Growing In Faith Together
January 22, 2017
TODAY’S TEXTS
Isaiah 9:1-4
Psalm 27:1, 4-9
1 Corinthians 1:10-18
Matthew 4:12-23
GATHERED BY GRACE
In Jesus, the kingdom of God has come near. Jesus begins his public ministry by calling fishers to leave their nets and follow him. Jesus continues to offer this same invitation to us. Each day we reaffirm our intention to follow and Jesus says “I have work for you to do! - Sundays and Seasons, Augsburg Fortress, 2011
Discuss in your household or small group:
* Where was Jesus before he decided to go to Galilee? What prompted his decision?
* Why do you think Simon Peter and Andrew followed Jesus?
* Who or what would you not want to leave to follow Jesus?
* Jesus calls all his followers to “fish for people”. What do you think this means? In what ways are you a “fisherperson” for Jesus?
* Think of all the “bait and tackle” you have at your disposal to fish for people? What’s in it?
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: Micah 6:1-8; Psalm 15; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Matthew 5:1-12
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Give me, O God, a heart that seeks you and feet ready to follow you.
Throughout the Day: Lord Jesus, teach me how to fish for people.
A Blessing to Share: The rule of God is near.
At mealtime say responsively: The Lord is our light and salvation: We need not fear.
Epiphany Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Look at the wall behind the altar at Gloria Dei. Note the fish swimming in the water. A medieval Christian wrote: The saints will be within their Creator just as the fish are in the sea. Quiet your heart. Take some deep breaths and relax. Shut your eyes and spend a few minutes imagining yourself as a “fish” completely surrounded and swimming in the sea of God’s grace and love. End with prayer.
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
FREE LUNCH – Gloria Dei serves Free Lunch this Friday. Stop by and help at 1105 Gilbert Court, IC, anytime between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.
January 22, 2017
TODAY’S TEXTS
Isaiah 9:1-4
Psalm 27:1, 4-9
1 Corinthians 1:10-18
Matthew 4:12-23
GATHERED BY GRACE
In Jesus, the kingdom of God has come near. Jesus begins his public ministry by calling fishers to leave their nets and follow him. Jesus continues to offer this same invitation to us. Each day we reaffirm our intention to follow and Jesus says “I have work for you to do! - Sundays and Seasons, Augsburg Fortress, 2011
Discuss in your household or small group:
* Where was Jesus before he decided to go to Galilee? What prompted his decision?
* Why do you think Simon Peter and Andrew followed Jesus?
* Who or what would you not want to leave to follow Jesus?
* Jesus calls all his followers to “fish for people”. What do you think this means? In what ways are you a “fisherperson” for Jesus?
* Think of all the “bait and tackle” you have at your disposal to fish for people? What’s in it?
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 4:12-23
Monday Psalm 27:11-14
Tuesday Philippians 2:14-18
Wednesday Luke 1:76-79
Thursday Psalm 15
Friday 1 Timothy 5:21-24
Saturday Micah 3:1-4
Sunday Matthew 5:1-12
Next Sunday: Micah 6:1-8; Psalm 15; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Matthew 5:1-12
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Give me, O God, a heart that seeks you and feet ready to follow you.
Throughout the Day: Lord Jesus, teach me how to fish for people.
A Blessing to Share: The rule of God is near.
At mealtime say responsively: The Lord is our light and salvation: We need not fear.
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 Practice:
Look at the wall behind the altar at Gloria Dei. Note the fish swimming in the water. A medieval Christian wrote: The saints will be within their Creator just as the fish are in the sea. Quiet your heart. Take some deep breaths and relax. Shut your eyes and spend a few minutes imagining yourself as a “fish” completely surrounded and swimming in the sea of God’s grace and love. End with prayer.
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
FREE LUNCH – Gloria Dei serves Free Lunch this Friday. Stop by and help at 1105 Gilbert Court, IC, anytime between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.