Good News to Share

Carry These Words

Last weekend we celebrated Pentecost Sunday. Do you know what this weekend is called on the Christian calendar? Holy Trinity Sunday. Holy Trinity Sunday can feel a little mysterious. One God in three persons? Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? Christians have wrestled with the mystery for centuries, and even in this weekend's Gospel, some disciples worshiped Jesus while others doubted. Faith has always made room for both wonder and questions. This Sunday, we will reflect on Jesus' words to baptize "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," and on Paul's blessing: "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." Perhaps the Trinity is less a puzzle to solve and more a relationship into which we are held — in grace, love, and fellowship. Grace & Peace, Pastor Chamie

Filled & Sent

There are some Sundays in the church year that feel especially alive — and for me, Pentecost is one of them. Christmas tells us Christ has come. Easter proclaims Christ is risen. But Pentecost reminds us that Christ is still here — through the gift of the Holy Spirit. In a world that often defines power by politics, money, fame, or force, Pentecost points us to a different kind of power: the living presence of God dwelling within and among us, empowering us to love boldly, serve generously, and do good in the world. Pentecost is often called the "birthday of the Church," but it is more than a single story from long ago. It is the celebration of a global, Spirit-filled movement. In Acts 2, people from every nation heard the good news in their own language. The Spirit crossed every boundary of culture, nationality, and background — and still does today. Pentecost reminds us that the Church is beautifully diverse, yet united as one body in Christ. That is why I especially love this Sunday at Ascension. Instead of gathering in separate worship services, we will come together as ONE congregation for worship at 10:00 AM — one sanctuary full of voices, generations, stories, and songs. Come celebrate the Spirit who still fills, unites, and sends us into the world with hope. Grace & Peace, Pastor Chamie

Jesus' Prayer

Dear Church Family, This weekend's gospel reading in John 17:1-11. On the night before the cross, Jesus gathered with his disciples and spoke words he knew they would carry long after he was gone. We overhear Jesus praying not only for those first disciples, but for all who would follow him. His prayer is simple and powerful: hold tight. You are loved, prayed for, and held in God's care. How fitting that on the weekend we celebrate the confirmation of our 8th graders, we hear these lasting words of Jesus. As they affirm their baptismal faith, we are reminded that none of us walks alone. Christ continues to hold us close in every season of life. Join us as we hear again the promise that we belong to God. Grace & Peace, Pastor Chamie

Good News to Share

Greetings, Church Family, This coming Sunday is both the Sixth Sunday of Easter and Mother's Day. What can Jesus, the Apostle Paul, and Mothers teach us about being sharers of the Good News? Let us explore that as we gather for worship.

Into Your Hands

Greetings, Church Family, Blessed May to you! Do you know one of the best ways to begin a new month? By going to worship the first weekend of the month! This week as we reflect on Psalm 31 and John 14, we will hear the words of scripture, "Into your hands I commend my spirit." In moments of fear and uncertainty, it is common for us humans to try to hold on tighter to our own might. But these scriptures point us to another way. Jesus reminds us to place our lives into God's hands. As we begin this new month, we encourage you to pick up the new daily prayer calendar for May & June that Pastor Steve has thoughtfully put together. We also encourage you to spend time reading the newsletter and see opportunities to be in community and to serve God's people. This week, I felt acutely the joys and hurts of our faith community. Two of our members went into the loving arms of Jesus this week: Janice Bascou and Donna Mae Corra. Two of our members began chemo treatments this week: Becca Kruse and Cam Lorentson (while many others continue chemo treatment). I also got to celebrate the new engagement of Henry Behm and Macy Alexander. As I type, another new mama is in labor at the hospital. And on Sunday, I will baptize 4-week-old old Beau Lambert at the 9:00 service. So much pain. So much joy. This is one of the reasons we need our church community, for it's the family of faith that is there with us to carry us through hard days and to rejoice with us on good days. I am thankful to journey with you. Grace & Peace, Pastor Chamie