Growing In Faith Together
September 29, 2019
TODAY’S TEXTS
Amos 6:1a, 4-7
Psalm 146
1 Timothy 6:6-19
Luke 16:19-31
GATHERED BY GRACE
Consideration of and care for those in need, especially those “at our gate,” visible to us, of whom we are aware, is an essential component of good stewardship. It is in the sharing of wealth that we avoid the snare of wealth. It is the one whom death could not hold—who comes to us risen from the dead—who can free us from the death grip of greed.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What relation do you find between this parable and the First Lesson from Amos? How does this parable relate to last week’s Gospel, Luke 16:1-13?
* How would you finish this sentence: “For a Christian, money is ….”?
* How would you interpret this parable?
* We all need money. We all have expenses. So why is wealth treated so negatively – or is it?
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: Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4; Psalm 37:1-9; 2 Timothy 1:1-14; Luke 17:5-10
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Help me hear Jesus’ call to serve.
Throughout the Day: Free me from the grip of greed.
A Blessing to Share: May the Lord bless you with righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness, and bring you into eternal life.
For mealtime say responsively: May our living be God inspired: May our choices be justice shaped.
Autumn Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Take hold of the life that really is life. Re-read 1 Timothy 6:6-16. Put your name in place of “man of God” in verse 11. To what degree are the words in verses 11-16 a valid charge for your life, though you may not be a pastor like Timothy? Spend serious time this week reflecting on your life. Take your thoughts to God in prayer.
Autumn Ritual:
Our task during this part of the church year is to consider discipleship. Jesus’ teachings get a bit more challenging. For these months, add a small cross near the place you do devotions to remind you of Jesus’ call to take up your cross and follow.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
The prophet Amos tells us that we should care not only about ourselves but also about others. Take a shopping expedition this week to buy goods to give to the CommUnity Food Bank. Besides food, they provide diapers, wipes, and baby food or formula for families in need. Bring your purchases to Gloria Dei next week.
PS. It is also loose change/noisy offering next Sunday for world hunger funds.
If you are not in this area, find your local food bank and see what they might need.
September 29, 2019
TODAY’S TEXTS
Amos 6:1a, 4-7
Psalm 146
1 Timothy 6:6-19
Luke 16:19-31
GATHERED BY GRACE
Consideration of and care for those in need, especially those “at our gate,” visible to us, of whom we are aware, is an essential component of good stewardship. It is in the sharing of wealth that we avoid the snare of wealth. It is the one whom death could not hold—who comes to us risen from the dead—who can free us from the death grip of greed.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What relation do you find between this parable and the First Lesson from Amos? How does this parable relate to last week’s Gospel, Luke 16:1-13?
* How would you finish this sentence: “For a Christian, money is ….”?
* How would you interpret this parable?
* We all need money. We all have expenses. So why is wealth treated so negatively – or is it?
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 16:19-31
Monday Psalm 62:5-7
Tuesday Psalm 91:1-2
Wednesday Matthew 19:16-22
Thursday Psalm 37:1-9
Friday Revelation 21:26-28
Saturday Matthew 20:29-34
Sunday Luke 17:5-10
NEXT SUNDAY: Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4; Psalm 37:1-9; 2 Timothy 1:1-14; Luke 17:5-10
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Help me hear Jesus’ call to serve.
Throughout the Day: Free me from the grip of greed.
A Blessing to Share: May the Lord bless you with righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness, and bring you into eternal life.
For mealtime say responsively: May our living be God inspired: May our choices be justice shaped.
Autumn Mealtime Prayer:
We praise you, O God for autumn days,
for beautiful colors, for our daily bread.
Grant us grace to share your goodness
until all are fed.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Take hold of the life that really is life. Re-read 1 Timothy 6:6-16. Put your name in place of “man of God” in verse 11. To what degree are the words in verses 11-16 a valid charge for your life, though you may not be a pastor like Timothy? Spend serious time this week reflecting on your life. Take your thoughts to God in prayer.
Autumn Ritual:
Our task during this part of the church year is to consider discipleship. Jesus’ teachings get a bit more challenging. For these months, add a small cross near the place you do devotions to remind you of Jesus’ call to take up your cross and follow.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
The prophet Amos tells us that we should care not only about ourselves but also about others. Take a shopping expedition this week to buy goods to give to the CommUnity Food Bank. Besides food, they provide diapers, wipes, and baby food or formula for families in need. Bring your purchases to Gloria Dei next week.
PS. It is also loose change/noisy offering next Sunday for world hunger funds.
If you are not in this area, find your local food bank and see what they might need.