REFLECTION: Acts 2:1-21 - The coming of the Holy Spirit.
Pentecost is the birthday of the church; a wonderful celebration of God’s
sending of the Holy Spirit over the apostles and over all believers. It is a
great reminder to us that the Spirit comes to us to work in us and to help us
to faithfully proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, just as he did with the
apostles. He gives us power to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth.
Here is an outline of this morning’s 8am message.
1. The promise of the Spirit
a. But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power
(1:8).
b. Suddenly there was a noise from the sky which... filled the whole house
(2-3)
c. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit (4)
2. The effect of the Spirit
a. Opportunity: There were Jews from every country in the world who heard
(6-11)
b. Searching: Amazed and confused, they asked “What does this mean?”
(12)
c. Boldness: Then Peter stood up and... began to speak to the crowd (14)
3. The meaning of the Spirit’s coming
a. In the last days, God says: I will pour out my Spirit on everyone (17)
a. I will perform miracles and wonders...before the Day of the Lord (18-20)
b. Whoever calls out to the Lord for help will be saved (21)
c. The Holy Spirit continues his work in us today.
To think about
How does the Holy Spirit empower you to witness to Jesus?
HYMNS FOR THIS SUNDAY
TIS 409 O breath of life
TIS 685 The Power of your love
TIS 411 Filled with the Spirit’s power
MP 442 Lord of the church
BISHOP KATE PROWD
We warmly welcome Bishop Kate Prowd to our 10am service. Bishop Kate
is in charge of the preparation of Curates and has come to see how Jonathan
is going in his ministry amongst us.
6PM SERVICE NEXT SUNDAY
VICAR’S LONG SERVICE LEAVE
Please be advised that our Vicar, Graeme, will be taking Long Service Leave from June 13th until September 18th. Rev. Ian Oates will be the part time Locum in his absence working with our Curate Jonathan and associate priests George and Oyem.
PENTECOST WALK FOR UNITY
The churches of Dandenong are holding their annual Walk for Unity this
Sunday, 28th May. The walk begins in Harmony Square at 12:30pm and
process around the center of Dandenong pausing to pray for the city at
strategic locations. This concludes with a BBQ in Harmony Square.
MONDAY MEALS
Due to some family demands affecting team members, some key volunteers
going away, and a general shortage of volunteers, the Monday Meal
program will be going monthly rather than weekly between June and
November.
PRAY FOR SUDAN
Please pray for peace in Sudan and for the safety of its people as this terrible
conflict extends. Many of our South Sudanese brothers and sisters have
family in the conflict zone and sadly some have already lost family
members to violence. Please pray also for their consolation in the sad time.
READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY
4th May–Trinity Sunday
Exodus 34. 1-38; Song of 3YM 39-34; 2 Corinthians 13.11-13; Matthew
28.16-20
THIS WEEK WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR
Mike; Mark; Clovis; Rose; Eva; Cecil; Stanley; Nigel; Russell; Josie, Kevin; Joanne, Eve, Margaret, Lynette, Danny, Esme, Michael, Charles, Edward, Tyrone, Renee Gwen & Sylvia.