Growing In Faith Together
January 26, 2020
TODAY’S TEXTS
Isaiah 9:1-4
Psalm 27:1, 4-9
1 Corinthians 1:10-18
Matthew 4:12-23
GATHERED BY GRACE
In Jesus, the kingdom of God has come near. Jesus begins his public ministry by calling fishers to leave their nets and follow him. Jesus continues to offer this same invitation to us. Each day we reaffirm our intention to follow and Jesus says “I have work for you to do! - Sundays and Seasons, Augsburg Fortress, 2011
Discuss in your household or small group:
* Where was Jesus before he decided to go to Galilee? What prompted his decision?
* Why do you think Simon Peter and Andrew followed Jesus?
* Who or what would you not want to leave to follow Jesus?
* Jesus calls all his followers to “fish for people”. What do you think this means? In what ways are you a “fisherperson” for Jesus?
* Think of all the “bait and tackle” you have at your disposal to fish for people? What’s in 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: Micah 6:1-8; Psalm 15; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Matthew 5:1-12
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Give me a heart that seeks you, and feet ready to follow you.
Throughout the Day: Jesus, teach me how to fish for people.
Blessing to Share: The rule of God is near.
For mealtime say responsively:
The Lord is our light and salvation: We need not fear.
Mealtime Prayer:
Christ our light, shine upon us.
Refresh us by this meal
to reflect your love to others. Amen.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Prayer:
The wall behind the altar at Gloria Dei has the logo illustrated here on the back wall. Note the fish swimming in the water.
A medieval Christian wrote: The saints will be within their Creator just as the fish are in the sea.
Quiet your heart. Take some deep breaths and relax. Shut your eyes and spend a few minutes imagining yourself as a “fish” completely surrounded and swimming in the sea of God’s grace and love. End with prayer.
Season of Epiphany Ritual: Decorate an old mason or pickle jar with star sequins or stickers. Fill the bottom with sand and set a tea light inside or use a flame-less battery candle. Print a prayer on a card such as “Shine your light to guide us. Then send us out as reflections of light in the world. Amen.” Use this prayer as you go out the door each morning and let it guide your reflections of your day in the evening.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Both Shelter House and the Domestic Violence Intervention Program post their current needs on Facebook weekly (Tuesdays). Examples from this week: Shelter House named adult sweatshirts/sweatpants; DVIP named size 4 diapers. For more information on donations needed by either of these organizations can be found on their websites.
January 26, 2020
TODAY’S TEXTS
Isaiah 9:1-4
Psalm 27:1, 4-9
1 Corinthians 1:10-18
Matthew 4:12-23
GATHERED BY GRACE
In Jesus, the kingdom of God has come near. Jesus begins his public ministry by calling fishers to leave their nets and follow him. Jesus continues to offer this same invitation to us. Each day we reaffirm our intention to follow and Jesus says “I have work for you to do! - Sundays and Seasons, Augsburg Fortress, 2011
Discuss in your household or small group:
* Where was Jesus before he decided to go to Galilee? What prompted his decision?
* Why do you think Simon Peter and Andrew followed Jesus?
* Who or what would you not want to leave to follow Jesus?
* Jesus calls all his followers to “fish for people”. What do you think this means? In what ways are you a “fisherperson” for Jesus?
* Think of all the “bait and tackle” you have at your disposal to fish for people? What’s in 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 Matthew 4:12-23
Monday Psalm 27:11-14
Tuesday Philippians 2:14-18
Wednesday Luke 1:76-79
Thursday Psalm 15
Friday 1 Timothy 5:21-24
Saturday Micah 3:1-4
Sunday Matthew 5:1-12
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Give me a heart that seeks you, and feet ready to follow you.
Throughout the Day: Jesus, teach me how to fish for people.
Blessing to Share: The rule of God is near.
For mealtime say responsively:
The Lord is our light and salvation: We need not fear.
Mealtime Prayer:
Christ our light, shine upon us.
Refresh us by this meal
to reflect your love to others. Amen.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Prayer:
The wall behind the altar at Gloria Dei has the logo illustrated here on the back wall. Note the fish swimming in the water. A medieval Christian wrote: The saints will be within their Creator just as the fish are in the sea.
Quiet your heart. Take some deep breaths and relax. Shut your eyes and spend a few minutes imagining yourself as a “fish” completely surrounded and swimming in the sea of God’s grace and love. End with prayer.
Season of Epiphany Ritual: Decorate an old mason or pickle jar with star sequins or stickers. Fill the bottom with sand and set a tea light inside or use a flame-less battery candle. Print a prayer on a card such as “Shine your light to guide us. Then send us out as reflections of light in the world. Amen.” Use this prayer as you go out the door each morning and let it guide your reflections of your day in the evening.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Both Shelter House and the Domestic Violence Intervention Program post their current needs on Facebook weekly (Tuesdays). Examples from this week: Shelter House named adult sweatshirts/sweatpants; DVIP named size 4 diapers. For more information on donations needed by either of these organizations can be found on their websites.
If you are not in the area, check out your local homeless shelter or domestic violence program to donate.