Growing In Faith Together
November 24, 2019
TODAY’S TEXTS
Mark 1:1-7a
Luke 2:1-7
Matthew 3:13-17
Mark 15
Luke 24:1-7
Acts 1:8, 2:1-3
Colossians 1:11-20
GATHERED BY GRACE
The seasons of the Church year follow the life of Jesus Christ, beginning with the preparation for his birth in Advent, the birth of the Christ child at Christmas, the journey of discipleship in Epiphany, the preparation for remembrance of Jesus' passion and death during Lent and Holy Week, the resurrection of Jesus at Easter. We celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and consider what we are doing to share the good news of Jesus through the Sundays after Pentecost. We celebrate Christ the King. We are back to Advent and prepare again for the coming Nativity.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What is your favorite church season and why?
* How do you celebrate/observe the seasons of the church year?
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: Christ, may my life be centered on you.
Throughout the Day: Thank you God.
A Blessing to Share: May God open your hearts to abundant gifts.
For mealtime say responsively: Jesus is the Alpha and Omega: the beginning and the end.
November Meal Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
This is the last week of the church year. Next Sunday we enter Advent. Take some time this week to reflect upon this past year. What were some highlights? What did you learn this last year? In what ways did you grow? Whom did you get to know better? By whom were you blessed? Share hopes for this coming year.
November Ritual:
Thanksgiving is this week. God's blessings are all around us. A simple word of gratitude opens us up to world of abundance, mercy, and grace. It may seem a small thing – noticing the blessings and giving thanks -- but it's the first step to setting in motion a cycle of gratitude and grace. Take time each day this week to say “Thank you, God”.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
As this church year ends, plan to say thank you to those in the church who have served you in God’s name – congregational council members, staff, committee members, care committee workers, teachers, all who serve in worship, people who serve at Free Lunch for Gloria Dei, people who care for the building, ETC and ETC (you add to the list from your experience!).
November 24, 2019TODAY’S TEXTS
Mark 1:1-7a
Luke 2:1-7
Matthew 3:13-17
Mark 15
Luke 24:1-7
Acts 1:8, 2:1-3
Colossians 1:11-20
GATHERED BY GRACE
The seasons of the Church year follow the life of Jesus Christ, beginning with the preparation for his birth in Advent, the birth of the Christ child at Christmas, the journey of discipleship in Epiphany, the preparation for remembrance of Jesus' passion and death during Lent and Holy Week, the resurrection of Jesus at Easter. We celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and consider what we are doing to share the good news of Jesus through the Sundays after Pentecost. We celebrate Christ the King. We are back to Advent and prepare again for the coming Nativity.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* What is your favorite church season and why?
* How do you celebrate/observe the seasons of the church year?
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 Colossians 1:11-20
Monday Psalm 24:7-10-
Tuesday Revelation 22:8-21
Wednesday Isaiah 60:8-16
Thursday Psalm 122
Friday Hebrews 11:1-7
Saturday Matthew 24:1-8
Sunday Matthew 3:1-12
Next Sunday: Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:36-44For the Week: Christ, may my life be centered on you.
Throughout the Day: Thank you God.
A Blessing to Share: May God open your hearts to abundant gifts.
For mealtime say responsively: Jesus is the Alpha and Omega: the beginning and the end.
November Meal Prayer:
To God who gives us daily bread
A thankful song we raise,
And pray the one who sends us food
Will fill our hearts with praise.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
This is the last week of the church year. Next Sunday we enter Advent. Take some time this week to reflect upon this past year. What were some highlights? What did you learn this last year? In what ways did you grow? Whom did you get to know better? By whom were you blessed? Share hopes for this coming year.
November Ritual:
Thanksgiving is this week. God's blessings are all around us. A simple word of gratitude opens us up to world of abundance, mercy, and grace. It may seem a small thing – noticing the blessings and giving thanks -- but it's the first step to setting in motion a cycle of gratitude and grace. Take time each day this week to say “Thank you, God”.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
As this church year ends, plan to say thank you to those in the church who have served you in God’s name – congregational council members, staff, committee members, care committee workers, teachers, all who serve in worship, people who serve at Free Lunch for Gloria Dei, people who care for the building, ETC and ETC (you add to the list from your experience!).