During May, I seem to have taken several services where the lectionary readings have taken us through sections of Acts. I’ve found myself speaking and preaching about people like Peter, Paul, Lydia, Silas, Timothy, as well as others. It’s been a curious time in some ways, as in the church calendar we’re not yet at Pentecost, yet it’s precisely because of Pentecost that those first disciples were inspired to move, tell, share, heal and more besides. It’s because of Pentecost that they declare the love of God in Jesus Christ their Risen Saviour.
So in some ways we’ve been reflecting in worship on the gifts of the Spirit before we celebrate Pentecost itself. No matter! Perhaps it gives us a sense of anticipation for our own celebrations of Pentecost on Sunday 8th June. This year it will be a service for all ages, include the sharing of Holy Communion, and the day we mark our Emmanuel Gift Day too (more about that later in the magazine). So a day of praise, a day of sacrament, a day of sharing and togetherness and hopefully above all, a day celebrating the gifts and blessings of God upon us all.
As I look through the articles, news and items in the June Magazine, I see so many people’s names and think about what a blessing they all are, or have been. Goodness me, how often God’s Spirit has been poured out upon them, and how often have gifts of kindness, compassion, generosity, prayer, wisdom are seen from the all!
Thinking of people in Pentecost, I’m going to give you a foretaste of a few mentioned in this edition. During June we have David Chapman and John Hellyer leading worship at Emmanuel – friends of Emmanuel who played a part (some years ago now) in our uniting, forming and discerning. David was the Co-Leader of the Central Sussex United Area attending our earliest Steering Groups and guiding us along good paths. John was our Methodist Chair of District, supporting, helping us reflect and advocating for us with District and Connexional support. It’ll be a joy for them to be with us – not just because we are now in the new premises, but with all the new people they’ll never have met before. In June we also have a service of celebration and farewell, too, for David Hinchliffe, our current Chair of District who’s been a very good friend to Emmanuel over recent years.
Pentecost people all three – friends past and current. At the end of June we’ll be interviewing for our Community Engagement Manager post, having re-advertised during May. May God’s Spirit be upon them, too, in their discernment (and of course, those interviewing).
I am looking forward to June already, knowing our worship, our Thanksgivings, our events and celebrations, our future planning too, will be blessed by the presence of God’s Spirit, and empowered by God’s love.
Rev. Paul Tabraham
Excerpt taken from Emmanuel Magazine June 2025. The magazine, published ten times annually, features articles contributed or authored by our members. It includes a delightful blend of testimonials, devotions, book reviews, prayers, jokes, upcoming events, and more. Grab your copy of the latest magazine at the church foyer. If you prefer to receive a copy by mail or email, feel free to reach out to us.