Hello friends,
Blessings to this community of faith on the 183rd anniversary of this congregation. We are also wrapping up the season of Easter (lasting 50 days) and moving into the season of Pentecost (lasting until Advent) this Sunday (May 28). In Pentecost we celebrate the gifting of the Holy Spirit to the church (Acts chapter 2). It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through us that we can minister effectively the love of Jesus Christ to our world.
Consider these words from 1 Corinthians;
“No one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone.” (1 Corinthians 12:3b-6)
There is a beautiful modern worship song (composed by Keith and Kristyn Getty) that begins with these words, “Holy Spirit, living breath of God, Breathe new life into my willing soul.” As we remember the history of this church, we offer our thanks to God for breathing ‘life’ into the ministry lived out at Trinity. Through the hands and hearts of the people of faith, God has done tremendous things.
The song continues, “Let the presence of the risen Lord, Come renew my heart and make me whole.” We have this moment, and this moment alone, to experience the risen Lord. In those moments of deep mystery (however you personally may experience this), we also experience the timelessness of God and we are drawn into union with all the saints of the church throughout the ages. The paradox we live in as the church is that we are bigger than this moment, and yet we have only this moment.
“Cause Your Word to come alive in me; Give me faith for what I cannot see.” The song continues with the hope of the faithful that God is continuing to be in our midst, breathing life into us, giving gifts of the spirit to us, uniting us in the bond of gracious love, so that we can continue to be the body of Christ, serving and sharing the peace and hope we have because of him.
“Give me passion for Your purity; Holy Spirit, breathe new life in me.” As we move forward into this new season of the church year (Pentecost), AND as we move forward into this new era of church life (post-pandemic, post-modern, etc.,), it continues to be God and God alone, who, through Jesus Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit, gives life to us, the body of believers. May we each grow in this faith as we strive together to live out the gospel message in our world today!
Blessings and peace,
Rev. Mark
