Growing In Faith Together
February 13, 2022
TODAY’S TEXTS
Jeremiah 17:5-10
Psalm 1
1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Luke 6:17-26
GATHERED BY GRACE
Blessings and woes, the way of life and the way of death: Jesus adapts this framework for his teaching. Unlike Jeremiah where the blessed are those who trust in God, with Jesus, the blessed are the oppressed and broken: the poor, hungry, sad, and outcast – those we would place in the “woe” column. To those we consider blessed - the rich, well fed, happy, and admired - Jesus cries, “Woe to you!”
* In the Jeremiah text, what is being contrasted in the first 4 verses? What makes the difference?
* In the Gospel, to whom is Jesus speaking? But who heard him?
* What difference does it make for you to believe the good news that Christ was truly raised from the dead? (Corinthians)
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: Gen. 45:3-11, 15; Ps 37:1-11, 39-40; 1 Cor.15:35-38,42-50; Luke 6:27-38
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Teach me to live the upside-down values of your kingdom.
Throughout the Day: Thank you that everyone is valuable in your sight.
Blessing to Share: May the God of hope fill you with peace.
For mealtime say responsively:
Blessed are those who trust in God: they are like trees planted by streams of water.
Epiphany Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
In Jeremiah, God is likened to water in a stream, which can reach out to nourish growth nearby. Heat and drought represent those things separate us from that water. What is currently “heat” and “drought” in your life? Reflect on those things. Imagine a cooling and refreshing rain washing over you; God does not abandon you. End in prayer.
Epiphany Seasonal Ritual:
Place a bowl of water in the center of your meal table. Take a few moments each day – perhaps at a meal, or the beginning or ending of the day - to remember your baptism. Dip a finger in the water and sign the mark of the cross on your forehead. Say these words: Remember and be thankful – you are a baptized child of God, marked with the cross of Christ forever.”
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Our Social Ministry committee has challenged Gloria Dei to donate a total of 50 jars of nut butters (peanut, almond, cashew, sunflower) and 50 jars of jelly for CommUnity Food Bank’s “Spread the Love” theme for February. You can put them into our shopping cart at church or drop them off yourself at CommUnity in Pepperwood Plaza.
If you do not live nearby, check with you local food bank for what they need right now.
TODAY’S TEXTS
Jeremiah 17:5-10
Psalm 1
1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Luke 6:17-26
GATHERED BY GRACE
Blessings and woes, the way of life and the way of death: Jesus adapts this framework for his teaching. Unlike Jeremiah where the blessed are those who trust in God, with Jesus, the blessed are the oppressed and broken: the poor, hungry, sad, and outcast – those we would place in the “woe” column. To those we consider blessed - the rich, well fed, happy, and admired - Jesus cries, “Woe to you!”
- adapted from SALT commentary for Epiphany 6
Discuss in your household or small group: * In the Jeremiah text, what is being contrasted in the first 4 verses? What makes the difference?
* In the Gospel, to whom is Jesus speaking? But who heard him?
* What difference does it make for you to believe the good news that Christ was truly raised from the dead? (Corinthians)
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 Luke 6:17-26
Monday Psalm 120:1-7
Tuesday 2 Corinthians 1:12-19
Wednesday Jeremiah 22:11-17
Thursday Psalm 37:8-11
Friday Romans 8:1-11
Saturday 1 John 2:12-17
Sunday Luke 6:27-38
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week: Teach me to live the upside-down values of your kingdom.
Throughout the Day: Thank you that everyone is valuable in your sight.
Blessing to Share: May the God of hope fill you with peace.
For mealtime say responsively:
Blessed are those who trust in God: they are like trees planted by streams of water.
Epiphany Mealtime Prayer:
Christ our light, shine upon us.
Refresh us by this meal
to reflect your love to others. Amen
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
In Jeremiah, God is likened to water in a stream, which can reach out to nourish growth nearby. Heat and drought represent those things separate us from that water. What is currently “heat” and “drought” in your life? Reflect on those things. Imagine a cooling and refreshing rain washing over you; God does not abandon you. End in prayer.
Epiphany Seasonal Ritual:
Place a bowl of water in the center of your meal table. Take a few moments each day – perhaps at a meal, or the beginning or ending of the day - to remember your baptism. Dip a finger in the water and sign the mark of the cross on your forehead. Say these words: Remember and be thankful – you are a baptized child of God, marked with the cross of Christ forever.”
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Our Social Ministry committee has challenged Gloria Dei to donate a total of 50 jars of nut butters (peanut, almond, cashew, sunflower) and 50 jars of jelly for CommUnity Food Bank’s “Spread the Love” theme for February. You can put them into our shopping cart at church or drop them off yourself at CommUnity in Pepperwood Plaza.
If you do not live nearby, check with you local food bank for what they need right now.