A SERMON & SMALL GROUP GUIDE

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A SERMON & SMALL GROUP GUIDE-5 Weeks-

Written by: Doug Damron

(Senior Pastor of Epworth United Methodist Church)Jonathon Kollmann

(Pastor of Mt. Healthy) Jim Stauffer

(Lead Pastor of Trinity Evangelical Church)© 2018

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-table of-CONTENTSIntroduction4

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Rhythm & Tips for a Healthy Small Group

Week 1 Laughing with God at Death

Week 2 Laughing with God at the Impossible

Week 3 Laughing with God at Legalism

Week 4 Laughing with God at Respectability

Week 5 Laughing with God at Life

Small Group Notes & Prayer Requests

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INTRODUCTIONThe origins for April Fool’s Day is murky to say the least. Where and how did this annual day for “pranks,” “hoaxes,” and sending people on “fool’s errands” begin?

Some say across the world, across cultures, and across religions, a day for laughter was tied with the arrival of spring. The Greeks, Romans, and Hindi all marked the arrival of April showers with parades, feasts, and hijinks. Newness brings joy, and laughter is its fruit.

Others contend it has a more definite beginning point. In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII ordered the use of a new calendar, known as the Gregorian calendar which celebrated New Year's Day on January 1. According to legend, many people refused to recognize the new calendar or simply didn't know about it. These people continued to celebrate New Year's Day on April 1.

Regardless of how April Fool’s Day came into being, Easter can be seen as the original and best April Fools moment of all time. On resurrection Sunday, an empire, a religious power structure, along with despair, fear and death became objects of God’s laughter with the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the tomb. All that threatens to diminish our lives, freedoms and joy are found to be wanting in the light of the NEW God created that morning in a garden outside of Jerusalem.

In this small group/DVD series which begins the week after Easter (or can be easily turned around and conducted during the weeks leading up to Easter if you chose to start at the back), we explore what God laughs at and receive an invitation to laugh deeply at all which seeks to diminish our lives as people who follow and are filled with the Living Jesus. May this April Fools be one you never forget!

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5 TIPS FOR A GREAT SMALL GROUP EXPERIENCE1. Keep it Confidential.

People in your group will share their hopes, dreams, failings and fears. This sharing is for your group only.

2. Keep Sharing the Fun. Each week different small group members can be tapped for snacks, beverages, making sure everyone has a copy of the Bible reading, or opening and closing in prayer. Everyone should get a turn as they are comfortable.

3. Keep it Open. We are different people with differing perspectives and experiences. Don’t judge another member’s response, listen deeply, seek the nugget of truth, and respond always with gentleness and love.

4. Keep it Growing. Keep an open chair in your circle as a sign God may have another person for your group. Choose to welcome new folks on the journey.

5. Keep it Going. At the end of the five weeks your group can end or can keep going. Contact the resource person/pastor at your church for additional study material if you want to keep growing together.

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WEEK 1:Laughing with God at Death

Welcome!Ask everyone in the group to share their name and a highlight* of their last week. (*A highlight may be time with family, something fun you did, or how great church was last weekend!)

Each week as a group you will read a portion of scripture. This week ask the three people seated across from the leader to read (record their name in this guide):

Reader 1: ___________________ John 20:1-7

Reader 2: ___________________ John 20:8-14

Reader 3: ___________________ John 20:14-20

Watch this week’s DVD to see a review of this week’s message and

maybe something new.

After the video ask anyone to share any thoughts, comments, insights, feelings, or questions about this

week’s scripture and video.

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QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER GROUP DISCUSSION1. Why is April’s Fools Day a good day to celebrate Easter and

the Resurrection?2. Share a time when God surprised you.3. What do you imagine was the reaction of God and the

heavenly hosts on the day of Resurrection?4. Have you experienced or can you imagine laughter or joy at

a funeral?

TAKE AWAYSEach week we will have some action steps of further “take aways” to put our learning into action. Next week you can share anything that God teaches you in these experiences. You don’t have to do all of them – but try to choose at least one.1. Find a way to share joy with someone this week.2. Track how many conversations include laughter this week. 3. Ask someone what was good about their week and really

listen.4. When you see someone who is discouraged this week, ask

them if you can be praying for them.

The leader will ask for prayer requests and close with a short prayer.

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WEEK 2Laughing with God at the ImpossibleWelcome back! We hope you had a great week.

Ask everyone in the group to share their name and the most famous person they’ve ever met, the farthest they’ve ever traveled, or the biggest thing you’ve ever eaten.

Ask anyone to share how last week’s action steps went.

Each week as a group you will read a portion of scripture. This week ask the three people who came in the door last to read (record their name in this guide):

Reader 1: ___________________ Genesis 17:1-5Reader 2: ___________________ Genesis 17:6-11Reader 3: ___________________ Genesis 17:12-17





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QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER GROUP DISCUSSION1. What is your dream retirement?2. Abraham and Sarah were old when God called them to be

parents of a new nation. Have you ever felt a call from God in your life?

