G.I.F.T. 6-25-17

  Growing In Faith Together   
Eurasian Tree Sparrow. Perhaps the actual species in story!

  June 25, 2017

 TODAY’S TEXTS
 Jeremiah 20:7–13
 Psalm 69:7–18 
 Romans 6:1b–11 
 Matthew 10:24–39

 GATHERED BY  GRACE 
 Jeremiah knew the frustration of having his words rejected. Jesus declares that his words may not bring peace, but division. In baptism, we are buried with Christ that we may walk in newness of life. As we take stands for the sake of justice and lose our lives for the sake of others, we need not be afraid. The hairs of our head are counted. We are marked with the cross of Christ forever. 

Discuss in your household or small group: 
* What questions do these verses raise for you?
* In what ways are the disciples called to be like Jesus? What does that mean for us?
* What do you think Jesus means by “I have not come to bring peace, but a sword”?
* How is Christ calling Gloria Dei to respond to the challenges we face today?

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 Matthew 10:24-39
Monday Psalm 6
Tuesday Revelation 2:8-11
Wednesday Matthew 10:16-20
Thursday Psalm 69:16-18
Friday Acts 5:17-26
Saturday Romans 6:1-11
Sunday Matthew 10:40-42

Next Sunday: Jeremiah 28:5-9; Ps 89:1-4,15-18; Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 10:40-42

PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK

For the Week:  Thank you for the promise of new life given in our baptism.

Throughout the Day:  Help me to remember my baptism into God through Christ Jesus

Blessing to Share: Walk in newness of life.

For mealtime say responsively: 
 Since we have died with Christ: so we will live with Christ.

Summer Mealtime Prayer:   
Thank you for the world so sweet.
Thank you for the food we eat.
Thank you for the birds that sing.
Thank you, God, for everything. Amen

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION  

Devotional Practice: 
Every time we turn on the news, we hear about another act of violence and death. It feels like we are being controlled by angry, destructive waters of hate. We might ask, “Where is the gentle water of our baptism?”  Romans tells us this week that baptism is a matter of life and death. In those few drops dribbled on us, we are put to death and then lifted up into new life in Christ. That new self is empowered with the Spirit to care for others and the world God made, and to work for justice and peace. This week, put a cup or a vase where you have your devotional time. Take a moment each day to remember your baptism and the promise of new life. Mark your forehead with the cross of Christ.

Summer Ritual: 
The color of this season after Pentecost is green. For these days of summer, create a special green area in your home. Green is a color associated with growing things, so allow this focus area to grow over these weeks. It can become an exciting challenge to bring new green things into the area each week as you pay attention to what is extraordinary about this color and this season.

SCATTERED TO SERVE 
Work out a severe weather plan for where you live with everyone in the household. If there was a storm with high winds, where would you seek shelter? If you were to lose electricity for two days, what would you do? Take turns bringing up an “if” concern and then brainstorm some responses. 
You can find help from FEMA .  

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