The Spirit at Work 

 
On May 20 of this year we will gather together for two great celebrations.  The first celebration will be for the occasion of Pentecost and the second will be for the occasion of the Confirmation of five catechumens.  As I have thought about these two celebrations occurring simultaneously I have concluded that it is very appropriate.  Pentecost is the day that the promised Holy Spirit had arrived and filled the Apostles while they were in the upper room devoting themselves to prayer with the women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers.  They were now equipped to carry out the Great Commission.  They would be the bearers of the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit would be active giving the Word of God the power to grant faith to those who had not believed in Jesus. The Holy Spirit is still active today, inspiring us to speak the message of salvation and using the Gospel to give faith to unbelievers and to nurture faith in those who believe. 
 
The Holy Spirit has breathed faith into our Confirmands.  At their baptisms the Holy Spirit was present as they became children of God.  The Holy Spirit used their parents, pastors and Sunday School teachers to nourish their faith.  Whenever they heard or read God’s Word the Holy Spirit was there to encourage them in their faith. He has been molding and shaping them spiritually throughout their lives and they are now prepared to confirm their faith in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. 
 
May 20 will indeed be a great day of excitement as we gather together to celebrate the work of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost and how He has continued to work in and through the Church, in and through Trinity Lutheran Church, and in the lives of our youth as they confirm their faith.  Let us pray for them as they prepare for that day, and let us pray for our congregation as we continue to be used by the Holy Spirit to nurture faith in all of our members. 
 
~ Pastor Webb