“Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” Colossians 3:14 (NRSV)
Here is the Worship Link for Sunday, May 17: https://youtu.be/hWkMUeEQDOY
Worship: Sunday, May 24, 2026, 10:45 AM; Baptism
Scripture to Ponder & Prayer
Week of Pentecost
Texts this week: Acts 2:1–21 or Numbers 11:24–30 Psalm 104:24–34, 35b 1 Corinthians 12:3b–13 or Acts 2:1–21 John 20:19–23 or John 7:37–39
To Ponder: Acts 2:1–21 & 1 Corinthians 12:3–13
Pentecost Sunday invites us into one of the most powerful moments in the life of the church. The word Pentecost comes from the Greek word pentēkostē, meaning “50th” day. It refers to the Jewish festival of Shavuot, or the Festival of Weeks, celebrated fifty days after Passover. Originally, this festival marked the giving of the Torah to the people of Israel at Mount Sinai — a sacred reminder that God forms a people through covenant, teaching, and community.
In Acts 2, the disciples were gathered for this very festival when suddenly the Spirit came like a rushing wind and tongues of fire rested upon them. Fearful people found courage. Different languages became instruments of connection rather than division. The Spirit moved among ordinary people and transformed them into a living community of hope.
Paul echoes this same truth in 1 Corinthians 12. The Spirit does not erase differences; the Spirit blesses them. Some speak, some serve, some teach, some comfort, some pray quietly, some lead boldly. Yet all belong to one body in Christ. Diversity is not a weakness of the church — it is the evidence of the Spirit at work.
Perhaps Pentecost asks us today:
Is not our willingness, our faithfulness, our gifts, our compassion, and even our many languages signs of the Spirit alive within us?
The Spirit still moves wherever people gather in love, justice, prayer, and courage. The Spirit still breathes through communities that choose unity over division, welcome over fear, and hope over despair.
We may not see tongues of fire above our heads, but we witness the Spirit whenever people care for one another, speak truth with courage, share burdens together, and work for healing in the world.
Pentecost reminds us that God continues to create one people from many voices. We are different, yet we belong to one another. We are many gifts, yet one body. The Spirit is here — calling us again to live as one in Christ.
Prayer for the Week
Spirit of the Living God,
breathe new life into us this week.
Where there is fear, bring courage.
Where there is division, bring understanding.
Where there is weariness, bring renewal.
Help us to use our different gifts with love,
so that together we may live as one body in Christ.
May your Spirit guide our words,
shape our actions,
and lead us in peace and compassion.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Trinity United Church 