Growing In Faith Together
April 16, 2017
TODAY’S TEXTS
Acts 10:34-43
Ps 118:1-2, 14-24
Colossians 3:1-4
Matthew 28:1-10
GATHERED BY GRACE
Sorrow gives way to "fear and great joy" when two women are sent by an angel to proclaim the good news: Jesus is risen!
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What surprises you about Easter?
* What would it have been like to be with the women who found the stone rolled away? What do you think you would have done?
* How do you understand the meaning and significance of the resurrection: in the texts; in your life?
* Where do you find Easter calling you to go? To whom will you tell the good news?
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: Acts 2:14a, 22-32; Psalm 16; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week:
Sing, praise, and bless the Lord. People! Nations! Alleluia!
Throughout the Day: Indeed!
Blessing to Share:
Live in the risen Christ as Christ lives in you!
For mealtime say responsively: Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Easter Season Mealtime Prayer:
Blessing and glory and wisdom
and thanksgiving and honor
and power and might be to our God
forever and ever! Amen!
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Each day, tape the daily bible reading (other side) to the bottom of a drinking glass of someone at the table. After dinner, have the person with the scripture on his/her glass read the verse. Discuss what it tells you about Easter.
Easter Season Ritual:
Easter lasts for 50 days. Start each day with “Christ is risen. Alleluia!” Watch for signs that remind you that Jesus is alive. Jot that in a notebook, or use your phone to take a picture. Give thanks for your experiences. By the end of the 50 days, you will have 50 things that you can share with others that illustrate that Jesus is alive in the world. Share your discoveries; write a brief description on Facebook, or share a photo on Twitter, or Instagram. #findEaster
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Be a witness of the resurrection through your actions. Think of ways you can give new life to those around you. Some ideas: cleaning someone’s yard; delivering a meal or treat to someone; inviting someone to join you for an outing; bringing flowers to someone who need to be cheered; picking up trash at the church building.
April 16, 2017
TODAY’S TEXTS
Acts 10:34-43
Ps 118:1-2, 14-24
Colossians 3:1-4
Matthew 28:1-10
GATHERED BY GRACE
Sorrow gives way to "fear and great joy" when two women are sent by an angel to proclaim the good news: Jesus is risen!
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What surprises you about Easter?
* What would it have been like to be with the women who found the stone rolled away? What do you think you would have done?
* How do you understand the meaning and significance of the resurrection: in the texts; in your life?
* Where do you find Easter calling you to go? To whom will you tell the good news?
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 28:1-10
Monday Psalm 118:1-2,14-24
Tuesday Acts 10:34-43
Wednesday Colossians 3:1-4
Thursday 1 Corinthians 15:3-8
Friday 2 Corinthians 5:17
Saturday John 20:11-18
Sunday John 20:19-31
Next Sunday: Acts 2:14a, 22-32; Psalm 16; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week:
Sing, praise, and bless the Lord. People! Nations! Alleluia!
Throughout the Day: Indeed!
Blessing to Share:
Live in the risen Christ as Christ lives in you!
For mealtime say responsively: Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Easter Season Mealtime Prayer:
Blessing and glory and wisdom
and thanksgiving and honor
and power and might be to our God
forever and ever! Amen!
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Each day, tape the daily bible reading (other side) to the bottom of a drinking glass of someone at the table. After dinner, have the person with the scripture on his/her glass read the verse. Discuss what it tells you about Easter.
Easter Season Ritual:
Easter lasts for 50 days. Start each day with “Christ is risen. Alleluia!” Watch for signs that remind you that Jesus is alive. Jot that in a notebook, or use your phone to take a picture. Give thanks for your experiences. By the end of the 50 days, you will have 50 things that you can share with others that illustrate that Jesus is alive in the world. Share your discoveries; write a brief description on Facebook, or share a photo on Twitter, or Instagram. #findEaster
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Be a witness of the resurrection through your actions. Think of ways you can give new life to those around you. Some ideas: cleaning someone’s yard; delivering a meal or treat to someone; inviting someone to join you for an outing; bringing flowers to someone who need to be cheered; picking up trash at the church building.