Fr. Dale Fushek’s Reflection

This coming Sunday is Pentecost.

It is considered the birthday of the Church.  Pentecost is the feast that celebrates the pouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Church.  It commemorates the courage of the apostles and offers a new way of life to the soon-to-be new believers.

Here at Praise and Worship, Pentecost has always been special.  We are a people of the Spirit, and our worship is spirit-filled.  We are blessed to invite the Holy Spirit to lead us in worship every Sunday morning.

It is also special because 10 years ago we ordained our first set of deacons.  We had no idea what we were doing, but we trusted God and followed the biblical practice of calling people to special service as deacons.

In the bible, deacons were the ones who were called upon to serve at table and to take care of the needs of widows and orphans.  Our deacons have served our community in many ways.  They serve our men and women, the sick, I-HELP, Matthew’s Crossing, worship, prayer, adult spirituality, inter-nation outreach, Recovery Café, and many other ministries.  They have become mentors and examples of Christ who laid His life for His people.  As pastor, I am very proud of them!

This Sunday, we will ordain four additional deacons.  They have been preparing for over one year.  They have come to weekly classes, been on retreat, and have been incorporated into our deacon community.  We have great hope for them and for the ministries they will be serving.

Jenny Diaz is well known in our community.  She has been with us since the day we started PWC.  She created Mulligan’s Manor and has served gay and lesbian foster teenagers.  Jenny has a master’s degree in social work.

Mike Hewett is the father of two beautiful young men who came through the Life Teen program.  His wife, Margaret, passed away about 18 months ago.  Mike spent his life teaching.  He has a master’s degree in education.

Rod Taylor is married to Cyndie.  Rod has had a successful career as an engineer.  He has been active in ministry since 1976 and has served as an elder, church board member, a youth minister, a teacher, and served in prison ministry.

Bill Larew is married to Melinda Vail and works as her office administrator.  Bill has extensive experience with Native Americans, running a legal office in Texas, and serving as a mayor in Texas.

All four of these good people are excited to offer themselves to God for His service and to offer themselves to us for our needs.

We will have a blessed Pentecost this Sunday!  May God grant us a new Pentecost, and may our new deacons breathe life into our Spirit-filled community!