I will enter his gates with thanksgiving in my heart;
I will enter his courts with praise.
I will say this is the day the Lord has made;
I will rejoice for he has made me glad.
He has made me glad, he has made me glad;
I will rejoice for he has made me glad
He has me glad, he has made me glad;
I will rejoice for he has made me glad.
Holy Spirit of God, we praise and worship you as the one who gave birth to Christ’s church. With the sound of mighty wind and flashing fire, you brought life to the church in Jerusalem.
You filled those frightened new believers with power, and they became Christ’s witnesses, speaking boldly the word of truth.
You continue to transform believers–healing, reconciling, empowering. Lives are turned around. Emptiness is filled. Drifting hearts are given direction.
You vitalize your wavering church–lavishing gifts upon us, forging unity, giving new vision. You turn our eyes from the wistful memories of yesterday to the new things you are doing among us now.
We worship and extol you, our Teacher, Guide, and Comforter. You make Christ known to us and make us your holy temple.
By your presence, the church in all its diversity is welded together in unity.
Interceding Spirit, we do not know how to pray as we ought; but you understand our deepest needs and present them with love to the Father. Lead us now to repentance and confession.
Spirit of holiness, we confess that we are a sinful people. In thought, word, and deed, we quench the fire of your love and dissipate the power of your presence. You long to restore us to the image of God; but we let it tarnish as we nurse selfish attitudes. You nurture unity, but we sow discord. You come to make our bodies your temples, but we desecrate them. We dishonor your good intentions for us. Forgive us, merciful Spirit. Burn away our impurities, and forge us into renewed and useful instruments in your service. Amen.
There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ has set you free from the law of sin and of death.
We believe God’s promise in these last days: I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Upon both men and women in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall speak my message.
The Spirit of God dwells in us if we belong to Christ. The Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.
When the Holy Spirit comes upon us, we receive power, and we become God’s witnesses.
The fruit that the Spirit brings to the lives of those who follow Christ is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
The diverse and empowering gifts of the Spirit are given to each one for the common good. None of us is useless to God. None of us is sufficient by ourself. We serve through the body of Christ, and we depend on the people of Christ.
Watchword for the Week:
Jesus said, “Very truly, I tell you, whoever believes has eternal life.” John 6 :47
Today’s Watchword:
I will manifest my holiness among you in the sight of the nations. You shall know that I am the Lord when I bring you into the land of Israel, the country that I swore to give to your ancestors. Ezekiel 20:41-42
Doctrinal Text:
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance, and he set out, not knowing where he was going. Hebrews 11: 8
Prayer for today:
God of the ages, we recognize and hold the witness of generations before us. May our obedience and trust be a witness to the generations that follow us, that they too will know the story, trust your promises, and live faithfully. Thank you for calling us to be your witnesses. Amen.
| Church Office Hours | Monday | Wednesday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Friday10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | |
