Reflections by Rev. Dan Bogre

If you’ve walked through our doors lately, you’ve likely felt it—a certain “hum” in the air, a sense of anticipation, and a genuine excitement that seems to follow us from Story Church, to the Chapel, to the Sanctuary, and to Beacon Hall.

People often ask, “What is the secret? Why is the church growing now?” While we can point to our wonderful servants that we just celebrated last month and our “Unfolding Journey” sermon series this month, the true answer is much older and much more powerful:

The Holy Spirit is moving among us.

In the book of Acts, we see a blueprint for what happens when a community stops relying on its own strength and starts leaning into the power of God. Acts 1:8 tells us:

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

This “power” (the Greek word “dunamis,” from which we get the word dynamite) isn’t just for show. It is the fuel for our growth. When the Holy Spirit is invited into the driver’s seat of a church, three things happen that naturally lead to the kind of excitement we are seeing today.

First, the Holy Spirit provides boldness. Growth happens when we are unafraid to share our stories. Whether it’s a student at confirmation or a 50-year member reflecting on their journey, the Spirit gives us the words to speak and the courage to invite others into this community. We aren’t just “growing a club”; we are witnessing to the life-changing love of Jesus Christ in the midst of people’s stories.

Second, the Holy Spirit creates unity. In a world that is increasingly divided, a church that breathes together in the Spirit stands out like a beacon. The Spirit is the “Eternal Canopy” that covers us all, allowing people from different generations—from our infants being baptized to our seniors in their “Redwood” years—to feel like they belong to one body. This unity is magnetic; people crave a place where they are truly seen and loved.

Finally, the Holy Spirit brings life. Just as the rain causes a seed to break through the soil, the Spirit nurtures our “unfolding journey.” We are seeing lives changed, marriages restored, and hope rekindled. That kind of transformation is contagious. When people see the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, and patience—overflowing in our members, they want to be part of it.

As we look toward Pentecost this May, let’s remember that we are not rowing this boat alone. The Holy Spirit is the wind in our sails. Our growth is not just a tribute to our own efforts, but a testimony to God’s faithfulness.

Let’s stay open, stay humble, and keep praying for the Spirit to move. The journey is just beginning!

Peace and blessings,
Rev. Dan