tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6437107531912122364.post-83370884469806444152008-12-26T16:33:00.000-08:002008-04-29T12:01:37.008-07:00<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_OGtxZrme4-Q/SBdwAgC6yNI/AAAAAAAAAE0/mrYpkxahkfQ/s1600-h/Pentecost.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194743849099643090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_OGtxZrme4-Q/SBdwAgC6yNI/AAAAAAAAAE0/mrYpkxahkfQ/s200/Pentecost.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />On Pentecost, fifty days after Easter and a feast already honored by the Jews as a harvest feast, we celebrate the roaring entry of the Spirit. Pentecost is May 11 when we celebrate the fruits and effects of the driving wind and the scorching flame of the Spirit.<br /> <br />At Pentecost the disciples receive a new wisdom that moves them from timid believers to enthusiastic followers. With the harvest feast of Pentecost comes the fruitful birthing of a people who live by the Spirit.<br /> <br />In the mystery of Pentecost, we receive the gift of hearing and speaking the word, each as we know it, understand it, and proclaim it in all our uniqueness. We interpret the meaning of Christ's mission as it unfolds in our human experience and discover a common language. We await understanding; we want to understand its meaning in the midst of our own experience of the world.<br /> <br />The Pentecost winds are blowing through the hearts of this congregation. The fire and flames are igniting our passion to share the good news. The Pentecost Spirit is kindling faith in us, breathing life into the church, inspiring and empowering us for mission.<br /> <br />Like the wind, the Spirit itself remains hidden, unseen; yet its works are visible. The Holy Spirit works in and through us as we gather together as the church.<br /> <br />Like the crowds at Pentecost, the Spirit can catch us by surprise, shaking us up with new expressions of God's love. The Spirit blows among us, stirring us to new visions, dreams and hopes.<br /> <br />The Spirit fills us with the mission to proclaim the good news of God and sends us out into the world to serve in the name of Jesus.<br />Together as church we look forward to the Pentecost fervor, praying:<br /> Come Holy Spirit.<br /> Breathe into us,<br /> Set our hearts on fire,<br /> Fill us with dreams of mission,<br />Empower us for witness.<br /><br /> In the spirit of Pentecost,<br /><em>Candice</em>CHCCSecretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11064351511572736277noreply@blogger.com