Growing In Faith Together
October 6, 2019
Today’s Texts
Hab 1:1-4, 2:1-4
Psalm 37:1-9
2 Timothy 1:1-14
Luke 17:5-10
GATHERED BY GRACE
Faith is the theme for today's readings, but not just any faith. It is a life-transforming faith, one that demonstrates the very presence of God moving and active in God's people. Jesus' disciples ask their teacher to "Increase our faith". They knew that faith was something needed, and Jesus explains that even a small amount of faith can do great wonders. What does it mean to have this sort of faith?
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How do you measure faith? Do you sometimes feel like you have a little or a lot? What if faith is not about "how much" but rather an openness to what God can do in our lives and in creation?
* How does this Gospel relate to the First Lesson?
* Timothy learned about the faith from his mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois. What was the first story or song you learned about Jesus? Who taught it to you?
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: 2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c; Psalm 111; 2 Timothy 2:8-15; Luke 17:11-19
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Holy Spirit, kindle your love in me.
Throughout the Day: Increase my faith!
A Blessing to Share: May you know the treasure you are to God!
For mealtime say responsively: Commit your way to the Lord: Put your trust in God.
Autumn Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
During your devotional time, think of your 5 senses.
What does faith look like? Can you think of images that conjure up faith?
What does faith smell like? A home-cooked meal? Candles in church?
What does faith sound like? Hymns sung by an assembly? A child’s laughter?
What does faith taste like? Bread and wine? Favorite potluck dishes?
Finally, what does faith feel like?
The weight of a Bible? A handshake from another?
Write down your reflections and end with a word of thanks to God.
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
Soon the winter winds will blow! Donate new or gently used winter clothes to the Consultation of Religious Communities Annual Winter Clothing Drive. Coats, hats, mittens, warm socks, sweatpants, boots, winter blankets, sweaters and “hoodies” for children and adults. Bring them to church by October 23.
If you don't live in this area, check your community resources to see if they have needs as the season changes.
October 6, 2019
Today’s Texts
Hab 1:1-4, 2:1-4
Psalm 37:1-9
2 Timothy 1:1-14
Luke 17:5-10
GATHERED BY GRACE
Faith is the theme for today's readings, but not just any faith. It is a life-transforming faith, one that demonstrates the very presence of God moving and active in God's people. Jesus' disciples ask their teacher to "Increase our faith". They knew that faith was something needed, and Jesus explains that even a small amount of faith can do great wonders. What does it mean to have this sort of faith?
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How do you measure faith? Do you sometimes feel like you have a little or a lot? What if faith is not about "how much" but rather an openness to what God can do in our lives and in creation?
* How does this Gospel relate to the First Lesson?
* Timothy learned about the faith from his mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois. What was the first story or song you learned about Jesus? Who taught it to you?
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 17:5-10
Monday Psalm 3:5-8
Tuesday 1 John 5:1-5, 13-21
Wednesday Mark 11:12-14, 20-24
Thursday Psalm 111:1-3
Friday Numbers 5:1-4
Saturday Luke 5:12-16
Sunday Luke 17:11-19
NEXT SUNDAY: 2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c; Psalm 111; 2 Timothy 2:8-15; Luke 17:11-19
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Holy Spirit, kindle your love in me.
Throughout the Day: Increase my faith!
A Blessing to Share: May you know the treasure you are to God!
For mealtime say responsively: Commit your way to the Lord: Put your trust in God.
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:
During your devotional time, think of your 5 senses.
What does faith look like? Can you think of images that conjure up faith?
What does faith smell like? A home-cooked meal? Candles in church?
What does faith sound like? Hymns sung by an assembly? A child’s laughter?
What does faith taste like? Bread and wine? Favorite potluck dishes?
Finally, what does faith feel like?
The weight of a Bible? A handshake from another?
Write down your reflections and end with a word of thanks to God.
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
Soon the winter winds will blow! Donate new or gently used winter clothes to the Consultation of Religious Communities Annual Winter Clothing Drive. Coats, hats, mittens, warm socks, sweatpants, boots, winter blankets, sweaters and “hoodies” for children and adults. Bring them to church by October 23.
If you don't live in this area, check your community resources to see if they have needs as the season changes.