It was often women who served as the supporters of the early ministry, and we need to acknowledge the diversity of unexpected leaders throughout our history and in the
church today.
Worship this week – No Saturday worship due to installation of Bishop Viviane Thomas-Breitfeld.
Sunday worship with Holy Communion
8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
10:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship
Devotions for this week: Rhoda/ Joanna /Lydia
SHARE: What was a high point of your day? What was a low point?
READ: Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding
Sunday, Acts 12:13-14 Rhoda, the maid
Monday, Luke 8:1-3 The women who provided for the disciples
Tuesday, Romans 16:6-16 The many who assisted Paul
Wednesday, Acts 16:13-14 Lydia hears Paul’s witness
Thursday, Acts 16:15 Lydia invites Paul to stay
Friday, Acts 16:35-37 Paul in Jail
Saturday, Acts 16:38-40 Paul released to Lydia’s home
TALK: Consider some of these ideas:
14A certain woman named Lydia, a worshipper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. Acts 16:14
Lydia, Rhoda, and Joanna are but three of the many women who aided the ministry of the apostles in the early years of the church, and each in their own way played a vital role in advancing the gospel.
- Do we recognize the importance of the ‘everyday’ gifts for ministry — feeding, hospitality, serving?
- Have you acknowledged those gifts in others?
- Where do you share your gifts for ministry?
PRAY: Gracious God, thank you for the many gifts of ministry, help us to value all gifts, and use our gifts for your ministry. Amen.
BLESS: May God bless you in your sharing in this ministry. Amen.
