Thursday, May 28, 2009

Pentecost - An Offering And So Much More

Each year National City Christian Church receives a Pentecost offering for the New Church Ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). This offering provides support for new church planter training, coaching, special project grants, and additional services to support new congregations. Half of the money collected through our Pentecost Offering remains in our region to benefit new churches here. Give generously to the evangelistic ministries of our church, when we receive this special offering on May 24 and 31 - our special Pentecost.

Yet Pentecost is more than an offering. This anniversary of the birth of the Christian Church universal is celebrated 50 days after Eater Sunday. We remember a special time in Jerusalem when many nations of people gathered and received the Holy Spirit for the work of the Gospel.

Pentecost is a reminder of God's great providence in drawing together people of many nations, many languages, many theological sensibilities, and many political persuasions into Christ Jesus. Refresh your memory about this exciting moment in church history by reading the first couple of chapters in the book of the Acts of the Apostles.

Join the whole people of God on May 31 to give thanks for the birth of the church that continues to be an expression of God's presence in the world, and make a generous offering during Pentecost, so God's church may be extended through this land.

Stephen Gentle