Tessera Materials

Opening Prayer

O Holy God of Israel,
you faithfully keep the promises
you made to our ancestors
and lead your people into the future,
providing hospitality on the way.
Help us who inherit the pilgrim life
to journey faithfully at your command,
that we may be a band of disciples
called to be sojourners in your service.
Amen.

Read & Reflect

25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?

26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?

27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

• If the answer to this is no, does that mean the opposite is true? Does worrying subtract moments from our lives?

28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing,

29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.

30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

• But really, why is it so difficult to have faith that God will supply what we need?

31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’

32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.

33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

• It seems that in our 21st century western American worldview, we have a difficult time identifying what is a true need and what is a desire fueled by society and capitalism.
  • How do you define a need versus a want?
  • What happens when to our hope and trust in God when we aren't able to differentiate between the two?

34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

• Share some things you've found helpful in being present each day instead of giving in to constant worry.
  • Is it a song? A verse? A breathing technique? A sensory item? Prayer? Meditation?
  • As you share with one another, our hope is that each of you is encouraged and challenged to keep your eyes on Jesus, seeking his Kingdom.

Closing Prayer

Life-giving God,
heal our lives,
and pour out your strength and courage upon us,
that we may hurry to make you welcome
not only in our concern for others,
but by serving one another and our neighbors
generously and faithfully in your name. Amen.

Giving Update

YTD Need: $47,179
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Variance: -$6,502