Your Neighbourhood Place of Hope

From the Pastor’s Desk

A few weeks ago, I was in a meeting when suddenly every phone in the room lit up—buzzing, dinging, and ringing all at once. We looked around, startled, and pulled out our phones. It turned out the emergency alert system was being tested.

The message told us: In the case of a real emergency, you will be instructed on what to do next.

It wasn’t just noise. It was a signal. A call to attention. A call to action.

This Sunday is Pentecost—the day we remember the Holy Spirit falling on the first followers of Jesus with flashing flames and the sound of rushing wind. And I keep thinking about that alarm.

Pentecost is not a quiet candle in a locked room. It’s an alarm that pulls us into the streets.

In the Gospel of John, the Spirit is given so the disciples can share the message of forgiveness.

In the book of Acts, it’s so the kingdom of God can be seen and heard—in word and in action.

The Spirit came then, and comes now— to wake us up,
to send us out,
to invite us into God’s work of healing and transformation.

This Sunday, we’ll hear about some of the ways that’s happening. Violet Hayes, Executive Director of Island Crisis Care Society, will be with us to share about their work with those in deep need. We’ll also share about a work of forgiveness unfolding between St. Andrew’s United Church and our own congregation. The Spirit is moving. Let’s pay attention—and be ready to respond.

I invite you to read the texts for this week here and then join us—either in person or online.

If you want to catch up on any of our past talks, you can check out our videos at YouTube.com/@standrewsnanaimo.

With you for Christ,
Pastor Jeremy

 
Questions to Go Deeper:

1. What stood out to you in Violet’s sermon? Was there something that made you think or that you really connected with? Was there anything you found confusing or that you’d like to understand better?

2. The Emergency Alarm: In Isaiah 58, God calls us to loosen the chains of injustice and care for those in need. How does the image of Pentecost as an “alarm” challenge us to move from comfort or silence into action in our community? What might God be waking you up to see or do?

3. Spirit-Filled Action: In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit empowers the disciples to speak boldly and live out the kingdom of God. How does the Spirit inspire you to share God’s love and forgiveness in both your words and your actions? Where do you sense God inviting you to be a part of healing and transformation?

4. Living with God’s Heart: Isaiah 58 talks about repairing the breach and caring for the vulnerable. What does it mean for you personally to “live with God’s heart” in your daily life? How can you cultivate a Spirit-led life that reflects God’s justice, mercy, and compassion?

5. Community and Forgiveness: This Pentecost, we hear stories of forgiveness and partnership in our own community. How do stories of reconciliation encourage you? What might God be calling our church to do together as a sign of God’s kingdom here and now?