Growing In Faith Together
October 27, 2019 – Reformation Sunday
TODAY’S TEXTS
Jeremiah 31:31–34
Psalm 46
Romans 3:19–28
John 8:31–36
GATHERED BY GRACE
The readings for this day as well as many of Martin Luther's writings emphasize that it is God's grace—not our ancestry, bloodline, or good works—that brings us to eternal life. You can proclaim in confidence the gospel of Christ that makes us free!
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What does it mean to have God’s law written on one’s heart?
* Gloria Dei’s mission statement begins with the assertion that we are “shaped by the grace of God”. What does that mean to you? How are you shaped by the grace of God?
* What is the role of God’s grace and mercy in the freedom we have in Christ? How do you understand what it means to be free in Christ?
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.
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Write your law on my heart so that may your ways might become my ways.
Throughout the Day: Still me so I may know you.
A Blessing to Share: Be still, and know that God is here.
For mealtime say responsively: If the Son makes you free: You will be free indeed.
Autumn Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
The hymn “A Mighty Fortress” is a paraphrase of Psalm 46 by Martin Luther. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (v.1). Reflect on the times God has been your strength in trouble and your helper in the flood. Re-read the Psalm and hold it in silence for a few moments then end in prayer of thanks to God for steadfast love.
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
Today three of our youth affirmed their baptism know more commonly as the rite of confirmation.
Today our confirmands promised:
to live among God's faithful people,
to hear the word of God and share in the Lord's supper,
to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed,
to serve all people, following the example of Jesus,
and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.
In what ways can we encourage each other to live out our baptismal covenant each day?
October 27, 2019 – Reformation Sunday
TODAY’S TEXTS
Jeremiah 31:31–34
Psalm 46
Romans 3:19–28
John 8:31–36
GATHERED BY GRACE
The readings for this day as well as many of Martin Luther's writings emphasize that it is God's grace—not our ancestry, bloodline, or good works—that brings us to eternal life. You can proclaim in confidence the gospel of Christ that makes us free!
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What does it mean to have God’s law written on one’s heart?
* Gloria Dei’s mission statement begins with the assertion that we are “shaped by the grace of God”. What does that mean to you? How are you shaped by the grace of God?
* What is the role of God’s grace and mercy in the freedom we have in Christ? How do you understand what it means to be free in Christ?
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 8:31-36
Monday Romans 3:28
Tuesday Galatians 5:13-14
Wednesday Philippians 2:4-8
Thursday Isaiah 25:6-9
Friday Revelation 7:9-17
Saturday John 14:1-6
Sunday Luke 6:20-31
NEXT SUNDAY: Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18; Psalm 149; Ephesians 1:11-23; Luke 6:20-31PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Write your law on my heart so that may your ways might become my ways.
Throughout the Day: Still me so I may know you.
A Blessing to Share: Be still, and know that God is here.
For mealtime say responsively: If the Son makes you free: You will be free indeed.
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:
The hymn “A Mighty Fortress” is a paraphrase of Psalm 46 by Martin Luther. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (v.1). Reflect on the times God has been your strength in trouble and your helper in the flood. Re-read the Psalm and hold it in silence for a few moments then end in prayer of thanks to God for steadfast love.
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
Today three of our youth affirmed their baptism know more commonly as the rite of confirmation.
Today our confirmands promised:
to live among God's faithful people,
to hear the word of God and share in the Lord's supper,
to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed,
to serve all people, following the example of Jesus,
and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.
In what ways can we encourage each other to live out our baptismal covenant each day?