Blessings and peace, my siblings in Christ,

Seeing you all on Sunday filled my heart with joy! I cannot tell you how amazing it is to come home to such a loving and caring congregation. This was my first time to have a “sabbatical” from both jobs, and while I very much love what I do for a living, I’ve come home with a new perspective on life, work, and the connection between the two.

Like many of you, I come from a generation that defines itself by what it does. We find our worth in what we do instead of who we are. That leaves very little room for exploring and enjoying anything unrelated to work. Being on sabbatical gave me a different perspective. I feel more present in what is happening now and less pressured to worry about what work needs to be done next. I hope to hold onto this presence and remember that the work is just the work—it will always be there.

This brings to mind Max’s sermon yesterday. The scripture in Acts describes the apostles as “staring off into the clouds.” The church is at high risk of doing the same—looking up, waiting for Jesus to return—when all around us, Jesus is active in the presence of the Holy Spirit. God has never left us, but we often take this story so literally that we imagine God is somewhere else, looking down on us. If you find yourself feeling that way, stop and breathe in the Holy Spirit. You will feel the power and presence of God immediately.

Also—a quick note of care: the temperatures have quickly risen, and the humidity is high enough that any time spent outdoors can put you at risk for heat exhaustion or dehydration. Try to plan your outdoor activities for early morning or late evening—and be ready to battle the mosquitoes! Please take care of yourselves as we enter another hot Texas summer.

Blessings and peace, always,

Mary

It started with a sound—like a huge gust of wind rushing through the house. No one opened a door or cracked a window, but something powerful had entered the room.

Then it got even stranger.

The disciples looked at each other and saw what looked like tiny flames floating above their heads. No one was burned, but everyone knew something big was happening. It was the Holy Spirit, just like Jesus had promised.

Suddenly, they could speak in other languages—real ones! People from every country who were visiting Jerusalem heard the disciples talking and were amazed. Some asked, “What does this mean?” Others just laughed and said, “They’ve had too much wine!”

But Peter stood up and said, “We’re not drunk. It’s only 9 a.m. What you’re seeing is the power of God!” And he told the story of Jesus—how He lived, died, rose again, and offers new life to everyone. That day, three thousand people chose to follow Jesus.

It all started with wind and fire… but it changed the world forever.

What We Learned

✔ The Holy Spirit came just like Jesus promised.
✔ God gave the disciples courage to speak to everyone.
✔ Peter told the story of Jesus, and thousands believed.
✔ The Spirit still gives us strength to share God’s love today.

See you in church! Blessings always.

First—and most importantly—we’ll gather this Saturday at 11:00 AM for the memorial service for Dan Mitchell. I know there are food plans, though I admit that’s not my department. But I trust it’s being handled. Our love and prayers go out to Dan’s family.

My thanks to Winston Dietrick-Kirkpatrick for leading last Sunday’s liturgy in his usual distinguished fashion, and to Rev. Dr. Steve Langford for a truly fine sermon. I know you enjoyed it—I certainly did, watching from home.

Mary and I were both away last Sunday, but we’re both back this week.

I attended the closing of First Presbyterian Church in Grand Prairie—the last church I was part of before entering ministry. I worked with the youth there, and it was a joy to see eight or ten of them at the service. The loss of that church is simply sad. They no longer had enough members to sustain.

Discovering God – Class Resumes

This Sunday at 9:45, we continue our series on Why We Are Here. Most people go through life unsure of their purpose, but I believe an answer is available. If life has a purpose, then so do we. Join us as we talk about what that might be.

Breakfast follows at 10:30. It’s a Winston Sunday—feel free to help out. And worshippers, come early and eat!

This Sunday – Ascension & Communion

It’s Ascension Sunday, when we remember Jesus being lifted up as His followers watched. Luke says He promised to return. In John’s Gospel, He makes that same promise. This week, I’ll be preaching about the Second Coming—but likely in a way you’ve never heard it before.

Here are some questions to consider:

• Does God see this world as a failure?
• Or does He love it exactly as it is?
• Does God want to end the world, or use it?
• And what about you—why are you here?

Let’s worship together—and expect good things.

God Bless,

—MB

Greetings to all in the name of Jesus Christ!

Peace and love to you, my siblings, from my heart to yours. I have missed you all and am so very grateful for the chance to take a short sabbatical. I hadn’t realized how much my spirit needed rest and renewal. It’s so easy for all of us to get deeply entrenched in the day-to-day business of life that we forget to stop, breathe, and be present in the blessings we’re given.

I return to church this Sunday, revived and renewed. I look forward to sharing with you the things God placed on my heart while I was away.

Don’t forget—we’ll be celebrating the life of Dan Mitchell this Saturday, May 31 at 11:00 a.m. here at the church. Lunch will follow.

Blessings to all,

Mary