Pentecost derives its name from the Jewish festival celebrating the harvest and the giving of the law on Mount Sinai fifty days after Passover. Fifty days after Easter, we celebrate the Holy Spirit as God’s presence within and among us. In Acts the Spirit arrives in rushing wind and flame, bringing God’s presence to all…
In these days between Ascension (the 40th day after Easter and when we celebrate Jesus’ ascension to Heaven) and Pentecost, we gather with the disciples in the upper room, waiting for the spirit to transform the church around the world. In today’s gospel Jesus prays for his followers and for their mission in his name.…
Jesus does not abandon his followers. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus comes to abide with his disciples of every generation. As Pentecost draws near, we are reminded the the risen Christ dwells in us as the Spirit of truth. We receive this Spirit in baptism and pray that in our gathering around the Lord’s table…
As we continue to celebrate the fifty days of Easter, this Sunday’s gospel includes Jesus’ promise that he goes to prepare a place for his followers in his Father’s house. Our baptism commissions us to share Jesus’ mission in the world. As 1 Peter reminds us, we are a holy people, called to proclaim the…
In today’s gospel the risen Christ appears to the disciples and offers them the gift of peace. Even amid doubts and questions, we experience the resurrection in our Sunday gathering around word and meal, and in our everyday lives. Throughout the coming Sundays of Easter the first two readings will be from the Acts of…
This is the day the Lord has made! Christ is risen, and through him all creation is made new! Indeed, “God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34): Christ’s resurrection truly brings life to everyone. We sing hymns of praise, gather around sacred words, and proclaim God’s faithfulness, power, and love. With the women at the tomb,…
This Sunday, we encounter the paradox that defines our faith: Jesus Christ is glorified king and humiliated servant. We too are full of paradox: like Peter, we fervently desire to follow Christ, but find ourselves afraid, denying God. We wave palms in celebration today as Christ comes into our midst, and we follow with trepidation…
This Sunday is a special day. We gather for worship with one combined Traditional service at 9am in the sanctuary and one combined New Day service at 9am in the Family Life center. The Annual Meeting begins at 10:30 am. Sunday School for children and youth begins at 10:30am “Indeed they cannot die anymore, because…
“The Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go.” -Luke 10:1 Close your eyes and picture Jesus and his followers together. Most likely we either picture Jesus sitting around with the twelve disciples or standing in the midst of…
