The story of Pentecost in Acts 2 describes the birth of the church. Through rushing wind (Spirit) and passion (fire) God formed the diverse believers into the Body of Christ – the church. Since that time, the Christian church has been manifest in many ways. Since that time, the church (at its best) has sought guidance from God through prayer and study of scripture to determine how to re-present the way of Jesus in each place and time.

For the past two years we have done just that as we worked and prayed our way through the Visioning process. As each Ministry Team gathered in the past year, our focus on deepening our spirituality through prayer and scripture reflection has brought us to the next step. At a recent Church Ministry Council retreat held at Camp Kingswood in early May, the council agreed to enter into an intentional process of nurturing leaders of our ministry teams to continue growing as Spiritual Leaders of the Church.

We also chose as a “stretch goal” to take welcoming to the next level by working intentionally with each group and organization in our church to develop clear accessibility points for all people, including first time visitors, new members, and longtime members, and to identify “point people” who will take on the work of welcoming. The Body of Christ grows in spirit and numbers as we engage others in service, fellowship, and spiritual growth opportunities.

The work of organizing and improving the Body of Christ is never finished, because the church is just like the human body - growing up or out. Our stated intention is to keep shaping a ministry that welcomes all people with the unconditional love and acceptance of Jesus Christ. That call is reflected in our vision statement, to be a church with:

Open Hearts to live and serve with compassion and to share God’s love,

Open Minds to seek spiritual formation and encourage each person’s faith journey,

Open Doors to invite and welcome all to join in discipleship.

Listen to the wind of God’s Spirit blowing through us and among us in these Pentecost days. Feel the warmth of God’s love as it is kindled with passion through worship, service to others and through the care and compassion given and received within the church family. May we continue to allow this Pentecost God to inspire, guide and lead us into the future in new and faithful ways.

-Pastor Mike Miller

Social Action

Thank you to everyone who served food and did many dishes at the Simpson Shelter on May 1st: Naomi Benedict & granddaughter Hanna; Doug and Alyssa Parr; Todd, Diane & John Gerhardt; Leta Miller; and Sarah DeYoung.

Thank you also to everyone who provided food or money: Barb Clay; Sonja Anderson; Brenda Starkey; Dick Relick; Nancy Caudill; Kathy Jarvis; Naomi Benedict; Jane Wilson; Richard Berg; Terry Rockwell; Vicki Lindquist; Cathy Schmitt; Wanda Howard and Brunswick Bowl.

Hopefully, we didn't miss anyone but we truly appreciate everything you do!

Thanks,

Karen