G.I.F.T. 6-3-18

Growing In Faith Together  
June 3, 2018

TODAY’S TEXTS 
Deut. 5:12-15 
Psalm 81:1-10
2 Corinthians 4:5-12 
Mark 2:23-3:6

GATHERED BY GRACE 
Deuteronomy is clear that sabbath-keeping is meant for the welfare of all, even slaves, resident aliens, and livestock. God’s grace is not limited to people of faith or people who believe the right way or trust the right things. Grace comes to all. Jesus does not reject sabbath-keeping but defends its original life-enhancing meaning. 

Discuss in your household or small group: 
* What keeps you going after disappointment or hardship?
* What was the Sabbath designed to do for humankind? Does Sunday still fulfill that function? 
* You could tell who the Jews were because they kept the sabbath. What sets Christians apart? If someone watched you through your day would you appear different from those who were not Christian? Why or why not?
* One day a week you have been given freedom from your most stressful activity. From what activity would you choose to rest? And how would you spend that day?

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 2:23-3:6
Monday Exodus 16:13-26
Tuesday Exodus 16:27-36
Wednesday Psalm 78: 1-4
Thursday Psalm 130:1-4
Friday 2 Corinthians 5:1-5
Saturday Mark 3:1-19
Sunday Mark 3:20-35

Next Sunday Genesis 3:8-15; Psalm 130; 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1; Mark 3:20-35

PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: 
Help me choose your life-giving way in all my encounters. 

Throughout the Day: I breathe in Your Presence.

Blessing to Share: May you know the presence of God.

For mealtime say responsively: 
I lifted the burden from your shoulder: I took the heavy basket from your hands.

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. Amen.
     
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION  

Devotional Practice:  
Sabbath is a gift so that God’s people can relax and catch their breath. Close your eyes and begin to breathe slowly and deeply. That is the gift of sabbath - a time to slow, to breathe deeply, and relax in the presence of God. Try working a moment of sabbath into each day. What could you do to relax in God’s presence for a whole day? 

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 
Since we are thinking about resting, what kinds of things keep you awake? 
Did you know that Shelter House has need for blankets all the time? And ear plugs! 
In this season of high pollen counts, they could also use some OTC antihistamines and Kleenex.  
And since things are heating up, the Crisis Center needs new box fans.  
Lots to ways to help people rest!

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