G.I.F.T. 3-13-16

 Growing In Faith Together   
 March 13, 2016

 Today’s Texts
 Isaiah 43:16-21 
 Psalm 126
 Philippians 3:4b-14
 John 12:1-8



Gathered by Grace 
 The Lord our God makes all things new. In the first reading, God promises it. In the gospel, Mary anticipates it. In the second reading the overwhelming grace of God in Jesus calls Paul to a new set of values.

Discuss in your household or small group: 
* Has anything motivated you to give more (time/talents/treasure) then you intended because you were so moved?
* What was your first reaction to Mary’s anointing Jesus’ feet? Was it okay? Or do you think the money could have been better spent?
*  What connection do you find between the First Lesson and the Gospel?

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 12:1-8
Monday Psalm 20:6-9
Tuesday 1 John 2:24-28
Wednesday Luke 18:31-34
Thursday Psalm 31:9-16
Friday Isaiah 54:9-10
Saturday Hebrews 2:10-18
Sunday Luke 19:28-40


NEXT SUNDAY: Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 31:9-16; Philippians 2:5-11; Luke 19:28-40

Prayers for this Week 

For the Week: Thank you, Loving God, for the extravagant gift of your Son.

Throughout the Day: Help me perceive your new thing, O God.

A Blessing to Share: God has done great things for us.

For mealtime say responsively: The Lord has done great things for us: We are glad indeed!

Lenten Mealtime Prayer:
Lord, we gather by your grace
Forgiven much, we seek your face
Fed with these gifts of yours so kind 
Lead us to love all whom we find. Amen.


For further reflection  

Devotional Practice: 
Jesus brought Mary’s brother Lazarus back to life. In this story, Mary expresses her gratitude and love through an extravagant gift of fragrant oil. While things in this life will never be perfect until God’s kingdom fully comes, we do not need to let that keep us from gratitude and joy of what we do have today?family, friends, and the constant love of God. Each day this week stop and reflect a moment on “What am I most grateful for today?”

Ritual for the Lenten Season: 
One faith practice in Lent is prayer which allows you to keep concerns and people in your heart and before God. Find some kind of box to be used as a prayer box.  Make a list of prayer topics and write each one onto a separate index card. Place the cards into the box. At the start of each week, pull out one or two cards and place these on your fridge or notice board as your prayer topic for the week.

Scattered to serve
 Select an organization that serves others – world hunger fund, Shelter House, DVIP, Lutheran World Relief, etc. Make an extravagant gift.

For reflections on the Gospel see Such Love -Reflections 3-10-16 on this website.

How to Find Us





Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Iowa City

Gathered by grace. Scattered for service.

123 E Market Street
Iowa City, IA 52245