G.I.F.T. 6-19-16

 Growing In Faith Together  

 June 19, 2016

 Today’s Texts:
 Isaiah 65:1-9 
 Psalm 22
 Galatians 3:23-29 
 Luke 8:26-39




GATHERED BY GRACE 
This Sunday’s texts paint startling pictures of the horrific—the demonic—nature of sin Yet God continually surprises the people by sending prophets, then his Son, then the apostles into unexpected places, to bring grace to unexpected people.

Discuss in your household or small group: 
* How does Isaiah 65:1 describe God’s willingness to reach out to everyone? 
* What do you find challenging about this week’s Gospel?
* Whom have we driven out? What chains have we placed upon them? 
* What are your chains?
* St. Paul says that when we were baptized we were “clothed with Christ”.  How do you “wear” Christ in daily life? 

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 8:26-39
Monday 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Tuesday Ephesians 2:19-22
Wednesday Luke 9:37-43a
Thursday Psalm 16
Friday Galatians 4:8-2
Saturday Luke 9:21-27
Sunday Luke 9:51-62


NEXT SUNDAY: 1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21; Psalm 16; Galatians 5:1, 13-25; Luke 9:51-62

PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK

For the Week:  
Help me remember in the midst of difficult times, you give new life through Christ.

Throughout the Day: 
Thank you, Lord, that I am called to newness in Christ Jesus.

A Blessing to Share: 
Let go of the demons that bind you. Christ reaches out in love for you.

For mealtime say responsively: 
We were all baptized into Christ:  We are one in Christ.

Summer Mealtime Prayer:   
Lord, bless this food which we now take.  
We give you thanks for all you make.  
    Amen. 


FOR FURTHER REFLECTION  

Devotional Practice: 
Jesus told the man who had been rid of many demons to “return home and declare how much God has done for you.  In your devotion times this week, reflect on what God has done for you. Does anything keep you from proclaiming that news to others?  Conclude with a prayer of thanks.

Summer Ritual: 
Summer is a glorious time to celebrate the goodness of God and the sacredness of life. Take some quiet time alone each week this summer. Become aware of what is around you (mindfulness is a popular word for this). Pay attention to the flowers. Delight in the colors.  Run water over your hand. Enjoy the coolness. Appreciate the miracle of the human body, the joy of laughter and friends, the freedom of a bird in flight, or the precious smile of a child. Give thanks to God the Creator of all things for this world and all that is in it.

SCATTERED FOR SERVICE 
Some people “live in the tombs” because they have no place to be welcomed, accepted, and valued. Practice hospitality this week.  The basic rudiments of Christian hospitality are simply good manners.  This week strive to use please and thank you, open doors for others, offer help, be kind, and yes, even smile at those you meet. To welcome another is to treat that person with respect, accepting, valuing, acknowledging that each person as a child of God.

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