Growing In Faith Together
June 28, 2020
TODAY'S TEXTS
Jeremiah 28:5-9
Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18
Romans 6:12-23
Matthew 10:40-42
GATHERED BY GRACE
Paul writes that we are all born slaves of sin. Baptism frees our will as it unbinds us from the power of sin and death. The welcome of baptism is for all God’s children. In today’s gospel, Christ promises that the disciple who gives welcome to the little ones with a cup of water serves Christ himself.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How does it feel to be welcomed?
* What are ways to welcome a stranger?
* If you knew Jesus was coming tonight to a meeting at your congregation, what would you do? If you were at a meeting at your congregation and a stranger walked in, what would you do?
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: Zechariah 9:9-12; Psalm 145:8-14; Romans 7:15-25a; Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Help me to embody your welcome to others.
Throughout the Day: Have mercy on me, a sinner.
Blessing to Share: May God’s great love touch your heart.
For mealtime say responsively:
If we welcome God here: how can we not welcome those made in God’s image?
Summer Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Hospitality seems to come naturally for some people. They have a knack for sensing the needs of others – ready to get a glass of water, give directions, or listen. COVID 19 might require a different way of hospitality but sensing other’s needs is incredibly important. Imagine Jesus crossing your path. What reception might he receive from you – especially if you did not recognize him first. End with a prayer.
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.
season.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Students from Lutheran Campus Ministry of the University of Iowa and Pastor Sarah Goettsch invite you to join a virtual discussion on the documentary 13th. Watch the documentary here. For those seeking a way to understand centuries of oppression, 13th does a good job of laying out its case against the prison system. Reflect on the film. Seek out more opinions and voices on the topic. Then join LCM students on Zoom Sunday July 5, 6 pm - 8 pm to discuss it.
Email here to get the Zoom link.
June 28, 2020
TODAY'S TEXTS
Jeremiah 28:5-9
Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18
Romans 6:12-23
Matthew 10:40-42
GATHERED BY GRACE
Paul writes that we are all born slaves of sin. Baptism frees our will as it unbinds us from the power of sin and death. The welcome of baptism is for all God’s children. In today’s gospel, Christ promises that the disciple who gives welcome to the little ones with a cup of water serves Christ himself.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How does it feel to be welcomed?
* What are ways to welcome a stranger?
* If you knew Jesus was coming tonight to a meeting at your congregation, what would you do? If you were at a meeting at your congregation and a stranger walked in, what would you do?
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 10:40-42
Monday Psalm 119:161-168
Tuesday I Thessalonians 4:9-12
Wednesday Matthew 11:20-24
Thursday Psalm 145:8-14
Friday Romans 7:7-20
Saturday Zechariah 4:1-7
Sunday Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
Next Sunday: Zechariah 9:9-12; Psalm 145:8-14; Romans 7:15-25a; Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Help me to embody your welcome to others.
Throughout the Day: Have mercy on me, a sinner.
Blessing to Share: May God’s great love touch your heart.
For mealtime say responsively:
If we welcome God here: how can we not welcome those made in God’s image?
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:
Hospitality seems to come naturally for some people. They have a knack for sensing the needs of others – ready to get a glass of water, give directions, or listen. COVID 19 might require a different way of hospitality but sensing other’s needs is incredibly important. Imagine Jesus crossing your path. What reception might he receive from you – especially if you did not recognize him first. End with a prayer.
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.
season.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Students from Lutheran Campus Ministry of the University of Iowa and Pastor Sarah Goettsch invite you to join a virtual discussion on the documentary 13th. Watch the documentary here. For those seeking a way to understand centuries of oppression, 13th does a good job of laying out its case against the prison system. Reflect on the film. Seek out more opinions and voices on the topic. Then join LCM students on Zoom Sunday July 5, 6 pm - 8 pm to discuss it.
Email here to get the Zoom link.