Preached Just Prior to Pentecost/Confirmation

About the person: She was a life-long member of the parish, mid-fifties, with children and grandchildren in the congregation. Diagnosis had been sudden and death had come quickly to a vigorous woman. The sermon was given just prior to Pentecost and Confirmation.

When _______ was confirmed at Trinity church, a prayer was spoken for her and to her that we still retain in this season when we confirm other youth. The words said, "the Father in heaven for Jesus' sake, renew and increase in you the gifts of the Holy Spirit, to your strengthening in faith, to your growth in grace, to your patience in suffering, and to the blessed hope of everlasting life." ... renewing and increasing the gifts of the Holy Spirit: When our Lord entered her life and claim…