Today we mark the presence of God’s Spirit in our lives and our family of faith. This Spirit can change the way we see ourselves, and our neighbors. We celebrate the gifts of the Spirit in many ways as we gather this weekend. In addition to our regular worship we celebrate the gift of music at Worship through Music, we mark the stepping stone of graduation for our high school seniors, and we give thanks for the gifts our many volunteers with an appreciation reception.
Worship this week:
Saturday – 5:00 p.m. Worship with Holy Communion in chapel
Sunday – 8:30 a.m. Worship through music – led by ELC Senior Choir
9:30 a.m. – Sunday School, Volunteer Appreciation reception
10:30 a.m. – Worship with Holy Communion, Senior Recognition
Volunteer Appreciation continues
Pentecost – Rejoice in the Lord, Acts 2:1-21; Philippians 4:4-7
SHARE: What was a high point of your day? What was a low point?
READ: Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding
Sunday, Acts 2:1-21; Philippians 4:4-7, Pentecost; Rejoice in the Lord
Monday, Acts 3:11-16, Peter Speaks in Solomon’s Portico
Tuesday, Acts 3:17-26, Peter Speaks in Solomon’s Portico
Wednesday, Acts 4:1-12, Peter and John before the Council
Thursday, Acts 4:13-22, Peter and John before the Council
Friday, Acts 4:23-31, The Believers Pray for Boldness
Saturday, Acts 4:32-37, The Believers Share Their Possessions TALK: Consider some of these ideas:
2And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. (Acts 2:2-4)
The Spirit’s descent upon the newly formed church is so powerful that spectators can only assume these multi-lingual proclamations are the effect of too much wine. But as it’s only nine in the morning, it might be worth seeking another explanation.
- Tell of a time something happened to you that changed you from the inside out. Was the change positive or negative? How has the change shaped who you are today?
- Wonder: Where is God’s spirit leading me today?
PRAY: Holy Spirit, you move within and among your people. Make us eager to go where you are sending us, open to being transformed by your Gospel’s power, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
BLESS: May God fill you with the Holy Spirit. Amen.
