In the last couple of years, for me, June has become a month full of birthdays. Over recent weeks there has been the compilation of birthday lists, the arranging of parties, the purchasing of gifts, the writing of cards, and watching on as excitement grows. And really, no matter what age we are, I think we all appreciate a little bit of fuss being made of us on our birthday....even if it is only a cupcake and a funny card.
On Sunday, Christians around the world celebrated Pentecost - the birthday of the church. It was wonderful to join with others in the Presbytery to think about what that means and to reflect on what we can learn from how the very first Christians lived out their lives. But also to stop and rejoice in what we have together.
In my role I have the privilege of travelling around the Presbytery and meeting with congregations - often in the context of worship. Everyone does things differently on a Sunday morning and every building and gathering has a different feel to it. No two churches are the same and that diversity, which we see in spades at Pentecost, is a joy to behold. Each time I lead worship I encounter faithful followers of Jesus with a heart for other people and a thirst for God's word. Again - something that mirrors the early chapters of Acts.
And as the disciples discovered through Jesus' teaching and their own experience, the Holy Spirit is present where God's people come together in prayer and worship and the Holy Spirit dwells within God's people.
Whilst there are significant challenges facing us, there is still much to be thankful for. There is life where the followers of Jesus are living according to the Holy Spirit and that life is a gift from God. It should be cherished and nurtured and never taken for granted. And if we can learn from the early church, to listen for the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit, we trust that what we need to tackle those significant challenges, will be given.
One thing we can learn from the early church is the importance they placed on being together. If you've not already done so, please do register to attend our Presbytery meeting (21st June) onsite. It is a great opportunity to meet others within Presbytery and to help encourage one another.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/june-presbytery-meeting-tickets-1365479198039?aff=oddtdtcreator
Rev Stella
