CHAPTER 1
DO NO HARM – Understanding the Rule
PREPARE AHEAD
Set Up the Learning Area
• Prepare a worship center. Find a small table and cover with an attractive cloth. Place a candle in a candleholder, and place it on the table. Have matches nearby. Place a Bible on the table. Make a poster that lists the three rules: Do No Harm, Do Good, Stay in Love With God. Place this poster where all can see it.
• Prepare a graffiti sheet by writing the words "Do No Harm – Understanding the Rule" at the top of a large white sheet of paper or poster board. Put this graffiti sheet where participants can easily write on it — a wall or a tabletop, for example.
• Arrange chairs in a circle or around a table. Make sure everyone will have a place to sit. Be sensitive to the needs of persons who have disabilities.
Gather Needed Materials
• A copy of Three Simple Rules for Christian Living for each participant in the group
• The DVD for Three Simple Rules for Christian Living
• This leader guide, in order to have the session plan easily available for your use.
• (Optional) A copy or copies of Rueben Job's book Three Simple Rules
• (Optional) The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church (The United Methodist Publishing House, 2004)
• Bibles. If possible, provide several different translations or paraphrases such as the Common English Bible, the New King James Version, the New Revised Standard Version, and THE MESSAGE.
• Bible dictionaries and commentaries
• Paper, markers, paper, pencils, nametags
• Whiteboard or newsprint and markers
• Audiovisual equipment: a DVD player and TV for showing the DVD segment for this session
WELCOME THE PARTICIPANTS
Greet the participants as they arrive. Show them the worship center and where additional Bibles and Bible resources are located. If they do not already have a study book, give them one. Invite them to write or draw on the graffiti sheet "Do No Harm – Understanding the Rule" any ideas or images that define what the rule means. Tell them to create a nametag and to find a place to sit.
INTRODUCE THE STUDY
Tell the group that Three Simple Rules for Christian Living is based on John Wesley's three rules for living a Christian life, which are featured in the book Three Simple Rules by Bishop Rueben Job. Summarize the information about the rules in the Introduction of the study book. If you have a copy of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, show them the section entitled, "The Nature, Design, and General Rules of Our United Societies" in Paragraph 103.
CONSIDER THE QUESTIONS
Invite someone to read aloud the focus question for the rule: Most Christians do not intend to harm anyone; however, we sometimes are not aware of the harm we do. What does it mean to "do no harm"? Invite them to write responses in the space provided in their books. Discuss their responses. Look at the graffiti sheet responses. Invite participants to tell about what they have written or drawn.
PRAY TOGETHER
Invite the group to pray aloud the prayer that is printed in their books: God of love, we know you want us to love your creation: neighbors, friends or enemies, strangers, the natural world, and ourselves. Yet we do harm, often unintentionally. Help us to be more aware of the harm we do. In Christ we pray. Amen.
VIEW THE DVD SEGMENT
Show the DVD segment for session 1 "Do No Harm – Understanding the Rule." Invite participants to respond to the following questions:
1. How would you respond differently to people if you knew they would always follow the rule "Do no harm"?
2. Rueben Job states that we cannot practice this rule without trust in God. What do you think he means? Do you agree?
3. Why are the Beatitudes so helpful regarding this rule? What do we learn from them about doing no harm?
REFLECT AND RESPOND
What Does the Rule Say?
• Have participants write responses to the questions in "Reflect on the Rule." Where is harm being done? (Use an example from your household or circle of friends, your family, your congregation, your community, your city, your state, a group of people with whom you identify, your nation, or the world.) Who is being harmed? What harm is being done? Who is doing it or causing it? (The "who" may be one or more people, groups, corporations, institutions, states, or nations.) Why is it happening? How is harm being done? Invite them to tell about their responses.
• Read or tell in your own words the remaining information in "Unintended Harm." Invite participants to respond to the questions in "Reflect." How do you respond to Job's understanding that the rule "do no harm" can provide a safe place to stand during the work of discernment? Why do you think the rule requires radical trust and obedience in God? Discuss their responses.
• Read or tell in your own words the information in "John Wesley's General Rules." Invite participants to respond to the question in "Reflect." If you were writing John Wesley's General Rules for doing no harm today, what would you put on the list? Discuss their responses.
• Read or tell in your own words the information in the opening paragraph of "The Answers Depend on the Questions." Invite participants to respond to the questions in "Reflect." How do the questions in this paragraph affect your awareness of harm caused by groups or institutions? How might you unwittingly be part of the group? Discuss their responses. Read or tell in your own words the remaining information in this section. Have participants respond to the questions in "Reflect." If you see yourself as part of the group or institution that might be causing harm, what changes could you make? How might you influence change in the group or institution to make changes that would reduce the harm being done? Discuss their responses.
What Does the Bible Say?
• Read or tell in your own words the information about preparing to get a driver's license in the opening paragraph. Invite participants to tell about their memories of getting a license.
