Starter: (In pairs)
Share experiences of meeting someone who appeared to be very different.
Worship:
Possibly use some prayers drawn from the World Church, which portray a different approach.
Reading: Isaiah 56: 6-7 &
Matthew 15: 21-28
(Read aloud, then allow time for everyone to re-read the passages for themselves along with the commentary and the personal focus questions before reflecting alone. It may help to make notes in the spaces provided.)
Commentary:
The account in this gospel passage shows that while in the beginning the Good News was preached only to the Jews, there would come a time when all people would be included. Jesus tells his disciples here that his mission is "to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But at the end of Matthew's Gospel , the risen Christ will command his apostles to "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations." This story is a turning point in Jesus' mission. The woman's humility and "great faith" were not to be denied. Faith in the Lord will bring both Jews and Gentiles to healing and salvation.
Personal Focus Questions :
1. Relate an experience when you persevered even when you felt ignored.
2. Who are the people who don't get a hearing and often aren't included?
3. When have you felt so desperate you had to take action?
Share together in threes the results of your reflection
Return together as a group and share any insights. Now discuss these questions together.
Life Focus :
1. How can we be more fully inclusive in our church community?
2. What is missing in our worship which people from different cultures could bring?
3. How can we make things happen
Group Memory Time:
Assess where the group is up to on any action plans made at previous meetings.
Continually review the effectiveness of these meetings.
Is the focus right?
If not what should be changed.
Prayer Time :
For openness, praying for any who feel excluded
Next Meeting :
Arrange date and venue.
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