Week 1

When We Need a Friend

Too often, moms don’t have the friends we need. Maybe we’re far from the people we most want to share life with. Or we’ve been hurt by friends we trusted. Maybe we’re the only single mom or working mom on the block and our attempts at friendship fall flat. Or our friends just don’t understand what it’s like to raise children of color, or children with disabilities, or children who are walking away from Jesus. In our survey, 69% of moms said they were lonely or didn't have life-giving friendships.

By leading this group, you are part of God’s answer to the prayers of lonely moms.  Thank you!

This week, we see a glimpse of friendship in action. Mary and her son Jesus show up at a wedding where the unthinkable happens: the hosts run out of wine. 

Prep

1. Read through the study.

2. Print Bible passage. (optional)

3. Cue up video 1 on whatever screen you will be using. (Scan the QR code in your book to access the video.)

4. Pray for the moms in your group, especially those who feel lonely. Ask God to grow the friendships in your group.

Session

If you did not have an introductory week:

• Go around the group and have each person introduce themselves with their name, the ages of their children, and why they are joining the group. (10 minutes)

• Agree on group commitments (10 minutes) 

  What do you need to do as a group so you function well together?  Let each woman brainstorm for a minute, then share (and write down) their ideas. Agree together which ones you want to practice.  We’ve found these commitments, included on page 8 of the book, helpful: 

• Listen actively 

• Let folks finish their thoughts--don’t interrupt 

• Don’t give advice 

• Take risks to share the vulnerable truth about your life  

• Be mindful of how much space you take up in the group (so if you’re a talker, listen more; if you’re a listener, talk a little more) 

• Have a learning posture 

• Be open to what God has for you 

• Confidentiality 

If you had an introductory week, you can start here:

1. Have someone read the introduction on page 7. (2 minutes)

2. Complete the opening activities on pages 8. (15 minutes)

3. Watch this week’s video. (15 minutes if this is your first meeting, 6 minutes if it’s your second meeting.) 

4. Have someone read John 2:1-12 aloud. (5 minutes)  

5. Answer the study questions on pages 9-12. (35 minutes) 

6. Read the description of Breath Prayer on page 13 and practice the Breath Prayer on pages 12-13. (4 minutes)

7. Read the description of Holy Spirit Check-Ins on page 13 and complete this week’s Holy Spirit Check-In on page 13. (3 minutes)

8. Pray the Leader’s Benediction on page 14 over your group. (1 minute)