12 Apr Joy in the Valleys – Southcoast
Check the Events Page for What is Happening (not everything is listed here) (waterschurch.org/events)
NEW: Life Group Leader Training – April 27 at 5:45 p.m. Registration link is below.
Please have only those apprentices who are ready to lead a group register, not those who have just begun apprenticing.
************************
The Generational Influence giving campaign has been extended an additional 10 weeks. It is now 30 weeks with a May 3rd offering date.
WATERS UNIVERSITY –Alpha Spring classes begin April 13th!
We’re looking to grow healthy Christians at Waters Church…spiritually, physically, mentally, financially, and relationally — that is the mission of Waters University.
Alpha is a welcoming, conversation‑driven introduction to the Christian faith where anyone (new & non-believers) can explore life’s big questions in a relaxed, judgment‑free environment.
Re‑Engage Christ‑centered marriage enrichment
Financial Peace University Achieve financial stability with God
Celebrate Recovery Overcome hurts and habits
We’re looking for Life Groups and/or individuals to provide or donate meals for upcoming Alpha classes at the North Attleboro, Woonsocket, Southcoast and Apollo Beach campuses. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support!
Go to the Waters Events page or click the link below for more information on classes, Alpha meal prep and to register for both.
WATERS U (https://watersu.org/)
Please note: Life Groups that generously provide or sponsor a meal for Alpha are deeply appreciated. To help create a safe and consistent environment where guests feel comfortable opening up, we kindly ask that groups serve the meal and then allow the Alpha team and registered participants to continue the class and discussion.
Thank you!
Waters Class Schedule:
- Growth Track – Check the schedule and register on the events page.
- 4th Sunday: Baptism Class – after every service
Waters Help: Need marriage and family care, or have a group member who does? Click here: help resources page or visit waterschurch.org/help
Location Text Alerts:
| North Attleboro | Text “subscribe” to 508 695-1300 | |
| Norwood | Text “subscribe” to 781 762-3357 | |
| Apollo Beach | Text “subscribe” to 813 642-6979 | |
| Woonsocket | Text “subscribe” to 833 241-4837 | |
| Southcoast | Text “subscribe” to 508 809-3490 | |
Check the Events Page for What is Happening (not everything is listed here) (waterschurch.org/events)
PLEASE CHECK YOUR NOTIFICATIONS AND OR YOUR PLANNING CENTER PROFILES FOR NEW MEMBER REQUESTS.
Prayer Saturday – First Saturday after First Tuesday/Together Tuesday: 9-10 am all locations
Worship Mondays: 6:00 a.m. worship – location rotation
For schedules, go to waterschurch.org/events
NOTE:
Two opportunities to pray:
Leaders only: Please be available at the end of services to pray for those who come forward. If you are not actively serving during the service you are attending, make it a priority to head to the front when the invitation is given. Your presence matters!
North Attleboro Leaders and members: If you or any member of your group who currently serves is available, there is an opportunity to meet for prayer in the conference room off the break room during the second and third services. Please see Doug and Joanie White or Felix Shyllon if you would like to be a part of that ministry.
Please note: if you have a member who is not currently serving and would like to be part of the prayer during the service team, please have them take the appropriate steps to become a serve team member.
NORTH ATTLEBORO
Prayer at the Altar – AFTER SERVICES
If possible, please make an effort to be at the altar after this service to pray for others.
Your presence makes a difference—thank you for serving!
IMPORTANT FOR EASTER SUNDAY – NORTH ATTLEBORO
LIFE GROUP LEADER MEETING RE-CAP VIDEO
Thank you to everyone who attended our Life Group Leader Meeting this past Monday. We heard a powerful message from Pastor Tim on Stewardship vs. Ownership.
If you were unable to attend—or if you’d like to watch it again—please take a few moments to view the message using the link below. I strongly encourage you to watch, as it highlights key principles for this ministry.
https://youtube.com/live/vtBj-LCldbI?feature=share
**Please read all scripture in the ESV, unless otherwise noted.**
**The Leader prompts and the Leader Insight Box are to help you, as the leader, move the conversation along.**
KEY VERSE: James 1
Ice Breaker Question:
If your life had a theme song that played every time you walked into a room, what would it be?
Opening Prayer:
Lord, thank You for bringing us together today. As we open Your Word, help us to see trials the way You do—not as setbacks, but as opportunities for growth. Give us open hearts to receive what You want to teach us, and help us to trust You in every season. In Jesus’ name, amen.
James 1:1-4 ESV
None of the HEROES of the BIBLE would be HEROES
without first going through TRIALS.
1. Trials are INEVITABLE and UNAVOIDABLE.
1 Peter 4:12 ESV
1 Thessalonians 3:3 ESV
Q. How do you typically respond when trials come into your life?
Leader Prompt:
Invite your group to consider that trials are not random—they are part of God’s process and may be unavoidable for every believer.
Practical Application:
If a trial comes this week, consider pausing to trust God rather than reacting out of frustration.
2. You can HAVE JOY amidst trials:
Hebrews 12:2 ESV
Joy is connected to JESUS, not circumstances.
Joy is our hope, NOT happiness.
Q. When you’re in the middle of a trial, what tends to pull your focus away from Jesus—and what would it look like to intentionally shift your focus back to Him?
Leader Prompt:
Encourage your group to reflect on the idea that joy often comes from staying connected to Jesus, not from changing circumstances.
Practical Application:
This week, intentionally spend time with Jesus each day and choose to anchor your joy in Him, not your situation.
Tools to Practice Joy:
a. BE in a Church community: STAY in church, BE a part of a SMALL group.
b. FASTING & PRAYER: Make it a part of your LIFE routine.
c. BE in the WORD: Memorize scripture, SPEND time reading the WORD of GOD.
d. SERVE: Serving is BETTER than being served.
e. Practice GRATITUDE: FOCUS on WHAT you HAVE rather than WHAT you DON’T.
Q: Which of these tools do you tend to neglect the most, and how might that be affecting your ability to experience joy?
Leader Prompt:
Walk your group through each tool briefly and help them see that joy is cultivated through intentional habits, not just feelings.
Practical Application:
Choose one of these tools this week and intentionally practice it daily to strengthen your joy.
3. Trials SANCTIFY you.
Philippians 3:8 ESV
Trials PURGE you from GRASPING onto anything but CHRIST.
Romans 5:2-5 ESV
Q. What is a trial in your life that may be revealing something you’ve been holding onto more than Christ?
Leader Prompt:
Help your group see that trials are not just something to get through, but something God uses to refine and draw us closer to Christ.
Practical Application:
Ask God this week to reveal anything you’re holding onto more than Him, and begin surrendering it to Him.
Sermon in a Sentence:
Trials are the TOOLS God uses to TRANSFORM your faith to MATURITY and grow your CHARACTER to bring glory to HIS Kingdom.
Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for reminding us that You are at work even in our trials. Help us to trust You more, to find our joy in You, and to allow You to shape and refine us. Give us the strength to walk through every challenge with faith, knowing You are using it for our good. In Jesus’ name, amen.
No Comments