Sunday at SPUMC - May 23rd, 2010

What a fun energy at church today!  Pentecost is always fun...  There's just something festive and party-like about everyone wearing red and the celebration of the birth of the church!  (Although... I was told I wasn't wearing the correct shade of "Methodist red!"  And as I scanned the congregation, it was very true!)

The Education Hour kicked off with:
*  The Children talking about committing to what they believe in.  And then, they joined us in the youth room so we could all celebrate the "moving up" of our 6th graders into 7th grade (and hence, the youth group).  They got to put their hand-prints on the wall of the youth room while the younger - and older - kids cheered them on!
*  The Confirmands discussed Pentecost - what it meant for the church and what it means for our lives.
*  The Adults were led by Terry and Mary Lou into further discussion about Israel.  From what I've heard, it's been a fascinating learning experience!

Worship was full of fun surprises and ways of celebrating the Holy Spirit!  The Children sang a fun, upbeat version of  "All Creatures of Our God and King" - wonderful and lively!  (Thanks, Jennifer for your amazing leadership this year!)  Then, Cathy led them in a children's sermon about the Holy Spirit - lots of interest in the fan and streamers!  And the choir sang another wonderful song "He Never Failed Me Yet" - complete with excellent soloists!  Thanks Mike, Janice, and Andrea!

We also were graced with the presence of Pastor Penny's friend, Lois, who led us in the sermon-time while Penny was away on vacation.  She spoke of her profession as a Spiritual Director - what that means, how she helps people to notice how God is working in their lives, and the ways she is able to help them listen to God promptings.  She offered us an exercise of taking a moment to think back over the last week - the times where we felt love, gave love, felt grateful, and when we were most aware of God...  Then she asked us to turn to the person next to us and share part of what we noticed.  It was a wonderful feeling to be able to share - to know someone was listening - and then to let them share, also.  Another of the ways God guides us...  Through those who walk the journey with us.  Thank you, Lois!

Just a reminder:  Next week, our summer worship hours begin.  There will be no education classes and worship will begin at 10am.  Following worship will be an opportunity to go across the street to experience a Labyrinth.  The prayerful contemplation of walking a labyrinth is yet another way God can guide us...