North Venue. Registration is $5 and is available up until the event. Sign up at the welcome center or online at www.jacobswellec.org.


Sunday, March 22, 2015

Owned: The King of Skittles

March 21/22



read luke 12:13-21

warnings about wealth
Our wealth is meant to be a tool but when it becomes our master it devastates our soul. There are more warnings about the spiritual dangers of wealth than almost any other topic in the scriptures. 
  • After reading this passage, what is your first thought? 
  • How does Jesus’ response affect you? 
  • Does is make you want to reevaluate how you view ownership?


read 1 timothy 6:6-10

contentment or temptation
  • Are you content with the life you are living? 
  • Are you content with the things that surround you? 
  • Do you find yourself desiring more?   


read malachi 3:7b-10

obedience
Managing finances is a spiritual discipline and takes great wisdom. Tithing is a soul training exercise and an act of obedience that builds our faith and keeps us living as a steward. “I can live better on 90% trusting God than living on 100% trusting myself.” Do you trust God in this way? Have you tried? Take time to DISCUSS with your group each one of the following statements. TALK about any questions you may have.
     ~ Tithing trains you in obedience.
     ~ Tithing gives you the joy of participating in God’s work.
     ~ Tithing is an act of honoring the owner with worship.
     ~ Tithing opens you up to God’s blessing.
     ~ Tithing builds your faith.
     ~ Tithing reminds your soul you are not an owner.



read 2 corinthians 8:1-6

the generosity of giving
We do not reach generosity until we reach obedience. Generosity beyond our tithe is also healing to our soul in a materialistic worldGenerosity comes when our faith puts God as the owner and we do not need to be in control to be safe. 
  • In what ways do you feel you are generous? 
  • In what ways do you feel you need to improve? 
  • When you look around and see the many needs in our world, what moves you toward generosity above and beyond the giving of your tithe? 
  • How does the perspective of being a steward and not an owner change how you view your life and those around you? 
  • How does generous giving work to advance the Kingdom of God?


PRAY:  Heavenly Father, I acknowledge You are the owner and I am the manager of what You entrust to me. Help me let go of my control and help me manage my resources responsibly.  amen




next steps
   worship
"What Now My Soul?" Join us in prayer March 24 @6pm in the Fireside Room at JW.

Good Friday Services
5:30pm & 7pm in the auditorium

Easter Weekend Services
auditorium       Saturday 5pm - Sunday 9am - Sunday 10:45am
north venue     Saturday 5pm - Sunday 9am - Sunday 10:45am

   belong
Summer softball teams are now forming, both co-ed and men's teams. Call Tony Engedal at 715.559.9548 or email him at tony@jacobswellec.org to find more info about spring practice and summer games.   

   
   grow
Further reading:
     Every Good Endeavor by Timothy Keller
     Contagious Generosity by Barry L. Cameron

Soul Care is a short-term group meeting March 24 @7pm after prayer and continuing for the next few weeks on Tuesday evenings. Discover practical aspects of caring for your soul. Come as a group as a way to join each other on the journey.

Invest nine weeks to learn God’s way of handling money through a Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University group. Whether you are completely upside down in debt or just want to be the best steward of the finances God has provided for you, FPU is a Biblically-based and proven plan that will set you up for success! Starts Tuesday, March 31, 6:30-9pm at Jacob’s Well. Sign-up at the Welcome Center or online at https://jwccfwi.infellowship.com/GroupSearch/ShowGroup/1602128  
Got questions? Call the leader, Todd Hornquist at 608.879.0116 or email him at tchornquist@gmail.com

Our view of God shapes how we live, whether we're aware of it or not. THE GOOD AND BEAUTIFUL GOD group will help us trade in our false views of God for true ones and give us practical tools for becoming more like Jesus. Starts April 2 @6:30pm at JW. Call Marty & Carol Schultz for more info at 715.382.4530 or email them at schultzmc@charter.net. 

   serve
Are you interested in serving but don't know where to start? Try out one of the many positions available on Easter weekend. To have a deeper conversation about the different options available, call Laura Garry, Serve Director at JW at 715.833.2050 or email her at laura@jacobswellec.org.

Know someone who's loves technology? Invite them to serve on the JW Tech Team as a camera or media operator or sound tech. Contact Syd at 715.833.2050 or syd@jacobswellec.org.

   share
JW is hosting the Empowered To Connect Simulcast — a two-day conference equipping you to connect with and help children become all that God desires them to be. Join us April 10/11 from 9am-5pm each day in the North Venue. Registration is $5 and is available up until the event. Sign up at the welcome center or online at www.jacobswellec.org.

