G.I.F.T. 9-11-2016

 Growing In Faith Together   
 September 11, 2016

 Today’s Texts:
 Ephesians 2:8-10
 John 8:2-11
 Gloria Dei is leaving the lectionary for the month of September to consider God’s calling through Grace Building. But, in case you would like to keep up with the rest of the Church, I will list the lectionary texts we are not using each week and daily readings related to them at the bottom of this post. 




GATHERED BY GRACE 
God is rich in mercy, bringing grace to our lives. We are called to be a community of grace, welcoming and serving all people in Christ’s name.

Discuss in your household or small group: 
* How would you re-state Jesus’ words from John 8: “Let the one who is without sin throw the first stone?
* How would you define grace? Where have you seen grace at work in the world or in your life?
* What difference does it make if we believe that we are saved by grace now as opposed to trusting in salvation that comes in the future?
* In Diary of a Country Priest, the writer George Bernanos’ says “Grace is everywhere.” How have your experienced that? 

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  Ephesians 2:8-10
Monday  Psalm 148:8
Tuesday  Romans 3:23-24
Wednesday  Romans 6:1-14
Thursday  Deuteronomy 6:4-8
Friday  Luke 23:34
Saturday  Ephesians 1:17-23
Sunday  1 Peter 2:9-10

NEXT SUNDAY: 1 Peter 2:9-10; Ephesians 1:17-23

PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week:  Thank you God for the gift of grace.

Throughout the Day: Lord, have mercy.

A Blessing to Share:  By grace you have been saved. 

For mealtime say responsively: For by grace you have been saved: it is the gift of God.

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:  
It is easy to miss an important point in the Gospel text from John. It says that the woman was “caught in the act” of adultery. Hmmm. Was anyone else there? The law is quite clear that both people are to be put to death--the man as well as the woman (Leviticus 20:10). The accusers are breaking the law as much as the woman did. Reflect on times that you might have been too quick to judge or think about news stories where people are quick to “throw the first stone”. End your reflections with prayer.

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  
Today several of us will go out into the community after worship to celebrate the ELCA’s day of service: God’s work. Our hands. According to Ephesians 2:10, God created us in Christ Jesus for good works and that good works is to be our way of life. For what “good works” has God created you? Think of your daily life, outside of church. Make a special point to consciously do the good works for which created each day this week.


Revised Common Lectionary Texts for September 11, 2016
17th Sunday after Pentecost

Exodus 32:7-14
Psalm 51:1-10
1 Timothy 1:12-17
Luke 15:1-10

Sunday  Luke 15:1-10
Monday  Psalm 73:26-28
Tuesday  Jonah 3:6-10
Wednesday  1 Timothy 1:15-16
Thursday  Psalm 113
Friday  Romans 8:31-34
Saturday  Mark12:41-44
Sunday  Luke 16:1-13

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