Series 19 Clothed with Christ Retreat Session 2 Application (Group)

NOTE:  This exercise was written as part of a retreat and is intended to follow Session 2 Individual which can be found here.  For more information about the retreat click here.  If you are doing the application as an individual, click here. The purpose of this exercise is self-reflection and confession of the Old Self in each of us.  We then move to recognition and celebration that we are all made new in Christ.  PREPARATION:  Take a few minutes at the beginning of the group time to allow each participant to review the list from the individual exercise as follows.

INSTRUCTIONS:  On an index card, list three things you would like to take off from your old self.  For one of these, think of a specific relationship or circumstance where this characteristic impedes a relationship.  List three things you would like to put on to your new self. For one of these, think of a specific example from your own life where this characteristic would heal, restore, or improve a relationship.

Be sure each participant is wearing a garment (scarf, wrap, favorite sweatshirt, hat, etc.) TAKING OFF THE OLD (25 min) What characteristics of the old self are still problems in your life?

• Allow each participant, if willing, to name one characteristic, and share how it is an impediment in a relationship.
• After sharing, the participant removes the garment as a symbol of taking off the old.
• The group together prays: “If anyone is in Christ, s/he is a new creation!”

Repeat the same process until all have shared. PUTTING ON THE NEW (25 min) What characteristics of the new self are not yet integral parts of your life?

• Allow each participant, if willing, to name one characteristic, and share how having this characteristic would heal, restore, or improve a relationship.
•  After sharing, the participant puts on the garment as a symbol of putting on the new.
• The group recites together:  “The old has gone, the new is here!”

Repeat the same process until all have shared. PRAY:  CONFESSION and CELEBRATION (10 min) Close the morning in prayer for each other as a group or in pairs.

Session 2:  Individual                                          Session 2 Application-Individual Format