When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 2:1-4
Grace and peace to you in the Name of Jesus.
Many years ago at a Tournament of Roses Parade the Standard Oil/Chevron float ran out of gas and held up the parade until they could refuel. It was ironic and sad that the company with all the fuel forgot to gas up! I wonder what God must think when we neglect the source of our strength and power. When we fail to abide in Christ and render ourselves ineffective.
We will celebrate Pentecost Sunday on May 27 this year; which also coincides with Memorial Day Weekend when we remember our loved ones in Heaven and honor our veterans. I think it is a perfect Sunday to celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit because it is vitally important to remember the power and presence of God and that without it there is no church.
I recently preached on the power given to the disciples to do great things. They went from being terrified and alone after the crurcifixion to empowered by the risen Lord. In Acts 1 and 2, we read of Jesus’ ascension and then the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. In Acts 3, we read of Peter and John stopping on the way to the temple because the Holy Spirit moved them to notice the crippled beggar at the entrance. Peter asked the man to look at him and then said “Silver or gold we do not have but what we have we give to you. In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!” And then the man was strengthened and healed and went jumping and leaping and praising God into the temple. Everyone was amazed and asked how can this be. Then Peter said, from Acts 3:16- “By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.”
There is an initiative within the United Methodist Church that we are taking part in and all our leaders are embracing that is called Vital Congregations. You can find detailed information at www.umvitalcongregations.org. The basics of this new initiative is to help all congregations to be vital and thriving. The metaphor is based on taking the vital signs of a person and seeing if they are alive and well. Some indications are
Vital Congregations Are:
- Spirit-filled, forward-leaning communities of believers that welcome all people (Gal. 3:28)
- Places where Disciples of Jesus are made through the power of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:18-20)
- Communities that serve like Christ through justice and mercy ministries. (Micah 6:8, Luke 4:17-21)
A Vital Congregation Has:
- Inviting and Inspiring Worship
- Engaged Disciples in mission and outreach.
- Gifted, Empowered and Equipped Lay Leadership.
- Small Group Ministries
- Strong Children’s and Youth Ministry
A Disciple of Jesus Christ:
- Worships regularly
- Helps make new disciples.
- Is engaged in growing their faith.
- Is engaged in mission.
- Shares by giving in mission
It is clear to me that First UMC is a Vital Congregation! I am also keenly aware of how we need to continue to grow in ministry and discipleship. We need each member to be enthusiastic and supportive of how God can continue to grow our church. Each, like Peter and John, can witness to the lifesaving love of Jesus. We have been given the power - through the Holy Spirit - to do great things in Jesus’ name.
I thank all who are part of helping grow our church in discipleship and mission. Please support and pray for our leadership as we embrace the Vital Congregation initiative and seek to grow in our vital signs. Please have a heart for those who do not know the Lord and the joy of being part of the Body of Christ - a loving church family. Your commitment to being present in worship and active in ministry is of utmost importance.
The mission of The United Methodist Church is to “Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” (Matt 28:18-20 & Matt 22:36-40) This mission is achieved through vital congregations that equip and empower people to be Disciples of Jesus Christ in their homes and communities around the world.
I invite you to take part in the UMC Change the World 2012. 'Change The World 2012' (May 19-20) is a global United Methodist Church grassroots movement to support building community locally and fight malaria globally. Community-by-community around the world, Change the World weekend encourages all people, from the United States to Zimbabwe, to gather to perform simple projects in their community to improve lives. Please make plans to do something on May 19 or 20 to make a difference in the Name of Jesus.
Let’s remember that we have the energy, power and vitally through the presence and power of God in the Holy Spirit. The day of Pentecost was the birth of the church. Without it we are truly not the church. Let us allow the Lord to work through us to do great things.
I invite you to dress in red - as bright as possible - on Pentecost Sunday - May 27 - to symbolize the fire of the Holy Spirit! May we remember to re-fuel, everyday - with the power and presence of God through the Holy Spirit! Amen!
In Christian Love,
Pastor John
“Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn.”
- John Wesley
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