Week of 3/22/26: Returning To The God Who Runs to Us

SUMMARY
Formation Theme: Be the Church - Rooted in Repentance
Weekly Theme: Be the Church - Returning to the God Who Runs to Us
Weekly Fast: Screens Before Bed
Sermon Text: Acts 6:8-15
Primary Reading: John 11-21
Kids’ Readings (Jesus Storybook Bible): Running Away (Luke 15:11-32), Washed With Tears (Luke 7:36-50)
Memory Verses (Through April 4th): Psalm 51:1–4 (ESV)
 [1] Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.
 [2] Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!
 [3] For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. 
 [4] Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight,
  so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. 

1 | Theme Reflection - “Returning To The God Who Runs to Us”
Acts 6:8–15 introduces us to Stephen - radiant with grace, filled with the Spirit and falsely accused by those who feel threatened by God’s transforming work. What stands out is not Stephen’s defense but his demeanor: a face like an angel, a heart at peace, a life anchored in God’s presence.

Repentance is not merely turning from sin; it is turning toward the God who meets us with compassion, steadiness and love.

In John 11–21, Jesus repeatedly reveals the heart of the Father -
the God who runs to the broken, calls the dead to life, walks toward the cross and meets His disciples in their fear.
This is a God who moves toward us long before we move toward Him.

This week’s fast - stepping away from screens before bed - is a quiet but profound act of repentance. It allows us to end our days the way Jesus invites us to live all our days:
in stillness, in trust, in His presence rather than distraction.

When we return to rest, we return to God.

When we quiet our minds, we can hear His voice through His Word again.

When we release what keeps us numb, it is easier to acknowledge His presence.

2 | Daily Reading Rhythm

3 | Practice of the Week - A Fast from Screens Before Bed
Why a Fast from Screens Before Beds for Adults?
Screens can disrupt our rest and distract us from ending the day in prayerful reflection. Fasting from screens before bed fosters peace and space to connect with God.
Scripture
"In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." (Psalm 4:8)
Reflection
How can I better prepare my mind and heart for rest in God's presence?
What might God want to teach me in the quiet?
Encouragement
Use the last 30 minutes of your day for prayer, journaling, or reading Scripture instead of scrolling or streaming.
Prayer
God of peace, quiet my heart and mind as the day ends. Help me to rest in You, free from distractions. May I find deep comfort in Your presence and trust in Your care as I sleep.
Amen.
4 | Family Guide - Helping Kids Engage the Fast
Why a Fast from Screens Before Bed for Families?
Screens can keep our minds busy when we need rest. Instead of ending the day with distractions, we can slow down and focus on Jesus."In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." 
(Psalm 4:8) This fast helps us trust God with our rest.
Ideas for Kids
  • Set a “screen-free” time before bed and replace it with reading a Bible story or praying together.
  • Create a special bedtime routine with quiet worship music or a gratitude journal.
  • Go outside for a short evening walk as a family and talk about the best part of the day.
Kid’s Prayer
God, You give me rest. Help me to put away distractions and trust You as I sleep. Amen.
Conversation Starters
  • How do screens make it harder to fall asleep?
  • Why do you think God wants us to rest?
  • What’s one way we can use bedtime to think about Jesus instead of screens?
    5 | Doctrinal Focus - The God Who Sees and Sustains
    Psalm 4:8 anchors the week in a profound truth: God Himself is our rest.
    His nearness is safety. Not safety from physical but spiritual harm. His presence is peace. 
    Though chaos surrounds us, our souls can rest in Him. His character is the grounds of our trust.
    Throughout Scripture, rest is not merely a rhythm - it is a relationship.To repent is to return to the One who guards our sleep and carries our burdens.
    6 | Missional Focus - Presence Instead of Distraction
    Screens often numb what God invites us to notice:
    • the weary person beside us,
    • the stirring of compassion within us,
    • the voice of the Spirit guiding us.

    Use the margin created each evening to be present where God has placed you: with a spouse, a child, a roommate, a neighbor, or the Lord Himself.

    Mission can begin in attentiveness.

    7 | Community Group Discussion Questions
    From the Sermon (Text - Acts 6:8-15)
        1. What stands out about Stephen’s peace and presence under pressure?
        2. How does his example deepen your understanding of true repentance?
    From the Readings
        1. How does Jesus reveal the Father’s compassionate pursuit of his people in these chapters?
        2. Where do you see themes of rest, peace, or renewal in Jesus’ final days?
    From Personal Reflection
        1. What distractions most often keep you from rest?
        2. How might ending the day with quiet create space for repentance or healing?
    From Community Life
        1. How can your group help each other cultivate rhythms of rest?
        2. What might it look like for your group to respond to others with the calm presence of Christ?
    Questions for Children
        1. Why do we put screens away before bed this week?
        2. How does God help us rest?
        3. What is your favorite way to think about Jesus at bedtime?

    8 | Closing Prayer
    “O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forevermore.”

    In Jesus Name, Amen. 

    - ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭131‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭ESV‬‬