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When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force - no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. Then, like wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them.
There were many Jews staying in Jerusalem just then, devout pilgrims from all over the world. When they heard the sound, they came on the run. Then when they heard, one after another, their own mother tongues being spoken, they were thunderstruck. The couldn't for the life of them figure out what was going on, and kept saying, "Aren't these all Galileans? How come we're hearing them talk in our various mother tongues? . . . They're speaking our languages, describing God's mighty works!"
(Acts 2:1-11, translation: The Message)
Dear Friends,
The Feast of Pentecost, which we will celebrate this coming Sunday, June 8, with morning worship, afternoon Sundae School party, and evening Prayer, Praise and Ministry service, is a wonderful marker in our journey and story as Christian seekers and as a congregation. After Jesus was raised from the dead (which we celebrate as Easter), he promised the Holy Spirit would come to teach, comfort and lead us into all truth. On Pentecost, as you can read above, as those early Christian seekers gathered together, with their faith and doubts, together with their diverse community, the Holy Spirit came upon them all. They were able to hear and speak across their differences; they were together in celebrating God's power and mystery.
In the morning at 8:00 and 10:00 a.m., we welcome new members, offer thanks for all volunteers in ministry, renew our Baptismal promises, and celebrate the mystery of the Holy Spirit among us. This day being the anniversary of the Christian Church itself and also our worship in this building, we will have a Potluck Brunch following the 10 am service.
From 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. that afternoon, all children and their families are invited to a "Sundae School Party", with games, fun, ice cream, etc. Please call Vicky Granger-Jones if you can help (and if you know in advance you will be attending).
Then at 7:30 p.m. that evening, there will be a special Prayer, Praise and Ministry service led by our Spiritual Growth Committee. This informal worship service with contemporary praise songs and healing ministry will be an inspiring end to the mysterious day of Pentecost.
This Summer, we continue with worship, Summer Sunday School for children, Youth ministry for our teens and pre-teens, and opportunities for reflection and spiritual refreshment for all. I pray that God's Spirit will blow on us and among us in restful, creative and surprising ways. Will you be open to Spirit as it blows? Will you listen to God's invitation to renewal? Will you join me in this prayer and ministry?
Yours in Christ, Martin Yabroff
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