Two symbols that are associated with the Holy Spirit are mentioned in this passage in Acts 2. The first is 'Wind.' Scripture says a blowing wind filled the whole house. I like the imagery of Wind and the Holy Spirit. At times I have said while looking out the window, "Look, the wind sure has kicked up." Obviously we can see the effects of the wind, but we really can't see the wind itself. We look at the Palm Trees swaying with the wind and see how strong the wind is blowing.

Sarah and I have a set of tubular musical chimes outside our back porch. (I guess it may not be a back porch but I guess a small 'lanai' or patio----but being from Illinois and Kentucky, we call it a back porch.) I love to sit out in the morning and when the wind picks up to hear the music these chimes make. We can be inside with the glass door shut and when the wind really begins to blow we can still hear the chimes. Ah, beautiful music because of the wind.

Friend when the "Wind" blows in your life there is beautiful music. Are you with me????? When the Holy Spirit blows upon us and fills us there is beautiful music. I am hoping it's "windy" in church on Sunday!

The second symbol that is used in this passage and is often associated with the Holy Spirit is "Fire." Scripture in Acts 2 says that "tongues of fire" came and rested on each of them. When there is a fire, there is excitement. When something catches on fire, I have never heard of anybody respond in a quiet monotone voice saying, "Uh, we have a fire here." Instead when there is a fire there is a raised voice and screaming and yelling and perhaps even running around while shouting "FIRE!!!!"

The Holy Spirit brings excitement. He blows into our life and fires us up to be empowered by Him and to be enabled to do what He wants us to do. Sometimes in our spiritual journey we have unfortunately let the wind die down and the fire to be nearly extinguished. Maybe this Pentecost Sunday we need to 'Light the Fire Again.'

As Pastor Chris preaches his last sermon with us at PHUMC this Sunday, may the Wind and Fire of the Holy Spirit come upon all who are in the room. We believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Oh....Holy Spirit....rain down!

'Fired up' for Sunday,

Pastor Dave

Graduation Recognition
 

This Sunday we will recognize our graduates from our school. In 1995 Westlake Christian School was started as a mission of Palm Harbor United Methodist Church. It now has over 300 students.

The vision of Westlake Christian School is to educate children to know God, understand themselves, and transform their community for Christ. This is done with the integration of high academics. In fact in 2012 Westlake was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education.

As part of Sunday's service, students will speak on "What Westlake Means to Me," there will be a solo from one of our members who is graduating, and the Westlake Christian School Eagle Chorus will be singing.

We celebrate and pray God's blessings on the 8th graders that are part of the Westlake Graduating Class of 2013!