I am writing this on a morning when I woke up to a heavy frost. I want to live each day to the fullest, but I confess I am looking forward to warmer days in May. One of my favorite days in the Christian year occurs on May 20—Pentecost. Pentecost comes 50 days after Easter and celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit and the fulfillment of the prophecy in Joel, “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people…” (Joel 2:28)
The Holy Spirit is the empowering presence of Christ in our lives. God has poured out the Spirit on ALL people—that includes you. All who follow Jesus have received spiritual gifts to be used in ministry within the church and out in the community. All the gifts are important. Everyone has at least one gift that needs to be employed in and through the body of Christ for the Church to function properly.
Soon Aldersgate will be receiving a new pastor. The pastor’s job is not to do the ministry but to equip and encourage you as Christ followers in your ministry. Pastor Sung Ho will do his part and I trust you will do yours. That is what will keep Aldersgate moving forward on the path God has chosen. Even as the transition to a new pastor takes place the ministry can and must continue to grow and expand because God will continue to be at work in and through you. Pastor Sung Ho will help you continue to move forward, building on what has come before, taking the ministry of Christ through Aldersgate to the next level. The Holy Spirit will help you every step of the way.
We are an Easter people! We are a Pentecost people! But most importantly, God is good and God is faithful! Thanks be to God!
In Christ’s love, Pastor Anne