OPTIONAL: CO-ED 8PM BIBLE STUDY, POTLUCK, MOVIE NIGHT: HIS PROMISE, YOUR ANCHOR—EVEN WHEN THE WATERS RISE

Theme Focus: How the Bible provides comfort, guidance, and strength during moments of personal crisis or hardship.

Opening Prayer

Begin by inviting God into this time of study and meditation. Pray for wisdom, clarity, and the trust to lean on His Word, especially during life’s most challenging moments.

Scripture Meditation

Reflect on the following passages and their central themes of hope, strength, and God’s unwavering presence during times of adversity.

Psalm 34:17-19 (NIV)

"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all."
Theme: God’s attentiveness to our cries and His proximity to those in pain highlight His active role as a deliverer and healer.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV)

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Theme: God’s grace is the ultimate source of strength in our weakest moments, transforming hardships into opportunities to experience His power.

Lamentations 3:22-24 (ESV)

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in him.'"
Theme: God’s love and mercy are constant, offering fresh hope each day—even when life feels overwhelming.

Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Theme: God’s love is unbreakable, providing assurance that nothing—no trial or hardship—can distance us from His care.

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Theme: God’s promise to uphold and strengthen us gives courage in the face of fear, reminding us that His presence is our anchor.

Group Discussion Questions + Notes
For the best experience and deeper engagement, we encourage you to take notes during each question. Whether it's jotting down personal reflections or capturing key points from others' sharing, having your thoughts on paper can help you connect more deeply with the discussion and revisit meaningful insights later. Use the "Group Discussion Questions + Notes" section as a space to make this study your own, documenting how God speaks to you through the process.

1. Which verse or phrase spoke to you most profoundly today? Why?

2. How have you witnessed God drawing near to those who are brokenhearted? (Related Scripture: Psalm 34:17-19)

3. What does leaning on God’s strength look like in your life? How can this perspective transform tragedy? (Related Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

4. Reflect on the promise of Romans 8:38-39. How does God’s unchanging love redefine hardship for you?

5. Do fear and anxiety make it difficult to trust God? How does Isaiah 41:10 address these challenges?

6. Share about a time when you have experienced God’s mercies as “new every morning.” How did that impact your perspective? (Related Scripture: Lamentations 3:22-23)

7. Is there a specific biblical truth that has given you strength or hope during difficult moments? Share your experience.

Closing Thought

God’s Word offers a solid foundation, even in life’s most intense storms. Through consistent reflection and trust in Him, we find not only comfort but the strength to endure and grow. Encourage each other to carry the insights from today into the coming week.

Closing Prayer

End with a prayer of gratitude, focusing on God’s promises of love, mercy, and provision in every circumstance. Ask for the courage to trust in His Word and to live out His teachings through both trials and triumphs.

Additional Personal Study Challenge

Throughout this week, choose one passage from today’s study to quietly meditate on each day. Journal your reflections and note how God reveals His presence and guidance through it. Store these moments as reminders of His faithfulness in hard times.

Potluck and Movie Night

Join us for an evening of fellowship, delicious food, and meaningful reflection as we gather for a co-ed potluck and a viewing of your choice of United 93, Titanic or both. Each of these films offers poignant themes of human resilience, sacrifice, and the impact of historic events, providing an opportunity for thoughtful conversation and connection.

United 93

United 93 recounts the courageous story of the passengers and crew aboard the fourth hijacked plane during the September 11 attacks. The film offers a gripping, minute-by-minute portrayal of the events as they unfolded, highlighting the bravery and selflessness of ordinary people who made extraordinary choices in the face of an unimaginable crisis. Through its documentary-style approach, the movie immerses viewers in the chaos and fear of the day, providing a deeply emotional lens into the human will to act for the greater good, even in the direst circumstances.

At its core, the film explores themes of sacrifice, resilience, and unity. While the events are tragic, United 93 shines a light on the strength found in solidarity, as diverse strangers band together with extraordinary courage in their final moments. It serves as a reminder of the capacity for heroism in the face of fear, emphasizing the profound impact individuals can have when they rise to challenges far beyond themselves.

