Growing In Faith Together
January 1, 2017
TODAY’S TEXTS
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Psalm 8
Revelation 21:1-6a
Matthew 25:31-46
GATHERED BY GRACE
Although, from the perspective of the Church Calendar, the New Year has already begun (Advent), from the perspective of the world’s calendar, this Sunday begins 2017. We reflect on endings and beginnings, knowing that all time begins and ends in God. We watch and keep vigil for the coming of God’s justice.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How would you benefit from remembering that there is, in fact, a time to keep silence? And that there are times when your voice of courage and hope is desperately needed?
* God gives us unlimited fresh starts. What will you do with yours?
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: Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 29; Acts 10:34-43; Matthew 3:13-17
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week:
May I live as an agent of Christ’s grace and love in our world.
Throughout the Day:
Help me look for God in the need of those around me.
A Blessing to Share: Your times are in God’s hands.
For mealtime say responsively: The home of God is among mortals: God will dwell with them.
Christmas Mealtime Prayer:
Sing this to the tune of “Away in a Manger”
Be present at our table, Lord.
Be here and everywhere adored.
These mercies bless and grant that we,
May strengthened for Thy service be. Amen
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
We have closed the door on the last year and opened the door to a new year. Here is a New Year’s blessing for your entrance door:
God of doors and homes, bless this home this year and every year. Bless all who come and go through this door, both those who live here and those who visit. May all who enter through this door come in peace and bring joy. May all who come to this door find welcome and love. May the love and joy in this home overflow and spread into the community and the world. Amen.
Christmas Ritual:
Today is the 8th day of Christmas. Keep lighting a candle for the next 4 days. It reminds us of the good news of God’s love that comes to us through Jesus. Light the candle and pray: God, we thank you for the gift of Jesus. Amen
SCATTERED TO SERVE
The New Year is a good time to sort through the closet and set aside the clothes you don’t wear anymore. You can donate them to DVIP, the Crowded Closet, Goodwill or Salvation Army.
January 1, 2017
TODAY’S TEXTS
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Psalm 8
Revelation 21:1-6a
Matthew 25:31-46
GATHERED BY GRACE
Although, from the perspective of the Church Calendar, the New Year has already begun (Advent), from the perspective of the world’s calendar, this Sunday begins 2017. We reflect on endings and beginnings, knowing that all time begins and ends in God. We watch and keep vigil for the coming of God’s justice.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How would you benefit from remembering that there is, in fact, a time to keep silence? And that there are times when your voice of courage and hope is desperately needed?
* God gives us unlimited fresh starts. What will you do with yours?
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 25:31-36
Monday Psalm 72
Tuesday Hebrews 11:1-3
Wednesday Exodus 3:1-5
Thursday Isaiah 60:1-6
Friday Matthew 2:1-12
Saturday Ephesians 3:14-21
Sunday Matthew 1:18-25
Next Sunday: Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 29; Acts 10:34-43; Matthew 3:13-17
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week:
May I live as an agent of Christ’s grace and love in our world.
Throughout the Day:
Help me look for God in the need of those around me.
A Blessing to Share: Your times are in God’s hands.
For mealtime say responsively: The home of God is among mortals: God will dwell with them.
Christmas Mealtime Prayer:
Sing this to the tune of “Away in a Manger”
Be present at our table, Lord.
Be here and everywhere adored.
These mercies bless and grant that we,
May strengthened for Thy service be. Amen
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
We have closed the door on the last year and opened the door to a new year. Here is a New Year’s blessing for your entrance door:
God of doors and homes, bless this home this year and every year. Bless all who come and go through this door, both those who live here and those who visit. May all who enter through this door come in peace and bring joy. May all who come to this door find welcome and love. May the love and joy in this home overflow and spread into the community and the world. Amen.
Christmas Ritual:
Today is the 8th day of Christmas. Keep lighting a candle for the next 4 days. It reminds us of the good news of God’s love that comes to us through Jesus. Light the candle and pray: God, we thank you for the gift of Jesus. Amen
SCATTERED TO SERVE
The New Year is a good time to sort through the closet and set aside the clothes you don’t wear anymore. You can donate them to DVIP, the Crowded Closet, Goodwill or Salvation Army.