EXTRA supports the group plans in the Bible Studies for Life leader guides. Date: May 5, 2024 Worshiping God The Point: When we worship God together, we experience joy in His presence. Get Into the Study Share the following after discussing the opening question. For war-torn Ukraine, soccer has been a bright spot of national unity. That was evident last month when the Ukrainian men’s national soccer team qualified for the European Championship with a dramatic 2-1 victory in Poland over Iceland. After falling behind early, Ukraine scored the go-ahead goal late in the second half. The victory set off celebrations, with chants of “Ukraine, Ukraine” and blue and yellow flags across the stadium—where many Ukrainian refugees were in attendance. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky posted on X, “Thank you, guys! Thank you, team! For [such] emotions for the entire country. For the important victory and making it to Euro. For proving once again: whenever Ukrainians face difficulties but do not give up and continue to fight, Ukrainians certainly win.” The national team has not played an official match in its home country since 2021. Trips to Ukraine pose too much danger for visiting teams. Instead, Ukraine has established temporary homebases in Poland and Romania for European competition. Still, the nation’s eyes have been on their team, a national rallying point as Russian bombs and missiles rain down. “Making the Euros,” midfielder Volodymyr Brazhko said, “will help the world to not forget about Ukraine.” If watching soccer together can help unify a nation, how much more can worshiping the Lord together unify and empower God’s people? https://www.wsj.com/sports/soccer/ukraine-euros-russia-iceland-zelensky-ab29b093 https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/ukraine-reach-euro-2024-finals-with-iceland-win-2024-03-26/#:~:text=Chants%20of%20%22Ukraine%2C%20Ukraine%22,the%20game%20was%20in%20Kyiv Study the Bible As you discuss question 2 (point 1 on p. 106 of the Daily Discipleship Guide), share the following. A music professor soon could publish one of the most comprehensive studies of Southern Baptist worship in decades. Jonathan Rodgers, assistant professor of music and worship at Samford University in Homewood, Alabama, plans to survey 10-15 percent of Southern Baptist churches in his state (some 226-340 congregations) during the month of May. His plan is to determine the elements present in worship services and who leads them. The survey will ask approximately 50 questions.