Growing In Faith Together
May 21, 2017
TODAY’S TEXTS
Acts 17:22-31
Psalm 66:8-20
1 Peter 3:13-22
John 14:15-21
GATHERED BY GRACE
Jesus’ farewell continues. We hear that God is as close as can be. God is deep within each of us, loving us and moving us to love others. The more we love others the more we feel God’s love. AND the more we feel God’s love the more we are really able to love others.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* Do you think the disciples were comforted by these words of Jesus?
* What truth or truths would you would you like the Advocate to help you find? What things would you like the Advocate to advocate for you? With God? With someone else?
* According to verse 21, how can we know who loves God? Why is that an important component of love for God and one another?
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.
Next Sunday: Acts 1:6-14; Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35; 1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11; John17:1-11
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: In you, O God, I live, and move, and have my being.
Throughout the Day: Help me grow in love for you and for others.
Blessing to Share: The Spirit will be your Advocate.
For mealtime say responsively:
Bless our God: Let the sound of praise be heard.
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:
On Thursday, we celebrate Jesus’ ascension into heaven. To celebrate the ascension, draw a large open cloud shape on a piece of paper. In the cloud, jot some thoughts: How might Jesus have felt as he parted from his friends? How might his friends have felt about his ascending into glory? Use your thoughts as a prayer to end your devotion times this week.
Easter Season Ritual:
Easter lasts for 50 days. Start each day with “Christ is risen. Alleluia!” Watch for signs that remind you that Jesus is alive. Jot that in a notebook, or use your phone to take a picture. Give thanks for your experiences. By the end of the 50 days, you will have 50 things that you can share with others that illustrate that Jesus is alive in the world. Share your discoveries; write a brief description on Facebook, or share a photo on Twitter, or Instagram. #findEaster
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Gloria Dei serves Free Lunch this coming Friday. Take time to offer food or, even better, take your lunch hour to go help serve! Located at 1105 Gilbert Court.
May 21, 2017
TODAY’S TEXTS
Acts 17:22-31
Psalm 66:8-20
1 Peter 3:13-22
John 14:15-21
GATHERED BY GRACE
Jesus’ farewell continues. We hear that God is as close as can be. God is deep within each of us, loving us and moving us to love others. The more we love others the more we feel God’s love. AND the more we feel God’s love the more we are really able to love others.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* Do you think the disciples were comforted by these words of Jesus?
* What truth or truths would you would you like the Advocate to help you find? What things would you like the Advocate to advocate for you? With God? With someone else?
* According to verse 21, how can we know who loves God? Why is that an important component of love for God and one another?
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 14:15-21
Monday 1 John 3:23-24
Tuesday 1 Peter 3: 8-9
Wednesday John 16:16-24
Thursday Acts 1:1-11
Friday Psalm 93
Saturday John 8:21-30
Sunday John 17:1-11
Next Sunday: Acts 1:6-14; Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35; 1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11; John17:1-11
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: In you, O God, I live, and move, and have my being.
Throughout the Day: Help me grow in love for you and for others.
Blessing to Share: The Spirit will be your Advocate.
For mealtime say responsively:
Bless our God: Let the sound of praise be heard.
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:
On Thursday, we celebrate Jesus’ ascension into heaven. To celebrate the ascension, draw a large open cloud shape on a piece of paper. In the cloud, jot some thoughts: How might Jesus have felt as he parted from his friends? How might his friends have felt about his ascending into glory? Use your thoughts as a prayer to end your devotion times this week.
Easter Season Ritual:
Easter lasts for 50 days. Start each day with “Christ is risen. Alleluia!” Watch for signs that remind you that Jesus is alive. Jot that in a notebook, or use your phone to take a picture. Give thanks for your experiences. By the end of the 50 days, you will have 50 things that you can share with others that illustrate that Jesus is alive in the world. Share your discoveries; write a brief description on Facebook, or share a photo on Twitter, or Instagram. #findEaster
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Gloria Dei serves Free Lunch this coming Friday. Take time to offer food or, even better, take your lunch hour to go help serve! Located at 1105 Gilbert Court.