Pentecost Power!

Happy Pentecost! What?! You know, Pentecost! The crazy, amazing day in the church calendar where we celebrate the Holy Spirit. THAT Pentecost!

I've been busy on the other blog, too, and just had to share!

(You can check it out at Avenues of Hope: http://hope91011.blogspot.com)

Four FOUR baptisms - all squirmy little boys! I read Acts 2: 1-12 in English and Italian, which was much MUCH easier than trying to read it in Russian a few years ago... Nyet. There were over 350 visiting youth and leaders from Nebraska at the 9am service - we were filled BEYOND capacity! What a great 'problem' to have - it was like Easter all over again....except the color of the day was RED! Here's today's entry - an amazing, Spirit-filled day at Bethany Lutheran Church!

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Today, as we celebrate this day of Pentecost, we acknowledge and embrace the power, purpose and potential of the Holy Spirit's guidance along these Avenues of Hope.

“One part of this Pentecost Power we’re blessed with is Purpose. The Holy Spirit calls us to God, gathers us together and enlightens us to know our purpose as disciples. We learn about Jesus and His life. We serve in Jesus’ name. We go out with fire in our spirits to live a life way more meaningful than anything we could create on our own. God has a purpose for each of us and calls us to it through the Holy Spirit.” - Sermon: Pr. Ruth Ann Loughry, "Pentecost Power" on 6/12/11.

Excerpts from Pastor Ruth Ann's sermon are included below (marked RAL).

To read and/or listen to the entire sermon, please click here.

When the day of Pentecost had come,
they were all together in one place. (Acts 2:1)

~ May we come together to provide Hope to others. ~

God has blessed us through the Holy Spirit, with Pentecost power!

Health and Wellness Director Janet Mortinsen was commissioned as our new Parish Nurse. Mission Statement: the Health and Wellness Cabinet works to share God's grace and love in Jesus Christ with all people by promoting health, wholeness and healing of body, mind and spirit.

~ May 9.10.11 be an Avenue toward the
health and wellness of those in need. ~

God has blessed us through the Holy Spirit, with Pentecost power!

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit
and began to speak in other languages,
as the Spirit gave them ability. (Acts 2:4)

~ May the Holy Spirit guide us to use
our abilities to give a voice to the hungry. ~

God has blessed us through the Holy Spirit, with Pentecost power!

Four families brought their baby boys forward today, called by the Holy Spirit and trusting that everything they need as they grow is given in the gifts of the Spirit through Holy Baptism.

~ May we trust in the life-giving gift of the Spirit. ~

God has blessed us through the Holy Spirit, with Pentecost power!

Mission Trippers to Ecuador and Wyoming: the Holy Spirit will bless you and guide you as you work and play. God will give you new dreams as you meet members of God’s family from diverse cultures. Have no fear; the Spirit unites you in Christ. (RAL)

Vacation Bible School leaders and students: you too will be touched by the Holy Spirit as you learn about Jesus’ young life. Come with an open Spirit to learn and grow. (RAL)

~ May we walk boldly together on this path filled with Hope. ~

God has blessed us through the Holy Spirit, with Pentecost power!

Youth from the Nebraska Synod: be SOLID as you serve, yet flexible to feel the Spirit’s moving in new experiences. You will bring the Spirit as you sew, sort, repair, paint and pray. (RAL)

~ May we listen to the Spirit as we serve those who are hungry. ~

God has blessed us through the Holy Spirit, with Pentecost power!

To date, there over 300 families (as represented by the plates seen above) who have been moved by the Holy Spirit and have pledged to be a part of Avenues of Hope: 9.10.11, helping put an end to hunger here in Denver! As Pr. Ruth Ann reminded us, "We go out with fire in our spirits to live a life way more meaningful than anything we could create on our own."

Day 12. Dollar 12.

God has blessed us through the Holy Spirit, with Pentecost power!