Who Am I

Introduction & Welcome (1 min.)

I. Opening Prayer (5 min.)

Grace: To grow in a greater awareness of how we see and define ourselves

Use the grace or a suggested scripture above to create your own prayer or use the one below. After reading the scripture, say:

Lord, we thank you for gathering us here tonight. We gather here tonight to explore the question, “Who am I?” Help us to grow in a greater awareness of how we see and define ourselves because it affects how we live and relate to you and others. Amen.

Note: Ask for a volunteer to lead opening and closing prayers for the next meeting.

II. Check-In (5 min.)

Invite members to share some of the high and low points of the week. This check-in is meant to ease the group into reconnecting and reflecting on their experiences and it should be brief.

• What were some of your high and low points of the week?

III. Focus Exercise (40 min.)

Materials Needed: CLC supply box (CLC journal booklets, papers, pens, etc.), markers, music, empty shoe boxes or any boxes

Introduction

1. Feel free to use any song to set the tone. (Suggestions: "Who I am" by Jessica Andrews or "Who am I" by Casting Crowns)
2. In the next few weeks, we are going to begin our inner journey in exploring the question, “Who am I?” How we see and define ourselves affect how we live and relate with others and God.
3. Tonight, we are going to have an activity called, “My Self Box.” Encourage them to do it prayerfully. Play some instrumental music during the activity.

Exercise: My Self Box

Materials ready: make sure that you have all materials ready and everyone has a box. Imagine the box symbolizes everything about you.

• Step 1: Outside the box, write or draw images how others (family, friends, staff, etc) see you. Give them some suggested questions and ideas…
  • Write 2 or 3 words or phrases others would describe about you
  • Write 2 or 3 things others like about you
  • Write 2 or 3 things others might not like about you
  • Or whatever else come to your mind
  • Note: Wait until they are done with this step, before you mention the next step.

• Step 2: Inside the box, write or draw images how you see yourself.
  • Write 2 or 3 words or phrases you would describe about yourself
  • Write 2 or 3 things you like about yourself
  • Write 2 or 3 things you might not like about yourself
  • Or whatever else come to your mind
  • Note: Wait until they are done with this step before you mention the next step.

• Step 3: In the center of the box, write or draw images how God sees you.
  • Write 2 or 3 words or phrases God would describe about you
  • Write 2 or 3 things God likes about you
  • Write 2 or 3 things God might not like about you
  • Or whatever else come to your mind
  • Note: Wait until they are done with this step.

• Step 4: Once they are finished, invite members to pray with the box. If helpful, ask the following questions prayerfully
  • Are there any similarities and differences among the three (others, you, and God)?
  • Any surprises? Insights?
  • What do you think God is saying to you?

Sharing

Encourage members to share. If helpful, refer to the same reflection questions above.

1. Are there any similarities and differences among the three (others, you, and God)?
2. Any surprises? Insights?
3. What do you think God is saying to you?

Listening Deeper

Suggested questions to deepen awareness of inner movements and further conversation

• What has struck you as you have been listening to others share? Do you notice any patterns or commonalities?
• How have you been feeling throughout the meeting? Comfortable? Anxious? Curious?
• Is there anything you would like to share after listening to another person share?

IV. Moving Forward (5 min.)

• Wrap-Up: Thank members for their openness and participation. Discuss group service project this quarter.
• Action:
  1. Encourage members to place the “My Self Box” nearby the prayer center in your room and continue to pray with the box.
  2. Switch prayer partners
• Announcements: Topic for next meeting and upcoming CLC events

V. Closing Prayer (5 min.)

Encourage everyone to pray for each other by praying for the person to their left.

(Coordinator should begin first) I would like to pray in thanksgiving for...