G.I.F.T. 3-27-16 Easter

Growing In Faith Together

March 27, 2016

Today’s Texts: 
Isaiah 66:17-25 
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 
1 Corinthians 15:19-26 
Luke 24:1-12

GATHERED BY GRACE 
 God surprised everyone with this mighty act. The Easter news was spread to all who would listen. The disciples told people, who in turn, told people, and to this day, we hear the message. We too are called to bring this message with our lives, and, if necessary, with words, to those who have not yet heard it.

Discuss in your household or small group: 
* What was the response of those who heard the women's account of what had happened?
* What still surprises you about Easter? 
* Luther spoke of the resurrection as God’s victory over the power of sin, death, and the devil. What do you think he meant? What does the resurrection mean to you?
* In what ways does the mystery of Easter influence the way you live?

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 Luke 24:1-12
Monday Luke 24:13-35
Tuesday 1 Corinthians 15:50-52
Wednesday 1 Corinthians 15:53-57
  Thursday Psalm 150
  Friday Acts 5:27-32
  Saturday Revelation 1:4-8
Sunday John 20:19-31

NEXT SUNDAY: Acts 5:27-32; Psalm 150; Revelations 1:4-8; John 20:19-31

Try to memorize:
 He is not here, but has risen.
Luke 24:5b


PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK

For the Week: Give thanks to the Lord for the Lord is good. God’s mercy endures forever.

Throughout the Day: This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

A Blessing to Share: Live in the risen Christ as Christ lives in you!

For mealtime say responsively: Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Easter Season Mealtime Prayer:   
Blessing and glory and wisdom
 and thanksgiving and honor 
and power and might 
be to our God forever and ever! 
Amen!

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION  

Devotional Practice:
 Light a single white candle in your home each day this week. Say this, or a similar prayer of your own: We thank you Redeeming God for the glorious message that you bring hope out of despair, resurrection out of defeat, and new life out of death. Amen.

Ritual for the Easter Season: 
#findEaster 
Easter lasts for 50 days - so look around to find it each day! Watch for signs of a new day and/or stay alert to things that remind you that Jesus is alive. Give thanks for your experiences. You can also share your discoveries of Easter all around by either taking a digital photo or writing a brief description on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. 
#findEaster

SCATTERED TO SERVE
Who has served as a witness of Easter to you? Share memories of these individuals and offer a prayer of thanks for them. Make an Easter greeting card to send to each individual in thanks for being a witness of Easter’s power. If the individual is deceased, consider sending the card to a relative of the person with a note about why you are doing so.

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