July 2, 2017
TODAY’S TEXTS
Jeremiah 28:5-9
Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18
Romans 6:12-23
Matthew 10:40-42
GATHERED BY GRACE
Paul writes that we are all born slaves of sin. Baptism frees our will as it unbinds us from the power of sin and death. The welcome of baptism is for all God’s children. In today’s gospel, Christ promises that the disciple who gives welcome to the little ones with a cup of water serves Christ himself.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How does it feel to be welcomed?
* What are ways to welcome a stranger?
* If you knew Jesus was coming tonight to a meeting at your congregation, what would you do? If you were at a meeting at your congregation and a stranger walked in, what would you do?
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 10:40-42
Monday Psalm 119:161-168
Tuesday 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
Wednesday Matthew 11:20-24
Thursday Psalm 145:8-14
Friday Romans 7:7-20
Saturday Zechariah 4:1-7
Sunday Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
Next Sunday: Zechariah 9:9-12; Psalm 145:8-14; Romans 7:15-25a; Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Help me to embody your welcome to others.
Throughout the Day: Have mercy on me, a sinner.
Blessing to Share: May God’s great love touch your heart.
For mealtime say responsively:
If we welcome God here: how can we not welcome those made in God’s image?
Summer Mealtime Prayer:
Thank you for the world so sweet.
Thank you for the food we eat.
Thank you for the birds that sing.
Thank you, God, for everything. Amen
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Hospitality seems to come naturally for some people. They have a knack for sensing the needs of others – ready to get a glass of water, give directions, or listen. Imagine Jesus crossing your path. What reception might he receive from you – especially if you did not recognize him first. End with a prayer.
Summer Ritual:
The color of this season after Pentecost is green. For these days of summer, create a special green area in your home. Green is a color associated with growing things, so allow this focus area to grow over these weeks. It can become an exciting challenge to bring new green things into the area each week as you pay attention to what is extraordinary about this color and this season.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Note:The service at Gloria Dei today 7/2/17 featured jazz music.
Jazz can be a way to live - Improvise! Play! Imagine! Jesus calls us to offer water to the “little ones” in our world. Who are these “little ones”? What is the water we can offer?
Look around with your “jazz eyes” to see new possibilities to serve. Then improvise!