Last week I had the privilege of spending the weekend with a healthy chunk of our congregation out at family camp. I loved the opportunity of spending quality time catching up with people, seeking God’s voice together and playing ridiculous games. From praying together, to campfire songs, worship, sponge wars and even eggs lovingly crunched into my hair, I felt like I was experiencing a healthy taste of the joy of being part of the Kingdom of God. I deeply appreciate the support and help in preparation for, and clean-up after, the event. What a team we have here at AUC!
Beyond the event itself, it has been a joy to listen to the increasing appreciation we have for each other as we get to know one another. What a delight to be part of a community where, as we grow deeper in our relationships, we are challenged and encouraged by the faithful living we see around us.
Today we celebrate Pentecost; the birth of the church as God poured out His Holy Spirit onto His people. We remember that God indeed calls us into a faithful community of love and service, but that more importantly we are called to receive the Holy Spirit. We trust then that we might become a community who relies on the power of God to intertwine our lives with grace and vulnerable self-disclosure. That we might not settle for merely doing good work in the world, but commit to doing godly work in the world-reliant on the power of God working through us. We remember that a generous boy could offer a handful of loaves and fishes, but by God’s power, thousands can be fed-distributed by the hands of the faithful. So let’s be hungry for the presence of God among us today. May we cry out to the God who longs to pour out His Spirit on us, and soften our hearts to receive whatever He might give us. And may we give thanks for the honour it is to serve an awe-inspiring God alongside other broken, hungry, beautiful people.
