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Monthly Archives: May 2023

Pentecost and Memorial Day

Pentecost and Memorial Day

5.25.23

This weekend, we find ourselves at the intersection of two significant events: Pentecost Sunday and Memorial Day weekend. Pentecost, often referred to as the “birthday of the Church,” marks the day when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, empowering them to spread the Gospel fearlessly. It reminds us of the transformative power of God’s Spirit in our lives, urging us to embrace the spiritual gifts bestowed upon us and courageously share the Gospel’s message of love and hope.

Simultaneously, Memorial Day weekend invites us to remember and honor those who sacrificed in service to our nation. It is a time to reflect on the bravery, selflessness, and unwavering commitment of the men and women who laid down their lives to protect and preserve our freedoms. Their sacrifice inspires us to consider the cost of our freedom, not just in the context of our nation but also in our spiritual journey. Just as they willingly gave their lives for a greater cause, we are called to surrender ourselves to God’s purpose, serving Him and others with devotion and humility.

As we commemorate these two significant occasions, let us remember that the power of the Holy Spirit and the spirit of sacrifice are intertwined. The Holy Spirit empowered the disciples to boldly proclaim the Gospel, even at the risk of their own lives. Similarly, the soldiers who laid down their lives for our country exemplify the spirit of sacrifice for the greater good. Today, let us renew our commitment to living a life of faith, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and dedicate ourselves to the service of God and our fellow human beings. May the fire of Pentecost ignite our hearts with love, compassion, and courage, enabling us to positively impact the world around us.

 

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Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day

5.11.23

As Mother’s Day approaches, it is an opportunity for us to reflect on the incredible gift that mothers are to us all. Mothers are the backbone of our families and play an essential role in shaping our lives and faith.

For many of us, our mothers are our first teachers of faith. They are the ones who instill in us the values of love, kindness, and compassion. They are the ones who pray for us and with us, and they are the ones who guide us to the path of righteousness.

On this special day, we celebrate the selflessness, dedication, and unconditional love that mothers provide. We honor their sacrifices, hard work, and unwavering commitment to their families. We thank them for the countless hours they spend caring for us, supporting us, and nurturing us.

At the same time, we acknowledge that not all women have had the opportunity to become mothers. Some may have struggled with infertility, while others may have chosen not to have children for personal reasons. On this day, we also remember these women and honor their contributions to our communities.

Ultimately, Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the women in our lives who have profoundly impacted us. Whether it is our mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, or friends, we are grateful for their love and their presence. We pray that God will continue to bless them and ask for the strength and wisdom to honor them as they deserve.

As we celebrate Mother’s Day this year, let us take a moment to express our gratitude to the women who have shaped our lives. May their love and commitment continue to inspire us all, and God bless them abundantly.

Lastly, we also acknowledge that in some situations, men play the role of mother. We give thanks to God for them. We also acknowledge the broken relationships between mother and child and the many complexities in the family. May God heals the wounds of brokenness, and may grace and peace abound!

 

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We Are The Church

We Are The Church

5.4.23

This past Sunday, our message focused on being the church. In the early and forming days, the church congregated both in the temple and in homes for worship, prayer, song, fellowship, and sharing meals and resources. Despite being persecuted, their hearts overflowed with hope, joy, and gladness as they placed their faith in a powerful and loving God.

As a challenge, we were encouraged to reach out to someone we didn’t know well and invite them to share a meal with us. If you missed the service, consider yourself invited to participate in this challenge. We’d love to hear your story about whom you invited and how it went.

I also loved that you willingly moved and sat by someone different, displacing you from your comfort zone. The point of the activity was to get us moving out of our comfort zone and being open to what and where God may be calling us.

 

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