Click here to obtain a copy of the Fruit of the Spirit Study Guide.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Does It Take To Be A Host Home?

One of the cornerstones of our Journey is the opportunity to gather in small groups that will meet in homes or at church for the next seven weeks of our Journey. These groups will watch a weekly video teaching session. This video-based Bible study will explore each week’s theme in a deeper way, and provide a time to discuss together the truths of scripture and how to apply them to our lives.

Right now, we are looking for Host Homes where groups can meet to go through this seven week Bible study together. Our church’s goal is for 150 small groups so that everyone in our congregation and others in our community can be in a small group study. Will you consider opening your home to a group or hosting a group at the church for our Journey?

Here’s what you DON’T need in order to become a Host Home:

~You don’t need to be a Bible scholar

~You don’t need to be a born leader

~You don’t need to have a decorator home

~You don’t have to be a salesman

~You don’t have to be a church member

The Fruit of the Spirit will run for seven weeks, from September 17 - October 29. We have prepared answers to some Frequently-Asked Questions for Host Homes that you may pick up at the Parlor and outside the Family Life Center. If you know that you would like to be a Host Home, please complete the Host Home Sign-up Card in your bulletin and either place it in the offering or take it to the church office after service.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Journey Schedule
(click each topic to view the weekly video)

September 10
Introduction

Week One: September 17
Samples of Heaven: Love/Kindness

Week Two: September 24
Samples of Heaven: Joy

Week Three: October 1
Samples of Heaven: Peace

Week Four: October 8
Samples of Heaven: Patience

Week Five: October 15
Samples of Heaven: Goodness/Gentleness

Week Six: October 22
Samples of Heaven: Faithfulness

Week Seven: October 29
Samples of Heaven: Self Control
 


Host Home Testimonials

“I was a host for the 40 Days of Purpose study. My group consisted of church members that I personally invited and friends of mine that belong to other churches in the area that I thought would enjoy the study and fellowship. We met in my home once a week from 9:30-11:00. We would have "social" time from 9-9:30 and then begin the study. Our group consisted of 10 women who initially didn't know each other but over the course of a few weeks really bonded and enjoyed growing together spiritually. I enjoyed being a host and mixing up the dynamics of the group. I sent out 12 invitations and had 10 commit to completing the study. Most people would love to be a part of a small group if encouraged to do so. I find that being in a home creates a warm, comfortable environment especially for those that have never participated in a study”. -Patty Lindley

My email is lindleypatty@yahoo.com, or phone 574-0720 if anyone has a question regarding being a host.

 

“Both Sue and I have found hosting a small group to be one of our most enjoyable experiences since joining our CUMC Church Family.  In addition to the great spiritual discussions we have had, we have met so many new friends and fellow church family members.  It definitely makes us look forward to seeing all our friends at church and we look forward to continuing to build more friendships by hosting more small groups in the future”.
–Jeff Kiddey

For more information about being a host home feel free to contact Jeff Kiddey, jkiddey@indy.rr.com, 317-575-8861.

 

 

  

 What is Fruit of the Spirit?

 

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul writes that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These qualities or character traits are the result of the Holy Spirit working within us.  We can’t possess these qualities on our own without Christ. The fruit of the Spirit grow in a person who faithfully obeys God’s word through the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit.

 

Paul reminds us that as humans, we all possess a sinful nature. When we live in the flesh, our lives produce evil results such as sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, self ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in our own little group, envy, drunkenness, wild parties and other kinds of sin. These sins become a barrier between us and the Kingdom of God. This sinful behavior also adversely impacts those around us.

 

But if we live in the Spirit, our lives reflect love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  These are some of the qualities of Jesus that God wants humans to demonstrate.  God uses the fruit of the Spirit in our lives to positively change the lives of those around us. The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives helps us defeat our sinful nature and allow us to inherit the Kingdom of God.

While our sinful nature brings us down and tears us apart, the fruit of the Spirit builds us up and unites us.  Our sinful nature focuses on ourselves, our wants and desires; the fruit of the Spirit focuses on Jesus.

 

Over the next few weeks we’ll be studying each of these fruit so we can understand what each fruit is all about and how it can change the quality of our life and our state of well being. We hope that you’ll join us by either hosting a small group, or participating in one of the small groups that are now forming.  Look for more info & sign up cards in Sunday’s bulletin, or visit us on the web at www.carmelumc.org.

 

 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

 

                                                Galatians 5:22-23

 

 

Carmel United Methodist Church  ·  621 South Range Line Road  ·   Carmel, IN  46032
 Office Hours:  *Monday - Friday  8:00 am to 5:00 pm  *Sunday 8:00 am to Noon
Office: (317) 844-7275 · Fax: (317) 848-8790   Preschool: (317) 844-1958

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Services: Sunday morning at  8:30, 9:30 & 11:00

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Last modified:  10/09/08