These devotions might be a good way to start a meeting or training session with Pastoral Workers. You could also use it to help people think about offering hospitality.
What you will need:
- a copy of the Bible reading
- the Friday Fix reflection or link – https://thefridayfix.home.blog/2019/08/02/stick-the-kettle-on-by-lucy-spraggan-featuring-scouting-for-girls/
- a table
- a tablecloth
- a kettle or teapot
- 2 mugs
- 2 coasters
- a plate of biscuits
- a bunch of pens
- some slips of paper
Set Up the Space
- You will need to set up a table in a place where the group can see and access it. Drape with tablecloth. Place the teapot/kettle on the table. Place the plate of biscuits on the table. Set the two mugs on the coasters. Put the pens and slips of paper on the table.
Reading: Matthew 25: 34-36 (from The Message version)
34-36 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why:
I was hungry and you fed me,
I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,
I was homeless and you gave me a room,
I was shivering and you gave me clothes,
I was sick and you stopped to visit,
I was in prison and you came to me.’
Reflection – Use the Friday Fix of Lucy Spraggan (with Scouting for Girls) https://thefridayfix.home.blog/2019/08/02/stick-the-kettle-on-by-lucy-spraggan-featuring-scouting-for-girls/
Activity – Spend a moment or two calling to mind the people who you visit as a pastoral visitor – or about those people who you care for in a pastoral way.
When you are ready – take a pen and as many slips of paper that you need. Write their names on the slips of paper and fold it once (or maybe twice). Place the slips into the mugs on the table and as you do so, pray about the care that you give to them and recognise that you can be the face of God to them.
We all need our own nourishment too so as you leave the table, ask for God to continue feeding your spiritual life (and take a biscuit if you like)
Closing Prayer
Generous God
Fill our hearts with love for those we offer care to.
Help us understand what it means to love others as we love ourselves.
Show us the ways in which we can strengthen those who are sick.
Fill us with generosity so that we can feed the hungry, clothe the naked and offer water to the thirsty.
Help us bring peace to those who are weak and lonely and weary.
May we remember to listen, to smile, to pray as each opportunity of caring pastorally presents itself.
Be with us as we share God’s love and care for and with others.
Amen.
The Friday Fix 
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