Dear friends in Christ, I hope this letter finds you well. I write to you on this Summery Day as we approach the season of Pentecost. This Sunday marks the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the early disciples and has a profound significance for us as followers of Christ. For this month's letter, I want to reflect upon the gift of the Holy Spirit and its power in our lives.
Pentecost celebrates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples, as promised by Jesus before His ascension. The disciples were gathered together in unity and constant prayer when suddenly a rushing wind filled the room, and tongues of fire rested upon each of them. They were then filled with the Holy Spirit, empowering them to proclaim the Gospel fearlessly and with great conviction. This very newsletter is in front of you because of their witness that day.
The gift of the Holy Spirit given to the early disciples is not limited to that time and place though. It is a gift that continues to be available to all believers today. The Holy Spirit is our Helper, Comforter, and Guide. Through the Spirit's indwelling presence, we are empowered to live out our faith boldly, to walk in the ways of righteousness, and to bear witness to the love and truth of Christ.
The Holy Spirit equips us with spiritual gifts that are meant to strengthen and unify the body of Christ. These gifts vary but are given for the common good. Some may receive the gift of prophecy, speaking forth the inspired word of God. Others may have the gift of teaching, music, or leadership. Each gift is important and plays a vital role in building up the Church and advancing God's kingdom. Best of all, the Holy Spirit works within us to produce the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities reflect the character of Christ and are evidence of the Spirit's transformative work in our lives. As we are open to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to lead us, we are continually being transformed into the image of Christ.
During this season of Pentecost, let us renew our commitment to seek the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Let us open our hearts to the Spirit's work, asking it to fill us anew with its power. May we be vessels of God's love and grace, shining light in a world that desperately needs it. May the celebration of Pentecost remind us of the incredible gift we have received in the Holy Spirit.
Yours in Christ, Pastor Jonathan
Hello my name is pastor Jonathan Dodson. I am child of God and a follower of Jesus. My home is in Plummer Minnesota with my family Kelly, Jack and Lyla. Kelly and I have been married since 2000 and people that know us both like her better. We have lived in Plummer since 2005 when we came straight from Luther Seminary. I realize that our 18 years up here really isn't long in the grand scheme of things but I do feel like we've started some roots. Everything I know about God I learned from the Bible, my family and the Good People of Northwestern Minnesota. We love it here; it is a good and proper home for the faithful.
I am happiest in the open air, learning something new, connected with people. My favorite scripture verse is whatever I'm reading that day. I believe that God's Word is a living and breathing one. If I was forced to chose, I would pick Romans 5:1-2 in an attempt to lift up God's Grace. That is the central theme of scripture and my personal experience. My favorite hymn is “Lord of All Hopefulness.” Though my favorite verse is found in “Amazing Grace” when we sing about being home with God for ten thousand years; it reminds me that I have lots of time to practice guitar. I am looking forward to our ministry together!
Yours in Christ, Pastor Jonathan
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear friends in Christ,
Grace to you and peace. I hope this letter finds you well. As I write to you the newsletter deadline has long past and I find myself running to catch up. That pretty much sums up what the month of March has felt like for me. It has been exciting and Spirit led but I am a little out of breath each day. We are now three weeks into joining together Immanuel, Ebenezer and Bethany. On March 5, 2023 all three congregations voted to give it a try through October 2023. So far so good from what I can tell. I am confident that we will find a good rhythm. Your patience is much appreciated!
Normal service times are as follows:
1st Sunday Each month2nd Sunday 9am Immanuel with Communion 9am Ebenezer 10:30am Ebenezer with Communion 10:30am Bethany 7pm Bethany with Communion 7pm Immanuel
3rd Sunday4th Sunday 9am Immanuel with Communion 9am Ebenezer 10:30am Bethany with Communion 10:30am Immanuel (Pastor Jonathan) 7pm Ebenezer 10:30am Bethany (SAM Allen)
5th Sunday Joint Worship in one location
April will be a bit different because of Easter Sunday. Please take a close look at the calendar and then phone a friend to double check worship times. Give me a call anytime as well. There is a good chance that I'll have needed to hear from you. April is shaping up to be packed with goodness. There will be lots of opportunities to gather to praise our Risen Lord! May God bless you and shine New Life now and always.
Yours in Christ, Pastor Jonathan
Pastor Jonathan shares his adventures while showing the three churches are within "walking distance" of each other.