Remind each other of bible verses that tell us that God is ‘Everywhere-present’. Eg: Jesus said ‘ I am with you  always, even to the end of the age’, ‘There is nothing that can separate us from God’s love’.

Thank the Lord that this is true for us and everyone else, no matter where we might be located!

¹²I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Props needed:

• Piggy Bank – proper one that would need to be broken to open
• Printed out (clip-art) coins – 1 or 2 for each person in church incl children [these have to fit inside the piggy bank slot !! and be writable on the back – so maybe thick white paper of card]
• Chocolate coins (the gold or silver ones wilkos sells) one for each person..
• PPT of bible verses from Philippians 4
• Written or prepared prayer…
• Choose a worship song for end

The idea…

To communicate that to “invest” our present situations or future  “whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Into the trust of Jesus – who gives us strength is a wise move..

So-

• one of you introduces the prayer time including the scripture (on ppt)
• give out paper coins to everyone – 1 or 2 each – (maybe before the service & put bundles of pens under the end of the rows)
•  invite people to write or draw on the back of the coin something about their situation today or in the near future that they want to entrust to God [ give a few minutes for this]
• then people come forward and put the paper coin in the piggy bank
• the piggy bank now represents all of our prayers and requests and statements of trust right at this moment – a little snapshot – hold up the piggy bank and pray for every situation represented giving thanks to God that it represent such a statement of trust in Him

Amen..

Now say something like… this isn’t the only scripture that promises us god’s resources..

For example a few verses later in Philippians 4 we have a promise [ppt ]

¹⁹And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. ²⁰To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

So we are going to celebrate that promise by signing together [ worship song ] and as we sing we will give out a little gold coin – as a reminder of HIS riches – take it home – out it somewhere visible – or just eat it!!

 PRACTICE IT  THROUGH A FEW TIMES TO MAKE SURE YOU KNOW HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE

Here are 23 ideas for worship in small groups. This material is gathered from many sources as well as just created out of thin air. Thank to everyone who has contributed in any way. Where possible sources are listed. These notes are distributed free of charge and must not be sold.

click on this link to download pdf>>  334_090527 23 worship ideas for cell groups Please amend them for your own use.

Table of Contents
Worship Idea 1: No one but our God ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 3
Worship Idea 2: A Lyrical Worship …………………………………………………………………………………………… 4
Worship Idea 3: Worship : God is in charge ………………………………………………………………………………. 4
Worship Idea 4: It’s a line up. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5
Worship Idea 5: The Greatness of Quietness …………………………………………………………………………….. 6
Worship Idea 6: The Lord is my Shepherd Praise ……………………………………………………………………….. 7
Worship Idea 7: Praise walking ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 8
Worship Idea 8: I Go to the Rock ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 9
Worship Idea 9: Life’s Small Pleasures ……………………………………………………………………………………. 10
Worship Idea 10: Our God Is Close …………………………………………………………………………………………. 11
Worship Idea 11: Every Moment of every day …………………………………………………………………………. 12
Worship Idea 12 : The tides of our lives as cause for worship ……………………………………………………. 13
Worship Idea 13: A gift for Jesus …………………………………………………………………………………………… 14
Worship Idea 14: Intercession ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 14
Worship Idea 15: Words that help and heal ……………………………………………………………………………. 14
Worship Idea 16: Faces of Jesus …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 14
Worship Idea 17: Jesus prayer chord …………………………………………………………………………………….. 16
Worship Idea 18: New Creation …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 16
Worship Idea 19: Shaping & moulding us ……………………………………………………………………………….. 17
Worship Idea 20: Forgiveness and cleansing …………………………………………………………………………… 17
Worship Idea 21: Celebrating forgiveness (Chalk) ……………………………………………………………………. 18
Worship Idea 22: God is all we need ……………………………………………………………………………………… 18
Worship Idea 23: Keeping us …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 21

Welcome Imagine it’s the year 2050. What do you envisage life might be like. For instance, new  advances in technology, standards of living, healthcare etc.

  Worship Take 3 pieces of paper . Write in the middle of each, the following phrases:

Jesus Christ..the same yesterday/  Jesus Christ..the same today/ Jesus Christ.. the same forever.

1)Brainstorm together ‘thank you’s for what Jesus Christ has meant in history/ your past,

2)Thank you for what He means to you today

3) Thank you for what it means that Jesus will be constant in your future.

Put the sheets in the middle where everyone can see them, and take it in turns to pray out with confidence these thank-you’s .  

  Word Read Acts 1 v1-11.  The book of Acts marks a new beginning. Luke wrote his gospel about the life and work of Jesus. In the beginning of Acts, Luke tells us that now Jesus was about to ascend into heaven, and His life and work would continue in His other body, the church! He now became not only Jesus the friend and the One who sacrificed His life: He became the ascended Christ who has the right to lead our lives, because He is recognised as God the Almighty.

1)      What changes took place for the disciples when Jesus ascended into heaven? How would life be different for them now? 

2)      What does it mean to you to have Jesus Christ as your king?

3)      What was significant about the command of Jesus to ‘wait’ in Jerusalem? What were the disciples learning? (think about what saying yes to Jesus teaches us.. impulse obedience, the settled habit of obeying, the divine power and authority which comes with every yes we say to His commands)

4)      Think of times when our natural inclination might be to live contrary to God’s word. Have a brainstorm and come up with a list. (To get you started: e.g: to get revenge rather than love our enemies and pray for them.  )

5)      What can we do to be strong in the face of our natural inclinations?

6)      Why was waiting to be filled with the Holy Spirit so vital to the birth of the church?

7)      Encourage each other by sharing times when you have been touched by the Holy Spirit and something has changed.

  Witness Pray for the people you know who really need God to break into their lives and help them cope with life and its challenges. Try and get everyone to name someone they would like pray for..then pray!    

Thanks to Heather R for these notes ]]> http://cellnotes.org.uk/2009/10/18/cell-notes-0900426-acts-1v6-11-the-ascension-and-our-obedience/feed/ 0