“Into your hand I commit my spirit;You have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.”
Psalm 31:5
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We are about to end the season of Easter and start the season of Pentecost! June 5th we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit coming upon the people of God! (That includes you!) At the same time we are entering the season of “summer” where there are times connections are lost as people are traveling, golfing, gardening and welcoming company. Often churches shut down some during this time, but we are hoping for renewed engagement and excitement about God’s ministry at Bethel. By inviting God to do new things with and through us I believe we all will be infused with God’s Spirit in a deeper way.
The Bible Study groups are finishing up the study of Susan Robb’s book on Jesus’ last words from the cross. In “Seven Words: Listen to Christ from the Cross” we were taken on a journey to see a deeper meaning behind the words Jesus spoke. We all found ourselves moved by the new twists she presented and stirred by the depth of meaning for each of us personally. The last chapter focused primarily on Jesus’ words, which he reiterated from Psalm 31,“Into your hand I commit my spirit.”
What happened in the discussion was opening us up to more thoughts on how God could and would renew our excitement and engagement into God’s ministry at Bethel. We asked the question, “What would happen if every morning and every night each person would pray, ‘Into your hand God, I commit my spirit. Into your hand God, I
commit my life.” One person said it would transform her life. We talked openly about her comment and then the question was asked, “What would happen if everyone in our church began their morning and ended their night praying, “Into your hand God, we commit our spirits. Into your hand God, we commit your church.” The discussion opened us up to seeking God’s direction and then excitement ensued. Ideas were formulated and the thought of encouraging other churches to connect with us for support were talked about. Sister congregations that are our size and attempting to renew after COVID has changed our dynamics so much. Ideas where we are thinking outside of the box to invite others in. One of the couples in our Bible Study is from my home church and they shared the difference between being “INFORMATIONAL” and being “INVITATIONAL”. What a concept. To not just say what is happening, but personally
invite people to participate and attend. HUM, That may just move our church right along. What do you think?
I am calling out to whoever reads this newsletter to begin and end their day with the simple prayer Jesus prayed from the cross, “Into your hand God, I commit my spirit.” Then add, “Into your hand God, I commit my life.” Then let’s watch as God begins to move us by the Holy Spirit and God will begin to renew you AND our church!
Our theme and devotional for the next nine weeks is “Upcycling Choices”! We will be focusing on the “Fruit of the Spirit” and how God wants our lives and character to reflect him! Perfect timing!!!!!
In Christ,
Pastor Barb
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