Dear Glen Cary families,
We are experiencing a time of great uncertainty, fear, and grief. We are painfully aware of the evil and destruction of which humankind is capable. As we cry out at the injustice of George Floyd's murder; as we seek answers, accountability, and safety amid protests and riots; as we hug our loved ones ever-closer; we must remember who God is and who we are called to be.
As we celebrate Pentecost this year, as we reflect on breath and fire, I invite you to consider again our commission from Jesus to be his witnesses to the world (Acts 1:8). May we act against violence and racism, recognizing that all are created in God's image. May we be bearers of justice, peace, and reconciliation to our communities. And, above all, may we love, love, and love some more.
I am praying for all of you. Stay safe, and don't hesitate to reach out.
In Christ+
Pastor Kristina Hill
We are experiencing a time of great uncertainty, fear, and grief. We are painfully aware of the evil and destruction of which humankind is capable. As we cry out at the injustice of George Floyd's murder; as we seek answers, accountability, and safety amid protests and riots; as we hug our loved ones ever-closer; we must remember who God is and who we are called to be.
As we celebrate Pentecost this year, as we reflect on breath and fire, I invite you to consider again our commission from Jesus to be his witnesses to the world (Acts 1:8). May we act against violence and racism, recognizing that all are created in God's image. May we be bearers of justice, peace, and reconciliation to our communities. And, above all, may we love, love, and love some more.
I am praying for all of you. Stay safe, and don't hesitate to reach out.
In Christ+
Pastor Kristina Hill
Let's talk!
Today is a church holiday called Pentecost. It marks the end of the season of Easter, and is known as the birthday of the church! We remember the first Pentecost, when God sent the Holy Spirit to be with the people. The Spirit gives each one of us gifts to use to share God's love with the world.
On the first Pentecost, the Holy Spirit gave the disciples power to speak in different languages, so they could share the good news of Jesus with all people, no matter where they're from or who they are. The church is full of people of different races, genders, and nationalities. Our diversity is a gift from God! We all bring important gifts and perspectives to the community.
On the first Pentecost, the Holy Spirit gave the disciples power to speak in different languages, so they could share the good news of Jesus with all people, no matter where they're from or who they are. The church is full of people of different races, genders, and nationalities. Our diversity is a gift from God! We all bring important gifts and perspectives to the community.
- Do you know another language? If you could learn any language, which would you choose and why?
- Has anyone ever told you that you are good at something? What is it? Do you agree? What are some things you are good at that no one notices about you?
- How can you use these gifts to help others and share God's love?
Breath Prayer
The Holy Spirit shows up in Scripture in many different ways. Often, the Spirit is depicted as a dove. In the Pentecost story, the Spirit is both a strong wind and a flame of fire. We are going to use these two images of the Spirit in our prayer today.
- Start by lighting a candle. See how the flame dances around? You can focus on the candle as the Spirit of God with you.
- Take some slow, deep breaths.
- Each time you breathe in, imagine that the Spirit is filling you up with God's power and love.
- Each time you breathe out, imagine that you are exhaling all your fear, hatred, and selfishness.
- Each time you breathe in, imagine that the Spirit is filling you up with God's power and love.
- For three breaths, confess your sins and ask for God's forgiveness.
- For three breaths, pray for those who are in need.
- For three breaths, ask God to guide you in the week ahead.
- Close with the Lord's Prayer: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Let's read!
The Pentecost story comes from Acts 2:1-4. This story can also be found in your SPARK Storybook Bible on page 502.
Bonus reading: 1 Corinthians 12:1-13. Paul discusses spiritual gifts, and how each member of the church has valuable gifts to share-- just like the parts of a human body. (SPARK Storybook Bible page 542-545).
Bonus reading: 1 Corinthians 12:1-13. Paul discusses spiritual gifts, and how each member of the church has valuable gifts to share-- just like the parts of a human body. (SPARK Storybook Bible page 542-545).
Activities!
Sharing Charades
Think of a spiritual gift that someone might have-- a way that people serve others in the world or share about God's love. One at a time, act it out using only your body-- no words!-- and see if others in your family can guess. Are any of the gifts you brainstormed ones you can use in your own life?
Birthday Party
Today is a celebration! Be sure to sing "Happy Birthday" to the church-- it is over 2000 years old! You are welcome to decorate, have treats/cake, and play games. Find items in your house that remind you of church and wrap them up. Use them as a reminder of the many gifts God gives to us. At Pentecost, God gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit!
Feeling the Wind/Fire
Try to imagine what the Christians felt on the first Pentecost. Use fans (or sit outside) to feel wind on your face. Sit in front of a candle or bonfire and read the story again. Do you think it was scary when the Holy Spirit rushed to them? Exciting? How does experiencing wind/fire help you understand the story?
Think of a spiritual gift that someone might have-- a way that people serve others in the world or share about God's love. One at a time, act it out using only your body-- no words!-- and see if others in your family can guess. Are any of the gifts you brainstormed ones you can use in your own life?
Birthday Party
Today is a celebration! Be sure to sing "Happy Birthday" to the church-- it is over 2000 years old! You are welcome to decorate, have treats/cake, and play games. Find items in your house that remind you of church and wrap them up. Use them as a reminder of the many gifts God gives to us. At Pentecost, God gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit!
Feeling the Wind/Fire
Try to imagine what the Christians felt on the first Pentecost. Use fans (or sit outside) to feel wind on your face. Sit in front of a candle or bonfire and read the story again. Do you think it was scary when the Holy Spirit rushed to them? Exciting? How does experiencing wind/fire help you understand the story?
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