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Are you ready to be invaded by the Spirit?
With the celebration of Pentecost this coming Sunday, I've been thinking a lot about the gift of the Holy Spirit. I love one commentator's description of the Third Person of the Trinity as "God in action." Throughout scripture, there is a deep conviction that no one can do the work of God without the Spirit of God.
Yet I don't remember a lot of conversation growing up about receiving the Holy Spirit. A lot was said about God the Father, and the stories of Jesus are imprinted on my heart. But discussion about the One who guides us into the truth about Jesus, about ourselves, and our brokenness (John 16:8-13) was, in many ways, off limits.
I've wondered about this and have come to believe it is primarily because we get nervous about spiritual gifts that we don't fully understand. Our daughter loves surprises (as long as she knows about them ahead of time). I think we are very much like that with the gift of the Spirit: Grant me that gift, God, but let me control it.
As J.B. Phillips stated many years ago, 'The great difference between present-day Christianity and (the early church), is that, to us, faith is primarily a performance; to (the early Church) it was a real experience. We reduce the Christian religion to a code... To (the early church) it was quite plainly the invasion of their lives..."
Are you ready to be invaded? Are you ready to experience God in action? I am!
With joy,
Debbie Rundlett
General Presbyter
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Holy Habit: Pray for the Spirit!
Study Paul's prayers for the Ephesians (1:15-23, 3:14-21).
Do we pray for one another like this? What might happen if we did? This week, allow the Apostle Paul to guide you in prayer for the gift of the Holy Spirit: for yourself, your family, and your community.
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Today, Thursday, June 5, is the day Muskingum Valley Presbytery is featured in the 2014 Mission Yearbook!
Check out our page in your copy of the Mission Yearbook, and join us in the prayer below, which is featured on our page:
Let Us PrayHoly One, we seek to be fully alive within and without. Shape us according to your purpose, that we may reflect your glory. Bless us to be a blessing. All this we pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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Christian Educator Position Available Pepper Pike, Ohio
Spirit-led Presbyterian Church in Pepper Pike, Ohio wants part-time Youth Director / Christian Education Director to share the joy of their faith with young people in a fun and energetic congregation.
Thanks again,
Edie Dieckow
216-292-4964
edieckow@sbcglobal.net
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 Announcing: "Through the Beautiful Gate - A Pilgrimage to the Holy Land"
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Presbyterian Hymnals Available!
From Carly Jones
Wooster Westminster Presbyterian Church has Presbyterian Hymnals that they no longer need. They are now using the Glory to God Hymnals and are looking to recycle or redistribute the old hymnals. They are in good shape if there is another congregation that can use them.
For further information, contact Carly Jones at the church (info below) or via email.
353 E. Pine Street
Wooster, Ohio 44691
Phone: (330) 263-2398
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Used Paraments Available!
First Presbyterian in Plymouth has a set of used paraments available. They are in good condition. If interested, contact Linda Kaufman at
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2014 PW Gathering: "Radical Hospitality"
From the Presbyterian Women in the Synod of the Covenant
The PW in the Synod of the Covenant wish to announce their 2014 Gathering, "Radical Hospitality."
- Date: July 18-19, 2014
- Location: Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 5151 W Lennon Rd, Flint Township, MI 48507
Details on breakout sessions, cost, and speakers can be found in this brochure.
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We are happy to post news and requests from your church in this section of the MVP Update. Just email Candice or call 330-339-5515 to relay your news. Please also let us know the "expiration date" on the news item so that we can keep this section current.
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Prayer Requests/Updates
- Prayers are requested for Floyd Starr (HR). He had neck surgery on May 27th.
- "Asking for prayers for all participants in the Formational Prayer Seminar at Ashland Theological Seminary, June 11-15. Walking with Jesus, this changes lives! Thank you" -- Kathleen Adams
- If you or someone you know has a prayer request, please send them to Candice at
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