Growing In Faith Together
August 6, 2017
TODAY’S TEXTS
Isaiah 55: 1-5
Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21
Romans 9:1-5
Matthew 14:13-21
GATHERED BY GRACE
God can accomplish much with little. A few loaves and fish feed multitudes. The texts for this Sunday challenge us to live not by concerns for scarcity (how little we have) but from the perspective of God’s abundance (how much God has given us).
Discuss in your household or small group:
* Jesus tells his disciples, “... you give them something to eat." The original Greek text emphasizes the word you! So, what does Jesus want his disciples to do? What does Jesus want you to do?
* Does our church's celebration of the Eucharist have anything to do with the feeding of a hungry world?
* Reflect on a time when you felt compassion extended to you.
* What prayer might come from this passage?
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: 1 Kings 19:9-18; Psalm 85:8-13; Romans 10:5-15; Matthew 14:22-33
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Teach me to trust in the abundance of your good gifts, O God.
Throughout the Day: Thanks, God, for my daily bread!
Blessing to Share: God’s table is a table of plenty. Come.
For mealtime say responsively: The Lord is full of compassion: The Lord abounds in steadfast love.
Summer Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
One day this week have a picnic! As an individual or household, pack up a sandwich and some fruit or veggies and go to a park (or your backyard) to eat. As you begin your meal, thank God who hears your rumblings for hunger and ask God for ears to hear those who are hungry in your neighborhood.
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
Have any extra garden produce? The Crisis Center will accept produce that you have grown yourself. If you don’t have produce, the Crisis Center always needs canned goods and dry goods. And we accept donations every Sunday.
August 6, 2017
TODAY’S TEXTS
Isaiah 55: 1-5
Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21
Romans 9:1-5
Matthew 14:13-21
GATHERED BY GRACE
God can accomplish much with little. A few loaves and fish feed multitudes. The texts for this Sunday challenge us to live not by concerns for scarcity (how little we have) but from the perspective of God’s abundance (how much God has given us).
Discuss in your household or small group:
* Jesus tells his disciples, “... you give them something to eat." The original Greek text emphasizes the word you! So, what does Jesus want his disciples to do? What does Jesus want you to do?
* Does our church's celebration of the Eucharist have anything to do with the feeding of a hungry world?
* Reflect on a time when you felt compassion extended to you.
* What prayer might come from this passage?
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 14:13-21
Monday Psalm 78:23-25
Tuesday Acts 2:43-47
Wednesday Exodus 16:2-4
Thursday Psalm 85:8-13
Friday 1 Kings 19:11-12
Saturday Romans 10:5-15
Sunday Matthew 14:22-33
Next Sunday: 1 Kings 19:9-18; Psalm 85:8-13; Romans 10:5-15; Matthew 14:22-33
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Teach me to trust in the abundance of your good gifts, O God.
Throughout the Day: Thanks, God, for my daily bread!
Blessing to Share: God’s table is a table of plenty. Come.
For mealtime say responsively: The Lord is full of compassion: The Lord abounds in steadfast love.
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:
One day this week have a picnic! As an individual or household, pack up a sandwich and some fruit or veggies and go to a park (or your backyard) to eat. As you begin your meal, thank God who hears your rumblings for hunger and ask God for ears to hear those who are hungry in your neighborhood.
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
Have any extra garden produce? The Crisis Center will accept produce that you have grown yourself. If you don’t have produce, the Crisis Center always needs canned goods and dry goods. And we accept donations every Sunday.