SERIES TITLE
At The Movies Week 2
SERIES OVERVIEW
Bring a friend, grab some popcorn, find a seat… you’re at the movies! Each week we’ll learn how God uses characters and storylines from the big screen to inspire positive change. Journey with us through some of Hollywood’s most impactful films and experience God’s purpose for you in a fun and fresh way. Our At the Movies series is only viewable on an Eastside campus. For times and directions, please choose a location near you.
SERMON TITLE
A Man Called Otto
Sermon Summary
A Man Called Otto is the story of a grumpy old curmudgeon, played by legendary actor Tom Hanks, who treats everyone around him with contempt because he knows there is ONE RIGHT WAY to do everything, and it’s HIS right way.
WARM UP
Begin with some conversation, checking in on how people are doing. You can talk about whatever you’d like, but here are a few potential questions to get the conversation going.
If your life was a movie, what would its title be, and who would play you?
DISCUSSion
- Read Romans 15:7. How can you make others feel about themselves the way God feels about them?
- How can learning and understanding the stories of others help us empathize and connect with them?
- Think of someone you initially had difficulty connecting with, but later learned about their story and it changed your perspective. Share this experience with the group.
- Read Philippians 2:3–4. How do pride and pain hinder our ability to accept and love others? What pain will you rob you of moments, days, or years?
Can you identify a time when pride or pain played a role in a strained relationship? What steps can you take to move past these feelings towards acceptance and love? - What does it mean to be needed by others, and why does it bring fulfillment and joy?
In what ways have you experienced the joy of being needed and serving others? How can you continue to seek opportunities to serve those around you? - Read Matthew 10:39. For Otto, each attempt to end his life is interrupted by someone’s need. How can small acts of love and service help bridge the gaps in broken relationships?
Is there a relationship in your life that could benefit from small acts of love and service? Consider what steps you can take to demonstrate love and care in that relationship. - Gene said, “God wants to use each of us. God has brought you THROUGH things to USE those things to serve others and fulfill your purpose. There’s someone in your orbit, a neighbor, a friend, a family member who needs you to realize your full potential. “
As we enter a new year, is there a place you feel God is calling you to move into and serve?
wrap up | prayer
- Ask if there are any prayer requests within the group, allowing time for individuals to share their needs. • Pray for the ability to recognize and empathize with the “Ottos” in our lives, asking God to help us understand their stories and pain.
- Pray for God’s guidance in healing and mending broken relationships, asking for the humility to put aside pride and pain to love and accept others as Christ has loved and accepted us.
- Ask for the wisdom to recognize the gifts and talents God has given us and for the courage to use them in service to others. • Pray for the strength to find purpose in our pain and struggles, trusting that God can use these experiences for good and to make a difference in the lives of others.