May 2026 Bulletin
During May the season of Easter draws to a close as we move into a new season on the Christian calendar marked by the Day of Pentecost, on Sunday May 24th. We recognise this day in history as the birth of the church and the coming of God to us in a new way through the Holy Spirit.
The Uniting Church in Australia (UCA) places a dove as the symbol of the Holy Spirit in the centre of its logo. This dove with wings of flame represents the Holy Spirit which empowers and guides us to be witnesses.
In the Basis of Union of the UCA we read that,
“God in Christ has given to all people in the Church the Holy Spirit as a pledge and foretaste of that coming reconciliation and renewal which is the end in view for the whole creation.”
We acknowledge that the Holy Spirit plays a central part in the worship, witness and service of our church and all of its members. The Holy Spirit lives within us, empowering us to be the fullness of what a human being is meant to be, becoming more like Christ in the world. Filled with the Spirit, we are signs of God’s dynamic, personal, loving and transforming presence, as we engage in following Christ. As we embody Christ’s way of being human, being filled with the Holy Spirit, we express God’s transforming love in the world and God’s Spirit works in and through us to bring hope and to transform lives.
This Pentecost I invite you to explore your understanding of the Holy Spirit and to open yourself up to the work of the Holy Spirit in your life. To begin this journey you might like to pray this prayer with me:
Holy Spirit, I invite You to open my heart and mind to experience all that You intend to reveal to me in this Pentecost season. You are my companion, guide and teacher on this journey deeper into the heart of God. I invite you to lead me deeper into fullness of life with Christ and I surrender to Your loving guidance. Amen.
May you be blessed by the Spirit’s presence this Pentecost.
Grace & peace, Rev Phil