Sunday, May 17, 2009

Astounded

Today's first lesson:

Acts 10:44-48

While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were
astounded
that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, "Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.
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Good Shepherd, Sioux Falls is celebrating the completion of a three year capital campaign today. The bulk of the money went to make our church more accessible to more people more of the time.
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We are astounded.
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We had our doubts as we launched this thing. But God took it and did more with us than we could have asked or imagined. We are a new congregation in many ways. The Holy Spirit fell on us and we are more aware of belonging to Jesus Christ than we were three years ago.

3 comments:

A. S. Haley said...

Congratulations, Father Tim, for your congregation and the new things they are enabled to do with the successful conclusion of your campaign.

My prayers are with you, your family and your congregation as you all begin this new phase in your ministry of God's word in South Dakota, under a new bishop.

God's grace and peace be with you all.

TLF+ said...

Thank you! The existence of other pockets of faithfulness and health around The Episcopal Church has been an encouragement to us in some lonely days. Your encouragement means a great deal!

David Handy+ said...

Wow, even the Anglican Curmudgeon is paying attention to Northern Plains Anglican these days. But I too rejoice in the generosity of your parishioners and friends who contributed to these capital improvements. Thanks be to God.

I look forward to seeing the new, imporoved building the next time I return home to Sioux Falls.

Keep up the good work, Tim+.