Growing In Faith Together
June 24, 2018
TODAY’S TEXTS
Job 38:1-11
Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32
2 Corinthians 6:1-13
Mark 4:35-41
GATHERED BY GRACE
The gospel from Mark is paired this Sunday with Yahweh's response to Job. The Creator is powerful enough to lay earth’s foundation and cause the oceans to stop crashing at our shorelines. When we are swamped in the boat we are grateful that the divine power comes to our aid. Even though we seldom understand what God is doing, God can be trusted, now and for eternity.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What does it mean for you to "let God be God"?
* Why do you think the disciples woke Jesus?
* What calms the seas of your daily life?
* In what ways is the community of faith "in the boat together," reminding each other of the promise of peace offered by God's presence?
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: Lamentations 3:22-33; Psalm 30; 2 Corinthians 8:7-15; Mark 5:21-43
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Create in me a trusting heart, O God.
Throughout the Day: God, thank you that you are always with me.
Blessing to Share: Peace! Be still!
For mealtime say responsively:
Give thanks to the Lord, for the Lord is good: for God’s mercy endures forever.
Mealtime Prayer:
All here gathered, food from the land,
all is gift from your gracious hand.
feed us today; feed all who hunger;
teach us to feed one another.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
There are many people in our communities and world who are living through dangerous and chaotic circumstances. Light a candle and name those who might be struggling today. Open your hands and hold your palms upward. Imagine you are lifting up to God all those who are going through difficult times, and trust God hears.
Summer Ritual:
Everything in our universe is incredible – from the tiny blue flowers blooming in the yard to the puffy white clouds in the sky. What do you love to see in nature? What smell delights you? What sounds do you stop to listen for? What tastes satisfy? This summer start each morning with a simple prayer: Lord, show me something incredible. Amen. Then watch to see what the treasure is. When you find it, in your mind add a tag “Made by God”.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Migrant families and children are in the news. Find ideas for what action you can take at Lutheran Immigration and Refugee services and at ELCA Advocacy. You also can help families in need right here in Iowa City. The Crisis Center food bank accepts baby food, formula, and diapers of all sizes. The Domestic Violence Intervention Program especially right now needs baby formula (both milk and soy based), size 5/6 diapers, and baby wipes. You can bring donations to Gloria Dei. Food pantry items go in the shopping cart; DVIP drop-off is behind the tan curtain near the front door.
June 24, 2018
TODAY’S TEXTS
Job 38:1-11
Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32
2 Corinthians 6:1-13
Mark 4:35-41
GATHERED BY GRACE
The gospel from Mark is paired this Sunday with Yahweh's response to Job. The Creator is powerful enough to lay earth’s foundation and cause the oceans to stop crashing at our shorelines. When we are swamped in the boat we are grateful that the divine power comes to our aid. Even though we seldom understand what God is doing, God can be trusted, now and for eternity.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What does it mean for you to "let God be God"?
* Why do you think the disciples woke Jesus?
* What calms the seas of your daily life?
* In what ways is the community of faith "in the boat together," reminding each other of the promise of peace offered by God's presence?
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 Mark 4:35-41
Monday Psalm 65:5-8
Tuesday Acts 27:13-38
Wednesday Acts 27:39-44
Thursday Psalm 30
Friday Lamentations 3:22-33
Saturday 2 Corinthians 8:1-7
Sunday Mark 5:21-43
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Create in me a trusting heart, O God.
Throughout the Day: God, thank you that you are always with me.
Blessing to Share: Peace! Be still!
For mealtime say responsively:
Give thanks to the Lord, for the Lord is good: for God’s mercy endures forever.
Mealtime Prayer:
All here gathered, food from the land,
all is gift from your gracious hand.
feed us today; feed all who hunger;
teach us to feed one another.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
There are many people in our communities and world who are living through dangerous and chaotic circumstances. Light a candle and name those who might be struggling today. Open your hands and hold your palms upward. Imagine you are lifting up to God all those who are going through difficult times, and trust God hears.
Summer Ritual:
Everything in our universe is incredible – from the tiny blue flowers blooming in the yard to the puffy white clouds in the sky. What do you love to see in nature? What smell delights you? What sounds do you stop to listen for? What tastes satisfy? This summer start each morning with a simple prayer: Lord, show me something incredible. Amen. Then watch to see what the treasure is. When you find it, in your mind add a tag “Made by God”.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Migrant families and children are in the news. Find ideas for what action you can take at Lutheran Immigration and Refugee services and at ELCA Advocacy. You also can help families in need right here in Iowa City. The Crisis Center food bank accepts baby food, formula, and diapers of all sizes. The Domestic Violence Intervention Program especially right now needs baby formula (both milk and soy based), size 5/6 diapers, and baby wipes. You can bring donations to Gloria Dei. Food pantry items go in the shopping cart; DVIP drop-off is behind the tan curtain near the front door.