CHURCH ONLINE GUIDE
November 24th
How does this work?
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What if it's my first time?If you are a guest, we will not embarrass you, have you stand up, or ask you to give money. We know that many people want to check out the church and “be anonymous” for awhile – that’s fine with us! Come in, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and see if Ethos is home for you.
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What should I wear?Want to wear shorts and a t-shirt? Awesome! Looking to dress up a bit for church? Sounds good to us. At Ethos, you can dress however you feel comfortable.
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Can I attend if I'm ___________?Yes. Fill in the blank with whatever you’re worried about: single, divorced, gay, straight, white, black, addicted, hurting, poor, super-successful, a nonbeliever, atheist, Michigan fan, etc. At Ethos Church, we’ll welcome you as you are. You belong here!
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What about my kids?We love kids! Our facility is clean, safe, and staffed with loving, trained, and background checked servant leaders. We offer a dynamic children’s ministry called Ethos Kids. When you arrive, you’ll see signage that directs you to our Kids Check-in booth where we will guide you to our kids classrooms and ensure a fun and engaging environment. Your kids will have a blast as they worship, learn biblical teaching, watch videos, meet friends in small groups, and play games. Sundays will be the best part of your child's week.
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Where do I go when I get there?You’ll be warmly greeted in the parking lot and directed towards the entrance. Once inside, head to the “In This Together” area, and we’ll take it from there!
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What does Ethos mean?The characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its beliefs and aspirations. Our Ethos is love for all people, in Jesus’ name.
Most Recent Message
Church Online
Each Sunday that you come together with your Community Group, we encourage you to spend time centering on
God’s presence through worship, learning from the scriptures, praying, and just spending time together.
Up to date message slides will be available by the following Monday Morning.
TAKEAWAY: Jesus asks us "What do you want?" which is essentially asking what we love and pay attention to.
HEAD CHANGE: Our attention is a precious, finite resource that determines our priorities.
HEART CHANGE: We are often distracted by hurry, secularism, and our phones, which can prevent us from experiencing the full life God has for us.
LIFE CHANGE: Boredom can be beneficial, activating self-reflection, empathy, and creativity.
Countercultural Attention in an Age of Distraction
In a world filled with distractions, we're called to cultivate a countercultural attention to what truly matters. The story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10 reminds us that Jesus values our presence and attention over our busyness. We often find ourselves, like Martha, distracted by many things, but Jesus gently redirects us to the 'one thing' that's truly necessary. This isn't about withdrawing from the world, but about seeing God in the ordinary moments of our lives. By practicing intentional presence - whether it's taking a breath before entering a room or acknowledging God's presence each morning - we can resist the pull of hurry and secularism. As we tune our attention to God, we may discover that the 'mess' in our lives is actually a blessing, a sign of the vibrant life He's given us. Let's challenge ourselves to go deeper, beyond the shallows of cultural chatter and into the depths where God's Spirit whispers to us.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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How does the idea that "we are what we want" resonate with you? In what ways do your desires shape your life?
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The sermon mentions being "attentive to God in the everyday, ordinary moments." What might this look like in your daily life?
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How has technology, particularly smartphones, impacted your ability to focus and be present? Share both positive and negative effects.
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Discuss the concept of "mapping our longing for God onto other things." Where do you see this happening in your life or in society?
PRAYER: Lord, we confess that sometimes our cynicism overshadows our faith. Help us to see You as You truly are – full of joy and goodness. Increase our faith, even if it's as small as a mustard seed. We choose to depend on You completely and resist the cynicism of our culture. Show us Your power and goodness in tangible ways this week. In Jesus' name, Amen.
"Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?”
John 1:38
Looking for previous Community Guides? Find them on the Watch page.