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Announcements

KIDS CAMP
June 20-24  @ 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
The Bridge - Kids Kingdom

$15 Per child or $25 Per family – light supper provided each night
Our Kids Kingdom is hosting their summer program for kids kindergarten – sixth grade with the theme "Exploring the Fruit of the Spirit"
Sign up at: thebridgereno.com/kidscamp

SUMMER DAY CAMP
June 27-July1  @ 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
The Bridge - Student Ministries
$30 per student - Breakfast and Lunch provided
Student Ministries is hosting their summer program for students entering 8th - 12th grade. We will be exploring the "Power of Prayer" through sermons, worship, and bonding as a community. Friday will include a trip to Wild Island Water Park.
Sign up at: thebridgereno.com/daycamp

Sunday, July 10 @ 11:45a
The Bridge - Learning Center w/lunch

In Starting Point, learn why The Bridge Church exists, where we're headed, what we believe, and how you can be a part of it. Light lunch will be served. Sign up today for our next class using the Connection Card at https://thebridgereno.com/connect

SUPPORT OUR MISSION
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Message Notes

The E Word: Share your Story

Pastor Bill West
June 19, 2022


Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?” Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” They came out of the town and made their way toward him.
John 4:27–30

Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers. They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”
John 4:39–42

The Awkward Silence
Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?”
John 4:27

The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)
John 4:9

The Woman’s Excitement
Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” They came out of the town and made their way toward him.
John 4:28–30


The Samaritans’ Investigate.
Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers. They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”
John 4:39–42


Bottom Line: Tell What Happened and What you Know
A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.” He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”
John 9:24–25

Small Groups Talk About It

   
  1. Bill said: “Share Your Story and Tell What Happened to You.” Have people in your group share their story.

  1. How has your vision of God changed over the last few years?  What misconceptions about Jesus have you encountered as you have talked with people about Him?

  1. As you consider the whole conversation that Jesus has with the Samaritan woman what were some deeper hopes and desires that she was looking for? What are the hopes and dreams of most people that you know?

  1. Read and Discuss John 4: 27-30 Why did the disciples keep silent with their questions?  What questions have you had about whether or not to interact with certain groups? 

  1. Read John 4:28-30 What did the woman share about her experience?  What question did she raise? What is the focus of this woman’s testimony to the people of her town (John 4:29, 39)?

  1. What do you learn about the way Jesus talked with this woman?  What do you learn from the way she talked to the other Samaritans? 

  1. Read John 4:39-42 John 5:16-18 What stands out to you here.  How did the Samaritans respond to the woman’s testimony?  What convinced them about Jesus? What is the difference in the way the Samaritans respond to Jesus than the way the Jews had responded to Him? 

  1. Share whom you want to share your story with.  Then, Pray for each other.