Worship Discipleship Mission 31st May 2020

Pentecost, from the Greek Πεντηκοστή Pentēkostē meaning “fiftieth”
The 50th day after Passover… counting days seems significant this year!

The written Resources mesh with the weekly video and 'should' be downloadable from here or https://tinyurl.com/ybewxach (email me at robhanks@bigpond.net.au if not)

Mark Hewitt

Words for Pentecost
The Spirit of God is among us, within us, around us, between us
The Spirit of God is here to inspire us bringing energy, bringing warmth
The Spirit of God is here to move us in ways yet to be revealed
Calling us out into a world in need
The Spirit of God breathes into us bringing new life to us all

‘Space’
   In some ways this is a story about ‘space…’ There is space for community, breaking down barriers, sharing life and pointing towards hope through the energy and spark of God’s Spirit, through the ‘dangerous and liberating memory and presence of Jesus!” (adapted from the thoughts of JB Metz). This space connects us with our founding story and the empowerment of Jesus followers to ‘speak the language’ of those around them… like the wind (breath) or flame of the Spirit! In different places in the Bible ruach or breath is used, so too dunamis which gives us words like dynamo, dynamic and dynamite… a reminder of our capacity in community to bring energy, charisma or disruption… Here is a community of people, waiting, in the space between… from Easter to this point, still working through grief, trying to make sense of isolation, some afraid, others still wondering what next… not unlike a COVID-19 world, taking steps for safety, waiting for God’s presence as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, to breakout, to breath life into their existence! They are open to questions of how God exists in the world… reminding me of 3 songs… Is God ‘interventionist’? (“Into My Arms” Nick Cave) Is life all about irony? (“Ironic” Alanis Morissette) and/or is Regina Spektor’s song right, about people seeing God in the struggle? (“Laughing With” Regina Spektor) See these bonus tracks in the video in case you’re not sure what I’m talking about…

Is God ‘in control’ or are we empowered to understand Jesus call to ‘follow’ living out God’s values? This film was based on a short story and the collage attempts to show some parts of the two hour story exploration

+ Video Clip “The Adjustment Bureau Collage”
Questions for Reflection:
What story/s can you tell about God’s engagement in the world and your lives?
When is a time you’ve been aware of God’s Spirit as if like a breath or wind blowing through community?
What (1) thing do you hope the church could be emboldened to act on through God’s Spirit where you are?

Prayer/Reflection Time
Spend some closing time in prayer, walking or sitting, with a cuppa or silence… tell God about”
Your community of faith and all it’s participants and those in your local community you seek to serve
Staff and Leaders plus residents at local Aged Care, Nursing Home and Retirement Facilities
Nurses, Doctors & Other Staff at Hospitals and Clinics, Local GPs and allied Health
Principals, Leaders, Teachers and Students at all our Schools plus University Students & Staff
Those still effected by drought and last summer’s Bushfires
For people and countries right across the world

Closing There were so many options, I offer the simplicity of John Bell teaching….
Together in Song 711 (Come O Holy Spirit) or Wa Wa Wa Emimimo (taught to many at World Council of Churches)

Youtube wasn't keen on my Bonus Clip so it's missing from the video, yet stupidly, it's here