May 26, 2023

Dear Road Church Friends,

This year the Jewish Festival of Pentecost, when we Christians celebrate the beginning of the Church, happens to fall on Memorial Day weekend, we Americans remember all the men and women in the Armed Forces who have given their lives in service to their country. Memorial Day affords us an opportunity to rest from the frenzy of our busy schedules so we can remember what is of first importance to us as Americans. With the fast pace of our lives we easily forget what makes life in America a source of happiness and blessing.  Let us pause to count our blessings, which the sacrifice of others has made possible. On Sunday we will look at the origin story of the Christian Church. The promised Spirit of the risen Jesus was unleashed in the world on that day, and its life changing power continues unabated. Pentecost is also a day to remember who we are as a church. Join us as we reflect on where the Spirit is leading us.

SCRIPTURE READING:  Acts 2:1-21    SERMON: Staying in Step with the Spirit

On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, they heard a deafening roar that sounded like a powerful gust of wind. They looked up and saw flames of fire dancing around the room and then resting above each of them. All of them were seized by the Holy Spirit and began speaking in foreign languages. During Pentecost devout Jews from every nation were living in Jerusalem. Upon hearing this loud noise, they all came running to see what was happening. When they came to Jesus’ disciples, they were astonished to hear them speaking in their own languages. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are unschooled Galileans, and yet we hear them praising God in our own native languages!”  What might this mean,” they asked. But some in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, “They’re just drunk, that’s all!” Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, “Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this. These people are not drunk. It’s only nine o’clock in the morning. What you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel:

     In the last days I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants—men and women alike will prophesy… And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

WE BEAR THE STRAIN OF EARTHLY CARE

by Ozora S. Davis

We bear the strain of earthly care, but bear it not alone.

Beside us walks our brother Christ, and makes our task his own.

Through din of market, whirl of wheels, and thrust of driving trade,

We follow where the Master leads, serene and unafraid.

The common hopes that make us men were his in Galilee,

The tasks he gives are those he gave beside the restless sea.

Our brotherhood still rests in him, the brother of us all,

And o’er the centuries still we hear the Master’s winsome call.

Blessings to you all,  

Pastor Norm

This service in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/sU2hVHBNCDE?feature=share