Spirit of Life Ministry 

Spirit of Life Ministry is named after the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Trinity. The Nicene Creed says, “We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son.” So even from ancient times, the Spirit is associated with the word, “life.” The Spirit is the one who gives life.

The Holy Spirit is God’s creative energy moving in our world today. The Spirit stirs up faith in our hearts. The Spirit inspires us, and empowers us to share the gospel, and serve our neighbour.

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Paul talks a lot about the Spirit of Life in his letter to the Romans. In Romans 8:2, Paul says, “The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.” A few verses later he says, “… to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” This connects the Holy Spirit with two important words for our congregations – life, as in Abundant Life, and peace, as in Prince of Peace.

 

One of the stories that connects this name, “Spirit of Life,” with both of our congregations is the story of Jesus’ baptism. The Gospel of Mark says, “Just as he was coming up out of the water, Jesus saw the heavens torn apart, and the Spirit descending like a dove upon him.” Prince of Peace has used the symbol of the dove for many years. The dove is a symbol of peace, and it’s also a symbol of the Holy Spirit. And of course, the word “Life” from Abundant Life, is right in the name “Spirit of Life,” and we believe that in baptism, God gives us new life, abundant life, and eternal life. So in a really powerful way, both congregations are represented symbolically in this name.

 

Finally, Spirit of Life is connected to baptism. The words, “Spirit” and “Life” show up in powerful ways in the prayer that we say when we baptize a person. We ask God, “Pour out your Holy Spirit, the power of your Word, that those who are washed in the waters of baptism may be given new life.”

 

May you become more aware today of the ways in which the Spirit of Life is moving in your life, calling you into God’s abundant life, and guiding you in the way of peace.

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