Food for the journey: mid-week spiritual nourishment

Sunday was Pentecost, where we remembered the birth of the Church.
We also had a pulpit swap, with the Minister heading across to Douglas Valley to share in worship
at both Douglas and Rigside churches, while Mr Bill Love, the Douglas Valley Locum and Interim Moderator came to visit with UCPC.
The readings for Sunday were: Acts 2: 1-8, 12-21; John 14: 15-21
and Mr Love's sermon was titled: 'The World set on  fire'

As we think of Pentecost, and the fresh wind of God's Spirit at work, some questions
to help your reflections and prayer....

This week, we think of God’s spirit at work in the world in new and extraordinary ways.
Allow that spirit to transform you in new and extraordinary ways.

                                          In what ways have you stopped trying new things?
This week, try to develop a new skill, or use something you are good at
to make a difference to someone else. Perhaps paint a picture, pop in to see a vulnerable friend,
bake a cake, carry out the DIY for someone who struggles, think of the opportunities that arise.

In what ways can you deepen your relationship with God, 

by seeking to use your gifts for God and for others?

Think of those gifts that you have been given by God.
How can you use them in service of church and community?
Identify ways in which you might offer yourself to service within the church and community.
Look around you: where do you see the skills gap? What is missing?
How can you help?

And, to finish, a prayer:
O God,
You are Spirit;
You are wind;
You are breath.

You meet us in the wonders of creation,
in the awe of wonderful things,
in the terror of fearful things.
You blow among the fallen leaves,
the broken branches,
the whining pain
and the whirlwinds of delight.

Your wind gently touches our brow
with comfort and caress;
your forgiveness raises us to life;
your challenge disturbs our tidy piles
and spreads opportunities before our eyes.

Gentle Spirit, breathe on us your life.
Strong Spirit, open our closed doors to your compassion;
Universal Spirit, inspire us to sing and sigh for justice;
Spirit of Jesus, teach us to walk,
to work, to pray, to live, to love,
your way.

Awaken our dreams,
expand our visions,
heal us for hope,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

written by Prof. Bill Loader, a Minister in the Uniting Church of Australia, 
and former Professor of New Testament at Murdoch University