The transformative power of Easter joy by Teri McDowell Ott
Questions:
- If you have had an experience of joy like the one the author experienced at a Starbucks airport, share the setting and the drama of that experience.
- The author shares the differences between joy and happiness. What insights could you add to her distinctions between the two emotions?
- What are some ways shared joy can transform a setting or situation?
- How can you and your church help make Easter Sunday a “LOUD, JOYFULLY LOUD” day of celebration?
The complexity of joy by Lakisha R. Lockhart-Rusch
Questions:
- To what extent is joy a part of your life? What brings you the most joy? How do you express your joy?
- The author writes, “My joy is not simply an emotion or a disposition. It is an intentional disruption, an act of resistance and a spiritual practice to see and be open to the good — regardless.” How do you respond to that affirmation? What are some ways you might apply that affirmation to your own life situation?
- How do you see joy as an “intentional disruption?”
- The author writes of “joy as an act of resistance” and “joy as a spiritual practice.” In what ways do you affirm and/or question those affirmations?
- Reread the next to the last paragraph. The author asks several questions. How would you answer one or more of those questions?
Practicing joy when the world is falling apart by Tom Are Jr.
Questions:
- What do joy and happiness have in common? In what ways are they different?
- The author writes, “Joy is rooted in the confidence that life’s disappointments are not evidence that God has abandoned us. As Paul says, “joy is the fruit that results from trusting that the spirit of Christ will work for our deliverance.” How helpful is that affirmation in the turmoil of our personal or national life today?
- The author states that the Apostle Paul wrote his epistle to the Philippians while he was in prison and, despite that situation, writes of his joy as “rejoicing in the Lord.” How might Paul be a model for us in our turbulent times?
- Even as “the world is falling apart,” where are some places where you experience joy?
Joy, like magic, is best shared by Cliff Haddox
Questions:
- What are some of your thoughts about the opening story of the article where the author describes a trick he “played” as part of the benediction for a worship service?
- The author writes about the joy he experiences in learning and performing magic tricks, a hobby he first developed as a youth. What hobby or interest have you developed over the years that gives you joy? How have you shared that hobby with others in the church and/or community?
- Reread the paragraph that begins, “This reawakening of an old joy has caused me to look at other areas of my life …” The paragraph includes three questions. Spend a few minutes discussing one or more of the questions.
- Like the author, when did you, as a stranger, enter a room filled with persons who “belonged” to the group or organization? How did you feel in the new setting? What made you more comfortable? What does that teach you about your church being more welcoming to strangers?
Mrs. Brown’s lessons on joy by Mary Austin
Questions:
- The writer says, “ … hard lessons continue, while joy comes in small bursts.” What are some small bursts of joy you have experienced recently?
- Who has taught you about joy? What would you tell others about these lessons?
- Joy demands to be shared. The writer says, “in the Gospels, any time someone has a life-changing encounter with Jesus, their next impulse is to tell someone.” When has your joy been so fulfilling that you simply had to share it with someone else? What was that person’s response?
