Growing In Faith Together
January 17, 2016
Today’s Texts:
Isaiah 62:1-5
Psalm 36:5-10
1 Corinthians 12:1-1
John 2:1-11
Gathered by Grace:
Turning water to wine at the wedding at Cana is described as the first of Jesus' signs - Jesus reveals that he bears God's creative power and joyful presence into the world. The poem from Isaiah asserts that Jerusalem and Judah will be restored. God will rejoice over Jerusalem as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride; and the people are called to the celebration. These transformations, Psalm 36 attests, happen out of God’s steadfast love. Those who witness and accept God’s gifts of newness are bound for a new life, one committed to the “common good”. - Sundays and Seasons
Discuss in your household or small group:
* When has water been turned into wine in your life?
* How can those who follow Jesus turn water into wine?
* How is the Spirit manifested in your life?
* How can the diverse gifts of our congregation work together for the common good?
Daily Bible Readings:
These readings are related to the Sunday readings. M-W reflect upon the past Sunday’s readings and Th-Sa prepare for the next Sunday. Try to take time each day to read the assigned Bible passage.
Sunday John 1:10-18 Thursday Isaiah 61:1-7
Monday Psalm 145 Friday Romans 12:3-8
Tuesday 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 Saturday Luke 2:46-49
Wednesday Luke 5:33-39 Sunday Luke 4:14-21
NEXT SUNDAY: Nehemiah 8:1-3,5-6,8-10; Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 2:12-31a; Luke 4:14-21
Try to memorize: With you is the fountain of life;
Prayers for this Week:
For the Week: Help me use the gifts you entrust to me for the common good.
Throughout the Day: May I see your extraordinary gifts in the ordinary.
A Blessing to Share: The steadfast love of God surrounds you.
For Mealtime
Say responsively: Arise and shine: For our light has come!
Epiphany Mealtime Prayer:
Christ our light, shine upon us.
Refresh us by this meal
to reflect your love to others. Amen.
For further reflection
Devotional Practice:
At least once this week, reflect on your gifts. List 5-10 gifts God has given you to use in community. Think about how you have used these gifts to help others. Identify one or two of your least-used gifts and put them to work. Pray for opportunities to put these gifts to work.
Ritual for the Epiphany Season:
Place a bowl of water in the center of your meal table. Take a few moments each day – perhaps at a meal, or the beginning or ending of the day - to remember your baptism. Dip a finger in the water and sign the mark of the cross on your forehead. Say these words: “Remember and be thankful – you are a baptized child of God, marked with the cross of Christ forever.”
Scattered to serve:
This weather can isolate folks who find it difficult to get out of their home. This would be a great time to cook up a favorite casserole or soup and share it with someone who has been at home these past days. The gift would be even greater if you and/or your family would invite them to join you at the meal to provide company and conversation. Be sure to offer transportation.
Today’s Texts:
Isaiah 62:1-5
Psalm 36:5-10
1 Corinthians 12:1-1
John 2:1-11
Gathered by Grace:
Turning water to wine at the wedding at Cana is described as the first of Jesus' signs - Jesus reveals that he bears God's creative power and joyful presence into the world. The poem from Isaiah asserts that Jerusalem and Judah will be restored. God will rejoice over Jerusalem as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride; and the people are called to the celebration. These transformations, Psalm 36 attests, happen out of God’s steadfast love. Those who witness and accept God’s gifts of newness are bound for a new life, one committed to the “common good”. - Sundays and Seasons
Discuss in your household or small group:
* When has water been turned into wine in your life?
* How can those who follow Jesus turn water into wine?
* How is the Spirit manifested in your life?
* How can the diverse gifts of our congregation work together for the common good?
Daily Bible Readings:
These readings are related to the Sunday readings. M-W reflect upon the past Sunday’s readings and Th-Sa prepare for the next Sunday. Try to take time each day to read the assigned Bible passage.
Sunday John 1:10-18 Thursday Isaiah 61:1-7
Monday Psalm 145 Friday Romans 12:3-8
Tuesday 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 Saturday Luke 2:46-49
Wednesday Luke 5:33-39 Sunday Luke 4:14-21
NEXT SUNDAY: Nehemiah 8:1-3,5-6,8-10; Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 2:12-31a; Luke 4:14-21
Try to memorize: With you is the fountain of life;
In your light we see light. Psalm 36:9
Prayers for this Week:
For the Week: Help me use the gifts you entrust to me for the common good.
Throughout the Day: May I see your extraordinary gifts in the ordinary.
A Blessing to Share: The steadfast love of God surrounds you.
For Mealtime
Say responsively: Arise and shine: For our light has come!
Epiphany Mealtime Prayer:
Christ our light, shine upon us.
Refresh us by this meal
to reflect your love to others. Amen.
For further reflection
Devotional Practice:
At least once this week, reflect on your gifts. List 5-10 gifts God has given you to use in community. Think about how you have used these gifts to help others. Identify one or two of your least-used gifts and put them to work. Pray for opportunities to put these gifts to work.
Ritual for the Epiphany Season:
Place a bowl of water in the center of your meal table. Take a few moments each day – perhaps at a meal, or the beginning or ending of the day - to remember your baptism. Dip a finger in the water and sign the mark of the cross on your forehead. Say these words: “Remember and be thankful – you are a baptized child of God, marked with the cross of Christ forever.”
Scattered to serve:
This weather can isolate folks who find it difficult to get out of their home. This would be a great time to cook up a favorite casserole or soup and share it with someone who has been at home these past days. The gift would be even greater if you and/or your family would invite them to join you at the meal to provide company and conversation. Be sure to offer transportation.