05/29/2026
There will be no video update this week so our Executive Producer Bear can take some much needed time off. However, Pastor Scott is still hard at work and so this week we're sharing his written update! If you'd like to see his written update every week, sign up for our email list on our website!
The Weekly Update, Friday, May 29, 2026
Greetings First Parish Church Family!
Pentecost follow up. Were you here? Did you experience it? What did you think? Was it wild? Was it out of control? Was it unpredictable? Did you have fun? Did you, or anyone around you say, “Tsk, tsk, tsk. This is not appropriate for worship!”
It was wild, and it was out of control, and it was unpredictable and … yes … it was fun! And that was the whole point. That is why those giant balloons were the perfect metaphor for the Holy Spirit. When Mari and Michelle dumped the bags of the ordinary balloons over the balcony railing there was not much reaction from the congregation. Ho hum. Most of the balloons hit the floor. But when I started launching the large balloons there was an instantaneous reaction. Wow! Young and older alike were on their feet batting the balloons around. The excitement continued to build as balloon after balloon was launched into the sanctuary. How many are there?! How did he blow them up?!
And, if you were in the room or watched online, you noticed that it was difficult getting the fun to stop. Just like the Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit of God cannot be controlled, it cannot be tamed, it cannot be harnessed. Over the generations, there have those who have tried to bend the power of God to their will. There have been occasions when we would rather have had the Holy Spirit blow when we wanted it to blow and where we wanted it to blow. Can you imagine if there had been people on the streets of Jerusalem on that Pentecost morning that said, “You know, I really do not appreciate what the Holy Spirit is doing here today! This is NOT what I would have expected!”
We celebrate Pentecost on one Sunday of the year, but the next twenty-five Sundays are called the “First, Second, Third, etc … Sunday after Pentecost.” The gift of the Holy Spirit of God is not a one Sunday a year event. It is an every day occurrence. The Holy Spirit of God is always with us to guide us, teach us, inspire us, strengthen us. The presence and power of the Holy Spirit are with us as we live and move according to God’s will and God’s Way. I deflated the balloons, we put away the Pentecost banners, but it is still Pentecost. May we tune our hearts and minds to the movement of the Spirit every day. May we hear the sound and see the light and follow it where it leads us.
Here are our announcements for the week:
Worship & Church School … This Sunday, May 31, I will be leading both the 8:30 AM Sacred Conversation and the 10:00 AM Sanctuary Service. During the 10:00 AM service we will celebrate Children’s Sunday and our Christian Education ministries.
Prayer Requests … Please send me any prayer requests that you would like me to share during the worship service by Saturday evening. You can send them to me at [email protected].
Sunday FUN Day, this Sunday … Please remain after worship for some family friendly activities. We will put some hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill and have ice cream for dessert. All are welcome.
The Clean-Up Day for Lidia and Makengo has been postponed due to weather. Please save Sunday, June 14, noon-4:00 PM on your calendars. Lidia and Makengo work opposite shifts and it is difficult for them to get some of the projects done around the house. We will help with some yardwork and minor repairs. Please bring rakes and gloves and other helpful tools.
PRIDE in the Park has also been postponed. S**o Main Street has rescheduled the event for Saturday, August 1, noon-4:00 PM, with a rain date of August 2. Keep on marking that calendar and save the date.
Coffee & Conversation, Friday, June 5, 10:00 AM … You are invited to join me at the table as we enjoy coffee, cocoa or tea. There might even be some yummy snacks!
Friday Friends Luncheon, Friday, June 19, Noon … Friday Friends is a gathering for those who have lost their spouse or partner. Please RSVP with the church office so that we know how many will be joining us.
Vacation Bible School, “Snowball Mountain Challenge,” July 6-10. VBS is always a fun time for the children and the adults. Look for registration forms on the church website (www.firstparishsaco.org) or in the church office.
HELP WANTED … First Parish Church is looking for a Head Custodian. If you, or someone you know, might be interested in the position, please speak with me or Phil Blood for more information, or to get a copy of the job description.
May God bless you and keep you. May God’s Presence surround you and give you peace.
Pastor Scott
PS… I am sad to report that it appears as though the momma robin has abandoned her nest. I have not seen her for several days.
