Disciples Women

2003 New Day Study Resources: Feed my sheep

The 2003-2004 Christian Women's Fellowship study material entitled Feed My Sheep will offer a compelling look at Jesus' call to Peter (John 21: 15-18). When you pick up the New Day magazine, you'll see images of God's creation—the abundant, generous bounty that God has provided. Yet, you will be reminded that not all share in this bounty. As you face the reality of hunger in our world, you will be challenged to share in ministries of filling empty stomachs and spirits. God's will is that everyone be fed.

Feed My Sheep offers a reflective blending of hunger issues, biblical reflections and insights about India, this year's mission emphasis. Through this study, you may gain new understandings of our Christian response to the world's needs. New Day will give you much ‘food for thought' through its musings, mission matters, points to ponder, intercessory prayer ideas, worship resources, and spirit quest.

This study serves as a springboard to the new Social Action Emphasis—"Daily Bread For All." Its focus on hunger issues will offer grounding for action related to the emphasis. The "Daily Bread for All" Social Action Emphasis will continue through 2006.

In addition to the New Day magazine, the 2003-2004 CWF General Programs offers a variety of programs for groups, including a theme program, mission program, Christmas program, Holy Week program and an Installation program. The News & Views: A Map of India, the 2003-2004 Yearbook & Calendar for Disciples Women, complete a ‘full course' of resources for Christian women.

In January of 2001 the IDWM Cabinet gathered to discern the theme and emphasis for the 2003-2004 women's studies. Little did they know how the world was to change the following September. There was lively discussion about the theme and its emphasis on hunger. As it happens, we will enter the study resources of 2003-2004 facing a fractured world where the call to "Feed My Sheep" is profound. The lessons of Jesus' compassion, of the everlasting bread, of blessing and sharing and of God's desire that all be fed touch us deeply.

Feed My Sheep is a call to action. We can be filled with the vision of a world where "They will hunger no more, and thirst no more … and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes" (Revelation 7:16a-17b). The invitation is for all. Come to the feast!

Order Feed My Sheep and other CWF/Disciple Women's resources from Christian Board of Publication, (800) 366-3383 or customerservice@cbp21.com.

'New Day' Titles, Themes and Scriptures

This study, "Feed My Sheep" challenges the church to respond to Jesus' imperative through the ministry of hospitality, abundance, and action so that we, too, might feed God's sheep.

1. P.S. and God said ...
   Purpose: As sacred caretakers we
   recognize and affirm God's abundance.
   Scriptures: Genesis 1:1-31, 2:15, Psalm 148
   Memory verse: Genesis 1:29
   
   
2. Running on empty
   Purpose: To discover where hunger exists and why it is in those places.
   Scriptures: Amos 4:6-9, Psalm 146: 5-7
   Memory verse: Deuteronomy 15:11b
   
   
3. Got food?
   Purpose: To explore the physical and spiritual aspects of hunger and nutrition.
   Scriptures: Genesis 2:7, Matthew 4: 1-4, Isaiah 55: 1-3
   Memory verse: I Thessalonians 5:23
   
   
4. The "care package"
   Purpose: To look at caring for the needs
   of people.
   Scriptures: Amos 6:1-7, Luke 11:37-44, Deuteronomy 15:7-8
   Memory verse: Micah 6:8
   
   
5. The face of Christ
   Purpose: To discover how the personal face of hunger looks and feels.
   Scriptures: Lamentations 2:10-12; 4: 9-10; Matthew 25: 31-46
   Memory verse: Matthew 25:40
   
   
6. Be a giver
   Purpose: To take a look at responses to hunger.
   Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 8: 8-15; 9: 6-15
   Memory verse: 2 Corinthians 9:11
   
   
7. WISDOM FOR THE TASK
   Purpose: To look at leadership and political responses to hunger.
   Scriptures: Genesis 41: 27-49, 53-57
   Memory verse: Proverbs 2:9-10
   
   
8. Living by the "Bread of Life"
   Purpose: To consider the implications of spiritual hunger and spiritual food.
   Scriptures: John 6: 1-14, 22-51
   Memory verse: John 6:35
   
   
9. Feed my sheep
   Purpose: To hear Jesus' call to "Feed my sheep."
   Scriptures: John 21: 15-18; James 2: 14-17
   Memory verse: John 21:17b