In addition to ceasing our work, and resting in God’s love, the Sabbath calls us to nurture the community around us. God’s love provides for feasting in reconciliation, forgiveness, and provision for everyone to have a place at the table. We’ll also take time at our traditional worship services for singing favorite hymns suggested by the congregation.
Worship this week with Holy Communion:
Saturday – 5:00 p.m. Modified traditional worship with favorite hymns
Sunday – 8:30 a.m. Traditional worship with favorite hymns
10:00 a.m. Contemporary worship
Devotions for this week: Sabbath for Community – September 1, 2019
SHARE: What was a high point of your day? What was a low point?
READ: Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding
Monday, Exodus 23:6-16, Rest for Land and Livestock
Tuesday, Joshua 11:18-23, Rest from War
Wednesday, Judges 5:26-31, Land Had Rest
Thursday, 2 Chronicles 14:1-6, Rest from Strife
Friday, Isaiah 14:1-7, Rest from Pain
Saturday, Nehemiah 13:19, Rest for Servants
Go to clergystuff.com/daily-devotions for devotions on the daily readings.
TALK: Consider some of these ideas
“Every seventh year you shall grant a remission of debts.”
(Deuteronomy 15:1)
God’s command to forgive debts not only acknowledged God as the owner of all things, but also gave people the chance to start over, and the community a chance to heal.
- How quick are you to forgive a debt? Has anyone ever forgiven a debt for you?
- How does long-term debt affect communities, families, and opportunities?
- How well is God’s command to live in concern for the well-being of others reflected in our society?
PRAY: Merciful God, you desire always to show compassion to those who need it. Soften our hearts toward people in our debt, that we might learn to love as you love. For the sake of Jesus our Savior. Amen.
BLESS: May the God who forgives debts inspire you to forgive the debts of others. Amen.
