G.I.F.T. 6-14-20

Growing In Faith Together
June 14, 2020


TODAY’S TEXTS
Exodus 19:2-8a 
Psalm 100 
Romans 5:1-8 
Matthew 9:35-10:23

GATHERED BY GRACE 
In the Gospel for today, Jesus tells the disciples that he is filled with compassion for the hurting people around him; Jesus sends out the disciples to respond in love. Those who are sent have a big job description: Tell and show others the good news of God’s love, bring healing to those who struggle, and do not be afraid.

Discuss in your household or small group: 
* What does the description “sheep without a shepherd” tell you about the people Jesus met?
* For whom are you filled with compassion? There are plenty of possibilities.
* If “the harvest” represents an urgency of need for God’s compassion and healing, what does that image suggest about the urgent work to which Christ calls you?
* To what urgent work does Christ call Gloria Dei?

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 9:35-10:23
Monday Matthew 10:9-23
Tuesday Psalm 105:43-45
Wednesday Proverbs 4:10-13
Thursday Psalm 69:16-18
Friday Acts 5:17-26
Saturday Romans 6:1-11
Sunday Matthew 10:24-39

Next Sunday: Jeremiah 20:7–13; Psalm 69:7–18; Romans 6:1b–11; Matthew 10:24–39

PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week:  Speak my name. Fill me with courage, that I might move forward boldly in faith.

Throughout the Day:  God of compassion, strengthen my resolve to love others as you have loved me.

Blessing to Share: Go and serve in the name of Jesus Christ.

For mealtime say responsively: Live in faith: Proclaim the good news of God.

Summer Mealtime Prayer:   
Thank you for the world so sweet.
Thank you for the food we eat.
Thank you for the birds that sing.
Thank you God for everything.


FOR FURTHER REFLECTION  
Devotional Practice: 
Light a candle near your place of devotions this week as a symbol of God’s everlasting love. Imagine the light shining out through the darkness of terror, death, injury, and loss that so many are facing these days.

Summer Ritual: 
This summer is likely to be unlike any other. Pay attention to each day.  In the midst of it all, we are still called to Love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind, and our neighbor as ourselves. At the end of the day take time to reflect on where you spent your time, what you did with it, and how you felt or experienced it. What things presently occupy your mind and heart? Thank God for the day.

SCATTERED TO SERVE
In the Gospel for this Sunday, Jesus describes the crowds as “harassed and helpless” – sounds like an understatement for today, doesn’t it? Jesus also sends us out to serve others in his name. How can you do that given pandemic conditions that require many to “stay in” and when out, maintain physical distance? I used to say at least “share your smile”, but even that is difficult. What ways can you and your household imagine to reach out to those who are harassed and/or helpless?

How to Find Us





Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Iowa City

Gathered by grace. Scattered for service.

123 E Market Street
Iowa City, IA 52245