The Advocate

Seeking and understanding the empowering presence of God; the Holy Spirit.

Community Practices

• Communion

  Preparation

  Take turns having one person in the community commit to bringing bread and grape juice to share for communion on a given week. If you’re going for authenticity, use matzo (unleavened) bread. But really, any bread that everyone enjoys will do. Your first couple of times taking communion together in community, watch this video together before you take the bread and the cup.

  
  Gather together as a community for dinner as usual, with the bread and the cup on the table alongside the evening meal. Have someone from your community volunteer to lead. 

  
  Communion

  To begin the evening meal, the leader will invite everyone to take a piece of bread and a glass of grape juice and will choose one of the following Scriptures to read:

  Matthew 26:26–28

  Mark 14:22–24

  Luke 22:19–20

  1 Corinthians 11:23–26

  After reading one of the Scriptures, the leader will pray, giving thanks for the body and blood of Jesus. The leader might have everyone take each element individually, reciting the sacramental phrases, “ this is the body of Christ broken for you," and, "this is the blood of Christ shed for you,” before each element. Or, the leader might simply give thanks, then invite the group to eat and drink. With the sacrifice of Jesus in mind, everyone takes the bread and the cup, and then the community meal begins!

• One: In the Beginning

  Pray

  Gather together as a community in a comfortable setting, then have one person read Genesis 1:1-2 and invite the Holy Spirit to guide your time. 

  Recap

  Since the beginning, the Spirit of God has been active and moving, within the Trinity itself and within all of God’s good creation. In the opening lines of Genesis, the Holy Spirit hovers over the waters as God speaks his word of order and love into the darkness and chaos. Even in the void, the Holy Spirit and the Word of God bring life. 

  It’s no wonder that John begins his biography of Jesus by echoing the words of Genesis, “In the beginning was the word.” It’s the eternal dance of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and their love that brings about new creation, which is so beautifully pictured at the baptism of Jesus. As he is immersed in the waters, the Spirit descends on Jesus like a dove and the voice of the Father speaks from the heavens, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (Matt. 3:17).

  It is in Jesus that all the promises of the Scriptures find their fulfillment. The prophets of the Old Testament spoke of a day when the Spirit of God would be poured out on all people, like water on a dry and thirsty land, with transformative power. And this was the invitation of Jesus, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them” (John 7:37-38). John goes on to explain that Jesus is speaking of the Holy Spirit, who is the water that will be poured out on all believers! 

  And so the invitation remains open. Those who are spiritually thirsty are called to come to Jesus, to experience ongoing relationship, renewal, and empowerment through the Holy Spirit.

  Discuss

  Discuss the following prompts as a group.  

  1. What stood out to you from the most recent teaching? What has God been doing in your life because of it?

  2. In John 20, why do you think Jesus connects his mission (“as the Father has sent me”) with the gift of the Holy Spirit? What does that reveal about how we’re meant to live?

  3. Jesus said the Holy Spirit is “living water” that satisfies spiritual thirst. Where do you currently feel most “thirsty” in your life?

  4. Do you think that it is difficult to follow the way of Jesus with willpower alone? What might it look like to rely more on the Holy Spirit in everyday life?

  5. The teaching from Sunday said the church should be a place of both Scripture and Spirit (thinking and experiencing). Which side do you naturally lean toward, and how could you grow toward a healthier balance?

  Practice

  This week, practice intentionally making space to relate to the Holy Spirit as a present, personal guide, not just an idea.

  1. Be Still (Silence - 2-3 minutes)

  Sit quietly and slow your breathing. Simply become aware of God’s presence. 

  Pray, “Holy Spirit, you are here. I’m listening.”

  2. Receive the Word (Scripture - 5 minutes)

  Read John 20:19-22 or John 7:37-39 slowly. Notice a word or phrase that stands out to you. Read it again and let it sink in.

  3. Respond Honestly (Prayer - 5-7 minutes)

  Talk to the Holy Spirit about where you feel “thirsty” (such as areas of fatigue, frustration, or longing).

  Pray, “Holy Spirit, fill me, lead me, and empower me to live like Jesus today.”

  4. Listen and Notice (Discernment - 3-5 minutes)

  Sit quietly again. Pay attention to any thoughts, nudges, or convictions that align with Jesus’s character and Scripture. Write down anything that stands out.

  5. Take One Step (Obedience - throughout the day)

  Act on one small prompting during the day (encourage someone, forgive, pray for someone, step out in courage, etc.). 

  Close your time with the simple prayer, “Come, Holy Spirit. I want more of you.”

  Be ready to share about your experience the next time your community gathers together. 

  Pray

  End by having someone read Acts 2:17-18 as a prayer over the group.