I am Special

Introduction & Welcome (1 min.)

I. Opening Prayer (5 min.)

Grace: To see myself through God’s eyes, loved for my flaws and weaknesses as well as my gifts and strengths.

Use the grace and the suggested scripture above to create your own prayer, or use CLC Opening Prayer.

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:

• Stars and Dots Sheet
• Laptop to play video of You Are Special by Max Lucado (or can be read)
• A basket or box to put all the dots and stars
• CLC supply box (CLC journal booklets, papers, pens, markers etc.). All handouts are in the CLC Journal booklets.

Introduction

Stars and Dots

Have members cut out the Stars and Dots Sheet. Let them collect the number of star and dot cutouts for themselves and it’s up to them to decide how many stars and dots they want to have. On the dots, have them write out a few things about themselves that they are not proud of, their weaknesses and shortcomings. On the stars, have them write out their strengths and positive qualities.

Exercise: You Are Special

Read or watch You are Special by Max Lucado

Sharing

1. Discuss the story and characters: Punchinello, Lucia, Wemmick, Eli.
   • What is your reaction to the story?
2. What are some of the stars and dots that others give you?
   • Have you allowed any those stars and dots to take control of your feelings towards yourself?
3. What are some of the stars and dots that you wrote down earlier? Describe.
4. How do you see and feel about those stars and dots now that you have heard the story? Describe.
5. Are there ways you can use your flaws and weaknesses, as well as your gifts and strengths, to better serve God?

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: We have taken some time tonight to look at how we see ourselves and how we interpret the way others see us. Next week, we will deepen this awareness of how God sees us.
• Action: Try throughout the week to notice how you identify yourself with how others see you. How do you allow that to happen? And why?
• Announcements:
  • Topic for next meeting and upcoming CLC events

V. Closing Prayer (5 min.)

Ask the members to place their stars and dots inside the My Self Box they created last week. With the boxes in front of you, pray together Anthony De Mello's poem “Don’t Change”.