Life Shapes The Semi-Circle Not weird although it sounds it. It is a way of helping us become more like Jesus.

Once upon a time there was a Bear and a Bee who lived in a wood and were the best of friends. All summer long the Bee collected nectar from morning to night while the Bear lay on his back basking in the long grass. When winter came the Bear realised he had nothing to eat and he thought to himself “I hope that busy bee will share some of his honey with me.” But the Bee was nowhere to be found - he had dies of a stress induced coronary disease.

The Vine and the Branches John 15: 1-7 (p.764) I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself, it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers, such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. Take time

Resting Growing Fruit Pruning vine and branches are like our walk with God.

The Semi-Circle = The Rhythm of Life Rest Fruit Rob and Laura’s leadership. 1 to 3 cells. Growth Pruning

Rest God resting on the seventh day (Gen 2:2) Jesus in the desert (Mark 1:12) Jesus goes to a quiet place (Mark 1:35) “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” (Psalm 62: 1-2) Talk about rest - then talk about fruit.

Matt 11:28-30 (the message) "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." Take time on this

Table Talk Discuss Do you rest/abide in God? the idea of the vineyard? Are you tired? Are you burnt out on religion? Where are you at with God?

The Semi-Circle = The Rhythm of Life Rest Fruit Focus on Fruit and pruning Growth Pruning

What is Fruit? The Fruit of the Holy Spirit New believers love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control (Gal 5:22-23) New believers "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matt 4:19) Spend most of time on fruit of spirit and make it not weird. Attractive characteristics.

What is pruning Cutting off unfruitful areas Trimming the fruitful areas to make them more fruitful. The old man in Rioja.

Burt gets angry

The Semi-Circle = The Rhythm of Life Rest Fruit He rests in God about his anger. Growth Pruning

The Semi-Circle = The Rhythm of Life Rest Fruit He starts to do better in difficult situations. Growth Pruning

The Semi-Circle = The Rhythm of Life Rest Fruit He displays patience and gentleness instead of anger when someone misquotes Star Trek Growth Pruning

The Semi-Circle = The Rhythm of Life Rest Fruit He realises that although he has come along way, he still gets angry a lot. Growth Pruning

The Semi-Circle = The Rhythm of Life Rest Fruit Growth Pruning

Table Talk Discuss What fruit would you like to bear more of? Does God want to prune anything? What about new believers? Do you have someone to do the semi circle with? Would you like to meet with someone regularly to chat about these things?