G.I.F.T. 5-6-18

Growing In Faith Together   

May 6, 2018

TODAY’S TEXTS 
Act 10:44-48 
Psalm 98 
1 John 5:1-6
John 15:9-17

GATHERED BY GRACE 
We are known and loved and chosen, but we are commanded, too, to belong to one another, to care for one another, to love one another. We are called to serve others as Jesus came to serve; but servanthood isn’t the full picture. Friendship better captures the love, the joy, the deep mutuality of the relationship into which Christ invites us. So, we too are called into a community grounded in God’s ways.

Discuss in your household or small group: 
* How does one abide in the love of Jesus?
* What tempts you away from abiding in the love of Christ?
* What does it mean to have been chosen by or have been regarded a friend of Jesus? What makes your joy complete?
* Have you ever experienced another person or a community being "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 15:9-17
Monday Deuteronomy 6:4-9 
Tuesday Deuteronomy 11:8-12
Wednesday Deuteronomy 11:18-21
Thursday-Ascension Day Luke 24:44-53
Friday Revelation 1:12-20
Saturday Psalm 47:5-9
Sunday John 17:6-19

Next Sunday: Acts 1:15-17, 21-26; Psalm 1; 1 John 5:9-13; John 17:6-19

PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Make my heart bold with love for others.

Throughout the Day:  Help me love others as you have loved me. 

Blessing to Share: Abide in God’s love.

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:  
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. These words summarize all 1189 chapters in the Bible. These words summarize the purpose of our lives: to love one another as Christ has loved us.  Light a single white candle in your home each day this week. Sit quietly and ponder how this commandment can be lived out in your life.   

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 
Bring a bagful of groceries for the Crisis Center next Sunday. The top ten suggested items include: 
Canned fruit and 100 percent fruit juice
Peanut butter and canned meat
Pasta and rice
Toilet paper
Hearty soups and stews
Baby formula
Canned vegetables
Baby diapers
Laundry detergent

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