Community News 4/2/2025
Community-
“The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23, NLT).
“At that same time, Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit…” (Luke 10:21, NLT)
“The Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat and drink, but living a life of goodness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17, NLT).
“And the believers were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit” (Acts 13:52, NLT).
“So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. In this you imitated both us and the Lord” (1 Thess. 1:6, NLT).
This is just a small sampling, but do you see the link between joy and the work and presence of the Spirit? The filling of the Spirit is tied to joy – again and again in scripture. Not just excitement, or passion, or activism… but JOY.
Seraphim – an Orthodox monk from the 18th century – said it well: “When the Spirit of God descends on a man [person], and envelops him in the fulness of His presence, the soul overflows with unspeakable joy, for the Holy Spirit fills everything he touches with joy…”
As I reflect on this past weekend, I can say this: I was filled with joy – unspeakable joy. God’s Spirit has been stirring in my heart and the church over these past months, and he has left His calling card: joy!
I’ve been sitting with Seraphim’s quote this week: “The Holy Spirit fills everything he touches with joy.” I am rejoicing. God has been so faithful, so patient, so present. He has touched my heart and our church with joy.
Sunday’s installation and celebration was another milestone on the Spirit-fueled, joy-filled journey. I’m thanking God and rejoicing for each one of you. Thank you for the kindness, the grace, the encouragement, the patience, the generosity. I see God’s fingerprints in each of you and each of those moments. More joy.
Just as much, I’m filled with joy as I consider what God has ahead for our church. God, send your Spirit. Move in our hearts. Move in our valley. Move in us and through us. Fill us with your Spirit, Lord, for Your glory, the good of our valley, and our joy in Your presence!
Thank you for the joyous celebration, Community. I can’t wait to see what God has in store.
With Joy –
Pastor Brett
