Where the Green Grass Grows
Where the Green Grass Grows
A Pentecost Message from Rev. Cory Gieselman at Noel United Methodist Church
This past Sunday at Noel United Methodist Church in Santa Claus, Indiana, we celebrated Pentecost with a message called “Where the Green Grass Grows.” Reverend Cory Gieselman reminded us that the Holy Spirit is still alive. Still moving. Still calling us deeper.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What does all this mean?” then this message is for you.
The Spirit Is Still Moving
On Pentecost, we remember how the Holy Spirit came like a rushing wind. Acts 2 tells us that tongues of fire rested on each person. They began speaking in languages they didn’t know, but everyone could understand. It was confusing and powerful. But also beautiful.
Peter stood up and spoke to the crowd. He didn’t come up with something new. Instead, he quoted from the book of Joel.
“I will pour out my Spirit on all people.” — Joel 2:28
This was the beginning of the church. It was the start of something God still wants to continue today.
What Does This Mean?
Just like the people in Acts, we look around at the world and ask questions.
There’s pain. War. Sickness. Poverty. Division. Sometimes it feels like everything is broken. And we wonder, “Where is God in all of this?”
Pentecost shows us that God hasn’t left. The Holy Spirit is still with us. We are not alone.
God calls us to be part of the healing. To live with love. To be “all in.” Even when life is hard or confusing. Even when we feel small or unsure.
What Does It Mean to Be All In?
At the Indiana Annual Conference, Rev. Cory shared a theme that came up again and again: Called. Committed. Connected.
These three words help us understand what being “all in” really looks like.
Called
You don’t have to be a pastor to be called by God. You don’t have to be perfect. Joel reminds us that the Spirit is for everyone. Young and old. Men and women. All people.
That means you. Right where you are.
God has given you special gifts. You have something important to offer. Whether you’re at school, at work, raising kids, or figuring out your next step, God is calling you to live with purpose.
Committed
Being “all in” means you show up. You stick with your faith, even when it’s hard. You choose to love, even when it would be easier to walk away.
Isaiah 58:11 gives us this promise:
“The Lord will guide you always. He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land. He will strengthen you. You will be like a well-watered garden.”
God fills us up when we feel empty. He gives us what we need to keep going.
Connected
We are not meant to follow Jesus alone. We need each other. We need community.
Church is not just a building. It’s people. People who show up for one another. People who pray, learn, laugh, and cry together.
When we are connected, our faith grows stronger. Together, we carry each other through the tough stuff.
Are You Ready?
Rev. Cory asked an important question:
Are you ready to be all in?
Are you ready to trust God with everything?
Are you ready to love people who are different from you?
Are you ready to step out and do something that matters?
Being all in means:
- Loving people
- Serving others
- Living like Jesus
It doesn’t mean being perfect. It means being willing.
God’s Spirit Is for You
Maybe you think you’re not good enough. Maybe you’ve made mistakes. Maybe it’s been a while since you’ve been to church.
But Joel says:
“I will pour out my Spirit on all people.”
That means all people. Not just the religious ones. Not just the people who have it all together.
God’s Spirit is for you. Right now. Whether you’re sitting in church or reading this on your phone. God wants to work in you and through you.
What the World Needs Most
The world is hurting. People are divided. Many feel lost or alone.
But Pentecost reminds us that God is not done yet. His Spirit is still active. Still healing. Still calling people to love.
You and I are the ones God is sending. To places where people feel broken. To bring peace where there is anger. To speak love where there is hate.
The world might see dead grass.
God sees green grass.
God sees life.
Why Green?
The sermon title, “Where the Green Grass Grows,” is more than just a catchy phrase. Green is the color of growth. It’s the color of Pentecost. It stands for life and renewal.
When the Holy Spirit leads us, things begin to grow.
Here are a few things that can grow in us:
- New friendships
- New ideas
- New courage
- New ministries
Sometimes the change is small at first. But over time, God turns dry places into gardens. He helps us grow where we thought nothing could.
You Are a Spirit Carrier
You are not just someone who hears the Word. You are someone who carries it.
When you choose kindness, that’s the Spirit.
When you speak up for someone being left out, that’s the Spirit.
When you forgive, pray, or listen with love, that’s the Spirit.
God’s Spirit goes with you everywhere you go. It shines through your actions. Through your words. Through your heart.
You may feel small, but the Spirit in you is strong.
What Is the Church?
Pentecost is often called the birthday of the church. But it’s not about balloons or cake. It’s about movement.
It’s about God lighting a fire inside of us.
At Noel United Methodist Church, we believe the church isn’t something we go to. It’s something we are. Not just on Sundays, but every day.
We are the people of God. We are sent to do good. To love others. To carry hope into the world.
Go Where the Green Grass Grows
So now the question is:
Will you go?
Will you be all in for Christ?
Will you be all in for your neighbor?
Will you be all in for the mission of love and healing?
Let the fire of Pentecost light something inside you. Let it push you forward. Let it send you to dry places, because that’s where God is planting something new.
Be the one who sees green where others see brown.
Be the one who brings life.
Final Thought
This Pentecost, don’t just remember the fire.
Carry it.
You are not only a receiver of the Spirit. You are a carrier.
Carry hope.
Carry peace.
Carry love.
And keep walking forward. Together, we’ll go where the green grass grows.
Want to learn more or get connected?
Join us at Noel United Methodist Church or visit us online. We’d love to walk with you.