Dear Friends,

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As we continue through the church year we celebrate Ascension Day, on 29th May, when we recall how Jesus, following some resurrection appearances leaves the disciples to ‘get on with it’ but promising them the gift of the Holy Spirit. Pentecost, when the Spirit came is often referred to as the ‘birthday’ of the church and this year we celebrate on 8th June. It was then that the anxious and frightened disciples were changed into those who were prepared to stand up and be counted as the followers of Jesus and with confidence to spread the good news of all they had seen and heard about in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

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They could have chosen otherwise but felt themselves compelled and called to follow Jesus’ instructions. Without those early apostles who faithfully handed on the story we would not have the church of today. They were always looking to hand on the baton to others as the gospel message spread worldwide and the church grew. There was numerical growth in the life of the early Christian community and later in the church of its time, as one generation after another handed on the story.

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There have been periods of great revival throughout all these years and times too when in some places there has been decline numerically. However, that is not the whole story; it has not only been about numerical growth. It has also always been about individual lives being transformed leading to both personal and communal action, speaking about and living out faith in ordinary everyday life.

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As those early disciples were called, so we are still called to share that same good news, however ordinary we might feel; called to share that message of lives transformed as we too draw on our faith and follow in the way of Jesus. Are we ready and willing to respond and go on being transformed here and now? Let’s enjoy the birthday party at Pentecost, celebrate the good news and continue to hand on the story in whatever ways we can in our place and time.

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Every blessing,
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Deacon Jackie Fowler