* for Sunday, May 11, 2008*

            All of us have had a history class.  Some of us liked it and  others didn’t.  I am one of those that enjoyed history, especially, wars and battles since I grew up close to Gettysburg,                   Pennsylvania.  It is important to know about history because there is a lot to learn from other people’s decisions and the consequences of those decisions.

            One way we remember history is through various              holidays.  Today, we celebrate Mother’s Day in which we are         reminded that we were given life from our mother.  Remember, you only have one mother and you should tell her thank you.

            Today is also Pentecost Sunday.  It is the birthday of the church.  How many of you celebrate your birthday?  Your family and friends sing the Happy Birthday song and you blow out your candles   making a wish at the same time.

            Even though you celebrate your birthday, you don’t            remember it.  You were too small to remember your birth.  The same can be said for Pentecost.  All of us were not around for the          Pentecost we read in Acts, but we celebrate it today.  The question I am wondering is Pentecost, now or in the past?  Is Pentecost something that happened in the past and we just celebrate that event on this holiday or do we experience Pentecost today?

            Easter has come and gone and summer is almost here.  Are you on fire for Christ?  Where is the zeal for sharing the Good News?  What has happened to the flame that is placed next to the cross on the Methodist logo?  These are questions we need to ask ourselves personally, but also need to ask each other.  I hope and pray that the power of the Holy Spirit will light a fire in our heart and soul that you celebrate Pentecost every day.

In Christ,

        Pastor Mike