When
the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a
sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole
house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that
separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the
Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Now
there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under
heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment,
because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they
asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each
of us hears them in our native language?”
We
wanted to worship someplace where Pentecost would be celebrated and we knew that
would be the case at Southminster.
The
red drape on the cross was expected; the foam flames on the head of one of the
pastors was a surprise.
The
lead voice on the worship team was a joy to listen to, and their enthusiasm was
evident.
Almost
everyone we passed walking to the church said hello along with a number of
people at the doors; we felt quite welcome. Maybe it was our red shirts for
Pentecost.
I
thought the best point of the message was the first one, a need of
self-acceptance. We all are hopeless sinners but for the love of Christ…we need
to witness despite who we are.
It was
significant to partake in Communion after an opportunity to confess my sins.
Two
people thanked me for my service. And probably the most personally meaningful
part of worship was the few moments after the service with Dan. God has been
using a lot of different people to move me to where He wants me next, and this
was one more piece.
We had
a delightful conversation with some folks showing ways to experience some of
what handicapped people deal with.
With
today being Pentecost, we intentionally chose a church we knew would observe
this special day.
People
exiting the earliest service greeted us as we entered and some entering the
later service did the same as we left. Many others greeted us as well and the
atmosphere was one of celebration.
We
were blessed to visit the Special Needs Awareness Festival that was held today.
There were opportunities to visit different stations of crafting and fun things
to help youngsters and adults to better understand the special needs of others.
The
vulnerable and heartfelt message was given by Karl Hudson, Director of Youth
and Young Adult Ministries. It was titled “Heavenly Gravity” and focused on
unity in terms of self, community, and the world. He said that self-acceptance
of both the good and the bad is key, that unity in the community (or
fellowship) is achieved through service, being a “giver” instead of a “taker,”
and part of finding unity in the world needs to be learning how to disagree
while remembering that at some point all will be redeemed.
I
appreciated the opportunity to witness the Ordination and Installation of
Officers earlier in the service and then to participate in Communion after the
message.
Following
worship, we visited the Special Needs Awareness Festival and enjoyed enlightening
and educational conversations with some people.
Lord, we pray the Spirit moves through Your church to every nook and cranny. Inspire the congregation to share their witness in Your Name. Amen.
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