Change for Children
Your gift of loose change can help fill our jar. Every penny will help a Rhode Island child in need.
Reflections from the Pastor
If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.
Galatians 5:25
The promise Jesus made to his disciples to send an advocate, a comforter, a counselor, was fulfilled at Pentecost. It was at the Feast of Pentecost following the resurrection of Christ that all the gathered disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit. When we put our faith in Christ as Savior and Lord we, too, receive the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God.
As followers of Jesus Christ we are called to live by the Spirit. We are also called to be guided by the Spirit. To be guided by the Holy Spirit we must tune our hearts to hear the voice of the Spirit speaking to us. We are challenged, as God’s people, to become more fully aware of God’s presence in and with us.
The practice of Daily Examen or evening prayer can help us become more intentional about our relationship with God. The Daily Examen is a prayerful reflection on the events of the day that we might detect God’s presence and discern God’s direction for us. This ancient practice in the Church can help us see God’s hand at work as we journey with Jesus.
The writings of St. Ignatius suggest the following five-step Daily Examen.
- Thank you God for your presence with me this day.
- May the Holy Spirit enlighten my mind and warm my heart.
- Looking back on this day, where have I most felt your presence? (Pause to reflect on this.)
- Let me be grateful and ask forgiveness when I have strayed.
- God, draw me closer to you this day and tomorrow.
Will you covenant with me to pause at the end of each day and reflect on God’s presence with you? You may choose to use these five steps as a guide.
Prayerfully,
Pastor Joyce
Purpose Statement
Adopted October 1997
Guided through prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit, we join together to worship and praise God, to nurture one another in our faith journey with Christ, and to carry out the Biblical teachings of Christ within our church family, community, and world.