7th Sunday of Easter

Discussion Questions for Reading 1 - Acts 1:1-11: Have you ever felt caught between the past and the future? Have you ever been challenged to let go of the good things of the past in order to be ready for the good things yet to come? The ascension of Jesus told the apostles and tells us that Jesus' presence with us will no longer be the same as it was. He will be with us, but in a different way. He will be with us by the grace of Baptism and the other sacraments, in the power of the Holy Spirit. How was the ascension of Jesus a "call to action" for the apostles? How is it a "call to action" for the Church today? How is it a "call to action" for you?
Discussion Questions for Reading 2 - Ephesians 1:17-23: How can you know "the hope" to which you are called? How will "the eyes of your hearts be enlightened"?  Just a reminder: prayer involves listening to God as well as talking to God. How can you listen to God as he speaks through the scriptures? a homily? the events of your day? One way might be to pray this question after reading scripture or hearing a homily or mulling over an event of the day: "Holy Spirit, what do you want me to know? What is in this for me?" Listen quietly for a moment. You may recall a word or phrase from the scripture or homily. Remember it and repeat it often during the day. The meaning may be obvious at once, or it may become clear gradually. Your faith, hope, and love will be strengthened.
Discussion Questions for Gospel - Luke 24:46-53: The ascension is the last of the appearances of the risen Jesus to his apostles. In a way, we can say that he "saved the best 'til last," because at this time Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to the apostles. At the time, they had no idea what "power from on high" would mean for them or how this Power would change their lives. 
How do you feel when someone makes a promise to you like, "We're going someplace special on Sunday"? Or, "I promise to help you with your math every night"? Sometimes the promise is a promise of a surprise. "Be sure to come next week because we're having a surprise." How do you feel while you wait for the surprise? How do you feel when the promise (even if it isn't a surprise) is kept? 
Pentecost was Jesus' big surprise for his apostles. How does the Holy Spirit surprise you in your life? How do you and the Holy Spirit work together to surprise others? How could you, your group, and the Holy Spirit work together to surprise the poor, the sick, the lonely, or others in need?

http://www.webelieveweb.com/home_proclaiming_faith.cfm?reading_id=73&language=eng&book=0

6th Sunday of Easter

Discussion Questions for Reading 1 - Acts 15:1-2, 22-29: Notice that the resolution to this question and the peace that followed did not come automatically from "on high." Paul, Barnabas, and some others had to travel to a meeting in Jerusalem. There were discussions. Finally, a decision was made that was "the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us." What does it take to make and keep peace in your family? your group of friends? your class at school? your workplace?  Is there a situation in your life now that needs a peaceful solution? What steps can you take to help that happen? How will you know that your solution is "of the Holy Spirit?"
Discussion Questions for Reading 2 - Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23: In this reading, "the holy city, a new Jerusalem" is an image of the Church. It is an image of beauty and light. How can you make the Church more beautiful? How can you help the Church to follow the light of Jesus?
Discussion Questions for Gospel - John 14:23-29: If Jesus' gift to us is peace, why do we so often lack peace in our hearts, in our homes, and in our world? What does loving Jesus and being true to his word have to do with the gift of peace that he promises?
We believe that God is Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The sign of the cross that we pray so often affirms our faith. One day this week, be aware of yourself as a child of God the Father. How does this affect you, your attitudes, your prayers? Another day, be aware of the gift of Jesus to us. How does this affect you, your attitudes, your prayers? Another day, be aware of the Comforter, God the Holy Spirit, that Jesus promised. How does this awareness of the Spirit affect you, your attitudes, your prayers?

http://www.webelieveweb.com/home_proclaiming_faith.cfm?reading_id=71&language=eng&book=0

Amazing gRace 2010

In its second year the Amazing gRace was again a great success! We had 6 teams of teens, along with their driver/chaperone who were given clues that led them around the city of Eau Claire and ended up back at St. Olaf. The clues gave the teens an idea of what it would be like to be unemployed with a family, no money and nowhere to live. They started out in “the Loft” with their first team challenge to complete to receive the first clue, once they had the clue they left to discover what the next stop would be ending up with the challenge of figuring out what the letters given with each clue read: Clue 1 – B, Clue 2 – E, Clue 3 – A, Clue 4 – O, Team Challenge Two – N, Team Challenge Three – HOUSE. You guessed it they ended up at Beacon House in Eau Claire, a homeless shelter for families in our area. The teens spent time talking to a staff member and one or two of the clients staying at the shelter. They were to find out the mission of Beacon House and what they could do to become involved in the mission of the Beacon House. Now when the sign-up boards for volunteers at Beacon House go up in the Gathering Space at St. Olaf these teens will have a better understanding of what it is to be a client and a worker at this great place on the corner of Lake and Barstow Streets, and we will see their names on the list to help.

