Beyond the Pulpit 5.24.26
This week, Pastor Christy and her husband David departed for a well-deserved vacation in Scandinavia. This is nothing new. Christy and David had planned this vacation several years ago but put it on hold due to the ministerial requirements. Three years later, they are excited by the opportunity, and I am looking forward to hearing the stories upon their return. Pastor Christy will be back soon, but in her absence, I am blessed to be able to share worship with you today.
Today is “Pentecost.” Commonly known as the birthday of the church, the word Pentecost comes from the Greek word pentekoste, meaning “fiftieth.” Accordingly, we celebrate Pentecost 50 days after Easter and ten days after Jesus’ assertion. It marks the end of the Easter season — and the official beginning of the Church.
In the Christian tradition, Pentecost is the celebration of the Holy Spirit descending on the disciples enabling and equipping them spread the gospel through service and the Word. But there is more. Pentecost also marks the point where everyone, Jewish and non-Jewish, are called to into GOD’s family. As a reminder of all of this, today you’ll see our sanctuary draped in red, symbolic of the burning fire of GOD’s love and the “tongues as of fire” that descended on the apostles.
All of this leads us back to the birthday of the church, but 2000 years later, what does Pentecost mean to each of us? For me, Pentecost reminds me that we are all GOD’s people. Pentecost also reminds me that I’m not alone in the spiritual life—that none of us are. Finally, Pentecost reminds me to ask the Holy Spirit to lead me, equip me, and enable me for service and all of that is worth a celebration!
Grace and Peace
Doug Gaskell
Chair
Church Council