Pentecost – Living in the Spirit

This Sunday in worship at First Pres, we will celebrate the Day of Pentecost. The Day of Pentecost recounts the story from Acts 2 when the disciples were together teaching, and there was a rush of wind, flames, mystery, and wonder. A symbol of Pentecost is the fire of the Holy Spirit. All are encouraged to wear red to church this week as we are reminded of the presence of God’s Spirit at work in our community. Now I realize that red isn’t necessarily everybody’s favorite color, but if it’s in your closet, it’s a chance to show outwardly what is happening inside our bodies and spirits.

While some of the more charismatic manifestations of the spirit are not a strong emphasis in our church tradition, the Holy Spirit is an essential part of our belief system. As we have discussed in worship over the past several weeks, the Holy Spirit serves as an encourager and an advocate— helping us to remember our identity as God’s chosen people, and encouraging us to respond to God’s call to step out in faith, ministry, mission, and service. What are ways that you have encountered the presence of the Holy Spirit in your faith life? When are the times or season in your journey when the presence of God’s spirit has been more tangible, palpable, or near to you?

As many of you know, our church will host outreach teams from YouthWorks this summer. These teams of adults and youth from nearby states and communities will travel to Rapid City for an experience of service learning. They will live together, worship, study, pray, and go into our community to learn and serve. The staff for the Rapid City YouthWorks site have already arrived at First Pres and are busy at work, preparing for the arrival of these teams. As church host, we can encourage these staff members, pray for them, and support the work that God will do.

In worship this Sunday, June 8, First Pres will have the chance to meet, greet, hear from, and welcome this staff. I invite you to join us in worship for Pentecost (wear your red) , as we consider all that God’s spirit is doing in our church, lives, and community. Blessings to you all.  

Very truly,

Pastor Adam