Growing In Faith Together 
September 20, 2020
TODAY’S TEXTS
Jonah 3:10-4:11
Psalm 145:1-8
Philippians 1:21-30
Matthew 20:1-16
GATHERED BY GRACE
Jesus says the reign of God is like workers who get paid the same no matter when they start; the full-day workers are upset. When God changes his mind about punishing Nineveh, Jonah is angry. God is always gracious and merciful, abounding in steadfast love. Why does that make us so upset?
TODAY’S TEXTS
Jonah 3:10-4:11
Psalm 145:1-8
Philippians 1:21-30
Matthew 20:1-16
GATHERED BY GRACE
Jesus says the reign of God is like workers who get paid the same no matter when they start; the full-day workers are upset. When God changes his mind about punishing Nineveh, Jonah is angry. God is always gracious and merciful, abounding in steadfast love. Why does that make us so upset?
Discuss in your household or small group:
* Is God “fair” in God’s generosity? Why or why not?
* How do you explain grace to another person?
* Think for a moment about who 'the last' are in your world. How might this parable be lived in a way which would actually change their world?
* What in this parable do you find challenging as a disciple of Jesus?
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: Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32; Psalm 25:1-9; Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: In your mercy, move my heart toward grace.
* Is God “fair” in God’s generosity? Why or why not?
* How do you explain grace to another person?
* Think for a moment about who 'the last' are in your world. How might this parable be lived in a way which would actually change their world?
* What in this parable do you find challenging as a disciple of Jesus?
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 20:1-16
Monday Psalm 106:6-8
Tuesday Genesis 28:10-17
Wednesday Matthew 18:1-5
Thursday Psalm 25:4-7
Friday Acts 13:38-39
Saturday Ezekiel 18:19-20
Sunday Matthew 21:23-32
Next Sunday: Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32; Psalm 25:1-9; Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: In your mercy, move my heart toward grace.
Throughout the Day: Open me, O God, to your surprising grace.
Blessing to Share: May God grant you grace.
For mealtime say responsively: Great is the Lord: And greatly to be praised!
Autumn Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
For mealtime say responsively: Great is the Lord: And greatly to be praised!
Autumn Mealtime Prayer:
For food we eat,
for clothes to wear,
for nightly rest
and daily care
we thank you Loving God. Amen.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Read Jonah 3:10-4:11 again. Have you ever felt like Jonah? You knew God would extend mercy and compassion on someone who really deserves something worse. Think about those people and then imagine that you, like Jonah, need to bring God’s word. Pray your reaction to God – the “nice” and the “not-so-nice”.
Autumn Ritual:
Autumn Ritual:
As we watch leaves fluttering to the ground in the fall, we are reminded that nature's cycles are mirrored in our lives. Autumn is a time for letting go and to practice getting out of the way and letting Spirit take charge of our lives. Place a symbol of autumn – a leaf, an acorn – in your devotional area. Let it remind you to let go and let God.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Just as the church in Philippi received a letter of encouragement from the Apostle Paul, so you too can send encouragement to others. Getting a letter is especially encouraging during this time of physical distancing. Pretty much anyone you know would appreciate a kind word.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Just as the church in Philippi received a letter of encouragement from the Apostle Paul, so you too can send encouragement to others. Getting a letter is especially encouraging during this time of physical distancing. Pretty much anyone you know would appreciate a kind word.