• Have participants open their Bibles to Exodus 20:1-17. Read the Ten Commandments aloud or silently. Invite participants to write responses to the question in "Reflect on the Bible." What connections do you see between the Ten Commandments and the rule to do no harm? Have them tell about their responses.
• Read or tell in your own words the remaining information in this section. Invite participants to respond to the questions in "Reflect." Which of the commandments concern doing no harm? In each, what kind of harm is prohibited? Who is being protected from harm? Do any of these commandments also protect the one who might do harm? If so, how? Discuss their responses.
• Read or tell in your own words the information in "Ultimate Loyalty." Invite participants to respond to the questions in "Reflect." What are your ultimate loyalties? What might your checkbook or credit card statement tell you about what you value most? To what goals do you give your greatest efforts? What does your lifestyle tell you and other people about your values? Are your ultimate loyalties doing harm to what God loves: the earth and all of creation, including human creatures? Discuss their responses.
CLOSE THE SESSION
• Invite the group to use "Closing – A Guide for Daily Prayer" during the week ahead for their personal prayer. Tell them to read Chapter 2, "Do No Harm – Practicing the Rule" and to write responses in the reflection activities.
• Pray aloud the prayer in "Welcoming God's Presence." Gracious God, open our eyes to love what you love so that we will do no harm. Uphold and guide us during this season of Lent as we seek to follow your commandments and abide in your ways. Amen.
• Read aloud Psalm 19:7-8, 12-13a, which is printed in "Scripture."
• Tell participants to write about insights, words, or ideas that come to them as they reflect on Psalm 19:7-8, 12-13a according to the instructions in "Meditation." After a few moments, read aloud Psalm 19:14.
• Invite the group to pray according to the instructions in "Prayer." They may pray aloud or silently. Close the time of prayer by saying aloud "Amen."
• Read aloud Isaiah 30:15b in "Blessing" as a dismissal for the session.
CHAPTER 2
DO NO HARM – Practicing the Rule
PREPARE AHEAD
Set Up the Learning Area
• Prepare a worship center. Find a small table and cover with an attractive cloth. Place a candle in a candleholder, and place it on the table. Have matches nearby. Place a Bible on the table. Make a poster that lists the three rules: Do No Harm, Do Good, Stay in Love With God. Place this poster where all can see it.
• Prepare a graffiti sheet by writing the words "Do No Harm – Practicing the Rule" at the top of a large white sheet of paper or poster board. Put this graffiti sheet in a place such as a wall or a tabletop where participants can easily write on it.
• Arrange chairs in a circle or around a table. Make sure everyone will have a place to sit. Be sensitive to the needs of persons who have disabilities.
Gather Needed Materials
• A copy of Three Simple Rules for Christian Living for each participant in the group
• The DVD for Three Simple Rules for Christian Living
• This leader guide, in order to have the session plan easily available for your use.
• (Optional) A copy or copies of Rueben Job's book Three Simple Rules
• Bibles. If possible, provide several different translations or paraphrases such as the Common English Bible, the New King James Version, the New Revised Standard Version, and THE MESSAGE.
• Bible dictionaries and commentaries
• Paper, markers, paper, pencils, nametags
• Whiteboard or newsprint and markers
• Audiovisual equipment: a DVD player and TV for showing the DVD segment for this session
WELCOME THE PARTICIPANTS
Greet the participants as they arrive. Show them the worship center and where additional Bibles and Bible resources are located. If they do not already have a study book, give them one. Invite them to write or draw on the graffiti sheet "Do No Harm – Practicing the Rule" any ideas or images they have about practicing the rule. Tell them to create a nametag and to find a place to sit.
CONSIDER THE QUESTIONS
Invite someone to read aloud the focus question for the rule. How can we put into practice the rule of doing no harm? What difference can our practice make in our own lives and in the lives of others? Invite them to write responses in the space provided in their books. Discuss their responses. Look at the graffiti sheet response. Invite participants to tell about what they have written or drawn.
PRAY TOGETHER
Invite the group to pray aloud the prayer that is printed in their books: God of love and grace, when our anger, indignation, indifference, or greed cause us to want to do harm, give us strength and courage to resist. When we think you are asking the impossible of us, give us the mindfulness and strength to do no harm. Amen.
VIEW THE DVD SEGMENT
Show the DVD segment for session 2, "Do No Harm – Practicing the Rule." Invite participants to respond to the following questions:
1. If your congregation tried seriously to practice this rule, what changes might occur?
2. How might your home be different if family members practiced this rule?
3. In discussing this rule, Rueben Job talks about creating a "safe place" and a "level playing field." What do you think he means?
REFLECT AND RESPOND
What Does the Rule Say?
• Read the section entitled "What Would You Never Do?"