5TH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Discussion Questions for Reading 1 - Acts 14:21-27: This reading reminds us that trials were part of the Christian life from the beginning. Our trials may seem small by comparison. Can you name some things that can be trials for us? What should be our attitude?  Christians are still persecuted in places throughout the world. You may want to find out where and why. Keep these brothers and sisters in your prayers. Is there something else you can do for them?
Discussion Questions for Reading 2 - Revelations 21:1-5a: The One on the throne promises, "Behold, I make all things new." What is your dream? What in your life needs to be made new again?  Doing new things or committing ourselves anew to choices we have made is not always easy. What would you say to someone who is thinking of doing something new or trying to make better choices?

http://www.webelieveweb.com/home_proclaiming_faith.cfm?reading_id=70&language=eng&book=0

Discussion Questions for Gospel - John 13:31-33a, 34-35: What are the obstacles in my life that hinder or impede me from freely loving as Jesus did—universally, completely, and without reserve?  When did I see Jesus’ love in the actions or words of someone?

http://www.wholecommunitycatechesis.com/pages/questions.html

Tonight's Happenings

Grades 1-6 have religious education this evening from 6:15 PM until 7:30 PM; Grade 8 will meet this evening beginning at 6:00 PM and ending at 7:30 (unless you are going on the Amazing gRace adventure).  High School Youth Ministry is having their Amazing gRace adventure this evening beginning at 7:00 PM in the loft.

4TH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Discussion Questions for Reading 1, Acts 13:14, 43-52 - Paul and Barnabas were Jews. They were very devout and religious Jews, and it was natural for them, after they discovered Jesus and his message, to share that message with those who shared their belief in God. For the Jews who accepted Jesus and his message, this meant a change. Why do you think the Jewish leaders of the synagogue resisted Paul and Barnabas? When do you resist a new idea? Why?  Because of this resistance, Paul and Barnabas begin their mission to the non-Jews, the Gentiles who were pagans. These were people who, if they believed at all, believed in pagan gods and goddesses. Why do you think they were open to the message that Paul and Barnabas brought to them? When are you open to new ideas? Why?
Discussion Questions for Reading 2, Revelations 7:9, 14b-17 - Do the long white robes and the palm branches remind you of anything? The newly baptized at the Easter Vigil are given a white garment to wear. Newly baptized infants wear baptismal gowns that are white. White is the color of victory. It is the color of resurrection! The palm branches are symbols of victory, too. When do we carry palm branches in our liturgy?  This reading calls Jesus, "the Lamb." When do we pray to the Lamb of God in the liturgy? What do we ask for in that prayer? Jesus is the lamb who sacrificed himself for us. Why do you think we pray this litany just before receiving Holy Communion? 

Discussion Questions for Gospel, John 10:27-30 - Did you know that the brain capacity of the average dog is about the same as that of a three-year-old child? This means that dogs can understand quite a lot! It also means that there is still a lot that they cannot understand. They do not understand traffic lights, or what makes chicken bones or rat poison bad to eat.  This is why it is up to us to keep our dogs out of danger. We often use our voices to do this: "Come! Heel! Sit! Down!" This is what a good shepherd does for sheep. Just as a dog recognizes its owner's voice, sheep recognize the shepherd's voice. We, as the flock of Jesus, hear and recognize Jesus' voice. When do we hear his voice? How do we recognize it?  What can you do this week to show that you have truly heard the Good Shepherd's voice?   http://www.webelieveweb.com/home_proclaiming_faith.cfm?reading_id=69&language=eng&book=0

THIS WEEKEND

1st Communion at all weekend liturgies.  Catechist training at 6:30 PM Sunday, April 25 in meeting room 2.