your comforter has come · through his spirit. eph 3:14-16 may you know that strength this week....
TRANSCRIPT
LOVE LETTER #10 May 27, 2020
Your Comforter Has Come “So, if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.” Luke 11:13
When I was young, I found it hard to understand the person of the Holy Spirit. In many ways, he/it seemed like an invisible force or just another description of the mysterious, almost dark presence of God. After all, in those days we used the word “ghost”. Only later did I understand that the Holy Spirit is this amazing gift from the Father to all believers! As Timothy Tennent said in his book This We Believe! the twin truths of God - his high and holy nature along with his tenderness and compassion – were matched up in the Holy Spirit. “I dwell in a high and holy place, and also with him who is humble and lowly in spirit, says the LORD.” Isa 57:15
In the New Testament, Jesus told us that when he goes away, he will send the Spirit - One like himself - “the Advocate” or “Comforter” (KJV). This Comforter will be with us and in us, guiding us in truth, protecting us from the evil one and empowering us for our mission. But many people mistakenly think that a Comforter is someone who just brings ease to life, making us warm and cozy. But that’s not really what Jesus meant. The Old English word for “comfort” is really built off the Latin “with strength” (“fortis” describes a strong fort). In other words, the Holy Spirit is One who brings us strength for every situation and every battle (even COVID 19). Now, that’s something I can understand and use! Pentecost is this Sunday. It is the time when we celebrate the coming of the Spirit 2000 years ago as he was poured out in full force onto the New Testament church (see Acts 2). Through the Spirit, the disciples were transformed into this community of love pursuing their mission to bring the Gospel to the world. Yet, it begins with the Holy Spirit, who is a strengthener. And we can know his strength, too, as we open our hearts to him. Paul prayed: “When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious unlimited resources, he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.” Eph 3:14-16
May you know that strength this week. Let us join together in praying: “Come, Holy Spirit, fill us with your presence and power.”
Together, Pastor John Worship May 31 Greetings and Announcements Opening Song “Holy Spirit Rain Down” Prayer Scripture Acts 2:1-6, 14-24, 29-33, 42-47 Message: “Going Public” Closing Prayer Blessing Calendar Sunday, May 31 – Online Worship, 10am; see FPC Facebook or www.fpcjesup.com (under “Worship – Listen to Sermons”) Wed, June 3 – Jesup Ministerial Assn, 9am, by Zoom; Bible and Prayer Hour, 7pm Zoom Meeting ID: 864 3466 7233
News
FPC will have a ‘parking lot/drive in service’ on Sunday, June 7. We will use an FM transmitter for sound. Please bring your own juice and bread as we will celebrate communion that morning. Offerings will be received in an offering box.
Volunteers are needed to record our worship services with phone; see Pastor John
We have scheduled the Red Cross to use our facility on June 17 for blood donations (appointment only). Precautions will be taken to keep people safe and the building clean.
Prayer Requests
Concerns
Prayers from Presbytery- First Presbyterian Church, Mason City- Rev. Paul Collier
For the Spirit's guidance to re-open the building for worship and activities.
For all who are weary of this pandemic shutdown as well as our front line health workers.
For the PNC Committee as they persevere in searching for a new pastor.
For Brett Zuck who is in need of a shot in his hip but unable to get one immediately. Pray for less pain & a good night's sleep.
For Wayne Natvig who is suffering from shingles.
For all who are in care facilities (Lexington Estates and ABCM in Independence; New Aldaya and Western Homes in Cedar Falls) for virus protection and for well-being in body and soul.
For Matt Reynolds, brother of Chris, who was injured in a parking lot in the Chicago area.
For Sharon Willmore, (Diane Ernster's sister-in law) as she continues chemo.
For Barb Meister's great grandson, Jemell (5 yrs old) has a birthmark on his leg that his doctor will biopsy in April to determine if there is cancer underneath.
For comfort and company for those in assisted living: Helen Blad, Vivian Kaster.
Ongoing Prayers
For ongoing love and support through health concerns - Ashley VanHemert, Brett Zuck, Myndi Ocampo, Jan Harkin, Roberta Coleman, Kevin Kiler, Diane Reed
If you have a prayer concern please contact Shelly Hanson at [email protected] or 319-827-1701. *Be sure to indicate if the concern is to be shared with the congregation or remain private.
PASTOR JOHN’S CONTACT INFORMATION: 825 Hawley Street, Jesup, IA 50648. Ph: 920-319-9971 Email: [email protected]
SHELLY HANSON'S CONTACT INFORMATION: Office 319-827-1701, [email protected] cell phone: 319-415-1602
