St. Patricks & St. Anthonys Parish at 920 Fulton Street, Grand Haven, MI 49417 US

Book Club Sample Sessions

Sample Agenda:

APRIL 2012

7:00 Welcome

7:20 Spontaneous prayer or the following…

Lord, we thank you for the opportunity to gather here and ask your special blessing on anyone that was unable to join us. We thank you too for the gift of the Easter Season and springtime. Fill us with gratitude for your many blessings and increase our faith and the fruit of our lives that we might better reflect your kingdom in our world. Be with those who are most in need in our community and may each of us experience the gift of your Holy Spirit as we gather. (Ask- Does anyone have a special intention?) We offer this prayer in Jesus name. Amen.

7:25 Any God sightings since we last met. Has anyone experienced God’s leading or blessing in a special manner in the last month? (If no, any new beginnings for anyone?)

7:35 Proclaim the three readings-

· Acts 4:32-35

· 1 Jn. 5:1-6

· Jn 20:19-31

7:45 Discussion: Name something that strikes you in the readings.

7:55 CD reflection

8:05 Discussion Questions

1. What evidence of God’s Spirit do you see in our community?

2. When have you offered encouragement or felt encouraged by the faith of a friend?

3. Who do you credit for helping you have the faith you have today?

4. Do you find it easy to surrender to God’s will? What has experience taught you about this?

5. How can you strengthen your faith and in turn your service to God and others?

8:30 Closing Song- Trusting lyrics below

8:35 Closing Prayer-

“Dear Lord, We are so thankful for the little faith we have been blessed with and ask you to increase the gift of faith in each of our lives. We pray especially for members of our community that are suffering through difficult circumstances. May the faith of our community give them something to hang onto when they question their own faith. Strengthen our St. Patrick & St. Anthony Parish so that it will always be a place of refuge, welcome and peace. And may your entire Church gathered around the world “Bloom in Christ” and share your love with all humanity. Help each of us to trust in your presence each and every moment of our lives. (Any special prayers?) We offer our prayer in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

8:40 Social time

9:00 End

Announcements:

1) Anyone ready to host a Book CLUB in your own home? Maybe you could take a couple people from this group with you and begin something with some new people that want to get involved.

2) Will your group continue to meet next fall? Discuss and plan to begin in October. (You may also initiate the idea of a summer cook out or gather…)

3) Finally, If you are able to attend the 8 a.m. Mass at St. Anthony’s between now and the end of May, that would be a wonderful way to greet St. Anthony parishioners before the 8 a.m. Mass is moved to St. Pat’s in mid-June. Please look for ways to welcome St. Anthony parishioners into all of our Masses and Ministries and pray for this transition.

4) Ask people to fill out an evaluation and leave it with you or turn it in to the Family Center or in the collection basket on Sunday. Thanks for the feedback!

When I look into the future, I am frightened,

But why plunge into the future?
For only this moment is precious to me,

And so, trusting in Your mercy,
I walk through life like a little child,
Offering to You each day this very heart
Burning with love for Your greater glory.

O present moment, you belong to me, whole and entire.
And although I am weak and small,
You grant me the grace of your omnipotence.

(Back)

Reverend William A. Langlois www.stpatsgh.org
A church site of Diocese of Grand Rapids

St. Patrick's & St. Anthony's Parish at 920 Fulton Street, Grand Haven, MI 49417 US - Book Club Sample Sessions