Resources for Pentecost 2012

Sunday May 27th is Pentecost. This is the day when we celebrate:. The coming of the Holy Spirit and the infilling of Jesus’ disciples with the power to go out and change the world The great multi cultural gathering that we catch a glimpse of as we watch the spirit fall and suddenly everyone is [...]

Ascension Day Getting Us Ready for Pentecost

Today is Ascension Day, but like many of us I am already thinking about Pentecost in 10 days time. Then we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit, though for many churches it has become a day of prayer for peace. The following prayer came to me this morning as I thought about these two [...]

Turbulent Times are here to Stay – How Do We Maintain our Stability?

This last week the Washington State government announced a new budget with major cutbacks that will impact social programmes, education and societal infrastructure. It is but one of a long line of federal, state and local governing bodies around the world that have done so. And all this with a backdrop of uncertainty for all [...]

Ascension Day & Pentecost – Distant neighbours

A couple of days ago I was thinking about the juxtaposition of Ascension day and Pentecost.  One to commemorate the ascent of Jesus the other to remember the descent of the Holy Spirit.    Ascension Day and Pentecost are closely linked.  It was because Jesus ascended into heaven that the Holy Spirit could descend and [...]

Prayers for the Journey

This is my last day at Overseas Ministries Study Center and though I have had a wonderful week, it will be great to be home with Tom & our dog Bonnie.  Interacting with the students who come from a rich variety of cultures including China, Korea, Myanmar, Kenya, Ghana, the Philippines and Malaysia as well [...]

It’s Allergy Season But Don’t Hold Your Breath Too Long

I am in New Haven CT for a week of teaching at the Overseas Ministry Study Centre and it is definitely allergy season.  Pollen count is at an all time high, and like almost everyone around me, my eyes are gritty, my sinuses are aching and I am not sure if I really want to [...]

What Do I Believe About the Holy Spirit? – Advocate & Guide

The Holy Spirit tends to be the least understood of the part of the tripartate nature of God.  Those of us that were nurtured in the charismatic movement often think of tongues of fire and speaking in tongues, manifestations of the Holy Spirit’s presence. However the Holy Spirit is far more than a few showy [...]

Trinity Sunday is Coming

Next Sunday is Trinity Sunday a celebration that is not well known in the Protestant side of the church in spite of the fact that what this day celebrates is a doctrine at the very centre of our faith – our belief in the Triune nature of God. The theme this week is clear – [...]

How The Holy Spirit is Moving Today

Patheos.com is hosting a series on “How the Holy Spirit is Moving Today” Contributors were asked to respond in 100 words or less.  Unfortunately I did not have time to respond because we were away on retreat the last few days.  However great responses posted have really made me think, look and listen. I see [...]

A Native American Gathering Prayer

I have just returned from our MSA staff retreat – a good couple of days to renew our focus and refresh our vision.  For gathering each morning I used the following prayer which was given to me the previous Saturday by Elsie Dennis who conducted a workshop on Native American spirituality at a conference Tom [...]