Hello Gloria Dei,
Way back in the summer of 1990 I was ordained as a minister in the Lutheran Church. It took place at my home congregation, St. Timothy’s Lutheran in San Jose, CA. My family was present. Some members of the congregation were there. The bishop and other pastors, including my dad, said a few words. They laid hands on my head and prayed some prayers. My mother slipped a red stole over my shoulders. The stole was a gift from the congregation, handmade by some of the women of that church. There was a celebratory reception following the ordination service. It was a day I’ll always remember. And I trust that on that day the Holy Spirit was at work.
This weekend in worship we celebrate the Day of Pentecost. Pentecost falls 50 days after Easter and ten days after Jesus’ ascension into heaven. Pentecost is the day the God set his Holy Spirit loose into the world. Sometimes we call Pentecost “The Birthday of the Christian Church” as thousands heard the Chirstian message proclaimed and were baptized in Jesus’ name. On that day, the Holy Spirit was at work.
Over the next four weeks we will be preaching through the book of Acts. This book is often referred to as “The Acts of the Apostles”. While this is an appropriate title for this book which tells the story of the early church and its people, I think a more appropriate title is “The Acts of the Holy Spirit”. For this weekend, please read the first seven chapters of the book of Acts.
We have the promise that the Holy Spirit is still at work among us today. Through the proclamation of God’s word and through serving in Jesus’ name, the Spirit is loose in the world, bringing about faith, hope and love.
Indeed, I remember my ordination way back 36 years ago this July. Now let me ask you: Do you remember the time you got ordained? I hope you know that you are ordained for ministry. You are a minister, or servant, of the Gospel. Back in the early days of the church, the newly baptized Christian was given a new white robe. Some of you may have worn a white robe or outfit when you were baptized. It is symbolic of the new life given to you and the new life to be lived. The sign of the cross was made on your head and the promise of the Holy Spirit descending upon you was given. When you were baptized you were given a gift, the gift of ministry; and that gift is not our idea, it is God’s idea.
Your call happened at baptism and continues to happen each day. Jesus’ Spirit is with you, empowering you to participate fully in the ministry of Christ. And that is reason to celebrate.
One more thing: We’ve been announcing this in worship for a few weeks, and many of you have already participated. But I want to lift up for you an opportunity to support our High School students as they go on a service mission trip to Nashville this summer.
Here’s a note from Pastor Sarah and Ryan Woods, our HS Youth Director.
High School Mission Trips are life-changing and faith-forming experiences for youth. This year, we are blessed to have 49 high school students and 11 adult leaders traveling to Nashville, TN for our mission trip.
You can be a part of this faith-forming experience through our fundraiser: Prayed For and Sent.
We invite you to choose an envelope numbered 1–118. Each envelope contains the name and information of someone attending the trip.
Here’s how you can participate:
- Pray for the individual on your envelope
- Donate the amount of the envelope number (or more if you feel called)
- Write a note of encouragement to let them know they are being prayed for and supported
Your prayers, encouragement, and generosity help send these students out to serve others and grow in their faith. Thank you for being part of this journey with us!
Envelopes can be picked up at the Welcome Center during worship times or at the church office during office hours. Completed envelopes, donations, and encouragement cards for trip participants can also be dropped off at the Welcome Center or church office.
Thank you and have a blessed Memorial Day weekend. Please take time to thank God for the men and women who have given their lives for this country and the many freedoms we enjoy. Jesus said that there is no greater love than a person giving their life for the sake of others.
See you in worship, or if you’re at the lake, tune into our livestreamed worship service at 9:00 a.m. every Sunday. The Holy Spirit is at work in your life. Thanks be to God.
Pastor Tim
