Grace and peace to you all as we step into the vibrant month of June! As we look to Sunday, June 8th, we will joyously celebrate Pentecost Sunday! This powerful day marks the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples, empowering them to speak in new tongues and share the good news of Christ with all who would listen. It’s a vivid reminder that God’s love and grace are meant to transcend barriers, to be heard and understood by everyone, no matter their background or language.

This theme of speaking in a language that others understand, of meeting people where they are, is one that will continue to resonate throughout June. I’m thrilled to announce the launch of our annual summer worship series, beginning after Pentecost, called “Summer Playlist.”

Have you ever noticed how a song can instantly transport you, evoke a memory, or articulate a feeling you couldn’t quite put into words? Music is a universal language, a powerful medium that connects us on a deeply human level. In “Summer Playlist,” each week we will kick off our worship with a contemporary song that will not only launch our message but also serve as a thematic touchstone for the day. From pop anthems to thoughtful indie tracks, we’ll explore how modern music can illuminate ancient truths, offering fresh perspectives on scripture and our faith journey.

Just as the Holy Spirit enabled the disciples to communicate across cultural and linguistic divides on Pentecost, using modern music in our worship is one way we can strive to speak in a language that resonates with contemporary hearts and minds. It’s an invitation to engage with our faith in new and meaningful ways, to discover the sacred in the seemingly secular, and to hear God’s call to love and justice in every beat and lyric.

I am incredibly excited about this new series and the conversations it will spark. I believe it will be a refreshing and inspiring way to delve deeper into our faith together this summer. So, come prepared to sing along, to listen with new ears, and to discover how the Spirit continues to sing a new song among us.