Pentecost Sunday is a like a birthday celebration for the church, remembering with joy how the church was born when the gift of the Holy Spirit was given. On that first Pentecost, 3000 people were baptised into God’s family, the church.
Two thousand years later we are still baptising people, and this morning we celebrate Pentecost Sunday with the baptisms of Hannah and Ruby. These young women have beautiful stories of how Jesus found them and brought them to The Grove, to discover hope and life in Christ. Hannah mentions in her testimony how Dean overheard her talking about wanting to check out church, and he invited her along to The Grove last year. She came and never left! Praise God.
Celebrating people saying yes to Jesus call has been a mark of the church since day one. We certainly love to celebrate people at The Grove, so let me share a few more reasons with you. Last Sunday at our church meeting, God’s call on a few people was approved to start new roles in the new financial year.
Henry Leong’s role is changing from Youth and Young Adults Pastor to Next Generation Pastor. This means Henry will oversee the leaders of kids, youth and the 5.30pm congregation. On Vision Sunday next week we will commission Henry for this calling.
Emma is part of the Next Gen team as our Children’s Worker, but now Jade Biddell will also join the team. Jade began in an Administration Support role this year, but her role shifts to include leading our prayer ministry and hospitality at the 5.30pm service, and overseeing our Café team across the church.
Our worship and tech team has grown to 41 members, so it’s a joy to announce that Sinead Gardner is called by Jesus as our new Worship Director, receiving the Baton from Fiona Mansfield. We celebrate and give thanks for Sinead as she leads the team to serve God’s vision for worship.
So on Pentecost Sunday we celebrate baptisms and new callings, because that’s why the Holy Spirit was given; to radically change people’s lives with grace and purpose. There is something else the church loves to do, and that’s to pray for people. All week we have been praying with churches across Queensland for the love of God to spread into every heart and home. This afternoon we finish our week of prayer with a final prayer meeting at 4pm, to pray for those who need healing in some way. You are so welcome to come and experience the love and help of God, through this special ministry of the
Holy Spirit through his church.
Happy Pentecost Sunday, Marty