Growing In Faith Together
May 3, 2020
TODAY’S TEXTS
Acts 2:42-47
Psalm 23
1 Peter 2:19-25
John 10:1-10
GATHERED BY GRACE
The shepherd and sheep are not strangers to each other but are connected in a special way; the shepherd know the sheep by name and the sheep know his voice and follow. The risen Christ opens the way to abundant life, anointing our heads with oil and guiding us beside the still waters of our baptism.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How does one learn the voice of the shepherd?
* What does it mean to you that Jesus knows your name?
* Who are the thieves and bandits preying on us today?
* What does "goodness and mercy" from Ps 23 and “abundant life” from John represent for 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: Acts 7:55-60; Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16; 1 Peter 2:2-10; John 14:1-14
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Guide me along right pathways for your name’s sake.
Throughout the Day: Help me to know your voice.
Blessing to Share: The Lord calls you by name.
For mealtime say responsively:
You prepare a table for us: our cup is overflowing.
Easter Season Mealtime Prayer:
Blessing and glory and wisdom
and thanksgiving and honor
and power and might be to our God
forever and ever! Amen!
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
During your devotional times this week, use Psalm 23 as a prayer of confidence in the God who loves, calls, and guides us through our days (with goodness and mercy following us!).
Easter Season Ritual:
It might be hard to celebrate this year. But Easter lasts for 50 days. Start each day with “Christ is risen. Alleluia!” Then look for signs that remind you of new life. Jot that in a notebook, or use your phone to take a picture. Give thanks for your experiences. By the end of the 50 days, you will have 50 things that you can share with others that illustrate that Jesus is alive in this COVID19 world. Share your discoveries; write a brief description on Facebook, or share a photo on Twitter, or Instagram. #findEaster
SCATTERED TO SERVE
We are really scattered right now. But, to quote songwriter Jay Beech, The Church it is the people, living out their lives, called, enlightened, sanctified for the work of Jesus Christ.
We are not in a building together but we are Church together and as such called to care for the vulnerable or marginalized.
From where you spend your days, how are you called to care? Phone calls, emails, or cards have become precious connections.
May 3, 2020
TODAY’S TEXTS
Acts 2:42-47
Psalm 23
1 Peter 2:19-25
John 10:1-10
GATHERED BY GRACE
The shepherd and sheep are not strangers to each other but are connected in a special way; the shepherd know the sheep by name and the sheep know his voice and follow. The risen Christ opens the way to abundant life, anointing our heads with oil and guiding us beside the still waters of our baptism.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How does one learn the voice of the shepherd?
* What does it mean to you that Jesus knows your name?
* Who are the thieves and bandits preying on us today?
* What does "goodness and mercy" from Ps 23 and “abundant life” from John represent for 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 John 10:1-10
Monday Psalm 100
Tuesday Ezekiel 34:23-31
Wednesday Jeremiah 23:1-4
Friday Acts 6:8-15
Saturday Acts 7:2-54
Sunday John 14:1-14
Next Sunday: Acts 7:55-60; Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16; 1 Peter 2:2-10; John 14:1-14
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Guide me along right pathways for your name’s sake.
Throughout the Day: Help me to know your voice.
Blessing to Share: The Lord calls you by name.
For mealtime say responsively:
You prepare a table for us: our cup is overflowing.
Easter Season Mealtime Prayer:
Blessing and glory and wisdom
and thanksgiving and honor
and power and might be to our God
forever and ever! Amen!
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
During your devotional times this week, use Psalm 23 as a prayer of confidence in the God who loves, calls, and guides us through our days (with goodness and mercy following us!).
Easter Season Ritual:
It might be hard to celebrate this year. But Easter lasts for 50 days. Start each day with “Christ is risen. Alleluia!” Then look for signs that remind you of new life. Jot that in a notebook, or use your phone to take a picture. Give thanks for your experiences. By the end of the 50 days, you will have 50 things that you can share with others that illustrate that Jesus is alive in this COVID19 world. Share your discoveries; write a brief description on Facebook, or share a photo on Twitter, or Instagram. #findEaster
SCATTERED TO SERVE
We are really scattered right now. But, to quote songwriter Jay Beech, The Church it is the people, living out their lives, called, enlightened, sanctified for the work of Jesus Christ.
We are not in a building together but we are Church together and as such called to care for the vulnerable or marginalized.
From where you spend your days, how are you called to care? Phone calls, emails, or cards have become precious connections.