Acts 2:1-21
Pentecost
 
Spirit of the living God, visit us again on the day of Pentecost.
Come, Holy Spirit.
With rushing wind that sweeps away all barriers,
Come, Holy Spirit.
With tongues off fire that set our hearts aflame,
Come, Holy Spirit.
With speech that unties the Babel of our tongues,
Come, Holy Spirit.
With love that overleaps the boundaries of race and nations,
Come, Holy Spirit.
With power from above to make our weakness strong,
Come, Holy Spirit.
 
This Sunday is the culmination of the Easter-Pentecost season. Through this season, we remember and celebrate all the promises of God through the person of Jesus Christ. Last week we remembered the ascension of Jesus as his time on earth came to an end. On this Pentecost Sunday (Pente observes the 50 days after Easter) we celebrate the giving of the Holy Spirit to the early Church. With images of wind and fire, diverse speech and prophecy, we invite the Spirit into our lives both individually and collectively. I invite you to re-read this fiery text in preparation for worship on Sunday as we invite the unruly Spirit to be present anew among us. You may observe the day by wearing your brightest red, orange or yellow!  Hope to see you in your pew! We will also celebrate our mothers, both biological and surrogate, this Mother's Day Sunday.

 

The Rev. Marlene Pomeroy
 
Liturgist this Sunday is Stacy Thomas
Church School Teachers are: Krysty, Jeff, and Ken
Youth Discussion will be led by Jake Pomeroy
Ushers are: Ron White, Kathie Arscott, Suzanne Burger, Jeff Levison and Jim Maddox
 
Other opportunities coming up:

Sunday May 11th Yoga class taught by Rev. Marlene Pomeroy in the West parlor from 4-5:15. Please speak with Marlene if this is your first class. You may bring a friend to class if you speak with Marlene in advance.
 
The Halogen planning committee invites you to a night at the Hollywood Bowl on Sunday Aug. 31st. It is an evening of Warner Bros. film clips projected on the big screens, accompanied by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. We will meet for a group picnic prior to the screening. All are invited to join us. Please RSVP to the church office by Friday May 9th so we can assure that you will be seated with us. We are purchasing $30 tickets in the super seat area. Call the office to reserve your seat.
 
Nina is away on vacation this week. We have daily subs and their hours are 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. each day.
 
Finally, if you are interested in attending all or part of the Southern California/Nevada Annual Gathering Fri. June 20th and Sat. June 21st at the Glendale UCC Church, please speak with one of our pastors for more information.

 

 

 

Acts, Chapter 1

 

The story for this Sunday's worship is the first chapter of the book of Acts. This book focuses on the story of the early church following the resurrection accounts. This first chapter recounts the story of Jesus' ascension into heaven and the re-grouping of the disciples as the inner twelve.  It lays the foundation for the receiving of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost which occurs in the second chapter.

 

There are only two biblical accounts of ascensions - being taken up into heaven. The first is Enoch in Genesis 5, though we only hear that God "took him." The second is the esteemed prophet Elijah in 2 Kings 2:12 who was taken up into the whirlwind as his successor Elisha watches. Jesus, now in Acts 1 is the third person who is taken by God up into the heavens. In this mystical act is the declaration of Jesus special status as ambassador of God. He is no ordinary man because ordinary men and women die and are laid to rest. No, Jesus is extraordinary, a unique prophet and man of God who we should listen to!

 

We will explore this magical vision of Jesus ascending to God this Sunday. We will also observe the Sacrament of Communion. Please join us in the chapel at 10:00 for worship. This is preceded by a weekly Bible Study at 9:00 in the church library. Childcare is available in the nursery. After worship on Sunday we will be hosting a brief inquiry session for folks who are thinking of joining the church. Please plan to meet with Rev. Marlene Pomeroy and Membership Ministry Co-Chair Ron White in the East parlor is you are interested. Hope to see you Sunday!

 

The greeters are: Jackie Lonnquist and Barbara May
The ushers are: Ken Winte, Peter Keller, Marie Spencer, and Bob Spencer
The liturgist is: Edwina Fay Maling
The acolyte is: Moriah Vega Star
Church School Teachers are: Krysty, lead teacher and Natalie and Roberta, Andy and Jeff.

 

Other Opportunities this week:

 

On Saturday, members of our church are sponsoring the first Aid Africa Walk around the Rose Bowl at 3 p.m. Please contact Nina in the church office if you wish to sponsor a walker or would like a sponsor sheet. Children, youth and teachers from our church are planning to walk. Join us! Peter Keller also has more information.

 

Also on Saturday JPL is hosting its annual Open house (on Sunday as well). Many church members work at JPL and Jeff Levison will be volunteering on Saturday afternoon if you attend. Please contact Jeff or check out the JPL website for details.

 

On Sunday at 4 p.m. Marlene will teach the weekly FCC Intro Yoga class. You must speak with Marlene in advance if you have not attended before. This class is open to FCC Members and their friends.

On Monday May 5th the Alpha Group will be cooking and serving dinner at Union Station from 6-9 p.m.

 

On Sunday August 31st the Halogen Fellowship group is inviting any interested persons to join us for a picnic dinner and a night at the Hollywood Bowl. The program is "The Big Picture: The Films of Warner Bros." Scenes from many films, including Harry Potter & Casablanca will be screened on the big screens, along with live music from the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. Tickets will be purchased Sat. May 10th for $30 each. This is great for all ages. Please contact Marlene if you wish to attend and see the article in this week's newsletter for other upcoming Halogen events.