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We are a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one Body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.
-Disciples Identity Statement
Dear Prairie Avenue Family,
This weekend marks the end of the Easter season and the celebration of Pentecost, the arrival of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples in Jerusalem, giving them power to proclaim the gospel to all who had gathered for the spring festival of Shauvot, celebrated 50 days following Passover. This spring harvest festival was also beginning to be an observance for Moses receiving the Ten Commandments/Ten Words on Mount Sinai.
THIS WEEK IN WORSHIP: This Sunday (June 8) we wear RED to celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the gathered disciples in Jerusalem. Traditionally, it has been depicted in the "upper room," but Luke only tells us it filled the "entire house where they were sitting," possibly the courts of the Jerusalem Temple, which were large (the entire complex was 36 acres!). It's unclear whether it was the 12 (Matthias was chosen to replace Judas), or 120 now speaking in fluent Eastern Roman Empire languages to fellow Jews. But all Jewish attendees could understand Galileans (who would have been considered backwater bumpkins) speaking about God's deeds of power. Some were amazed; others were sneering or ridiculing. But then Peter gives a message.
But we will also hear another story, the Genesis story of the Tower of Babel. One community brings others together; a community wanting to make a name for itself ends in division and confusion.
Yes, it is a "happy birthday," but it is also, "Let's go!" Do we share God's amazing story with others, or are we too busy constructing our towers of misunderstanding? The church is not a building (and it’s certainly not a Tower!), nor is it a particular membership or group of people. Rather, at its heart, the church is a mission, God’s mission, the adventurous challenge of understanding and connecting with neighbors near and far. To listen and learn and speak each other’s languages. To celebrate and serve with the Spirit’s winds in our sails. In an age of polarizing fear and division, contempt and conflict, the church’s mission — the essence of Pentecost — has never been more pressing. Understand and connect!
PENTECOST SPECIAL OFFERING JUNE 1 & 8: Thank you for your generous support of $248.20 collected June 1!
The Pentecost Offering supports Disciples' new church development. Planning, nurturing, and sustaining new congregations is part of the Disciples’ vision. This offering supports the specialized ministry of new church development through both regional and general programs. Gifts for this offering are divided equally between the region in which they are given and the New Church Ministry. Please give generously to the Pentecost Offering.
DOVE, INC. OUTREACH PROJECT: Our collection is diapers (all sizes) and/or personal hygiene items will be delivered this week. Our new collection drive will be AA and AAA batteries.
DOVE CHRISTMAS CARE & SHARE TEEN/PRE-TEEN GIFT DRIVE: We contacted Dove to get a list of suggested gifts for teens and pre-teens in their Christmas gift program. Here are suggestions from a MacArthur High School teacher who asked teens: Throw pillows, Back support pillows, Blankets, Makeup, Skin care and pimple stickers, Tumblers, Strip or string lights, Journals and fun pens, Games (Jenga, cards), Belt bags, Soccer balls, Slime, Nail polish and press on nails, Bead and friendship bracelet (could also be tween). We will begin collecting items now for the December program.
NEXT CHAPTER DISCIPLES CHURCH EXTENSION UPDATE: We have turned in our initial assessment report to Brock McCracken, Building and Capital Services Advisor with the Disciples Church Extension Fund. He wants to meet with us in June and requests the best time, day, or evening. Please let me know your availability and preference!
The Joint-Regional Assembly of the Christian Church in Illinois and Wisconsin and Michigan Regions (soon to re-emerge as Living Waters Region) will be held Friday, October 3 & Saturday, October 4, at the Tinley Park Convention Center in Tinley Park, IL. For more information, click here.
WEEKLY PRAYER LIST: Pentecost Offering for New Church Ministry; Root and Branch Christian Church; ANEW Church; Continuous Grace Christian Church, Flint, MI; Kingdom Building Christian Church, Detroit, MI; Word Encounter Christian Church, Detroit, MI; CYF Camp at Walter Scott. Health: Dane Hodges, Donald Humphries, Virginia Johnson, Paul Kater, Sondra Lehew, Scott Marland, Charlotte Sutman, Debbie Volle Community: Decatur Public Schools, Galloway, Nelson, and Clokey Park neighborhoods Sympathy: Family of Karin Rasor (Tonda Atchason's sister-in-law), 5/11. Global Ministries: Indonesia
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