G.I.F.T. 1-8-17

 Growing In Faith Together   
 January 8, 2017

 TODAY’S TEXTS 
 Isaiah 42:1-9
 Psalm 29
 Acts 10:34-43
 Matthew 3:13-17

 GATHERED BY GRACE 
In the waters of the Jordan, Jesus is revealed as the beloved Son of God. Through this epiphany, Jesus fulfills all righteousness and becomes the servant of God who will bring forth justice and be a light to the nations. We too are washed by the Word, anointed by the Spirit, and named God's beloved children.        Sundays and Seasons, Augsburg Fortress, 2017

Discuss in your household or small group: 
* What does it mean to you to be baptized? 
* The world changed in a moment when Jesus came out of the water. Can you think of a time when your whole understanding of the world changed in a moment?

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 3:13-17
Monday  Psalm 89:19-23
Tuesday  Jeremiah 1:4-8
Wednesday  Isaiah 51:9-11
Thursday  Psalm 40:1-5
Friday  Psalm 40:6-11
Saturday  Luke 5:1-11
Sunday  John 1:29-42

Next Sunday: Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 40:1-11; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; John 1:29-42 

PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK 

For the Week: May I shine with God’s love.

Throughout the Day: I am beloved and I shine with the love of God. Thanks be to God!

A Blessing to Share: You are beloved. Shine with God’s

For mealtime say responsively: The Lord gives strength to the people: The Lord blesses them with peace.

Epiphany Mealtime Prayer:
We thank you Lord, for this our meal, 
For grace and love and gifts that heal.
Give us willing hearts to share
With others when they need our care.  Amen

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION  

Devotional:
Reflect on the meaning of these words of Martin Luther on baptism from the Small Catechism.   Say prayers of thanks for God’s gifts.
What is Baptism?
Baptism is not water only, but it is water used together with God’s Word and by God’s command.

What benefits does God give in Baptism?
In Baptism God forgives sin, delivers from death and the devil, and gives everlasting salvation to all who believe what God has promised.

What does Baptism mean for daily living?
It means that our sinful self, with all its evil deeds and desires, should be drowned through daily repentance; and that day after day a new self should arise, to live with God in righteousness and purity forever.

Ritual for the Epiphany Season: 
During this season, we focus on growing in our discipleship as we “make Christ manifest” to the world. Imagine the ways you show love to those at home, work or school. Draw pictures on small pieces of papers which illustrate ways you show God’s love. Attach the squares to a length of decorative ribbon and hang it near the door you use to come and go. When you see it, pray:  May I shine with God’s love for all I meet. Amen

SCATTERED TO SERVE
John the Baptist could see who Jesus really was. Who has seen your gifts and potential?  Express thanks for their encouragement by "paying it forward." Is there someone you offer a word of encouragement? Write that person a note that says something like, "Keep on being who you are! You're doing great! Don't give up!"


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