This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday, the day we celebrate the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in wind, fire, and language amongst the disciples so long ago. Some even call that event the “birthday” of the church. An important thing to remember here is that this wasn’t the first appearance of the Holy Spirit in scripture! Do you remember the spirit brooding over the face of the deep in the very first chapter of Genesis? Yes! The Spirit of God has been present throughout the history of the people of God and on this day we recognize her powerful presence in the lives of the early church as well. Today, God continues to bless us through the power of the Holy Spirit to give us gifts and to help shape our living and loving. Are we listening for, watching for, hoping for the guidance of the Holy Spirit every day? May this Pentecost Sunday connect us deeply with all those who came before us and continue to refresh us–as God’s church–to serve our neighbors in the likeness of Jesus Christ.  

“When We Breathe Together” by Jan Richardson

A Blessing for Pentecost Day

This is the blessing we cannot speak by ourselves.

This is the blessing we cannot summon by our own devices,

cannot shape to our purpose, cannot bend to our will.

This is the blessing that comes when we leave behind our aloneness

when we gather together when we turn toward one another.

This is the blessing that blazes among us when we speak the words

strange to our ears when we finally listen into the chaos when we breathe together at last.

This Sunday we will take a look at that age-old passage (Acts 2) and consider how the Holy Spirit might inspire us to bridge the divides of today! When we breathe together we gather courage, strength, and wisdom to serve our weary world!  

Prayer Requests: 

• Youth Mission Trip youth and leaders
• Prayers for Gemmel family
• Prayers for our troops and those who have lost loved ones
• Ukraine
• Uvalde, TX
• Jennifer Pickett
• Prayers of gratitude for Jan Green and welcoming Sarah Park
• Gratitude for the ministry of Liz Meeker (Treasurer) and Sandi Kossick (Secretary)
• End of racism and prejudice
• Those dealing with marital issues
• Prayers for those dealing with depression
• Graduating seniors and their families
• Doug and Jessy Rice as they prepare to move to NC
• Prayers for the President and Congress
• Anonymous with addiction problems
• Teachers in these last weeks of school
• Pastor Chad and his family

(If you have a prayer request for this space, please email me and I will add it to the list.)
Looking forward to being with you in worship this Sunday! 
Peace,
Chad