G.I.F.T. 4-15-18

 Growing In Faith

 Third Sunday 
of Easter 

 TODAY’S TEXTS 
 Acts 3:12-19
 Psalm 4
 1 John 3:1-7 
 Luke 24:36b-48


GATHERED BY GRACE 
The gospel for the Third Sunday of Easter each year includes the risen Christ sharing food with his disciples. At this point in Luke, the disciples have heard from the women, Peter, and two disciples returning from Emmaus that Jesus has risen. Jesus appears and eats with them. Now that the disciples have witnessed the resurrected Christ, they are commissioned by Jesus to proclaim the story of resurrection and forgiveness.

Discuss in your household or small group: 
* Why do you think Jesus ate with the disciples?
* What does it mean that disciples “while in their joy they were disbelieving and wondering?” Have you ever joyously believed and disbelieved at the same time?
* If you had to tell the story of Jesus in 100 words what would you say? What is most important for you to tell someone else about Jesus?
* The writer of 1 John is clear that all generations have something to offer. How do you show God’s love to the world?

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 Luke 24:36b-48
Monday 1 John 3:10-16
Tuesday Psalm 150:1-6
Wednesday Proverbs 9:1-6
Thursday Psalm 23
Friday Genesis 48:8-19
Saturday Mark 6:30-34
Sunday John 10:11-18

Next Sunday: Acts 4:5-12; Psalm 23; 1 John 3:16-24; John 10:11-18

PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: 
Surprise me with the peace of Christ. 

Throughout the Day:  
Thanks for calling me your child.

Blessing to Share: 
Christ is with you everywhere, Alleluia.

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:  
Find a single white candle for your home this Easter season. Light it each day. Read Psalm 4. Say this week’s prayer: Open my mind to your word and help me believe that fear and death have been defeated. Amen

Easter Season Ritual: 
Sometimes, we hardly believe that the tomb is empty. During this Easter season of 50 days, open your heart to the reality of the resurrection of Jesus. Start each day with “Christ is risen. Alleluia!” Pause throughout your day, while moving from one thing to another, to remember silently (or aloud) that Christ is risen indeed!  At the end of your day pray a word of thanks that even as we died with Jesus in our baptism, so also, we will rise with him in the resurrection.

SCATTERED TO SERVE 
You are a witness of Jesus’ love through actions of care and concern that you do for them.  Here are 7 easy ideas for this week:
1. Let another go first.
2. Pick up litter.
3. Share a smile.
4. Read to a young child.
5. Open a door.
6. Give a compliment.
7. Say hello.

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