Today we are kicking off a new message series, which is going to follow along with the ten weekly topics of Rooted. This Sunday, we are specifically focusing on the overall purpose of Rooted, which is to “Connect with God. Connect with the Church. Connect with your purpose.” Now, I hear what you are thinking, “Pastor that’s enough content for at least three messages. How long are you planning to talk today?!?!?” Not that long. I mostly just want to share three short stories, three short stories about connecting. Let’s talk about it.

John 17:20-23
20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.

For Adult Homes or Groups
1. Read John 17:20-23.
2. The purpose of Rooted is to “Connect with God, the Church, and your purpose.” In your own words, describe what it looks like when someone is connected to any or all of these.
3. What is the relationship between these three connections: God, Church, and purpose? Which connections can lead to others and
how/why? (e.g. Can connecting with your purpose lead to connecting with God or the Church?)
4. Of these three, is there one where your connection is strongest right now? Weakest? What can you do to strengthen that connection?
5. Determine one thing you can do this week to strengthen one of those connections, and then at the end of the week let your group/family know how it felt to strengthen that connection.

For Families with Kids
1. Read John 17:23 with your family.
2. What do you think it means to be “in” Jesus?
3. What does it mean to be brought together as one with other Christians?
4. Do you feel you are connected with others at church? (This may include other kids in Kids Church, the Landing, a small group, etc.). Why or why not?
5. Why is it important to stay connected to God, and how can we connect more with Him?