Pentecost Sunday Stories
Pentecost marks the day the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples, empowering them to spread the message of Jesus and marking the birth of the Church. Across our diocese, churches marked Pentecost with creativity, thanksgiving, and reflection. Here are some of the inspiring stories and celebrations shared by our church communities below:
St Mary’s Church Edwinstowe and All Saints Clipstone
Last Sunday, All Saints Clipstone and St Mary’s Edwinstowe celebrated Pentecost during their morning services. Both services were uplifting, joyful, and Spirit-filled, and included singing “Happy Birthday” to the Church accompanied with a fountain candle, party poppers, and flame-coloured streamers!
Afterwards, everyone came together for a cheerful Pentecost picnic in the vicarage garden, braving the weather and enjoying a great time of fellowship.
There were ten days of continuous prayer in the Upper Room of Southwell Methodist Church as part of ‘Thy Kingdom Come’, led by Churches Together in Southwell. This powerful period of prayer culminated in a Pentecost Celebration at Southwell Minster on Sunday, where over 350 people from across all seven churches in Southwell gathered for a special service.
In the prayer room, each church created its own prayer station, which were deeply appreciated by those who visited throughout the ten days. One of the most powerful aspects was the ‘Book of Encounter and Reflection’, where attendees were encouraged to write in and many did. Prayers were offered for the needs of the world, for the town of Southwell, and for individuals who had left prayer requests.
Some testimonies from the prayer room and Pentecost celebration included:
‘I came thinking I was doing something for God. I left knowing that He had done something for me. Can’t wait to come again.’
‘As the church bells rang out, felt his call to the People, his spirit going out across the town/area. This has been a blessing. I feel a connection to the disciples and Jesus by being in ‘The Upper Room’. All the prayer stations have been so beautiful and carefully thought out. I liked the tent with Open door being a light in dark places and felt we, as a lighthouse are being the light in the dark places of peoples lives, hardships and hearts.’
‘A wonderful answer to prayer – a breakthrough – years of prayer. Thank you Jesus’
The churches in attendance for the prayer room and pentecost celebration service included all seven Christian denominations in Southwell: Holy Trinity Southwell, Baptist Church, Living Water Fellowship, Methodist Church, the Minster, Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church, Riverside Church – and for the prayer days, they were joined by St Michael’s at Farnsfield.
You can click here to watch the service available until 16th June.
On Pentecost Sunday four people were baptised at St Nic’s church! This was a real celebration of the intercultural community at St Nic’s – during the service Farsi baptism liturgy was used and songs were sung in multiple languages.
Two of those being baptised were Iranian young people who have been a part of the youth group for many months and served at the Easter holiday club.
One was someone who joined St Nic’s through participating in their Alpha course and is now an active member of their Student group and Globe Cafe – a weekly meet up for international students in partnership with Friends International.
We thank God for all these people who have made a public commitment of faith.
On Sunday, Connect Gamston, based at Pierrepont Gamston School, celebrated the baptism of eight people, including two families and a young girl. It was an incredible day filled with joy, faith, and powerful stories of transformation.
Below are just a few of the inspiring testimonies shared:
Gerald, a member of one of the families, said:
“Three and a half years ago, God led me here – to St. Luke’s and Connect Gamston. As I’ve come to understand God more, I’ve become aware of my sin. Yet He not only turned my life around but also showed me His mercy. He loves me and my family, gives us strength when we’re weak, heals us when we’re ill, and brings peace when we’re uneasy. I’m learning to appreciate more, to forgive, and to serve. Though there’s still a long way to go, I believe God’s teachings will make my life more meaningful. That’s why today, I choose to live God’s way and become His servant.”
Mary, another family member shared:
“I want to be baptised because it signifies my commitment to my Christian faith—not just for myself, but for my family and children. This step represents a fresh start, leaving behind the past and embracing a new life in Christ. I want to live as a disciple of Jesus, allowing His teachings to shape how I live, love, and raise my children. With the support of my church community, I look forward to this journey of transformation, growth, and deepening my faith.”
A young girl also shared her beautiful testimony:
“I first believed in God when I heard how my sister Daisy prayed because she wanted a sister. It made me feel special to be an answer to prayer. I believe Jesus died for us and loves us with all his heart and that love never ends. When I was in Year 4 I wanted to read the whole Bible. I didn’t quite manage it but read a story every night for a month. I think my relationship with Jesus is good, we have little chats. Sometimes I talk to him when I sit in my sister’s bedroom or when I’m at school. I like to find a quiet space to be with him. I want to be baptised to be closer to Jesus and be welcomed in God’s family.”
As part of Thy Kingdom Come, the week leading up to Pentecost was a special time of prayer, creativity, and connection at St Thomas’ Church, welcoming all the children and staff from Archbishop Cranmer Primary Academy, along with families from Tot Spot – their toddler group, for a series of multi-sensory Pentecost workshops.
Using all five senses, the children explored who the Holy Spirit is in fun and reflective ways. From bubbles and popcorn to fans and quiet prayer spaces, each activity helped bring the Pentecost story to life. The children offered thoughtful and heartfelt prayers for themselves, their families, and our world. It was deeply encouraging to see them so engaged, asking big questions and discovering what it might mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
The week culminated in a joyful Pentecost Sunday, where all gathered to pray, “Come, Holy Spirit,” and invited God to fill all afresh. It was a morning full of worship, bubble prayers, and the Spirit’s presence. It was especially exciting to welcome newcomers including a family who attended after being part of the school workshop earlier in the week, and a couple who came after a chance encounter with members of our church family when house hunting.
We’re so grateful for the gift of the Holy Spirit and for the many inspiring stories and powerful testimonies of Pentecost being shared across our diocese.