A Perpetual Pentecost


Hodgdon Sunday School, Youth, and Teachers


6.15.25. Hodgdon UMC

Children’s Sunday & Father’s Day

Dear beloved Hodgdon United Methodist Church members,
Today is a very special Sunday. All across the country, we celebrate Father’s Day.
Did you know that Father’s Day was first suggested by a United Methodist woman? She wanted to honor her father, who raised six children all by himself. That was in 1909—just two years after the first official Mother’s Day. Then, 73 years later, Father’s Day became a national holiday.

Today, we give thanks for our fathers, grandfathers, spiritual fathers, and all those who have raised us and shown us God’s love.

Today is also Trinity Sunday in the church calendar. The Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is at the heart of our Christian faith. In the early church, many people struggled to understand this mystery. It led to many debates, and some even gave their lives to defend the truth. Eventually, the Church wrote the Apostles’ Creed to make it clear:

“We believe in God the Father… We believe in Jesus Christ… We believe in the Holy Spirit.”

If we don’t believe this, we don’t understand the true Gospel. Trinity Sunday helps us remember the foundation of our faith.

Also, today is the first Sunday after Pentecost. Last Sunday, we celebrated the Church’s birthday—the day the Holy Spirit came. But Pentecost is not just one day. It continues!

And today, we also celebrate Children’s Sunday.
I’m so thankful for our children. We just heard their testimonies.
Four-year-old Mark talked about singing, ringing handbells, going to school, and riding in Dad’s truck—that was his highlight!

Look at our 15 children and youth! From the youngest to the oldest, they are growing—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—in God’s hands. We are blessed with seven strong, faithful Sunday School teachers. The best team ever!

And, personally… today is my last regular Sunday to preach at Hodgdon Church. We will have one more combined service on the fifth Sunday of June, but this is my final regular Sunday with you.

Today’s Scripture includes Jesus’ last words before the cross.
When I read them, I felt God asking me, “What gift do you want to leave behind?”
Then I heard the words: “A Perpetual Pentecost.”

What does that mean? It means a Pentecost that never ends. Pentecost continues! And that is the message I want to leave with you.

Have you ever promised your child a big gift before a business trip or conference?
Jesus also promised a gift before He left. Let’s talk about this best gift Jesus gave us—better than dolls, toys, dogs, or bunnies!

1. This gift is for God’s children.

John 14:15–17 says:

“If you love me, keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive him because it doesn’t see him or know him. But you know him.”

If you love Jesus, you will follow Him—not just in words but in action. Do you love Jesus and keep His commandments? Show your love by doing what He's told you. Then you will receive the Holy Spirit. This gift is exclusively for God's children.

Romans 8:15 says:

“You didn’t receive a spirit that makes you slaves again to fear. You received the Spirit of adoption. And by Him we cry, ‘Abba, Father!’”

The Holy Spirit shows that we are God’s children. This is God's great gift: to be called His children. Through the Holy Spirit, we discern who belongs to God.

Have you ever thought, "This person must be Christian?" I knew Victor was Christian the first time I saw him; he had a smile and peace. A kind, outgoing hotel lady, too, confirmed she was Christian when asked. We cannot hide if we have the Holy Spirit; its light, the Spirit of truth, shines through our faith. Jesus gave this wonderful gift, the Holy Spirit, to His children. This gift is for Jesus’ followers, not for the world.

 

2. This gift transforms us.

Now, what does it do? Like a cool Transformer toy that shifts forms, the Holy Spirit has many functions. John 14:16 and 26 describe it as the Advocate: Comforter, Encourager, Guide, Intercessor. Verse 26 adds, "He will teach you and remind you of all that I have said to you"—a great Reminder!

It's the best comfort blanket, a warm embrace. This gift also inspires scripture, helping us discern sin and right action. Called Comforter (Paracletos), He walks with us and acts as Intercessor, praying for us. For us, His children and beloved Hodgdon church members, when we're lost or unsure, or just need comfort—like a warm blanket in the hospital—the Holy Spirit is there. Like Jesus' ultimate "Transformer toy," the Spirit offers limitless functions and transformative power for His children.

3. This gift lasts forever.

Just as this gift, the Holy Spirit, is for His children, it has many functions and can take on many transformative shapes. Unlike physical toys that break or bore us, this wonderful gift lasts forever.  

“He will be with you forever.” (16)Forever!
“The Holy Spirit is with you, beside you, and in you.” (17)
“I will not leave you as orphans.” (18)

Have you ever felt a sin was unforgivable, or hidden from God, feeling lonely and abandoned? I have. But Jesus assures us, "You are not an orphan!" Even if you feel abandoned, He can forgive.

Even when you sin or feel unworthy, Jesus says, “You are not alone. I will not leave you.”

1 John 1:9 says: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us.”

But Matthew 12:32 warns us: If we reject the Holy Spirit, we can’t be forgiven—not because God won’t forgive, but because we are pushing Him away. So don’t push the Spirit away. Receive Him. Trust Him. He will never leave you.

Jesus also says in verse 27:

“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”

Last week, we heard about tensions between Iran and Israel. Yesterday, we marked the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday and President Trump’s 79th birthday. There were also protests with signs that said “No King.”

In a world full of fear and division, how can we find peace?
Not through politics. Not through power.
Only through Jesus.

The Holy Spirit gives us peace that the world cannot understand.

This gift also keeps multiplying—like a Russian nesting doll. The large doll contains smaller ones. In the same way, the Holy Spirit gives birth to the Church.

Fathers raise children who become fathers.
Churches raise disciples who plant new churches.

Mary and William Scranton

The early students of the IHWA university

Women for Preaching the gospels

This year, we celebrate 140 years of Korean missions.
From 1885 to 1945, over 1,500 American and British missionaries came to Korea. They built churches, hospitals, and schools. They were spiritual parents who passed on the faith.

Now it’s our turn to keep writing the story.

The book of Acts has 28 chapters. But through the Holy Spirit, we are writing Acts 29—right here, right now.

Last Friday, we made cards at the nursing home for our children. One card said:

“The Holy Spirit is with you forever. You are a Perpetual Pentecost.”

Then the residents wanted children to write back to them. So our children made cards for them. We will deliver them this Sunday afternoon.

I’m thankful that my father approved when I introduced Victor to him.
He didn’t say, “I believe in Victor.”
He said, “I believe in the Holy Spirit within Victor.”

Dear children and beloved church,
Jesus gave us the best gift—the Holy Spirit.

This gift transforms us, walks with us, never leaves us, and continues to give us life.
This gift will never wear out, never get lost, and never get boring.
This gift will help us give birth to another church.

We are a Perpetual Pentecost.
Amen.


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