Spirit of Adoption

Fellowship – Snacks or a Meal (10 minutes with snacks; longer, obviously, if there is a meal).

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). In pairs or groups of three, have participants answer, "Have you ever been in a situation where you felt completely accepted or welcomed into a group or family? What made that experience meaningful?"

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes). Read Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, Romans 8:14-17.

Pentecost, also known as the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot), was a Jewish festival celebrated fifty days after Passover. Originally a harvest festival (Exodus 23:16, Leviticus 23:15-22), it also commemorated God’s giving of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai. This explains why Jerusalem was filled with devout Jews from different nations at the time (Acts 2:5). Pentecost marks the birth of the church and the beginning of its mission to the world.

In Psalm 104, the psalmist describes the Spirit as renewing creation.

• How does this connect with the idea of the Spirit giving us new life in Christ? [It reflects how God’s Spirit brings life and renewal, similar to the role of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2) and in personal spiritual renewal.]

What were the three signs of the Holy Spirit's arrival in Acts 2? [A sound like a rushing wind, tongues of fire, and people speaking other languages.]

In Acts 2, while many were amazed by what was happening at Pentecost, some dismissed it, saying, ‘They are filled with new wine’ (Acts 2:13). Peter responded by explaining that they were not drunk but filled with the Holy Spirit. Even today, when people are led by the Holy Spirit, they may face criticism or misunderstanding.

• How might you stay attentive to God’s voice and faithfully carry out what God calls us to do, even when others doubt or criticize us?

Note: About twenty years ago, I was part of a gathering of five thousand Christians from around the world at the World Council of Churches General Assembly. Under a massive tent, we came together for worship and prayer. Each time we recited the Lord’s Prayer, every person spoke in their own language and tradition. The sound was like God’s whisper—gentle yet powerful, as if God’s presence filled the space. It was a true Holy Spirit moment. Regardless of where we came from, we were united in worship, lifting our prayers to the same God. In that sacred moment, I couldn’t help but wonder—was this what the day of Pentecost felt like? A multitude of voices, speaking simultaneously, yet all filled with the Holy Spirit? The disciples at Pentecost spoke in ways that helped others hear the message in their own languages.

• How might you, as individuals or as a church, communicate God’s love in ways that help others feel included?

“The effort was God’s in this instance, a clear sign that we are invited to use whatever tools we have to cross the divides. We are invited, as Paul tells us, to adopt even those who are different from us. Those who speak differently, think differently, or live differently. Pentecost is a call for crossing boundaries, acknowledging differences with grace and hospitality, and being interested enough in people to learn something new about them.” (June 8, Sermon Note)

• What do you think about this comment? What is one action you will take this week to help someone feel included in a faith community or experience the love of God? How can you be more open to the work of the Holy Spirit in your life?

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). End with the following prayer, a similar prayer, or the Lord’s Prayer:

God of Grace and Welcome, You have poured out Your Spirit upon us, adopting us into Your family and calling us to share Your love with the world. May we be bold like Peter, speaking words of truth and grace. Empower us this week to extend the Spirit of adoption to those who feel lost or alone, so that all may know they belong in You. Amen.

This resource was created by Discipleship Ministries staff with assistance from AI tools.

Rev. Motoe Yamada Foor, Director of Adult Discipleship, served in local churches for twenty years. She has a wealth of experience at a variety of organizational levels of The United Methodist Church as well as in ecumenical organizations such as the World Council of Churches (WCC). She also enjoys serving as a coach to help people and churches grow.