Growing In Faith Together
May 7, 2017
TODAY’S TEXTS
Acts 2:42-47
Psalm 23
1 Peter 2:19-25
John 10:1-10
GATHERED BY GRACE
The shepherd and sheep are not strangers to each other but are connected in a special way; the sheep know his voice and the shepherd knows each sheep by name. The risen Christ opens the way to abundant life, anointing our heads with oil and guiding us beside the still waters of our baptism.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How does one learn the voice of the shepherd?
* What does it mean to you that Jesus knows you by name?
* This gospel reading appeals to the well-loved Psalm 23 that affirms that "goodness and mercy" is God’s way with us and delivers for us the "abundant life" of which Jesus speaks. What does “abundant life” represent for you?
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 7:55-60; Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16; 1 Peter 2:2-10; John 14:1-14
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Guide me along right pathways for your name’s sake.
Throughout the Day: Help me to know your voice.
Blessing to Share: The Lord calls you by name.
For mealtime say responsively:
You prepare a table for us: our cup is overflowing.
Easter Season Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
During your devotional times this week, use Psalm 23 as a prayer of confidence in the God who loves, calls, and guides us through our days (with goodness and mercy following us!).
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
This week randomly bring Easter’s surprise to the people in your community. For example: leave change in a Ziploc baggie on a pop or candy machine for someone else to buy a treat; or, take books to a hospital or other place where they could be used; or, go to a big parking lot and bring all the carts back for others; or open doors for other people; and, of course, smile.
TODAY’S TEXTS
Acts 2:42-47
Psalm 23
1 Peter 2:19-25
John 10:1-10
GATHERED BY GRACE
The shepherd and sheep are not strangers to each other but are connected in a special way; the sheep know his voice and the shepherd knows each sheep by name. The risen Christ opens the way to abundant life, anointing our heads with oil and guiding us beside the still waters of our baptism.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How does one learn the voice of the shepherd?
* What does it mean to you that Jesus knows you by name?
* This gospel reading appeals to the well-loved Psalm 23 that affirms that "goodness and mercy" is God’s way with us and delivers for us the "abundant life" of which Jesus speaks. What does “abundant life” represent for you?
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 John 10:1-10
Monday Psalm 100
Tuesday Ezekiel 34:23-31
Wednesday Jeremiah 23:1-4
Friday Acts 6:8-15
Saturday Acts 7:2-54
Sunday John 14:1-14
Next Sunday: Acts 7:55-60; Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16; 1 Peter 2:2-10; John 14:1-14
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Guide me along right pathways for your name’s sake.
Throughout the Day: Help me to know your voice.
Blessing to Share: The Lord calls you by name.
For mealtime say responsively:
You prepare a table for us: our cup is overflowing.
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:
During your devotional times this week, use Psalm 23 as a prayer of confidence in the God who loves, calls, and guides us through our days (with goodness and mercy following us!).
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
This week randomly bring Easter’s surprise to the people in your community. For example: leave change in a Ziploc baggie on a pop or candy machine for someone else to buy a treat; or, take books to a hospital or other place where they could be used; or, go to a big parking lot and bring all the carts back for others; or open doors for other people; and, of course, smile.