Growing In Faith Together 
November 22, 2020
TODAY’S TEXTS
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
Psalm 961-7a
Ephesians 1:15-23
Matthew 25:31-46
GATHERED BY GRACE
This is the final Sunday of the Church Year. In our gospel is Jesus’ great story of judgment. In the end, the faithful are those who served Christ by ministering to those who are poor, hungry, naked, sick, or estranged. In Ezekiel, God is the shepherd who seeks the lost, weak, and injured and feeds them with justice. Ephesians declares that the resurrected, exalted Christ is Lord both of the church and the entire universe, now and in the age to come.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How do you understand the images of “fat and strong” and “weak” in the Ezekiel reading?
* According to the Ephesians reading, how is God at work in Christ now and in the time to come?
* If you could address only one social need, what would you choose?
* What challenges you in today’s texts?
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: Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-37
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Enlighten my eyes so I may know your hope, your glorious inheritance, and your great power.
Say prayers of thanks to God for them.
Ritual:
TODAY’S TEXTS
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
Psalm 961-7a
Ephesians 1:15-23
Matthew 25:31-46
GATHERED BY GRACE
This is the final Sunday of the Church Year. In our gospel is Jesus’ great story of judgment. In the end, the faithful are those who served Christ by ministering to those who are poor, hungry, naked, sick, or estranged. In Ezekiel, God is the shepherd who seeks the lost, weak, and injured and feeds them with justice. Ephesians declares that the resurrected, exalted Christ is Lord both of the church and the entire universe, now and in the age to come.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How do you understand the images of “fat and strong” and “weak” in the Ezekiel reading?
* According to the Ephesians reading, how is God at work in Christ now and in the time to come?
* If you could address only one social need, what would you choose?
* What challenges you in today’s texts?
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 25:31-46
Monday 2 Timothy 2:8-13
Tuesday Revelation 19:6-9
Wednesday Deuteronomy 8:11-18
Thursday Psalm 65:5-13
Friday 1 Thessalonians 4:5b-9
Saturday Matthew 24:23-27
Sunday Matthew 25:31-46
Next Sunday: Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-37
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Enlighten my eyes so I may know your hope, your glorious inheritance, and your great power.
Throughout the Day: Guide me when I go astray.
Blessing to Share: May the Spirit of Christ rule in your heart.
For mealtime say responsively: Come before God with thanksgiving: Shout for joy to the Lord.
November Mealtime Prayer:
Devotional Practice:
Blessing to Share: May the Spirit of Christ rule in your heart.
For mealtime say responsively: Come before God with thanksgiving: Shout for joy to the Lord.
November Mealtime Prayer:
Without your sunshine and your rain
We could not have the golden grain;
Without your love we'd not be fed;
We thank you for our daily bread.
Amen.
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION Devotional Practice:
In the Ephesians reading, Paul prays for those to whom he writes that the eyes of their hearts might be enlightened as they grow in their faith. Encourage those around you by completing these statements:
“One way I see you growing as a child of God is …”“One way I see you showing love for others is …”
Say prayers of thanks to God for them.
Ritual:
This is the last week of the church year. Next Sunday we enter Advent. Take some time this week to reflect upon this past year. What were some highlights? What did you learn this last year? In what ways did you grow? Whom did you get to know better? By whom were you blessed?
SCATTERED TO SERVE
SCATTERED TO SERVE
How do we serve the the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick, or prisoner when we are not going out of our houses because of COVID19?
Of course, one obvious way is to wear a mask, socially distance, and stay in your house!
If you have the means, you can donate those organizations that respond to these needs: CommUnity Food Bank, Water 2 Thrive, Shelter House, Free Medical Clinic, and the Inside Out Re-entry program (for citizens re-enter society after incarceration).... or your favorite charity.
If you can write letters or make phone calls, Lutheran Advocacy asks you to contact your federal representatives urging Congress to complete the bi-partisan negotiations to address COVID-19 before the holidays and congressional adjournment.