Growing In Faith Together
April 25,2021
TODAY’S TEXTS
Acts 4:5-12
Psalm 23
1 John 3:16-24
John 10:11-18
GATHERED BY GRACE
For the rest of the Easter Season, we have stories Jesus shared before the crucifixion. In the light of the resurrection, they take on new power. On his Sunday, known as “Good Shepherd” Sunday, 23rd Psalm is read and words from John’s Gospel invite the reader to reflect on Jesus as the good shepherd. Jesus paints a picture of a God who lets all people in and a God who cares for those in and outside the fold.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How often do you feel that you fail to recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd?
* Verse 16 is clear that Jesus has come to speak to the people of Judea AND to those who are not considered part of the ‘fold’. How is this good news for you? How is this challenging news for you?
* 1 John speaks powerfully of love. What does love mean to you?
* Luther said we are both saints and sinners. How does that affect our ability to love “perfectly”?
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 8:26-40; Psalm 22:25-31; 1 John 4:7-21; John 15:1-8
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week:
TODAY’S TEXTS
Acts 4:5-12
Psalm 23
1 John 3:16-24
John 10:11-18
GATHERED BY GRACE
For the rest of the Easter Season, we have stories Jesus shared before the crucifixion. In the light of the resurrection, they take on new power. On his Sunday, known as “Good Shepherd” Sunday, 23rd Psalm is read and words from John’s Gospel invite the reader to reflect on Jesus as the good shepherd. Jesus paints a picture of a God who lets all people in and a God who cares for those in and outside the fold.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* How often do you feel that you fail to recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd?
* Verse 16 is clear that Jesus has come to speak to the people of Judea AND to those who are not considered part of the ‘fold’. How is this good news for you? How is this challenging news for you?
* 1 John speaks powerfully of love. What does love mean to you?
* Luther said we are both saints and sinners. How does that affect our ability to love “perfectly”?
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 10:11-18
Monday Psalm 95:6-7
Tuesday 1 Chronicles 11:1-5
Wednesday Mark 14:26-31
Thursday Psalm 22:25-31
Friday Acts 8:9-25
Saturday Mark 4:30-32
Sunday John 15:1-8
Next Sunday: Acts 8:26-40; Psalm 22:25-31; 1 John 4:7-21; John 15:1-8
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week:
Shepherd me, oh God, beyond my wants, beyond my needs, from death into life.
Throughout the Day: Lead me and guide me along your way, Loving Shepherd.
Blessing to Share: May you hear the Shepherd’s voice and follow.
For mealtime say responsively:
Throughout the Day: Lead me and guide me along your way, Loving Shepherd.
Blessing to Share: May you hear the Shepherd’s voice and follow.
For mealtime say responsively:
Alleluia! Christ is risen: Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Easter Season Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Find a single white candle for your home this Easter season. Light it each day. Read Psalm 23. Say this week’s prayer: Lead me beside still waters so I may hear your voice, O Shepherd. Amen
Easter Season Ritual:
Sometimes, we hardly believe that the tomb is empty. During this Easter season of 50 days, open your heart to the reality of the resurrection of Jesus. Start each day with “Christ is risen. Alleluia!” Pause throughout your day, while moving from one thing to another, to remember silently (or aloud) that Christ is risen indeed! At the end of your day pray a word of thanks that even as we died with Jesus in our baptism, so also, we will rise with him in the resurrection.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Have you gotten vaccinated for COVID 19? If you haven’t and need help getting an appointment, we have people at church who can help you.
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:
Find a single white candle for your home this Easter season. Light it each day. Read Psalm 23. Say this week’s prayer: Lead me beside still waters so I may hear your voice, O Shepherd. Amen
Easter Season Ritual:
Sometimes, we hardly believe that the tomb is empty. During this Easter season of 50 days, open your heart to the reality of the resurrection of Jesus. Start each day with “Christ is risen. Alleluia!” Pause throughout your day, while moving from one thing to another, to remember silently (or aloud) that Christ is risen indeed! At the end of your day pray a word of thanks that even as we died with Jesus in our baptism, so also, we will rise with him in the resurrection.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Have you gotten vaccinated for COVID 19? If you haven’t and need help getting an appointment, we have people at church who can help you.
If you aren’t sure you are going to get one, we have people at church who are willing to discuss it with you and answers questions about it.
If you HAVE gotten your vaccine, have you given any thought about volunteering a couple of hours in the community? COVID really cut back the number of volunteers last year. All the agencies have developed policies to keep volunteers safe so with your vaccine, you should be able to serve without too much concern (still wash your hands often!).