• Have participants write responses to the questions in "Reflect on the Rule." Within the realm of real possibility what would you never do? What connections do you see between this question and practicing the rule to do no harm? What are some other ways you might practice this rule? What are some ways your church, business, school, or some other institution might practice this rule? Invite them to tell about their responses.
• Read or tell in your own words the information in "Intentionally Doing No Harm." Invite participants to respond to the questions in "Reflect." How do you respond to Job's statement that we "stand on common ground, inhabit a common and precious space, share a common faith, feast at a common table, and have an equal measure of God's unlimited love"? How might this understanding change your view of those with whom you disagree? Discuss their responses.
• Read or tell in your own words the information in "Collective Harm." Invite participants to respond to the questions in "Reflect." What would you add to list of who or what is being harmed in the 21st century? What practices do you think would alleviate the harm? How might you be part of the solution? Discuss their responses.
What Does the Bible Say?
• Read the opening sentence in the section "Romans 14:14-23."
• Have participants open their Bibles to Romans 14:14-23. Read aloud or silently. Invite participants to write responses to the question in "Reflect on the Bible." What connections do you see between this Bible passage and the intentional practice of doing no harm? Have them tell about their responses.
• Read or tell in your own words the remaining information in this section. Invite participants to respond to the questions in "Reflect." How would you translate to people in the 21st century Paul's concern about not causing our brother or sister to stumble? When have you refrained from doing something that you considered perfectly ethical in order to do no harm to your sisters and brothers? Discuss their responses.
• Read the section entitled "Matthew 5:38-48."
• Have participants open their Bibles to Matthew 5:38-48. Read the Bible passage aloud or silently. Invite participants to write responses to the questions in "Reflect on the Bible." What challenges you in this Bible reading? How does it relate to the practice of doing no harm? Have them tell about their responses.
• Tell in your own words the information in "Jesus' Third Way." Invite participants to respond to the questions in "Reflect." How do you respond to Walter Wink's interpretation of the difficult passages in Matthew 5? What challenges you or makes you curious? Do you agree or disagree with his interpretations? Why? Discuss their responses.
• Read or tell in your own words the information in "Retaliation or Not?" Invite participants to respond to the questions in "Reflect." Recall times when you have not retaliated. What were your motives for not seeking revenge? In these times were you able to preserve your own dignity and self-respect? Can you anticipate some situations in the near future when you may be tempted to retaliate? Discuss their responses.
CLOSE THE SESSION
• Invite the group to use "Closing – A Guide for Daily Prayer" during the week ahead for their personal prayer. Tell them to read Chapter 3, "Do Good – Understanding the Rule" and to write responses in the reflection activities.
• Pray aloud the prayer in "Welcoming God's Presence." God of justice and mercy, you want us to love our enemies and to do them no harm. Forgive us when we fail, and help us to practice that kind of love. Amen.
• Read aloud Psalm 1:1-2, which is printed in "Scripture." Tell participants to write about insights, words, or ideas that come to them as they reflect on Psalm 1:1-2 according to the instructions in "Meditation."
• Invite the group to pray according to the instructions in "Prayer." They may pray aloud or silently. Close the time of prayer by saying aloud "Amen."
• Read aloud Psalm 1:3a in "Blessing" as a dismissal for the session.
CHAPTER 3
DO GOOD – Understanding the Rule
PREPARE AHEAD
Set Up the Learning Area
• Prepare a worship center. Find a small table and cover with an attractive cloth. Place a candle in a candleholder, and place it on the table. Have matches nearby. Place a Bible on the table. Make a poster that lists the three rules: Do No Harm, Do Good, Stay in Love With God. Place this poster where all can see it.
• Prepare a graffiti sheet by writing the words "Do Good – Understanding the Rule" at the top of a large white sheet of paper or poster board. Put this graffiti sheet in a place such as a wall or a tabletop where participants can easily write on it.
• Arrange chairs in a circle or around a table. Make sure everyone will have a place to sit. Be sensitive to the needs of persons who have disabilities.
Gather Needed Materials
• A copy of Three Simple Rules for Christian Living for each participant in the group
• The DVD for Three Simple Rules for Christian Living
• This leader guide, in order to have the session plan easily available for your use.
• (Optional) A copy or copies of Rueben Job's book Three Simple Rules
• Bibles. If possible, provide several different translations or paraphrases such as the Common English Bible, the New King James Version, the New Revised Standard Version, and THE MESSAGE.
• Bible dictionaries and commentaries
• Paper, markers, paper, pencils, nametags
• Whiteboard or newsprint and markers
• Audiovisual equipment: a DVD player and TV for showing the DVD segment for this session
WELCOME THE PARTICIPANTS
Greet the participants as they arrive. Show them the worship center and where additional Bibles and Bible resources are located. Invite them to write or draw on the graffiti sheet "Do Good – Understanding the Rule" any ideas or images that define what the rule means. Tell them to create a nametag and to find a place to sit.
