Pentecost, often called ‘the birthday of the church’, reminds us that the same Spirit which empowered those first disciples for mission and service is still at work in our lives today. Where is that Spirit calling you?
Many great things are happening this weekend:
Saturday – 5:00 p.m. Worship in Chapel
Sunday – 8:30 a.m. Worship Through Music – a special worship celebration led by the ELC Senior Choir as they offer a variety of hymns and anthems in celebration of God’s gift of music.
9:30 & 11:30 a.m. —Volunteer Appreciation Reception in Fellowship Hall after both worship services. Stop by for cake and coffee and we take time to thank the many people who give of themselves to make ministry happen
9:30 a.m.– Sunday School (Final Sunday for this spring)
10:30 a.m. – Worship through Music and Graduate Blessing — ELC’s Praise Team, along with our Young Adult Praise team will offer a music celebration for worship. We’ll also hold our ‘blanket blessing’ rite for our graduating high school seniors
Pentecost
May 19, 2013
Acts 2:1-4; Galatians 4:1-7
Key Verse: “And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.” Galatians 4:6-7
Time: 50-55 C.E.
Since Last Week: Paul lifted up good works as fruits of the spirit rather than a means to salvation.
Background: Paul reminded the Galatians that they had been given the gift of the Holy Spirit. The reference reminds us of the event of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came to early believers like tongues of fire, resting on each one, and allowing them to speak in tongues (different languages). In Galatia, believers were given the gift of the Spirit when they heard the gospel and came to believe.
Community: How does your community of faith practice the bestowing of the Holy Spirit? How do you celebrate the ongoing gift of the Holy Spirit?
At Home: How is your life informed by the gift of the Holy Spirit? How does it shape your behaviors, and relationships with God and others?
Read This Week:
Monday: Paul Greets the Ephesians, Ephesians 1
Tuesday: One in Christ, Ephesians 2
Wednesday: Paul’s Ministry to the Gentiles, Ephesians 3
Thursday: New Life in Christ, Ephesians 4
Friday: On Being Christian, Ephesians 5
Saturday: Put on the Armor of God, Ephesians 6
