March 5, 2019: Bounty

Prayer:  As we offer ourselves, our time and our possessions, we remember the bounty you have given us.  Amen
 
Reading:  Deuteronomy 26: 1-11 (Click to read text)
 
Stop and GROW:  After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers.

QUESTION 1:  What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text?
QUESTION 2:  What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story?
QUESTION 3:  What stories or memories does this text stir in me? 
QUESTION 4:  What is God up to in this text? 
 
Reflection:
 
Chorus:
We know that God loves us;
that is plain to see.
He's a Savior and a friend
for you and for me.
 
In his loving arms he holds us
every night and day.
When we're waking, when we're sleeping,
by us he will stay.
 
This is the chorus and first verse of a Sunday School song we sang at Offering.  There is a second verse but I could not remember it so I went searching.  I found there is actually a third, too, though I guess three verses is a bit much for preschool and early elementary children.  But I really like the last one:
 
Oh, what gifts and, oh, what blessings
God alone can give.
He has promised love and grace
for every day we live.
 
This is what our text is about today.  What we give back to God after all he has given us.  Oh, what gifts and, oh, what blessings!  Bounty!  Set down your offering.  Bow down.  Celebrate the love and grace he has promised us everyday.
 
(Words and Music:  Scott and Kathleen Tunseth, copyright 1981...as found in a really old Sunday School songbook copyright 1990...I hope no one minds.)
 
-- Ruth Gates