EXPERIENCING THE WIND OF THE SPIRIT
                                         (Excerpts from meditations fo Pentecost by Sylvia Cleland in These Days)

"And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting."                                                                                                                                         (Acts 2:2)

We observe Pentecost with joyful worship and singing about the wind tht blew through the upper room more than two thousand years age.  Long ago, Christ's church received the gift of the Holy Spirit, and we invite the Spirit to blow anew through our people, refreshing and renewing us in ministry, faith, and commitment.

As we celebrate the birthday of the church, let us praise God for our many gifts of life and love.  Look around.  What beauty is present in thi moment?  Listen.  What sound is sweet and lovely?  How has God's Spirit been active in your life?  How has the Spirit made a difference in the words you have spoken?  What gift of God's Spirit has enabled you to accomplish something that seemed too difficult?

Is there a task for which you need the Spirit's help today?  Is there someone for whom you should pray, seeking the Spirit's presence with them?  Is something happening in the world where only God's spirit can make a difference?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

    Prayer:  Holy God, with thanks, praise and rejoicing we claim the Holy Spirit as our inheritance in Christ.  May it blow away our hesitation and excuses, embolden us with its power, calling us to higher ground and bringing out the very best in us.                        Amen.