Hi Church! 

Like many of you, I didn’t grow up in the Anglican church. Like some of you, I did grow up part of another Christian tradition. Growing up my family attended a Pentecostal church in Vancouver, Canada, and my first steps following Jesus took place largely in Pentecostal contexts. I’m grateful for so much of what I received in this vibrant branch of the church. Experiences and the cultivated expectation of the Holy Spirit’s presence are perhaps the greatest gifts I received and hold to from my Pentecostal heritage.

These years later I still remember specific experiences in community of the Spirit’s presence, encouraging words through others, moments in prayer where God’s presence was palpable, a move of God in the midst of corporate worship. It was through these encounters with God that my knowledge of His love was deepened, my sense of intimacy with Him grew, and I was inspired and empowered in service.  These experiences were important and transformative for my faith and became anchor points upon which my conviction of God’s existence, power, and love rested.

This Saturday at the Parish House, we’re hosting a day of teaching, prayer, and worship regarding the person and work of the Holy Spirit. From 9:30am to 1pm there will be opportunities to wait on the Lord and pray together and for one another, that our experiential knowledge of God’s presence might grow, and that we might be strengthened to serve and bear witness to Jesus. This is part of living into our vision as a community empowered by the Spirit. My hope and prayer is that this day will be transformative for those participating, an opportunity in this Lenten season of emptying ourselves to be filled with the fullness of God. See below for details and to sign up! 

In Christ,

Peter+