This Sunday is Pentecost, a celebration of the Holy Spirit being poured out on and empowering the early church. In my sermon a few weeks ago, I read this quote from Rick Kirchoff describing what happens today when the Holy Spirit comes on a church:

"When God sends forth the Spirit amazing things happen:
barriers are broken,
communities are formed,
opposites are reconciled,
unity is established,
disease is cured,
addiction is broken,
cities are renewed,
races are reconciled,
hope is established,
people are blessed,
and church happens.

Today the Spirit of God is present and we're gonna have church.
So be ready, get ready...God is up to something...

discouraged folks cheer up,
dishonest folks 'fess up,
sour folks sweeten up,
closed folk, open up,
gossipers shut up,
conflicted folks make up,
sleeping folks wake up,
lukewarm folk, fire up,
dry bones shake up,
and pew potatoes stand up!

But most of all, Christ the Savior of all the world is lifted up."

Lord, may it be! and let it start with me.

Pastor Joey