HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHURCH!

Dear Congregation,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHURCH! This Sunday is Pentecost which is celebrated as the birthday of the Christian Church. The church was born on that day almost 2,000 years ago when the Holy Spirit “…with a sound like the rush of a violent wind, filled the house where the disciples were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All 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)

In addition to the disciples being given the gift of communication to tell of God’s deeds of power, and because Peter witnessed to Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, “…those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. “Acts 2:41-42.

What a spectacular birth for the Christian church! Much good has been done by the church over the centuries as it has endeavored to be faithful to Jesus Christ. The world today has need of what Christ offers though his church. Let us pray for the Holy Spirit to Strengthen the Church with its power so we are able to respond in meaningful ways to the many challenges we face today.

See you in church!

In Christ’s love,

Pastor Candy