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In Hebrew, the word for wind, breath, and spirit is the same: ruach. When Scripture speaks of the Spirit moving, it uses the language of air in motion — a breath that gives life, a wind that brings change.

This Easter season, we have a rare opportunity to make that connection tangible. The air handler that will move air through our sanctuary for decades to come has arrived as part of the Tomorrow First HVAC project — and before it is installed above the ceiling, where it will quietly serve for decades, we are inviting our church family to leave a mark of faith on it.

Beginning Wednesday, April 1 through Sunday, April 12, the air handler will be on display in the Serve Center. Grab a permanent marker and write something on it before it disappears into service:

  • A favorite Bible verse
  • A prayer for the future of our church
  • Your name or your family's name
  • A word about what McPherson First means to you

Why wind and Spirit?

On the first Easter evening, the risen Christ breathed on the disciples and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit" (John 20:22). The first act of the resurrected Jesus was to breathe new life into a community that would carry the gospel forward. Every time this air handler moves air through our sanctuary, it will be a quiet echo of that moment — unseen, faithful, and life-giving.

Need inspiration? Here are a few verses about wind, breath, and the Spirit:

  • Psalm 150:6 — "Let every living thing praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!"
  • Job 33:4 — "God's spirit made me; the Almighty's breath enlivens me."
  • John 3:8 — "God's Spirit blows wherever it wishes. You hear its sound, but you don't know where it comes from or where it is going."
  • Genesis 1:2 — "God's wind swept over the waters."
  • Ezekiel 37:9 — "Come from the four winds, breath! Breathe into these dead bodies and let them live."
  • Acts 2:2 — "Suddenly a sound from heaven like the howling of a fierce wind filled the entire house."
  • Psalm 33:6 — "The skies were made by the Lord's word, all their starry multitude by the breath of his mouth."

This piece of equipment will serve quietly and invisibly for years to come. But before it does, it will carry the prayers, names, and scripture of the people it serves.

By the Numbers

The Tomorrow First campaign has received commitments from 110 households totaling $1,844,683 in pledges, with $893,821 received — 51% of our goal and still growing. Construction is on track for completion by the end of June.

How to Give

Give online at mcphersonfirst.org/give (select "Tomorrow First"), by mail to 1200 E Kansas Ave, McPherson, KS 67460, or place gifts in the worship offering plate marked "Tomorrow First."

Stop by the Serve Center anytime the building is open between April 1 and April 12. Markers will be provided.