June 2025

You send forth your Spirit, and they are created and so you renew the face of the earth.

~Psalm 104:30

This morning, in our neighborhood the signs of spring and early summer are all over. The trees are full of leaves, the flowers are blooming, the ducklings are getting bigger and road construction is everywhere.

As June begins, in worship we return to the story of Pentecost. It was during that warm, early summer festival when the disciples, fresh from their encounters with the Risen Jesus, gathered in the midst of all of the nation and the Holy Spirit came like a mighty, rushing wind upon them. Though Acts tells us that something like tongues of fire danced over each of them, the real miracle was that through the Spirit, those thousands of people gathered in Jerusalem were able to hear the Gospel, “each in their own languages.”

On Sunday, June 8th, we’ll celebrate the confirmation of Brian Brannick and OJ Somwarbi. Just as the Spirit came on the day of Pentecost long ago and gave the disciples the courage and the words to speak about their formation through a relationship with Jesus, our confirmands will give us a glimpse at what they understand God is doing in them and through them.

The day before, June 7th, our Wildfire churches will be hosting a table at the Golden Valley Pride Festival in another example of being sent out to share God’s love with people “where they’re at” and in their own language.

Throughout the month of June, we’ll continue to go where the Spirit leads us.

In some ways, we’re preparing for what has become the familiar practice of going out into the neighborhood to meet our neighbors. Our June Community Cookout will be on June 18th from 5:30-7:30 and we’d love your help and participation to build relationships with our neighbors.

In other ways, we’ll be trying something new this summer alongside our Wildfire Collaborative. At 7pm on the 2nd Wednesdays of June, July and August, we’ll gather alongside members of the other Wildfire Churches to build relationships and community. Our gathering in June will be at Elim in Robbinsdale on June 11th at 7pm. It will be an evening of music, community and collaboration.

This summer, the Wildfire Planning Team and the Wildfire Visioning Team will also be meeting. The Wildfire Planning Team is working to plan more ways to gather and build relationships. The Wildfire Visioning Team will be gathering to explore some of the big questions of how our shared ministry in the Robbinsdale School District might unfold in the coming years. If you’re interested in learning more or participating, I would love to hear from you!

In the Psalm that will accompany the Pentecost story on Sunday, June 8th, in few words, the Psalmist gives voice to the work of the Spirit among us. It’s a lovely, centering reminder that this summer season of Pentecost is about the sending of God’s Spirit of renewal and re-creation.

May this be a season of renewal and recreation for you, too!

Pastor Colin