The film does not seek to sensationalize tragedy but instead allows viewers to reflect deeply on the human stories that emerged from that fateful day. United 93 is more than just a retelling of a historic event; it’s a moving tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and a powerful springboard for meaningful conversations about courage, loss, and the legacy of shared trials.

Titanic

James Cameron’s Titanic takes us aboard the ill-fated luxury liner, weaving a fictional love story into the historical tragedy to create a sweeping, emotional epic. Through the romance of Jack and Rose, the film casts a human light on the grand scale of the disaster, juxtaposing their passion with the cold reality of class divides, desperation, and human fragility. Every glittering detail of the ship mirrors the societal excess and inequalities of the era, making the tragedy feel both intimate and monumental.

The film is a riveting exploration of themes like love, sacrifice, and the fragility of human ambition. From breathtaking visuals to the haunting score, Titanic captures both the opulence and the vulnerability of life at sea, as the ship's grandeur is ultimately no match for nature’s indomitable forces. The story emphasizes not just the tragedy of the sinking itself, but also the heroism and humanity displayed as strangers grappled with impossible choices.

More than a romance or a historical retelling, Titanic endures as a cultural touchstone, reminding us of the values of courage and compassion in the face of loss. The legacy of the ship’s story — from the heroics of the passengers to the lessons of hubris — continues to resonate today, making it a powerful film for reflection and discussion.

Potluck Instructions

• Bring a Dish
  Everyone is encouraged to contribute something to the table! Aim to balance the meal by bringing one of the following categories:

• • Mains: Examples include pasta bakes, casseroles, or slow-cooked dishes.

  • Sides: Think salads, rolls, roasted vegetables, or chips and dips.

  • Desserts: Options like brownies, cookies, pies, or a fruit platter are great.

  • Drinks: Soda, juice, tea, or water bottles are welcome.

• Label Your Dish
  Be sure to clearly label your contribution, especially if it contains common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

• Serve it Warm
  If your dish requires heating, please arrive 15 minutes early to ensure it’s ready before we start.

What to Bring

Come as you are and bring:

• One dish to share

• Your favorite movie snacks

• A reflective mindset for the evening

Evening Details

• Time for socializing and enjoying the potluck before the movie

• A short introduction about the film before starting

• A respectful environment to reflect on the gravity of the movie’s themes

This is more than a potluck; it’s a space for good food, meaningful discussions, and connections that deepen through shared reflection.

Reflection Questions for Each Film

During or after the films, we invite the group to engage in meaningful discussions. Here are ten reflection questions for each movie to guide our group conversation:

United 93

1. How does the film portray the courage of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances?

2. What emotions did you experience while watching? How did the filmmakers evoke these?

3. What themes of unity or division stood out to you in the story?

4. How does the film address the concept of sacrifice?

5. Were there particular moments that challenged or deepened your understanding of heroism?

6. How did the characters’ actions reflect hope or despair in a time of crisis?

7. What lessons do you think this film offers about resilience after tragedy?

8. How did the portrayal of actual events impact your viewing experience?

9. What parallels can be drawn between the tragedy of 9/11 and other challenges today?

10. How can stories like this inspire us to respond to struggles with grace and courage?

Titanic

1. How does the movie illustrate the contrast between wealth and poverty aboard the Titanic?

2. What aspects of community and humanity are shown during moments of crisis?

3. How do the characters’ decisions reflect love and sacrifice?

4. What is the significance of the ship as a symbol throughout the movie?

5. How does the character development of Rose and Jack mirror larger themes of freedom and self-discovery?

6. What emotions did the music and cinematography evoke during key moments?

7. How does the film highlight the human cost of neglecting warnings or risks?

8. What role does privilege or social status play in survival during the disaster?

9. How does the memory of the Titanic continue to resonate over 100 years later?

10. What lessons can be drawn from the courage exhibited by some passengers during the tragedy?

This is a potluck with purpose—good food, impactful movies, and meaningful reflection. We look forward to seeing you there!