United Church of God

Personal From Ministerial and Member Services: May 20, 2021

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Personal From Ministerial and Member Services

May 20, 2021

Pentecost Visit to Annapolis, Maryland

Last Friday, my wife, Barbara, and I drove over to Maryland to meet with five congregations—Philadelphia, Delmarva, Columbia, Northern Virginia and Richmond—for Pentecost. We were planning to stay with Steven and Danielle Britt, but Danielle and their daughter had been fighting off a cold so we all felt it best to save that for another time.

On the Sabbath, we attended the Columbia, Maryland, congregation and I gave a split sermon along with elder Bill Robinson. Bill and his wife, Carolyn, have served faithfully in the area for many years. The Columbia congregation was very warm and friendly. We greatly enjoyed getting to meet most of our members there. Columbia has a good mix of both seasoned members and some very recent members. It was sunny and bright and an absolutely gorgeous day in every way!

That evening, all the area deacons and elders met together for dinner at the hotel in Annapolis where we would meet for Pentecost services the next day. We all greatly enjoyed the camaraderie and fellowship, and getting to know each other better Saturday evening. We all have so much in common and it is God’s Spirit that binds us together in closer unity and friendship.

On Pentecost, Bill Robinson gave the offertory sermonette and spoke of God as the greatest of all givers. I followed up with the morning sermon and gave seven practical ways to stir up the Spirit of God that is working with us or living in us.

For the afternoon, split sermons were given. Steven Britt spoke of how mankind has been broken because of their sins and that God’s chosen nation, Israel, suffered because of their disobedience to God’s laws. We in God’s Church today are still somewhat broken because of sin, Satan and the world. Nevertheless, God is in the restoration business and by His Spirit He will renew all things!

Don McCoy, who until about a year ago pastored all five churches that were meeting that day, gave the second split sermon. Don spoke of how true Christians really do have superpowers because we have been given the very power of God’s Holy Spirit. Don asked whether we really grasp the power that God has given us. He showed how the Holy Spirit transformed the apostle Peter into a great man of faith and power. As firstfruits under the New Covenant, we are also called to use spiritual powers. Don ended his sermon with the statement, “Let us all fight for truth, justice, and the way to the Kingdom of God!”

It was a very enriching and inspiring Sabbath and Pentecost! I trust you all had similar experiences!

Sunday evening, Barbara and I shared a fine meal with Don and Peggy McCoy, but the fellowship was definitely the highlight. I greatly appreciate all the service the McCoys and the Britts render to those in this beautiful area of the United States!

Barbara and I greatly enjoyed meeting so many members from the five congregations that were gathered together for Pentecost, one of God’s meaningful annual Holy Days that picture God’s wonderful plan for all mankind!

Wishing you all a very meaningful and inspiring Sabbath!