Pray with us - A series of Easter reflections
Transforming Nottinghamshire Together is supported by the Church Urban fund (CUF). Join our national team as they reflect and pray this Holy Week and Easter. Visit throughout the weeks as we make our journey together.
Here's SOPHIE EDWARDSON, listening and learning officer
Over the years helping out with kids work at Church Pentecost has been one of my favourite Sundays. There is something about making fire crowns with gold card, glitter, tissue paper and glue and running around fuelled by biscuits and squash that brings real fun to those mornings.
“Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.” (Acts 2:2-3)
The arrival of the Holy Spirit is dramatic, noticeable and quite literally uncontainable (all attributes that the kids quite like). As we read on the disciples are drawn outside, a crowd gathers in bewilderment as they hear their own languages being spoken.
In the immediacy after receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, given by God as the Advocate and Comforter for us on Earth (John 14:26), there is opportunity to connect with others. A crowd gathers, different languages are spoken and questions are asked.
God does not create us to be in isolation. Community is central to his work and environments where people find belonging during good and bad times.
As we celebrate Pentecost this year and thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit I pray that we are mindful of opportunities to connect. That we have the confidence to act on prompts to speak with family, neighbours, friends and people down the shops.
In our world where we can see increasing division and polarisation may we have the courage and confidence to reach out.
