This Week at New Spirit 5.20.26
Pastor’s Reflection
Over the past few years, something has been happening at New Spirit.
Not all at once.
Not through one program or one person.
>But slowly, faithfully, through worship, service, hard conversations, acts of love, and the movement of the Holy Spirit.
This Sunday, on Pentecost, we are going to name something that has already been taking shape among us.
We are launching our intentional core values—not as slogans or branding, but as a way of saying:
This is who we are, how we practice faith, and how we follow Jesus—together.
I hope you’ll join us this Sunday at 10am as we celebrate Pentecost and reflect on the Spirit still moving among us and still shaping who we are becoming.
Come, Holy Spirit.
—Pastor Hartman
From Sunday’s Message
So before you ever find the right words, the right position, the right prayer, the right time, Jesus and the Spirit are already there praying with you and for you.
Link to Sermon Blog: You are Never Alone in Prayer
Link to Sunday’s Livestream: May 17, 2026 Livestream
This Sunday at New Spirit
Scripture: Acts 2:1-21
Theme: The Holy Spirit continues to shape us!
Worship Time Reminder: 10:00 AM
Invitation line: Come experience a Pentecost celebration of grace, belonging, and the Holy Spirit still shaping who we are together.
Life at New Spirit
On Monday, the quilting group put out the remaining quilts they have made this past year. Several quilts have already been donated or given away, the bulk of what has been distributed so far went to local police stations for use in crisis response. June 1st, will mark the one year anniversary of this quilting group.
Upcoming Opportunities
As the summer season begins, be on the lookout for special events and fellowship events! Check the New Spirit Lutheran Calendar on a regular basis.
Prayer Requests (based on the ELCA Prayer Ventures prompts)
May 20
God of mission and mercy, we pray for the work of ELCA Global Mission, Lutheran Disaster Response, ELCA Advocacy, AMMPARO, ELCA Racial Justice Ministries, and all the ministries of Your church. Strengthen those who serve in difficult places. Give wisdom, courage, compassion, and endurance to all who proclaim Your love in word and action. Use Your church to bring healing, justice, hope, and peace into the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
May 21
Loving God, we pray for young adults and professionals searching for purpose and direction. Stir within them curiosity, courage, and faith. Open their hearts to discover the gifts You have given them and the ways You are calling them to serve their neighbors. By Your Spirit, help them see that their lives matter and that Your presence goes with them wherever they are called. Amen.
May 22
God of compassion, we give thanks for the ELCA Prison Ministry and Advocacy Network and all who walk alongside people affected by incarceration. Bring hope, healing, and restoration to those in prisons, jails, and detention centers. Strengthen families separated by incarceration and guide communities toward justice, mercy, and reconciliation. Help us remember the humanity and dignity of every person. Amen.
May 23
Merciful God, when we feel weak, uncertain, or afraid, remind us that Your Spirit intercedes for us. When we cannot find the right words, hear the prayers of our hearts. Give us confidence in Your grace and trust in Your promises. Strengthen our faith when doubts rise within us, and remind us that we are never alone in prayer. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
May 24
Creator God, we praise You for the beauty and diversity of the world You have made. We thank You for oceans and deserts, forests and rivers, creatures great and small, and every community and culture that reflects Your creativity. Teach us to care for creation with wisdom and humility. Help us protect the earth and honor the dignity of all people as stewards of Your gifts. Amen.
May 25
God of justice and peace, You call us to love mercy, seek justice, and work for the well-being of all people. Guide our leaders and communities toward fairness, compassion, and peace. Strengthen those who advocate for the vulnerable and those who labor for reconciliation in divided places. Help us become people who reflect Your love not only in prayer, but also in action. Amen.
May 26
Holy Spirit, we pray for leaders, voting members, and all gathered for the Upstate New York Synod Assembly. Fill them with wisdom, humility, and courage as they discern the work of the church. Inspire conversations marked by grace and hope. Guide the assembly to proclaim the Gospel faithfully and to serve neighbors in need with compassion and justice. Amen.
May 27
Triune God, we stand in awe of Your creation and the life You have breathed into the world. Through Your Spirit, remind us that all people are created with dignity and worth. Give us wisdom to protect human life, care for creation, and reject violence, hatred, and injustice. Form us into people who honor Your image in one another and who live with gratitude for the gift of life itself. Amen.
Helpful Links
Sermon Blog: You are Never Alone in Prayer
Livestream: May 17, 2026 Livestream
Church Website: New Spirit Lutheran Church
