Dearest Friends,
Today is Pentecost, when we celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the church. Normally this is a day of celebration—like a birthday party. Today, celebration doesn't really feel right. There is much to grieve and bear and cry out together. There is also much work to be done in the church. In a way, then, Pentecost comes at a fitting time—a reminder that we are called to live by the power of the Holy Spirit, not in our own strength, and that we are called to love all people. We are praying for the pain and suffering, and we pray for our children and youth who deserve a Kingdom vision for the world.
Today’s video is meant to be one of hope for our young church family members. It also has some special guests whom we were honored to have join us! We send you love and are with you in these moments. And, of course, we pray for a fresh dose of the Spirit.
After you watch the video, you and your family members can use the following discussion prompts and activities to apply the lesson.
Talk It Out
Recap: What was the gift given to all of the followers of Jesus?
Check In With Yourself: How does it feel to know that we can have the Holy Spirit to help us, too?
Wonder: What are you wondering right now as you think about the first Pentecost?
Apply It
To remember the Holy Spirit, you could cut out this flame dove and color it with reds and yellows or any color you want.
Make a wind twirl to remember how the Spirit came like a wind. Cut a piece of paper or craft foam in a circle then cut around in a spiral until you get to the middle of the circle. Decorate the spiral with anything you like. Then hang it up with a piece of yarn, and as it twirls in the wind, it will remind you that the Holy Spirit is present even though we can't see it.
Try learning how to say "I love you" or "hello" in another language! There are lots of resources online, or better yet, you could ask a friend who speaks another language. Then thank God that we have so many different languages and cultures in our world!
We are praying for you! Please remember to email/call/text with any prayer requests you have.
Much love,
Pastors Lindsay and Mary