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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. Acts 2:1-2
Have you ever experienced a strong wind like in a hurricane or tornado? Last fall we had an extraordinary number of tornados that came through our area during Hurricane Milton. While everyone was worried about the hurricane – it was the tornados that did all the damage locally. In fact, I saw a tornado just a few miles from our house which did a lot of damage to homes and businesses. Scary!
Ironically, when we moved to Florida last year, we were worried about hurricanes, not tornados! We’d seen a few tornadoes and the incredible damage they leave behind in several communities we lived in. It is frightening, humbling, and awe inspiring to see the effects that wind over 100-200 miles an hour can do.
On the other hand, wind can be good! We need the wind. It keeps us cool on a hot summer’s day, pushes sailboats, helps us windsurf or fly kites, and drive windmills that can generate power, mill grain, and pump water. Wind even carries the weather through the jet streams that travel around the world – bringing moisture and heat, or a lack of heat: cold air! All of this from a force that we cannot see, but we can feel its effects.
This Sunday we celebrate Pentecost, 50 days after Easter, when a powerful wind came down upon his disciples and followers. This wind, as well as tongues of fire, were signs of the coming of the Holy Spirit upon them, something Jesus had promised them. In the Christian church, Pentecost signifies the beginning of Christianity. It’s our birthday this Sunday!
Now imagine life without wind. Dead air, not moving. Not even a breath. That’s what our lives can feel like when we don’t have God in us, when we live our lives apart from God’s will and reject His ways. Sin separates us from God, but His Holy Spirit is always calling us back to him. Through the Gospel, the scriptures, the Holy Spirit enlightens us and helps us to know God and believe in Him. The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin so we can repent, and be forgiven. The Spirit breathes life back into us!
When you come to worship this Sunday, consider wearing RED – a color that can reminds us of the wind and fire that came on Pentecost that gives us new life, that empowers us as a church to bring the Good News to the world around us. And if you aren’t sure about what this Holy Spirit is or how it works in your life, ask God to show you! Be open to the leading of His Holy Spirit, and welcome God into your heart and life so you can feel the power of Pentecost!
In Christ;
Pastor Dan
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
· Are you looking for a church home? Do you KNOW ANYONE that might be interested in joining us? Talk to one of the pastors or call or email the church office.
· We are forming a “Pop Up” choir to sing in worship! Sandra Baran is leading our choir with rehearsals on June 8, 22. We will rehearse and sing on June 29th. Talk to Sandra or Pastor Dan if you are interested, or just show up!
· We are having Vacation Bible School onJune 24-25-26 from 6:30-8:15 pm. Registration for youth 1st to 5th grade (ages 6-12) is now open online for the churches. Go to: https://forms.gle/ovM3WRbaPMnjZFKz9
· Grace Notes Music Foundation is having two summer string music camps for ages 5-18, June 23-July 6 and July 7-18. Scholarships are available. June 9 deadline is the deadline. Limited scholarships are available. https://www.gracenotesmusicfoundation.org/summer-strings-camp
· The Holy Cross Council Meeting will be this Sunday, June 1st after worship in the Fellowship Hall.
· The Holy Cross Congregational Meeting will be Sunday, June 8th immediately after worship in Sanctuary.
· Join us for a delicious lunch following worship on Sunday in the Fellowship Hall.
· Last Sunday we experienced a storm that knocked out power during worship and interrupted our live stream, among other technical difficulties. Thank you to Ken Burton for getting us back online in several areas!