Sunday, March 15, 2015

Owned: Evidence

March 14/15, 2015



read luke 19:11-26

responsibility
Stewardship is accepting responsibility without taking control. It is the privilege and responsibility to manage the possessions of the Owner, according to the directions of the Owner, for the purposes of the Owner. 
  • DISCUSS with your group a list of the things for which God has given you responsibility. 
  • How are you stewarding them according to His directions and purposes?
proper view of God
Your underlying belief about God affects how you live your life. THINK deeply through the following questions.
  • Do I believe God is good? Do I believe He cares? Does what I believe about God match with what the Bible says He’s like? Do I feel He will punish me or get mad at me if I mess up?  
  • Do I honestly believe He can control my life better than I can? Does He really want total control or can I just ask Him to bless my life? Do I honestly trust Him—with every part of my life? Do your actions prove that you trust Him? Trust is the opposite of control, and is built through relationship and obedience. As you build your relationship with Jesus, trusting Him will be easier. A proper view of God enables trust; trust enables good stewardship, which leads to a healthy soul.  A false view of God leads to control; control leads to ownership, which results in a toxic soul.
make every effort
What is your first reaction when you hear this statement?

Every area of our lives, every day, all the time.
  • How focused are you on being engaged in the business of the Kingdom? 
  • How does this passage speak to you about the benefits of making every effort to be a good steward?

read galatians 5:22-23

evidence
Fruit is the evidence of stewardship and an authentic relationship with God. It is everything good in our lives, produced as God transforms us from the inside out. 
  • According to Jesus, how is fruit produced in your life? 
  • How have you tried to "produce your own fruit?"
  • What steps are you taking to remain/abide/keep connected/stay rooted in Christ?



next steps
   worship
"What Now My Soul?" Join us in prayer March 17 @6pm in the Fireside Room at JW.

Also, if you attend a Sunday morning worship service, would you and your group pray and consider moving as a group to a Saturday night service? You could help those who are new to JW by opening up seats during the busiest times. THANK YOU to those of you who have chosen to make this transition! 


Good Friday Services
7pm in the auditorium and north venue

Easter Weekend Services
auditorium       Saturday 5pm - Sunday 9am - Sunday 10:45am
north venue     Saturday 5pm - Sunday 9am - Sunday 10:45am


   
   belong
Interested in getting to know some other women at Jacob’s Well? Come have dinner with Women of the Well, maybe meet some old friends or make some new friends. Fun and games included! Tuesday, March 17, 6-7:30pm in the North Venue. Childcare available upon request. For more information or to RSVP, contact Shelly Duda 715.723.3832 dudashelly@yahoo.com

J.O.Y. Connect is a group for those who are 50+. We invite you to join us on Sunday, March 22 @12:15pm in the North Venue Café for a soup and salad lunch, lots of great community, and a hymn fest. To RSVP or if you have questions, call or write Paula Downie 715.829.7712 bpdownie@att.net
   
   grow
Further reading:
     Every Good Endeavor by Timothy Keller

Soul Care is a short-term group meeting March 17 @7pm after prayer and continuing for the next few weeks on Tuesday evenings. Discover practical aspects of caring for your soul. Come as a group as a way to join each other on the journey.


Invest nine weeks to learn God’s way of handling money through a Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University group. Whether you are completely upside down in debt or just want to be the best steward of the finances God has provided for you, FPU is a Biblically-based and proven plan that will set you up for success! Starts Tuesday, March 31, 6:30-9pm at Jacob’s Well. Sign-up at the Welcome Center or online at https://jwccfwi.infellowship.com/GroupSearch/ShowGroup/1602128  
Got questions? Call the leader, Todd Hornquist at 608.879.0116 or email him at tchornquist@gmail.com

   serve
Are you interested in serving but don't know where to start? Try out one of the many positions available on Easter weekend. To have a deeper conversation about the different options available, call Laura Garry, Serve Director at JW at 715.833.2050 or email her at laura@jacobswellec.org.

Know someone who's loves technology? Invite them to serve on the JW Tech Team as a camera or media operator or sound tech. Contact Syd at 715.833.2050 or syd@jacobswellec.org.

   share
JW is hosting the Empowered To Connect Simulcast — a two-day conference equipping you to connect with and help children become all that God desires them to be. Join us April 10/11 from 9am-5pm each day in the North Venue. Registration is $5 and is available up until the event. Sign up at the welcome center or online at www.jacobswellec.org.


Sunday, March 8, 2015

Owned: The Owner

March 7/8, 2015

read luke 20:9-18 

DISCUSS this story with your small group. What are your thoughts? TALK about how obedience, faith, lordship, and worship are rolled up into stewardship.

Do you consider yourself an owner or a steward? What would you you say if Jesus looked you in the eye and asked you that question?

Everything is for and about me . . . . . . . . .Everything is for and about God
I am in control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .God is in control
I will solve the problems my way . . . . . . . God will solve problems His way
I will protect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .God will protect
Pride in my accomplishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . Humility at my involvement
I am master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .I am servant
I have rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .I am privileged
I am burdened . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I am honored
Makes me significant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Is temporary and not who I am
Stress, anxiety, and problems are overwhelming . . .
         . . Stress, anxiety and problems are opportunities to trust the Owner

What can we learn from each other about being a good steward? 

