Members and Friends of Austin Mennonite Church I trust the beauty around you inspires you and brings you comfort. This next Sunday we will celebrate Pentecost, the testimony of God's divine spirit within and among us. The presence of the 'holy' spirit provides us a practical source of both strength and direction. Knowing we are following in the way that honors God's intention for the creation generates endurance and patience whenever we become discouraged. Sustaining a commitment to trust the supervision of the divine spirit gives us a purpose for our lives and serves to orient us whenever we make decisions about how we will spend ourselves in ministry. Historically the church has passionately acknowledged this 'Advocate' promised by Jesus as he prepared to ascend to the creator God. Accommodating for the presence of the holy spirit, however, has proven to be a challenging and tenuous process for Christians, both individually and corporately. How does the holy spirit engage the believing community? How does the holy spirit influence the world at large? What is the difference in our faith experience and that of those who lived before the pouring out of God's spirit? These thoughts will compose the sermon for this next Sunday, 'Holy spirit as fulfillment of the gospel.' We will share our community meal together this next Sunday. May it go well with you. Sincerely, Garland Robertson ...always hold firmly to the thought that each one of us can do something to bring some portion of misery to an end