We conclude our worship series, Missio Dei, this Sunday with a celebration of Pentecost. Pentecost is the fiftieth day of the Easter season. The earliest church completed forty days of ongoing teaching from the Risen One, followed by a ten-day prayer vigil. On the day of Pentecost, the church, by the power of the Holy Spirit, began to move. Worship will be a celebration of Pentecost. Our focus will be on the hospitality and hope offered in the practice of worship.
Outline for Missio Dei
•May 18: Worship & The Mission of God (Acts 17.22-31)
•May 25: Meaning & Purpose of Worship (Acts 17.22-31)
•June 1: Understanding the Parts of Worship (Acts 17.22-31)
•June 8: Pentecost Celebration. Worship as Hospitality & Hope. (Acts 2)
Take time to read Acts 2.
Acts 2.44-46 states: [they] were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts.
The Holy Spirit came upon the early followers of Jesus as wind and fire. You might say the early followers of Jesus welcomed the Holy Spirit into their lives. And they were changed. Welcoming others changes us. Practicing hospitality changes us. It led the early followers of Jesus to watch over one another in love in radical ways…sharing all things in common and distributing proceeds based on needs. The text continues, “Day by day.” Hospitality changes us over time. It is something we practice. Through this practice, we open ourselves up to a deep and abiding hope.
Consider these questions as you wonder about the scripture this week: how have you experienced hospitality at worship? How does our community welcome people? How might we grow in our capacity to welcome? How do you personally practice hospitality on Sunday mornings?