Minute for Mission: Pentecost Offering
Who are your teachers? I don’t necessarily mean academic instructors or even your favorite Sunday school teacher. Who are your “real” teachers?
People we have never met, in stories we hear on the evening news, can be our teachers. When violence and tragedy erupt in our community and we can connect with true empathy, followed by nonjudgmental action, that can teach us.
When we see people in our churches, neighborhoods, and business community addressing problems with creativity and compassion and putting their resources to work for the good of all, they become our teachers.
When we mentor a child, send a young person to a life-changing camp or conference, or sponsor a young adult volunteering a year of service and ministry, our participation in and witness of their journey become our teacher.
The Holy Spirit is the Great Teacher. The followers of Jesus, gathered in the upper room on Pentecost, could never have imagined how their day would unfold. It is difficult for all of us to accept that our cherished realities are so fragile and easily deconstructed. In a heartbeat, perceived absolutes shatter. Dogma doesn’t matter. Tradition is kaput. All bets are off. From this point forward, life as we know it has changed.
It may come in the form of a rushing wind, a life-altering event, an unexpected loss, a transformative moment, or a still, small voice speaking a truth we cannot deny. But it will come. It is the force that moves us forward and gives our lives meaning. It is the promise of Pentecost.
—Jean Sniffen, associate for mission interpretation resources, General Assembly Mission Council
Holy Spirit, you are the Great Teacher. Today our church will receive the Pentecost Offering. Stories of children at risk, young people finding their faith, and young adults growing in ministry teach and inspire us to be more than bystanders. Help us to recognize with gratitude all the teachers you send us in times of joy and sadness, confusion and clarity. Teach us to walk in your spirit of humility, kindness, and compassion so that we may become your vessels for the teaching of others. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Acts 2:1–21 or Ezek. 37:1–14
My Lord! What a Morning
PH 449
On Pentecost They Gathered
PH 128
Ps. 104:24–34, 35b
Bless the Lord, My Soul and Being
PH 224
Rom. 8:22–27
Come, Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove
PH 126
John 15:26–27; 16:4b–15
Because He Lives
MH 364
Come, O Holy Spirit, Come
STF 2124
Daily Lectionary
Ps. 104, 150 Ps. 29, 33
Isa. 11:1–9
1 Cor. 2:1–13; John 14:21–29 |
