From the Pastor’s Desk. . . Rev. Paula M. Gustafson
Tinkerbelle (left) Peter Pan (right)
May 2008
From the Pastor:
Pentecost is the holiday that celebrates the birthday of the Christian
church. It is a time to
remember the Holy Spirit coming to the disciples as they were gathered
together in one place. We
often think of them somehow closeted in some closed and secretive
“upper room.” The image
that we have of the Holy Spirit is one of wind and fire.
The birth of the church was because God’s breath blew in that
place and brought “tongues” of fire that sweep over the disciples,
calling them out of the room to be the church.
We share in the Act of Confirmation on Pentecost, which is May 11, 2008.
Each year it is always a new experience to share time with the
confirmation students. This
year there were four students, all who are either in different grades or
in different schools. They
really hadn’t had a chance to get to know each other until our classes
began and I too was fairly unfamiliar with them.
We have enjoyed spending time learning, socializing and growing
together. On May 11th
there will be an opportunity to hear them share their statements of
faith, view their significant life experiences and we will have a chance
to participate in their commitment to God.
My hope is always that there will be a number of family members
and friends with each of the young people and that the church members
will attend to show their support and encouragement to them.
There is a reception in the narthex in honor of them and you are
all invited to stay for cake and punch.
I know that Mother’s Day is also on May 11th this year and
that sometimes children and grandchildren will attend worship with their
mom’s and grandma’s. This
will be a wonderful worship experience, so I encourage you to come to
honor those who have raised and loved you through the years.
Come and be a part of the celebrations on May11th.
In
Christ’s Celebration,
Pastor Paula
.