According to the Book of Acts in the New Testament, Jesus had ascended after his resurrection to heaven but had also promised followers he would send a companion or advocate in his place. His promise became real on the Jewish holiday of Pentecost when first century Jews from around the Mediterranean gathered in Jerusalem to observe an ancient holy day. On that very occasion, the Holy Spirit came among the disciples like “wind and fire,” propelling them into the city streets to share their faith.

Jesus’ disciple Peter preached a great message that outlined how Jesus was the messiah the people of God had long been waiting for. Further, he said, although they missed the boat when he was here they could still trust their lives to the power of  his Spirit. Thousands were inspired to say, “yes!” to this offer, and the the Christian Church, powered by the Holy Spirit, took root and grew! This coming Sunday, May 20, we will celebrate the birth of this international community of faith that today numbers in the billions.

Pastor Mark, in his message, “May the Force Be with You!” asks the provocative questions, “What force shapes your life? What are the influences that have guided you to where you are today? Are you discovering all you had hoped for? Do you have ‘The Force?'” Join us for our joyful ecclesiastical “birthday party” this Sunday at 10 am, and make sure to wear something red!

Join us this coming Sunday, May 13, for our monthly Bible discussion within worship where everyone gets to be a preacher! Our focus will be on Acts 16 where the Apostle Paul encounters and independent woman, Lydia. She becomes a powerful disciple for Jesus and helps to found the church at Philippi. Join us as we see if she just might an example of women who “lean in” to their strengths, as describe in Sheryl Sandberg’s best-selling book. Check out the study sheet on the link below to get ready.

Notes-20180513 Paul and Lydia

The full-color May Gazette is now available. Please click on the link below.

May 2018 Newsletter

JOIN US FOR BREAKFAST! The men of Laurel Church will gather this coming Saturday, April 7 at the IHOP, 9820 West Broad, Glen Allen at 7:30 am. A time of good food and food fellowship. We meet the first Saturday of each month at 7:30 am.

Click on the link below to view our full-color digital newsletter for April, 2018.

2018-04 Newsletter

Before the “Alleleuias” of Easter morning, there was the solemn, intimate fellowship of the Last Supper. Join us this evening at 7:00 pm at Laurel for the Word, preached, sung and enacted as as a living sacrament.