What step can you take this week in becoming a better steward of what God has entrusted you with, whether that's a job, a person, or resources? MAKE a plan, and come back next week to talk about how it went for you. CELEBRATE your successes, even the small ones.

next steps
   worship
"What Now My Soul?" Join us in prayer March 10 @6pm in the Fireside Room at JW.

Also, if you attend a Sunday morning worship service, would you and your group pray and consider moving as a group to a Saturday night service? You could help those who are new to JW by opening up seats during the busiest times. THANK YOU to those of you who have chosen to make this transition! 
   
   belong
Learn about your friends. Ask your small group members this silly question:
     What's your favorite food from your favorite restaurant
   
   grow
Further reading:
     Every Good Endeavor by Timothy Keller

Soul Care is a short-term group meeting March 10 @7pm after prayer and continuing for the next few weeks on Tuesday evenings. Discover practical aspects of caring for your soul. Come as a group as a way to join each other on the journey.

Invest nine weeks to learn God’s way of handling money through a Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University group. Whether you are completely upside down in debt or just want to be the best steward of the finances God has provided for you, FPU is a Biblically-based and proven plan that will set you up for success! Starts Tuesday, March 31, 6:30-9pm at Jacob’s Well. Sign-up at the Welcome Center or online at https://jwccfwi.infellowship.com/GroupSearch/ShowGroup/1602128  
Got questions? Call the leader, Todd Hornquist at 608.879.0116 or email him at tchornquist@gmail.com


   serve
Know someone who's loves technology? Invite them to serve on the JW Tech Team as a camera or media operator or sound tech. Contact Syd at 715.833.2050 or syd@jacobswellec.org.

   share
Invite a friend to church.

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Soul Talk - Overwhelmed: A Story

February 28/March 1, 2015

read 1 kings 19:1-15a 

DISCUSS this story with your small group. What are your thoughts? Can you relate to Elijah? 

How do you react in times of stress and anxiety?

  • Fuzzy thinking - confusion or trouble concentrating
  • Bad decisions or unable to make decisions
  • Exaggerate the negative
  • Focus on my contribution or sacrifice
  • Blow little things out of proportion
  • Dealing and speaking in absolutes
  • Inflexibility in thinking – set on one idea or perspective
  • Attack or degrade new ideas
  • All or nothing, black and white thinking
  • Overly simplistic or linear thinking
  • Putting our struggle in the category of specialie. “I am the only one”
  • Preoccupation with death     
  • Reactive response:

            Anger or cynicism
            Giving up
            Obsessing on one issue or person
            Blaming
            Attacking
            Paranoia or hyper vigilance
            Denial

                                              
Identifying these behaviors can be helpful in the journey through the gray. SHARE your observations with your group if this is something you recognize in your own life.

How do you react when you see someone else who is struggling with stress and anxiety? Here are some keys to coming alongside an overwhelmed person.

  • Look for symptoms 
  • Listen
  • Try not to fix the problem or problems
  • Try not to project your situation on them
  • Support them, but do not own the situation
  • Pray with them and for them
  • Encouraging healthy practices:
            Physical well being
            Small group involvement
            Professional help for them

Sometimes it can be difficult to know how to help someone. You may feel frustrated, impatient, and helpless. How did God help Elijah? REFLECT on how someone has come alongside you during a season of gray. What did that look like? What was an encouragement to you? Is there someone you know inside or outside of your group who could use some regular encouragement?  

PRAY this prayer together
“Sun behind all suns, Soul behind all souls….
Show to us in everything we touch
And in everyone we meet
The continued assurance of Thy Presence around us
Lest ever we should think Thee absent.

In all created things Thou art there.
In every friend we have
The sunshine of Thy Presence is shown forth.
In every enemy that seems to cross our path,
Thou art there within the cloud to challenge us to love.

Show to us the glory in the gray.

Awake for us Thy Presence in the very storm till
All our joys are seen as Thee and
All our trivial tasks emerge as priestly sacraments in
The temple of Thy love.”
                                                       by George MacLeod



next steps


   worship
"What Now My Soul?" Join us in prayer March 3 @6pm in the Fireside Room at JW.

Also, if you attend a Sunday morning worship service, would you and your group pray and consider moving as a group to a Saturday night service? You could help those who are new to JW by opening up seats during the busiest times. THANK YOU to those of you who have chosen to make this transition!
   
   belong
Spend some time praying as a group for each other's anxiety as well as for the anxiety of those you know. 
   
   grow
Further reading:
   Prayer – Richard Foster
   The Good and Beautiful Life – James Bryan Smith
   Invitation to Solitude and Silence:
       Experiencing God’s Transforming Presence – Ruth H. Barton

Soul Care is a short-term group meeting March 10 @7pm after prayer and continuing for the next few weeks on Tuesday evenings. Discover practical aspects of caring for your soul. Come as a group as a way to join each other on the journey.

   serve
Find a way this week to encourage those you know who are in a season of gray. Send them a card, give them a call, make them a meal or send flowers. Let them know you care and that God loves them.

   share
Invite a friend to church.