THE May 23 service at Crediton Methodist Church was led by Pam Murphy who was in the church which was opened for people who cannot join the on-line service. Her theme was “The Day the Spirit Came”.

Pam explained that it was a special Sunday for two reasons – firstly it was Pentecost and secondly it was Aldersgate Sunday.

On May 24, 1738 John Wesley, an Anglican minister, attended a prayer meeting at Aldersgate Street, London and there had a wonderful transforming experience when he encountered the Holy Spirit.

Later he said his “heart was strangely warmed” and he trusted God for his salvation.

Subsequently, still an Anglican minister, he founded a movement known as Methodism which brought about social reform in communities and worked for prison reform and the abolishment of slavery. The movement became the Methodist Church after John Wesley’s death.

The family challenge was to show depictions of the Holy Spirit.

The readings were from Acts chapter 2. Before Jesus’ ascension He told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem and to be ready for what God would do.

God sent the Holy Spirit onto the disciples to empower them to do His work. The crowds in Jerusalem were bewildered as they heard the disciples declaring the wonders of God in their own languages.

The Holy Spirit changed Peter and the disciples and God enabled Peter to tell the people that all who called on the name of Jesus will be saved. Peter invited people to repent and be baptised and that same day 3,000 people were baptised and the Christian church was begun.

Today an estimated 2.46 billion people follow Jesus worldwide. Pentecost is also known as the birthday of the church.

Pam prayed that through praise and prayer God’s word will come to us by the Holy Spirit and that whatever we do in Jesus’ name is spirit led and people will be drawn to God himself.

The church is now open for those who do not have electronic means of joining Worship on the Web. As numbers will be limited due to social distancing, booking is essential by phoning 01363 772012. Worship on the Web will continue as usual for those with online connections.

If you would like to join us live on Sunday morning at 10.30am please contact the AV team using the email: [email protected] . Individual help will be given to work out how you can best access the worship.

Alternatively you can watch the service at a later date online at: www.creditonmethodist.org.uk .

Bronwyn Nott