Growing In Faith Together
February 19, 2017
TODAY'S TEXTS
Leviticus 19:1-2,9-18
Psalm 119:33-40
1 Corinthians 3:10-11,16-23
Matthew 5:38-48
GATHERED BY GRACE
What does it mean to love our neighbor? Jesus teaches us what it means to live in a right relationship with others. We are called to love the way God loves – choosing to act with compassion and to love without discrimination. As we expand the boundaries of our concern, we grow into maturity and wholeness.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What does it mean to live without retaliation and yet to seek justice?
* What are some ways to live which restore relationships and strengthen community?
* “Love your neighbor” and live “with justice” are both commanded in Leviticus. How do you think these two imperatives play out in public life? In private dealings?
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: Exodus 24:12-18; Psalm 2; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Matthew 17:1-9
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Help me to see a neighbor and reach out in your love.
Throughout the Day: Stir your love within me, O God.
A Blessing to Share: May God fill you with renewed strength.
For mealtime say responsively: You belong to Christ: Christ belongs to you.
Epiphany Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
This week consider these questions and develop a prayer out of your reflections: How do you respond to Jesus’ teaching, “Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you”? What kind of prayer might you, as an individual and we, as a church, offer in these circumstances?
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
Re-read Leviticus 19: 9-10 which describes support for the gleaning of fields and vineyards. Supplying food for food pantries has become a modern form of “gleaning” When you shop this week, estimate the value of your purchases and, before you check out, spend 10% more on food for our local food pantry at the Crisis Center.
February 19, 2017
TODAY'S TEXTS
Leviticus 19:1-2,9-18
Psalm 119:33-40
1 Corinthians 3:10-11,16-23
Matthew 5:38-48
GATHERED BY GRACE
What does it mean to love our neighbor? Jesus teaches us what it means to live in a right relationship with others. We are called to love the way God loves – choosing to act with compassion and to love without discrimination. As we expand the boundaries of our concern, we grow into maturity and wholeness.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What does it mean to live without retaliation and yet to seek justice?
* What are some ways to live which restore relationships and strengthen community?
* “Love your neighbor” and live “with justice” are both commanded in Leviticus. How do you think these two imperatives play out in public life? In private dealings?
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 5:38-48
Monday Psalm 119:59-64
Tuesday Hebrews 12:14-16
Wednesday Luke 18:18-22
Thursday Psalm 2
Friday Exodus 19:9b-25
Saturday 1 Kings 21:20-29
Sunday Matthew 17:1-9
Next Sunday: Exodus 24:12-18; Psalm 2; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Matthew 17:1-9
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Help me to see a neighbor and reach out in your love.
Throughout the Day: Stir your love within me, O God.
A Blessing to Share: May God fill you with renewed strength.
For mealtime say responsively: You belong to Christ: Christ belongs to you.
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:
This week consider these questions and develop a prayer out of your reflections: How do you respond to Jesus’ teaching, “Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you”? What kind of prayer might you, as an individual and we, as a church, offer in these circumstances?
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
Re-read Leviticus 19: 9-10 which describes support for the gleaning of fields and vineyards. Supplying food for food pantries has become a modern form of “gleaning” When you shop this week, estimate the value of your purchases and, before you check out, spend 10% more on food for our local food pantry at the Crisis Center.