Hello Gloria Dei,
Yesterday marked the 80th Anniversary of what has come to be called D-Day. We thank God for those who courageously stormed the beaches of Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944. As you know, this began the battle of Normandy which lasted for weeks, ending in the liberation of Paris from Nazi control, and was a decisive turning point in ending World War 2. I heard a recording of then President Eisenhower as he led the nation in prayer 80 years ago. It was moving, emotional, and addressed to God. There are events that change the course of history. Yes, we have reason to give thanks.
In our Men’s Bible Study (Wednesday mornings at 6:30) we are working our way through the book of Acts. Acts is often called “The Acts of the Apostles”, as it tells of the actions of the early followers of Christ. I, however, like to think of the book of Acts as “The Acts of the Holy Spirit.” It is in Acts that Jesus, before he ascends into heaven, says to his followers “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses right here in Jerusalem and to the ends of the earth.”
The coming of the Holy Spirit upon all believers in Christ is an act that has changed the course of history. It is said that the Christian church was born when the Holy Spirit was set loose on that first Pentecost (Acts 2). The church is the people of God. And despite its mistakes and foibles, the Christian Church (including you and me) has changed the course of history. So many have come to a living faith in Jesus Christ through the witness of the church. So many have been educated and healed through institutions of higher education and through hospitals started by the church. So many have been fed and housed through ministries of the church. All of this gives witness to the world-changing power of the Holy Spirit.
As you give thanks to God for those who gave of themselves at Normandy some 80 years ago, so too give thanks to God for the Holy Spirit who has gotten a hold of you and has given you the gift of faith. And remember, you are saved by grace through faith. The Holy Spirit gives you the promise and assurance of eternal life.
As we continue our “Bible Favorites” preaching series, please read Ruth chapter one in preparation for this weekend’s worship.
And once again, I want to remind you that we continue our Focus Group Meetings to see if we are ready to launch into a capital campaign for future expansion. If you haven’t had the chance to attend one of the meetings, please do so. Your voice is needed.
Meetings happen after each of the three weekend services through June 23, with childcare available following the 9 a.m. service each week. We also have a midweek meeting this Wednesday, June 12th at 6:00 p.m. in the Gloria Dei chapel. There will also be a Zoom Meeting available on Sunday, June 16, at 8:00 a.m. Use this link to connect to the Zoom meeting.
See you in worship,
Pastor Tim
PS Just one more thing. Like last summer, we begin our “Second Saturday Supper” after the 5 pm Saturday worship services… every Second Saturday of the Month. Come this Saturday, June 8, for worship at 5 and stay as we’ll have the grill going with lots of great food and fellowship.
