Dear Brothers and Sisters,
ALLELUIA! CHRIST IS RISEN!!!
Pentecost is the Sunday in which we are MOST aware of the presence and activity of the Holy Spirit. Well, every day, of course, but Scripture tells us in detail about what the Spirit was up to on that long-ago day. And each year, we focus on it to remind ourselves that the Spirit is ALWAYS with us. Daily life gets so cluttered with to-dos, demands on us and worries, that we often forget to take time to notice the Spirit’s presence.
While we ALWAYS think about the Spirit during the season of Pentecost, this year it will be especially important. When we read the names of folks requesting prayer at the Sunday service, we are certainly asking God on their behalf for healing. But we are also asking that the Spirit of Life will be with them to strengthen them and those
who worry about them and love them. We are also asking that the Spirit, in the role of the Comforter, will assist them.
By now, you probably have heard that a number of our parishioners and some of their family members are ill. Some seriously ill. It’s never easy to hear that someone we care about is struggling, but one of the reasons God brings us together, is to provide strength and support when we need it. When my lovely orchids get ready to bloom, they send out a slender arm that quickly grows longer and longer. The big fat buds (some as large as a mandarin) will form at the end of the arm. If the arm is not supported by a thin vertical stake, it will flop over and possibly break off. No more
buds, no glorious blooms as big as the palm of my hand that will bring beauty to my home for over a month at a time.
When we encounter hard times, if we’re without support, we, too, can sort of fall over inside ourselves, and maybe even break. It’s easy to get isolated. God’s help is always available. But we are incarnated humans and we need each other’s support, just as Jesus did. If you need support, reach out and let someone know (we’re not mind readers yet…). If you know someone who needs support, let them know about your love and concern. Pray for them. Send a card or an email. See if they could use something—an errand run, a visit in person or virtually, a special treat. Most of all, be sensitive to their situation. Maybe they can’t have visitors. But you can always let them know about your ongoing prayers and wishes for them. Especially the prayers.
Prayers for us all, those who are ill, those whose families are ill, those who are caregivers, and those who are praying fervently for everyone. God created us to need community and that need is a great gift.
JOY!
Mo. Laura+
Coming Up
- June 9, RaiseRight Gift card orders due to Janice
- Wednesdays, noonday prayer via zoom at 12:00