Before the Session
Facilitator: In advance of the session
- Have the Bible Background Video ready to view.
- Review today’s scripture text and the session activities to help better facilitate the discussion.
- Encourage your group to listen to the Faithelement podcast ahead of the next session (Share the link via email or social media)
Context (From the Current Session Page)
Tell the group that “Infertility Grief is a type of deep sorrow that the church is learning to recognize and address. Sometimes, we want to help but our words hurt.”
Show the “What to Say Instead” video and ask
- What do you think of these comments and why?
- In what way are the alternatives a better way to show care?
- When was the last time you saw someone weeping or demonstrating deep sorrow?
- What was it like for you to be near them?
- In what ways do you think congregations address the loss and grief that comes with infertility and miscarriage and why?
Content (From the Mind Session Page)
Read 1 Samuel 1:1-28 then watch the Bible Background Video. (Bonus! We’re giving away the full Bible Background Video this week. Enjoy!).
Ask questions like these:
- In a world in which women were valued by the number of children they “produced,” how did Hannah likely perceive herself?
- How do you think this might have changed her perception of God over time?
- What more could Elkanah have done (if anything) to help her?
- If Hannah lacked children, what did Peninnah lack?
- What usually drives someone to prayers like Hannah’s, and what does this tell us about Hannah’s condition?
Closure (from the Media Session page)
Play the Dear Kitten video and ask:
- When have you felt doomed, as if there was no place to nap?
- Seeing why cats are so insistent on getting all over the couch, the food, and get in front of the light box, in what ways do you do similar things when your needs are not met?
- Putting yourself in the cats’ position, who in your life plays a wiser cat who can explain the mysteries of life?
- When have you had a positive experience to show that everything turns out okay even if you still are “afraid of the doorbell?”
- How important is patience in our faith, and how does one gain it?
Close in prayer asking for God grace and wisdom as we all strive to be patient and trust in God’s mercy.