A Note From Pastor Mark

Welcome to summer!!!  The weekend of June 8 is the Day of Pentecost and we celebrate that we have been given an Advocate to accompany us.

Have you experienced a situation where you have acted on behalf of another as an advocate or counselor?  Or have you had someone be an advocate for you? What were the circumstances? What was it like being an advocate or having an advocate?

For the disciples of Jesus, the experience of being sent into the world can feel like abandonment. On what can we count? What or who can help us make decisions?

Jesus says to the disciples, “These things I have spoken to you, while I am still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:25-26 RSV).

There it is! The Holy Spirit, counselor and advocate, improves our memory!

What a powerful thing it is to have a memory return. Something I haven’t thought about for years may come back to me like a gift discovered in an old trunk. In fact, important experiences forgotten may often come to mind just when we need them.

If we are to believe John’s Gospel witness, this is the work of God’s Holy Spirit.

The older I get, the more important memory is. As we go into the world, like the first disciples, on behalf of Christ, and move outward in mission, we can count on the Holy Spirit to help us remember, give us wisdom and support our ministry of witness.

The Holy Spirit helps us go forth in mission. Otherwise, we hang back terrified and unsure. Courage to move out in mission is possible because of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus gives these words of comfort to those who are fearful, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27 RSV).

A Prayer to pray at the beginning of your day…As I move into your mission today, help me not be afraid. Through your Holy Spirit, help me remember your grace which you pour upon me through the gift of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, our Lord. Help remember your words throughout the day, “peace I give to you, my peace I give you.”  Amen.

If you pray this prayer daily, I’ll look forward to hearing a story of how God’s story connected with yours!  See you in worship.

Pastor Mark

Email Pastor Mark:  pastormark@sotpmail.com