You’re speaking my language!

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.
– Acts 2:1-4

Pentecost has long been considered the “birthday” of the church.  It was the occasion when a dozen disciples of Jesus expanded their membership into the thousands.  I love the amazing work of God on Pentecost Sunday.  “All of the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” (Acts 1:4) People from all over the world were able to understand one another in ways that felt comfortable and familiar.  That is a wonderful image of the Mutual Ministry Review.  We desire and pray that through listening to the viewpoints of all the congregation we can understand and be understood.  We can speak one another’s language!  We want to learn from the past and from the present, we want to combine our hopes and vision for the future.  We hope to heal from some misunderstandings and mistakes.  We commit to speaking the truth in love, and hearing the truth without prejudice or emotion, but with compassion.  We will practice listening for understanding, not listening for argument.

I pray that you join us for this important weekend in the life of our church.  We begin Friday evening from 7pm-9pm (Dinner at 6:00pm) for Scripture and study.  Saturday will be a time of learning with and from one another from 9:00am-4:00pm (lunch served).  Sunday, the pastors from the Kaleidoscope Institute will lead us in worship as we celebrate what we have learned together and worship God who heals, leads, and loves us. Please register in the link below so we can plan appropriately.

Question for the week:  What are my dreams for God’s work in our church and our community?

Almighty God, you poured your Spirit upon gathered disciples creating bold tongues, open ears, and a new community of faith.  We confess that we hold back the force of your Spirit among us. We do not listen for your word of grace, speak the good news of your love, or live as a people made one in Christ. Have mercy on us, O God. Transform our timid lives by the power of your Spirit, and fill us with a flaming desire to be your faithful people, doing your will for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.