First Presbyterian Church of Ulysses

Trinity Sunday

Proverbs 8:1–4, 22–31

“Daily I was God’s delight…delighting in the human race.”

In this reading we meet Wisdom, the first being created by God. Wisdom was present with God in the act of creating, and continues to be with us, calling us to justice and righteousness. Wisdom provides many details of God’s creation, reminding us she was there for all of it. What might it mean to think there is a wisdom, a rhythm, to all creation? How do you experience God’s wisdom in your world today?

May 19

Acts 2:1–21

“Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning.” (Acts 2:15)

The people in the early church are amazed that they can understand one another. God’s spirit has enabled them to make themselves understood. Some who are watching don’t believe it, and assume they are drunk. Peter points out that they cannot be – it’s too early, he says, presumably with a twinkle in his eye. God’s spirit transforms us into being new people – overwhelmed with a desire to speak God’s word, and to try to understand one another.

• Is there a time when you might have been so overwhelmed by God’s spirit that others thought you were drunk, or at the least “beside yourself”?
• What was that like?

Acts 16:16–34

“At the same hour of the night he took them and washed their wounds; then he and his entire family were baptized without delay.” (Acts 16:33)

The Christian apostles act differently than anyone can imagine. Rather than escape from prison, they stay and talk about God’s love with the jailer, who comes to believe. He cares for them, and they baptize him and his family. This is the way of Christian faith – in the midst of everyday living we are able to share the good news of God’s love, and others can come to believe; there is no need for a great fuss.  When have you experienced the love of God in the midst of everyday living?