Before 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).
• Read through Zephaniah 3:14-20 to be familiar with the passage. If you have time, you may want to read through the Book of Zephaniah to understand the context to which Nikki refers in her video.

Context

Show a picture of The Singing Beggars painting and ask:

• What most stands out to you when you look at this painting and why?

Tell the group that this is a Russian painting called “The Singing Beggars.” In the 1700’s the Russian Empress, Catherine the Great refused to admit that poverty even existed in her nation, and this painting was done as a forceful reminder that these people who she refused to acknowledge were very real, despite her pretending. Ask: