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New every morning is your love, great God of light, and all day long you are working for good in the world. Stir up in us desire to serve you, to live peacefully with our neighbors and all your creation, and to devote each day to your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

"A Liturgy for Morning Prayer," Upper Room Worshipbook

Used by permission from the Book of Common Worship, © 2018 Westminster John Knox Press. All rights reserved. This prayer appears in “A Liturgy for Morning Prayer” in Upper Room Worshipbook.

 

Today’s Reflection

Every group dynamic differs. Groups have people in them, which makes them complex, frustrating, fascinating, and exhausting at times. Yet groups are also deeply rich, rewarding, and full of love and opportunities for emotional and spiritual transformation. We can best experience the beauty and complexity of the body of Christ in healthy groups.

—Angela D. Schaffner, Gather Us In: Leading Transformational Small Groups (Upper Room Books, 2020)

Today’s Question

When has a healthy group helped you experience spiritual transformation? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.
—2 Corinthians 3:18 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Abba,
You have given me life.
You have filled me with your Spirit.
I am your child, not a slave to fear.
I am your child; light my path and guide my steps.
I am your child; hold me.
Hold me tight.
Amen.

(Adapted from Romans 8.)
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Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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3 Comments

  • Julie Posted June 15, 2021 8:58 am

    So my responsibity of being the first to comment continues. I have to go back to my middle school years when I attended church with my best friend’s family. The classes she and I took together to be confirmed were indeed transformative. It was only the two of us and the Episcoplian minister who was rather young and very kind and accepting. I felt totally at home and accepted with him and even on Sundays. I learned so much during that time and my faith and prayers grew at an astounding rate. I remember him asking us to pray for the rock and at the end of the lesson he said if we could pray for a rock it showed that we could pray for anyone and for anything.
    Megan visited my mom and she is in good spirits still. Hopefully she will be home soon which always heartens her. My ex called me about his mom’s home which he inherits. He has many issues to deal with and consider and he has much on his shoulders. He has spoken to me regarding his current feeling about me. He was bitter and nasty during and after the divorce but he now noted that he realizes I was fair and he has no lingering animosity.
    Prayers for Ally’s and David’s and Marcy’s health and finances. Prayers for Lou and her children’s continued safe travels. Prayers for Jill and Larry, for continued forebearance and patience. Prayers for Robert and his church members and retiring pastor, may all their sorrow be shared with one another and through sharing may they find respite and increased understanding and communion. Thank you for your prayers and God bless all who visit here today.

  • Ally Posted June 15, 2021 3:13 pm

    The group I want to talk about was not a study or discipleship group, but a group of diverse friends. We loved and supported each other. They helped me hold my faith together at a time when it was fragile. After 20 years, we maintain our friendships. Julie, my sister and I discussed the pastor of our church when we were young. He was compassionate and kind; a true pastor and friend to our family. As always, thank you for prayers. Lifting up all in our UR family. Be blessed tot.

  • Jill Posted June 15, 2021 8:54 pm

    My first small group from my previous church demonstrated authenticity and patient listening. I had never experienced that before in a setting, other than close friends. The small groups at my new church took it to an even higher, more real level – and I am still encouraged and inspired by their realness. And the cancer groups – words can’t adequately express what I experience while in the midst of these living legends. God has so abundantly blessed me with these examples. I strive to go and do likewise.
    Julie – I am encouraged by the positive vibes regarding your comments about your mother, as well as your ex-husband. Surely, when these individuals step back and view you from an unbiased, non-emotional vantage point – your true colors come through and they see you as the compassionate, fair, unselfish individual which you are.
    Dad and I had a lovely morning golfing with coolish temperatures – quite a welcome from the sauna that was each morning at the beach. A colleague joined us and it was an enjoyable time. Roger and I continue our lovefest – I grilled out pork chops for dinner – his favorite.

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