Growing Together provides congregational leaders with
opportunities for spiritual growth. Each of the fifty exercises
includes an opening prayer, a personal sharing exercise, a Bible
reading, discussion questions, and a closing prayer. Use this book in
your council and committee meetings to build community and foster a
spirit of cooperation, harmony, and mutual support.
Who might find it helpful
- Council presidents
- Council members
- Committee chairs
- Committee members
Beginning a New Project
Opening prayer
Pray the following prayer aloud:
God who is with us always, as you called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, you have chosen us to begin a new project. Lead us onward, watch over us, and listen when we call to you. Amen
Gathering time
Ask each person in the group to respond to one of the following:
- Tell about your first experience driving a car.
- Describe a memorable first day of school.
- Describe a memory of traveling alone for the first time.
Biblical reflection
Read this paragraph to the group:
At the time God spoke to Moses, the people of Israel were enslaved in Egypt. Moses, an Israelite by birth, was raised by the daughter of Pharaoh. God chose Moses to help lead the Israelites out of slavery. This passage has three central components: God's call to Moses, Moses' resistant response, and God's promise to be with Moses as he fulfills God's call.
Have someone read this passage aloud:
Exodus 3:10-12:
[God said to Moses,] "So come, I will send you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt." 11But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" 12He said, "I will be with you; and this shall be the sign for you that it is I who sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God on this mountain."
Invite group members to respond to the questions printed below. If time is limited, choose the questions that best meet your group's needs:
- Had you been Moses, how would you have responded to God's call?
- What are you hesitant about as our group considers beginning a new project?
- What about our new project excites you?
- In what ways can God's words, "I will be with you," inspire and motivate us as we go about our group's work?
Closing prayer
Conclude by praying aloud:
Ever-present God, as you once promised Moses, "I will be with you," accompany us as we move forward, taking on new tasks to better serve you. Amen
