G.I.F.T. 3-24-19

Growing In Faith Together   

March 24, 2019

TODAY’S TEXTS 
Isaiah 55:1-9 
Psalm 63:1-8 
1 Cor 10:1-13 
Luke 13:1-9

GATHERED BY GRACE 
The warnings are blunt on the third Sunday in Lent. Cut it out or get cut down! But the warnings are accompanied by God's invitation: "Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live." To those who have experienced long years in exile, the return to their homeland is a celebration of abundant life. Those who return to the Lord will enjoy new life and forgiveness, because God's ways are not our ways. That is good news for all of us. 

Discuss in your household or small group: 
* Why do you think feasts make good vehicles for celebrating?
*  What do you find truly satisfying?
*  What is the difference between excess and abundance?
* When troubles befall a person, we sometimes hear folks say, “He/she asked for it.” What do you think that remark means? To what extent do think it is true?
*  How are you seeking God this Lent?

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 13:1-9
Monday Psalm 39:4-7
Tuesday Ezekiel 17:1-10
Wednesday Luke 13:18-21
Thursday Psalm 32:1-2
Friday 2 Corinthians 5:6-10
Saturday Luke 15:1-10
Sunday Luke 15:1-3,11-32

Next Sunday: Joshua 5:9-12; Psalm 32; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Help me to put first things first.

Throughout the Day: You are my God; eagerly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you. 

Blessing to Share: Taste grace.

For mealtime say responsively: 
Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters: Everyone who hungers, come eat.

Lenten Mealtime Prayer:   
Lord, we gather by your grace
Forgiven much, we seek your face
Fed with these gifts of yours so kind.
Lead us to love all whom we find.

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION  
Devotional Practice: 
Journaling has long been a helpful spiritual discipline. If you don’t already journal, try to keep a journal this week. Title it, “God Sightings.” Jot down moments you see God at work during your day. It may be an act of forgiveness, a great night of sleep, a beautiful morning, a smile on a face that often frowns, an act of caring, or something you hear in the news. At the end of each day, reflect on your notes and offer thanks to God.

Lenten Ritual:  
One faith practice in Lent is prayer which allows you to keep concerns and people in your heart and before God. Find some kind of box to be used as a prayer box.  Make a list of prayer topics and write each one onto a separate index card. You could also include copies of some traditional prayers. Place the cards into the box. At the start of each week, pull out one or two cards and place these on your fridge or notice board as your prayer topic for the week.

SCATTERED TO SERVE 
So much water! Our fellow Mid-westerners are facing unprecedented flooding this spring. Heavy rainfall plus rapid snow melt has engulfed at least four states. 

Lutheran Disaster Response is there bringing hope in the midst of disaster. Your gifts will help address the unmet needs of those affected by the flooding. 

You can give through Gloria Dei.  Put “U.S. Flooding” in the designated gift line. 

Or donate directly to Lutheran Disaster Response. 

Either way 100% of your donation will be to assist those directly impacted.

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