G.I.F.T. 6-4-17

 Growing In Faith Together 

 June 4, 2017

 TODAY’S TEXTS
 Acts 2:1-21
 Psalm 104:24-35
 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13
John 20:19-23

GATHERED BY GRACE 
On the fiftieth day of Easter we celebrate the Holy Spirit as the power of God among us that heals, forgives, inspires, and unites. In the reading from Acts, images of wind and fire describe the Spirit poured out on disciples of all nations. In John's gospel, the risen Christ breathes the Spirit on his followers on Easter evening. In the one Spirit, we are baptized into one body and share our gifts. 

Discuss in your household or small group: 
* What does it take to amaze you?
* What sort of power does it take to draw you out of our "all together in one place" and send you out with courage and energy to proclaim the good news of the Risen Christ? 
* If the Church is the body of Christ, what part are 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 20:19-23
Monday Joel 2:18-29
Tuesday Romans 8:26-27
Wednesday 1 Corinthians 12:3-13
Thursday Genesis 1:1-2:4a
Friday Psalm 8
Saturday 2 Corinthians 13:13
Sunday Matthew 28:16-20

Next Sunday: Genesis 1:1-2:4a; Psalm 8; 2 Corinthians 13:11-13; Matthew 28:16-20

PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK

For the Week:  Breathe on me, Breath of God.

Throughout the Day: Come, Holy Spirit, come.

Blessing to Share: The Holy Spirit is with us always.

For mealtime say responsively: 
To each is given the Spirit: for the common good.

Pentecost Mealtime Prayer:
      For bacon, eggs and buttered toast, 
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION  

Devotional Practice: 
An old song goes Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me! Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me. Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me! Repeat the words (or sing it if you know the tune!) in the morning as you leave your home and then when you return. Let the phrases help you to focus and be mindful of God’s continuing presence in your life.

Pentecost Ritual: 
How do you experience the Spirit of God in your life? In the readings, today we hear of the Spirit as breath, wind, fire. What images do you have for the Spirit? How does the breath of the Spirit make a difference in your life?  Each day this week, take a moment to breathe deeply and pray for God’s Spirit to fill your heart.

SCATTERED TO SERVE
What gifts has the Spirit given you to benefit the common good? Use them!




How to Find Us





Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Iowa City

Gathered by grace. Scattered for service.

123 E Market Street
Iowa City, IA 52245