ST PETER'S NEWS
May 28, 2020
A WORD FROM PASTOR V
"Do we really want the Spirit to come?"

This Sunday is Pentecost. It will be a Pentecost like we have never experienced before, as we continue to worship from our living rooms, connected together by the Spirit working through the dance of electrons and photons on our TVs and devices.

RED is the color of Pentecost (for fire, renewal, and Spirit). So, wherever you are this Sunday, wear RED to mark this high holy day...red pajamas...a shirt with red...put on those red shorts or socks that you never know when to wear. Don't be afraid to be liturgical and Lutheran!

Someone once told me that, "when the Spirit comes, things change." Now, I have not experienced God as one who shakes things up just for the fun of it or to see what will happen, but that when God's Spirit comes, things change.. .that the Spirit's presence is at least as disruptive as it is comforting, because resurrection isn't more of the same...it's life from death.

And that is what we see that first Pentecost...disciples holed up in a room out of fear...but then the Spirit comes...as a violent wind...filling the entire house...setting people's hair and hearts on fire...sending them out into the streets to speak of what God has done...God's Spirit came to bring life from death.

How has God's Spirit come to you, our community, and our world over the past few months? What do you see? How are you sharing what you see of God's action in the world?

How is the Spirit filling your house these days?

What fires have been kindled and burning in you for the life of others these past months...that has caused others to wonder if you are drunk?

We are still aiming for a "hoped for" date of June 14 to offer a first in-person worship, yet know that the Spirit is not waiting, but like those first disciples, is filling the place where you are with the stuff of God (fire, Spirit, and life)...an abundance that we are all invited to open our doors and share... NOT as we are able...YET in BOLD and sacrificial ways as a response to the God who fuels and fires our life.

May your Pentecost Sunday be one where you feel the tailwind of the Spirit in your life. May God's Spirit set your life aflame in new ways for the life of another. And, if you start speaking in a language you didn't know you could speak in...just give me call! I'm sure God's Spirit is up to some good stuff.

Peace,
Pastor Vanicek
INFORMATION AND UPDATES
Since we stopped publishing the monthly print newsletter and moved to a weekly email newsletter, there are a few pieces that have been overlooked in sharing, like council meeting minutes. The goal is to continue to create a weekly email format that covers all our print newsletter used to cover.

You can now view all council meeting minutes on our website. If you would like a print copy of council meetings, contact Tristan in the church office on how you would like to receive them. CLICK HERE to view the page of previous council minutes for 2020.
BIBLE STUDY AT HOME
Faith is scripture is rarely a noun...but most often a verb...an active and alive thing. Faith is like muscles, requiring exercise to stay healthy and strong. While we are in Diaspora (separated...), use these short videos as a weekly way of growing in your faith and love.

In the face of COVID19, "loss of control" is phrase that sums up what many have experienced in this time. How do you live and respond in a time where you feel you don't have much control? The BOOK OF ECCLESIASTES was written for such a time as this...and shares the wisdom of how loosing control can be one of the best worst things to happen to us. What is out of control for you these days? What has been your attitude and response to things out of your control?
CLICK HERE to go deeper into the
theme of "hope" in scripture.
DEVOTIONS AND MAGAZINES IN THE PORTICO BIN
CHRIST IN OUR HOME
WORSHIP & PRAYER RESOURCES
If you missed a recent online worship, want to read the text of sermon, are looking for daily prayer resources, or want to find something noted in our weekly emails, CLICK HERE for a one-stop page on our website.
GRATITUDE AND CONGREGATIONAL NOTES
Alma Crow, one of our members who moved to Brenham after the 2018 flood, called the church and wanted to pass on that she has two plots at Lakeline Hills Memorial Park she will not be using now. She wanted to see if any church members were interested. If so, contact the church office to get Alma's contact information.
OTHER RESOURCES