Sometimes we as Christians act as if we have a corner on Gods spirit. Pentecost is both a Jewish holy day celebrating the first fruits of the harvest and a Christian holy day celebrating the gift of the Holy Spirit coming to Jesus first followers. Still, its impact goes far beyond one or even two religious traditions. Gods spirit breathes through all flesh. Now thats good news.

As Jesus prepares to leave his followers and go to be with God he reminds them that there are certain things they just cannot know. God is so vast that the human mind cannot even being to fathom the dream God has for this world. Still, God gives us the power to participate in the realization of that dreamGods kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.

As the exiles return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple there are both laughter and tears in response to this opportunity. West End UMC has been a place where generations have come to celebrate and to mourn, a place baptized with laughter and tears. As we care for this building we continue a great tradition as well as live into Gods dream for us in the future.

The only reason we have a building is to provide a place that we can practice the love of God and neighbor to which Jesus called all his followers. It is place where we cultivate glad and generous hearts and goodwill toward all people. Believe it or not, it even provides the environment where we can learn to love our enemies.