Acts and Us: June 7, 2026
Stepping into the Story: Launching into the Book of Acts!
If you were sitting in the pews this Sunday, you might have noticed a quick switcheroo at the pulpit! While Pastor Michael was away preaching at Hope in the Valley, we were incredibly blessed to have Pastor Dale, the lead pastor of our Mother Church, step in to kick off an exciting new chapter for our congregation.
Buckle up, church family, because we are officially diving into the Book of Acts—a journey that is going to take us through the next 30 to 40 weeks!
Pastor Dale gave us a brilliant, visual bird's-eye view of where our Christian roots began, tracking the explosive growth of the early church from a tiny room in Jerusalem all the way to Rome. But more than a history lesson, this sermon was a powerful reminder that the very same Holy Spirit that shook the ancient world is alive and moving right here in Winchester today.
Here are three major takeaways from Sunday’s message to carry into your week:
1. You are Empowered Beyond Your Abilities
Pastor Dale shared a bit of his own story—how he started out as an introverted engineering student with a speech impediment. Humanly speaking, preaching wasn't on his radar. But God had other plans.
So often, when there is a need in the church, we say, "I can't do that. I don't have the skills." But the Book of Acts shows us that God chose a bunch of "knuckleheads" so that He would get the glory. When you surrender to the Holy Spirit, He empowers you to do things you could never accomplish in your own strength. Stop saying "no" based on your own limitations, and start saying "yes" to His power!
2. The Holy Spirit is a New Life, Not Just an Experience
It is easy to get caught up chasing spiritual "highs," miracles, or emotional experiences. But Pastor Dale reminded us that the Holy Spirit was sent to give us a full, transformed life. His role is to make us spiritually mature, renewing our minds and conforming us to the image of Jesus.
How do we know the Spirit is at work? Look for the fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When we remain rooted in Jesus, this fruit naturally changes how we live every single day.
3. We are Here for Winchester
Look around at all the new housing developments popping up across our community. Those houses aren't just construction sites—they are filled with people who need the hope of Jesus.
"Being a church member isn't about you and what your needs are; being a church member is about how God can empower you to serve Him."
Long before our church building even stood here, there was a vision to plant a church to reach the growing community of Winchester. You are not part of this church by accident. God brought you here, to this specific group of people, to play an active role in advancing His kingdom right where we live.
What's Your Part?
As we close out the start of this series, draw an imaginary circle around yourself and spend some quiet time with God this week. Ask Him: "What do you want me to do? How do you want me to play my part?"
Whether it’s fully surrendering an area of your life to Him for the first time, stepping up to serve, or crossing the street to welcome a new neighbor, let’s choose to walk in the Spirit.
The Spirit is living, the church is moving, and we are all invited to play our part! See you next Sunday as we dive deeper into Acts!
