G.I.F.T. 10-9-16

Growing In Faith Together 

October 9, 2016

Today’s Texts:
2 Kings 5:1-3,7-15c 
Psalm 111
2 Timothy 2:8-15 
Luke 17:11-19




GATHERED BY GRACE 
Grace abounds and we are healed. We return, praise God, and thank Jesus. Then we “get up and go” on our way to serve others.

Discuss in your household or small group:
* To whom in your life do you owe the most gratitude?
* The other nine followed Jesus’ command to go. Do you feel like Jesus was critical of them? Are you sometimes critical them? Why?
* What was significant about the one who came back?
* The nine were cleansed but the one man who returned was made “well”. What is the difference?
* What has God done for you that you are thankful for?

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 17: 11-19
Monday  Psalm 61:1-4
Tuesday  Ephesians 6:10-12
Wednesday  Matthew 10:5-8
Thursday  Psalm 121:1-4
Friday  Psalm 121:5-8
Saturday  Mark 10:46-52
Sunday  Luke 18:1-8

NEXT SUNDAY: Genesis 32:22-31; Psalm 121; 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5; Luke 18:1-8

PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week:  Give me a heart that is always thankful.

Throughout the Day: Thanks, God!

A Blessing to Share:  May the love of God surround you. May the grace of God astound you. May the hope of God ground you.

Mealtime say responsively: If we have died with Christ:  We will also live with Christ.

Summer Mealtime Prayer:   
God, we thank you for the night
and for the glorious morning light
for rest and food and loving care
and all that makes the world so fair.

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION  
Devotional Practice: 
In your devotion times this week, think about people, events and experiences for which you give thanks.  Use this acrostic of the word THANKS to guide you.  Finish your time of sharing by giving thanks in prayer.  
Thank God for ....
     A Thing provided.........  
     A Help received........... 
        Another’s company……
 an eNjoyable moment.....
      a Kindness received....
      a Surprise enjoyed......

Autumn Ritual: 
Our task during this part of the church year is to consider discipleship. Jesus’ teachings get a bit more challenging. For these months, add a small cross near the place you do devotions to remind you of Jesus’ call to take up your cross and follow.  

SCATTERED FOR SERVICE  
Only one of the ten lepers healed returned to thank Jesus.  There are many people who serve us in our communities – in schools, churches, community organizations, service industries – who receive little thanks for what they do.  Prepare a thank you card or gift (e.g. a plate of cookies) to give to someone who regularly serves you in some way (e.g. a postal delivery person, a policeman, a school teacher).  Give thanks to God for them in your prayers this week.

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