3. Share a time when your plans changed – but looking back something unexpectedly good came out of it.

4. What has God done in your life that seemed impossible to you?

TAKE AWAYSEach week we will have some action steps of further “take aways” to put our learning into action. Next week you can share anything that God teaches you in these experiences. You don’t have to do all of them – but try to choose at least one.1. We learned Isaac means “Laughter”. Research what your

name means and share it with thte group next week. (For extra credit research the names of every group member)

2. Ask someone about their dream retirement and really listen. Tell them you will be praying from them and God’s plans in their life.

3. Start a prayer journal and write out some of your plans. Ask God to show you how the Holy Spirit is leading you in your planning.

BRING IT TO CHURCHThis week you should have 3x5 cards for every member of the group. At church this week, we will take a second offering. This will be an offering of our plans to give to God. Take time to write out a goal or plan – short-term or long-term – that you will fully give to God and be willing to listen for an answer.


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WEEK 3:Laughing with God at Legalism

Welcome back, again! Ask everyone in the group to share their name and a time they are willing to share about when they broke the law (like a speeding ticket, or your affiliation with Al Capone).


Each week as a group you will read a portion of scripture. This week ask the 3 people who had the least to share to read the scripture.

Reader 1: ___________________ Galatians 3:1-4Reader 2: ___________________ Galatians 3:5-8Reader 3: ___________________ Galatians 3:9-12





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QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER GROUP DISCUSSION1. When people think of Christians or church, what “rules” do

they think we are most concerned about?2. How do people try to earn God’s love?3. Share a time when you felt rejected because you failed to follow

some else’s rules.4. Describe a time when you knew you were unconditionally

loved – or loved in spite of a failure.

TAKE AWAYSEach week we will have some action steps of further “take aways” to put our learning into action. Next week you can share anything that God teaches you in these experiences. You don’t have to do all of them – but try to choose at least one.1. Do a good work for your neighbor2. Memorize the “Fruit of the Spirit” from Galatians 5:22-233. Go pay someone else’s library fine

BRING IT TO CHURCHBreak the unwritten rule of seating at church this week. Sit somewhere new and be extra friendly to the people you sit with.


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WEEK 4Laughing with God at Respectability

Welcome back! We hope you have had at least one good laugh this week with God.

Ask everyone in the group to share their name and an embarrassing moment (remember we will laugh WITH you, not AT you).


Each week as a group you will read a portion of scripture. This week ask any person who hasn’t read yet to read (record their name in this guide):

Reader 1: ___________________ 1 Corinthians 4:10-12





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QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER GROUP DISCUSSION1. Share anything that has ever made you laugh in church.2. Does it matter to you if the church is a respected institution in

our culture?3. How would you explain Paul’s phrase to be a “fool for Christ?”4. What might Christians do to be a “fool for Christ?”

TAKE AWAYSEach week we will have some action steps of further “take aways” to put our learning into action. Next week you can share anything that God teaches you in these experiences. You don’t have to do all of them – but try to choose at least one.

BRING IT TO CHURCHThis week we are looking to do those “foolish things” for Christ. Here are a few thoughts:1. Take a hungry person to lunch2. Invite someone to church3. Share your faith with someone4. Sit with a different group of people at lunch time5. Pray for someone out loud when they share a request with

you6. Go to church dressed as your favorite Bible character

(just kidding!)


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WEEK 5Laughing with God at Life

Welcome back, again! Ask everyone in the group to share their name and a favorite come-dian, comedy movie, or TV sit com.


Each week as a group you will read a portion of scripture. This week ask the first person who laughs after you read this to read the scripture:

Reader 1: ___________________ Proverbs 17:22





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QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER GROUP DISCUSSION1. Share a time when others brought you joy.2. Have you ever experienced a time when laughter brought

healing?3. Share a time when you felt God’s presence in the midst of

despair.4. Can you remember a time when you laughed and cried at the

same time?

TAKE AWAYSThis is the last week of our series! We hope you have learned something new, read your Bible, made some new friends, and experienced laughing with God.

Now take what you’ve learned and share it with those who need to know the joy of Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Here are a few ideas:• Go take all the labels of your leaders canned goods.• Call someone from your group this week to encourage them.• Send a funny card to someone this week just to cheer them

up• Smile at everyone in church this week and share God’s joy in

your worship

Be sure to talk about plans for your group. Maybe a final potluck next week or planning the next material to study or just give some big hugs and handshakes to the people you’ve shared this journey with!

Close with prayer together on last time.

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-SMALL GROUP NOTES-

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-SMALL GROUP NOTES-

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-PRAYER REQUESTS-

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-PRAYER REQUESTS-

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Creators of this Study:Doug Damron serves as the Senior Pastor of Epworth United Methodist Church in Toledo, Ohio. He received his doctorate from United Theological Seminary focused upon the intentional use of sermonic humor to address controversial subjects.

Jonathon Kollmann is Pastor of Mt. Healthy United Methodist Church in Cincinnati. Jonathon is currently in the process of receiving licensure as a professional counselor and has a passion for the intersection of pastoral work and practical therapeutic solutions for persons seeking wholeness.

Jim Stauffer is the Lead Pastor of Trinity Evangelical Church in Upper Sandusky. Jim has served growing churches throughout his years of ministry within the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church, and has a flair for the dramatic. He and his family act in local plays and he always rents a white

tuxedo for leading God’s people in worship on Easter Sunday.

A SERMON & SMALL GROUP GUIDE

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