Growing In Faith Together
Epiphany of our Lord
February 26, 2017
TODAY’S TEXTS
Exodus 24:12-18
Psalm 99
2 Peter 1:16-21
Matthew 17:1-9
GATHERED BY GRACE
On the mount of transfiguration Jesus is revealed as God’s beloved Son, echoing the words at his baptism. This vision of glory sustains us as Jesus faces his impending death in Jerusalem. - Sundays and Seasons, 2016, Augsburg Fortress
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How do you understand the 'Transfiguration of Jesus?' What must it have been like for Peter and James and John to witness this?
* Would you have wanted to be up on that mountain with Jesus? Why or why not?
* Why do you think Jesus choose a mountain for this holy moment?
* What are some holy places for you? Where have you felt close to God? How do these special places help you to feel close to God?
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: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7; Psalm 32; Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: O God, may I grow in the wise ways of your shining love.
Throughout the Day: May your realm shine within me, O God.
A Blessing to Share: Go in love to dazzle with the reign of God.
At mealtime say responsively: Proclaim the greatness of the Lord: Worship upon God’s holy hill
Mealtime Prayer:
Lord God, we thank you for these gifts.
Keep us mindful of those who go without.
Help us to share with them. Amen.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Visit a place that is holy/sacred to you OR shut your eyes and imagine yourself there. Sit quietly for a few moments. What new things do you notice? How is the glory of God revealed in this place? End your time with a prayer of thanks.
Ritual:
Lent begins this week on Ash Wednesday. Join us for worship at 12:10 pm or 7:00 pm. Imposition of ashes will be available at both services.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Show God’s glory through service. This week eliminate all household chores. Instead of being “chores”, recognize that doing these acts of service in the home are actually loving acts of kindness in Christ’s name. To take out the trash or set the table means that someone else is freed from that activity. Give God the glory by your service to each other! At the end of the week, reflect on this change of perspective (from “chore” to “deed of service to others”). What did you learn?
Epiphany of our Lord
February 26, 2017
TODAY’S TEXTS
Exodus 24:12-18
Psalm 99
2 Peter 1:16-21
Matthew 17:1-9
GATHERED BY GRACE
On the mount of transfiguration Jesus is revealed as God’s beloved Son, echoing the words at his baptism. This vision of glory sustains us as Jesus faces his impending death in Jerusalem. - Sundays and Seasons, 2016, Augsburg Fortress
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How do you understand the 'Transfiguration of Jesus?' What must it have been like for Peter and James and John to witness this?
* Would you have wanted to be up on that mountain with Jesus? Why or why not?
* Why do you think Jesus choose a mountain for this holy moment?
* What are some holy places for you? Where have you felt close to God? How do these special places help you to feel close to God?
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 17:1-9
Monday Psalm 78:52-55
Tuesday Romans 11:1-6
Wednesday Psalm 51:1-17
Thursday Psalm 32
Friday Isaiah 58:1-12
Saturday Matthew 18:1-7
Sunday Matthew 4:1-11
Next Sunday: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7; Psalm 32; Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: O God, may I grow in the wise ways of your shining love.
Throughout the Day: May your realm shine within me, O God.
A Blessing to Share: Go in love to dazzle with the reign of God.
At mealtime say responsively: Proclaim the greatness of the Lord: Worship upon God’s holy hill
Mealtime Prayer:
Lord God, we thank you for these gifts.
Keep us mindful of those who go without.
Help us to share with them. Amen.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Visit a place that is holy/sacred to you OR shut your eyes and imagine yourself there. Sit quietly for a few moments. What new things do you notice? How is the glory of God revealed in this place? End your time with a prayer of thanks.
Ritual:
Lent begins this week on Ash Wednesday. Join us for worship at 12:10 pm or 7:00 pm. Imposition of ashes will be available at both services.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Show God’s glory through service. This week eliminate all household chores. Instead of being “chores”, recognize that doing these acts of service in the home are actually loving acts of kindness in Christ’s name. To take out the trash or set the table means that someone else is freed from that activity. Give God the glory by your service to each other! At the end of the week, reflect on this change of perspective (from “chore” to “deed of service to others”). What did you learn?