Pentecost Sunday

And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language?"

"Gooooooooooooal!" is a cry that has meaning at my house.  The husband, 3 daughters, the son-in-law, and the boyfriend all play futbol or soccer as we Americans call it. Say  "pitch, boots, and sweeper" to a soccer player, and you won't be conveying "throwing, snow protection, and brooms."

I've come to enjoy the sport (good thing!) and could explain many of the rules to you if you asked. I particularly value the international flavor of the sport.  Cliff once played on a team that represented  5+ nationalities, and although I don't recall from what countries the players were, Europe, USA, the Middle East, and South America all wore the same jersey, and other teams in that particular tournament covered the rest of the globe.  Though intense on and off the pitch, the camaraderie, passion, and language of this global sport carries some lessons from which the church could learn. 

This week is Pentecost Sunday. "The story of this day sets the stage for the events and themes of the entire book [of Acts]:  empowerment by the Holy Spirit, human response across national lines, opposition, the preaching of a gospel for all peoples, a great ingathering, and the formation of a community of believers with its many signs and wonders."  (Believer's Church Bible Commentary Acts, Faw P. 40)
"What Does It Mean?" is the title of Brother Mick's sermon as he invites us to "explore our own presuppostions about how God's Spirit is at work within us" in his message this week.  Loretta Lapp and Julie Denlinger will be co-worship leaders, and I very much like the generational linkage.  Carl the caterpillar will be experiencing a phenomenal transformation this week.

Kori and Ian return from Honduras next week.  :)
I'm not sure what is happening in the Upper Room on Sunday..... Come find out!

My prayer for you today: Breathe on us, Breath of God.  Fill us with your love, joy, and peace that we can pour out kindness, mercy, and grace in your name, Jesus.  Bless these young people with a renewed sense of your Spirit; ever guiding, ever compassionate, ever present. Provide healing for each of us in our brokenness. In a world that is full of strife and pain, let us be vessels of your healing and hope.  Holy Spirit, be the thread that binds us together that your Kingdom will come, here on earth as it is in heaven. Come Kingdom of God; be done will of God, here on earth as it is in heaven. AMEN

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too! 
love and light, carol

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"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference!  Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend. " JD