Growing In Faith Together
January 20, 2019
TODAY’S TEXTS
Isaiah 62:1-5
Psalm 36:5-10
1 Cor.12:1-11
John 2:1-11
GATHERED BY GRACE
Turning water to wine at the wedding at Cana, Jesus reveals that he brings God's creative power and joyful presence into the world. The poem from Isaiah asserts that God will rejoice over Jerusalem as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride; and the people are called to the celebration. Psalm 36 says that these transformations spring from God’s steadfast love. And in Corinthians we hear that those who witness and accept God’s gifts of newness are bound for a new life, one committed to the “common good”.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* When has water been turned into wine in your life?
* How can those who follow Jesus turn water into wine?
* How has the Spirit manifested its gifts in your life?
* How can the diverse gifts of our congregation work together for the common good?
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: Nehemiah 8:1-3,5-6,8-10; Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 2:12-31a; Luke 4:14-21
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Help me use the gifts you entrust to me for the common good.
Throughout the Day: May I see your extraordinary gifts in the ordinary.
Blessing to Share: The steadfast love of God surrounds you.
For mealtime say responsively:
How priceless is your love, O God: we feast upon your abundance.
Epiphany Mealtime Prayer:
Re-read 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 this week. Reflect on the gifts God has given you. At least once this week, identify at least 5 gifts God has given you to use for the common good in community. Think about how you have used these gifts to help others. Identify one or two of your least-used gifts and put them to work. Pray for opportunities to put these gifts to work.
Epiphany Seasonal Ritual:
Place a bowl of water in the center of your meal table. Take a few moments each day – perhaps at a meal, or the beginning or ending of the day - to remember your baptism. Dip a finger in the water and sign the mark of the cross on your forehead. Say these words: “Remember and be thankful – you are a baptized child of God, marked with the cross of Christ forever.”
SCATTERED TO SERVE
This Friday, Gloria Dei serves Free Lunch at 1105 Gilbert Court, IC. Stop by and help anytime between 10:30 am and 1:30 pm.
Not available? Or not in the area? Pick up some extra groceries this week and donate them your nearest food pantry.
January 20, 2019
TODAY’S TEXTS
Isaiah 62:1-5
Psalm 36:5-10
1 Cor.12:1-11
John 2:1-11
GATHERED BY GRACE
Turning water to wine at the wedding at Cana, Jesus reveals that he brings God's creative power and joyful presence into the world. The poem from Isaiah asserts that God will rejoice over Jerusalem as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride; and the people are called to the celebration. Psalm 36 says that these transformations spring from God’s steadfast love. And in Corinthians we hear that those who witness and accept God’s gifts of newness are bound for a new life, one committed to the “common good”.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* When has water been turned into wine in your life?
* How can those who follow Jesus turn water into wine?
* How has the Spirit manifested its gifts in your life?
* How can the diverse gifts of our congregation work together for the common good?
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 2:1-11
Monday Psalm 145:1-13
Tuesday 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Wednesday Luke 5:33-39
Thursday Isaiah 61:1-7
Friday Romans 12:3-8
Saturday Luke 2:46-49
Sunday Luke 4:14-21
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Help me use the gifts you entrust to me for the common good.
Throughout the Day: May I see your extraordinary gifts in the ordinary.
Blessing to Share: The steadfast love of God surrounds you.
For mealtime say responsively:
How priceless is your love, O God: we feast upon your abundance.
Epiphany Mealtime Prayer:
Christ our light, shine upon us.
Refresh us by this meal
to reflect your love to others.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice: Re-read 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 this week. Reflect on the gifts God has given you. At least once this week, identify at least 5 gifts God has given you to use for the common good in community. Think about how you have used these gifts to help others. Identify one or two of your least-used gifts and put them to work. Pray for opportunities to put these gifts to work.
Epiphany Seasonal Ritual:
Place a bowl of water in the center of your meal table. Take a few moments each day – perhaps at a meal, or the beginning or ending of the day - to remember your baptism. Dip a finger in the water and sign the mark of the cross on your forehead. Say these words: “Remember and be thankful – you are a baptized child of God, marked with the cross of Christ forever.”
SCATTERED TO SERVE
This Friday, Gloria Dei serves Free Lunch at 1105 Gilbert Court, IC. Stop by and help anytime between 10:30 am and 1:30 pm.
Not available? Or not in the area? Pick up some extra groceries this week and donate them your nearest food pantry.