Blogging toward Sunday

The Lectionary readings for Sunday, May 6th include Acts 8:26-40 and John 15:1-8.

We are approaching the 5th Sunday of Easter. The Season of Easter allows us to consider, over a period of weeks, the ways in which the Resurrection effects our life of faith. In light of this season of hope, read through John 15:1-8. Prayerfully consider what word God might have for you. You might wish to jot down your thoughts and questions. Now, in preparation for a second reading, try to imagine yourself as a branch in the vine of Christ. Prayerfully ask God to reveal to you what is in need of pruning so that you might be more fruitful in your Christian life. Read through the passage and meditate upon God's response. As you complete your time of meditation, ask God to help you accept with a humble and grateful heart whatever "pruning" might be in order.

As you prepare for worship on Sunday, consider the following:

1. Who is the True Vine and who is the Vinegrower?
2. Who are the branches?
3. What is done to the branch to make it bear more fruit?
4. Do you think pruning is painful? 
5. How many times is the word "abide" (or its synonym) used in this text?
6. What does it mean to bear fruit?
7. Is abiding in Christ an individual or a community experience? Is it both?

I look forward to seeing you in worship on Sunday. I hope you are having a lovely and "fruitful" week of living the Christian life wherever God has planted you.

Shalom,
Glenda