On June 8, churches across the United States under the Olivet Assembly USA network gathered to commemorate Pentecost Sunday—a pivotal moment in Christian history marking the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the early Church. With special Sunday services, retreats, and prayer gatherings, congregations reflected on the spiritual significance of this day and sought personal renewal through the work of the Holy Spirit.
At Saint Louis Immanuel Church, Pastor Anthony delivered a Pentecost message from John 14:15–27, highlighting Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit, who would guide, comfort, and remain with His followers. The congregation reflected on the presence of the Spirit as the fulfillment of Christ’s words and a continual source of peace.
In the New York Region, Immanuel Church held a meaningful service where Pastor Peter preached on Acts 7:1–5, focusing on the testimony of Deacon Stephen and the essence of true worship. Emphasizing the 50 days following Jesus’ resurrection, Pastor Peter tied Pentecost to the prophetic fulfillment in Jeremiah regarding the new covenant and the Spirit’s outpouring. He encouraged the church to follow the example of the early disciples, who, through prayerful obedience, witnessed the formation of the first church.
Atlanta and Dallas churches came together for a joint Pentecost retreat that culminated in a powerful Sunday service. Pastor Vanessa from the Dallas church preached from Acts 2, urging members to receive the power of the Holy Spirit for lives of holiness and transformation. The service concluded with a 30-minute Pentecost prayer meeting, where ministers anointed members through the laying on of hands. The gathering became a Spirit-filled moment of unity and encouragement, as members also prayed fervently for one another.
In Washington, D.C., the local church community began their Pentecost retreat on Friday, June 6, setting the tone for the weekend with an evening of worship and focused prayer. The atmosphere prepared hearts for a deeper experience with the Holy Spirit throughout the weekend.
San Francisco Gratia Church also held a Pentecost Sunday service, where Pastor Peter shared a sermon from Acts 4:23–31, titled “Boldness of the Believers’ Prayer.” He reminded the congregation that the Holy Spirit did not descend only once in history but continues to empower believers today. “Let us open our hearts fully and pray: ‘Lord, grant us boldness, awaken our spirits, and use us to bring Your Kingdom one day closer,’” Pastor Peter exhorted.
At LA Pilgrim Church, the congregation explored the Jewish roots of Pentecost, learning about its connections to the Jubilee, the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai, and the harvest festival of Thanksgiving. The message emphasized how Pentecost now represents spiritual freedom through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. The church also delved into the spiritual gift of tongues, highlighting it as a divine tool for extended prayer, personal edification, and deeper communion with God.
As churches across the nation commemorated Pentecost, the unifying theme was clear: a renewed invitation for the Holy Spirit to fill, guide, and empower believers for the advancement of God’s Kingdom. Through worship, teaching, and prayer, members were stirred to live boldly, walk in holiness, and serve with renewed spiritual vitality.
“To celebrate and commemorate Pentecost— which is truly the birth of the Church when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles and the first believers— is deeply significant in many ways. For all our churches and members, it serves as a powerful reminder that we cannot do the work of God without the power of the Holy Spirit. We must always seek His guidance in our lives,” shared Pastor Mark Spisak, General Secretary of Olivet Assembly USA.