Pastor Scott's Musings

  [Title Slide] Pentecost (Acts 2:1-21) Some like to call Pentecost the birthday of the church. I prefer the view that Pentecost is when the Church took its first baby steps. It is the gift of the promised Holy Spirit that empowers the Church for ministry that we celebrate this day.   Worshippers from all over the Roman empire had gathered to celebrate the Jewish Festival of Weeks, Shavout . Shavout occurs 7 weeks after Passover, on the 50 th day. That’s where we get the name Pentecost. The festival is one of three required pilgrimages to the temple in Jerusalem. It coincides with the wheat harvest during late spring. Worshippers brought to the temple sheaves of wheat as a first fruits offering. In accordance with the law of Moses, each family brought the first and best to give to the Lord.   As Israel became less centered upon agriculture, the Feast of Weeks shifted to a celebration of the giving of the Law at Mt. Sinai.   [Slide] When I was a kid, Cecil B. DeMille’s

  [Title Slide] You Are My Witnesses (Luke 24:44-53; Acts 1:1-11)     But you will receive  power  when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and  you will be  my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and  Samaria, and  to the end of the earth. Act 1:8 Forty days after Easter, Jesus was taken up to heaven. Happy Ascension Sunday! And It’s Mother’s Day! Congratulations and God bless all mothers, grandmothers, great grandmothers, and their families today!   The faithful prayers of mothers and grandmothers have aided many, unbeknownst to most. Saint Augustine’s mother, Monica, didn’t want her son to go to Rome. She prayed that he wouldn’t get on the ship, but he did. She prayed for Augustine while he immersed himself in the sinfulness of Rome. Augustine studied oration at university. His teacher was Bishop Ambrose. Ambrose inspired Augustine, which eventually led to his conversion to Christianity. Saint Augustine became one of the most influential theologians in Christian history

 Sermon for Centenary UMC (Lebanon) on May 5, 2024 [Title Slide] Full-on Joy! (John 15:5, 9-17)   "I am the vine." John 15:5 What brings you joy? Is it family time together? When our kids were little, we used to build a fire in the backyard and called it “family by fire!” Roasting marshmallows and making smores, hot dogs and good music playing.   Think about how you feel when a favorite song comes on the radio. You’re singling along not caring who hears you! I’m the kind of music listener that sometimes I get full body goosebumps. A huge smile fills my face and I am in a state of wonderous joy! This happens to me a lot at live concerts.   Do outdoor activities bring you joy? Hobbies? Sports?   [Slide] Late last year, CBS network conducted a poll about American happiness. Here’s the factors that contribute to happiness. 72% report happiness because their family is doing well. 63% report happiness due to good mental health. 61% are happy because of their hobb