At Pentecost we thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit enlivening and guiding the church. We remember the disciples visited by tongues of flame and their miraculous preaching, which was understood by people from many places and cultures, as if it was spoken in their native tongue.

We remember the gift of Baptism, and rejoice with those who affirm the promises of their Baptism through Confirmation at Saint Martin's. This year Michaela, Haley, Geneva and Paige...Matthew, Benjamin, Cameron and Sean proclaim the gospel to us as they claim the promises of Baptism and are renewed with the Holy Spirit's gift of life.

The Holy Spirit really is on the move here these days. A flame has been kindled...and not just the flame (both literal and metaphoric) that lights our Pentecost worship. There is a new fire burning here. Have you seen its light? Have you felt the spark?

What have you seen? What have you felt?

For myself, I have seen the Holy Spirit's spark in the eyes of our confirmands as they prepared to affirm their faith. I have also seen it recent the gatherings of new members to this community of faith - as they exchanged stories with those who have been here many years. I have seen new fire in our congregation council's energized leadership...and in the eagerness of our regional small groups as they envision the future God holds for us. As a newcomer to this place myself, I am still discovering that spark in ministries that are long-established here - through sharing meals with those in need, through Stephen Ministry and the many remarkable caring ministries of this community. I have discovered that spark in all sorts of nooks and crannies of this particular missionary outpost in the royal reign of God. I have seen it glimmer out of the stories of our history. Yes, the Holy Spirit is on the move...as it has been on the move with us for over a century.

And where is the Spirit leading us next? It's always hard to know the answer to that question, isn't it? As always, we are on a journey together...and the greatest gift of all may be that wherever God is leading us, we have one another as companions on the road. We have one another...as teachers and guides...as caretakers and friends. And we have a great God, who continues to draw us into one great community of love, through the cross of Christ...and through the waters of Baptism...and through the presence of Jesus in the bread and wine of Holy Communion.

And so, as a family of faith, with the flames of Pentecost burning anew...we are bold to pray...Come, Holy Spirit.