Using visual arts and references to the arrival of the Holy Spirit, we celebrated Pentecost.

Guest speaker Rev. Linda Powers gave us her insights into the vision of the Ascension and how it was the prelude to the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

As disciples, we are linked to and closely dependent upon Jesus. In fact, we are so closely linked that, through his grace, we are no longer mere servants; we are nothing less than Jesus' close friends.

In last week's sermon, Faith Is in the Following, based on John 15:1-8, Pastor John spoke of Jesus identifying himself as the true vine, and the possibility of a fruitful life with God. Jesus expects us to bear good fruit, and in order for us to be fruitful, God not only keeps close to us and abides with us, but also cultivates and prunes us.

Using the text from the Gospel of John, Christ described himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. In this we gave thanks, that God did not wait until we came to Him but, like a shepherd searching for lost sheep, God came out and found us and brought us home. We also heard through song and scripture, the Twenty-third Psalm, The Lord is My Shepherd.

On the Sunday after Easter we read the story of Doubting Thomas- Jesus' disciple who refused to believe the other disciples' account of Jesus' resurrection without seeing it for himself. Hearing this story right after the joy of Easter Sunday acknowledges the complexity of belief. Christ returned to his disheartened disciples, appeared to them, breathed upon them, giving them his peace.

After a quiet and somber night on Maundy Thursday, Easter Sunday morning was a glorious day of music, celebration and laughter with the church bursting with families and children. Following the worship the children invaded the front lawn to seek eggs and treasures. Pastor John's sermon, The First Witness, gave insight into Mary Magdalene's connection with Jesus.

In this opening to Passion Week, where we celebrated Jesus' triumphant arrival into Jerusalem, things begin to change very quickly. By the end of the service we moved from the Hosanna to the somberness of Maundy Thursday and the beginning of the Passion.

In his sermon, Drawing All to Himself, Pastor John explains that Jesus does not go to the cross for just one group of people. In John 12:20-33, Jesus says he will be lifted up to draw all women and men to himself. All. Like a great magnet that picks up all kinds of metallic fragments indiscriminately. As we get closer to Holy Week, Jesus continues to foreshadow his death, and its importance in birthing new life. Like a single grain that falls to the earth, dies, and then bears much fruit.

The Old Testament scripture told of the Israelites, weary and complaining about their travels in the wilderness, being bitten poisonous snakes. But God tells Moses to take a poisonous snake and put it on a pole so that everyone who is bitten might see it and live. The New Testament scripture reading includes the Bible's most recognizable verse, John 3:16, where Jesus explains to Nicodemus how to have eternal life.