Date Posted: 2025-10-06 05:33:21 | Video Duration: 01:30:45
Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, a beacon of community and faith, celebrated World Communion Sunday with a deeply resonant sermon. The service, marked by music and heartfelt messages, explored themes of unity, forgiveness, and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. At the heart of the sermon was the concept of the “Paraclete,” a Greek term for the Holy Spirit, which means “to call alongside.” This reflects the role of the Spirit as our advocate and constant companion, guiding us through life’s complexities.
The Holy Spirit: Our Divine Companion
The sermon opened with a reflection on the role of the Holy Spirit, described as our “Paraclete,” a term that combines ‘para’ (beside) and ‘kalein’ (to call). This term, rich in meaning, underscores the Holy Spirit’s role as a supportive presence that walks alongside us, offering strength and encouragement. In John 14:16, Jesus promises another advocate, a Paraclete, to be with us forever. This promise is a reminder that even when we feel alone, the Spirit is with us, bridging the gap between heaven and earth.
Illustrating this point, a story was shared about a child who couldn’t sleep without her mother. Despite assurances that God was with her, the child insisted, “I just need someone with skin on.” This anecdote mirrors the disciples’ fear of losing Jesus’ physical presence. Yet, Jesus assured them of the Spirit’s coming, a presence that would transcend physical limitations, urging them to see beyond the visible to the spiritual truths of God’s love and guidance.
A Third Way Beyond Binaries
The sermon further explored how the Holy Spirit enables us to find a “third way” beyond the binary oppositions that often trap us. In life’s challenges, whether personal conflicts or broader societal issues, the Spirit offers a path of reconciliation and deeper understanding. The pastor recounted the powerful story of Tom Tarrants and Stan Chasson, two men once divided by hatred but brought together by forgiveness and the Spirit’s transformative power. This “miracle at Spring Hill” serves as a testament to the Spirit’s ability to break down barriers and create new paths of redemption and belonging.
The congregation was invited to reflect on their own lives, considering the binaries that might be limiting them. “What binary are you trapped in this morning?” the pastor asked, challenging everyone to seek the Spirit’s guidance in finding a third way. This call to reflection was coupled with a practical exercise: writing the question, “God, is there a third way beyond all I can see and know?” in their journals as a form of prayer, seeking divine insight and courage to move beyond entrenched patterns.
Living as the Body of Christ
The worship service emphasized that, through the Spirit, we are called to be “Jesus with skin on” for one another. This means embodying Christ’s love and grace in our interactions, fostering a sense of community and support. The annual stewardship campaign was also introduced, urging members to consider how they might contribute to the church’s mission of being rooted in faith and growing in wisdom, with a goal of $4.5 million in pledges.
In line with the day’s theme, the service concluded with an invitation to the communion table, a symbol of unity with Christians worldwide. It was a reminder that, despite our individual journeys, we are all part of a larger body, united by the Spirit and called to live out God’s love in the world. As the congregation shared in the joyful feast, they were encouraged to carry the Spirit’s presence with them, ready to embrace the third way in their lives and communities.
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