A WORD FROM OUR PASTOR                                                             

The Church’s liturgical calendar follows cycles of celebrations and emphases.  Christmas and Easter are highlights in this rhythm.  Advent and Lent are seasons of preparation for these celebrations.  After the Easter season comes the season of Pentecost, which starts with the day of (ironically) Pentecost. 

In Judaism, Pentecost is a harvest celebration where the first fruits of the wheat harvest are dedicated to God.  It is also connected to the giving of the Law to Moses.  Jewish people in the first century would travel to the Temple in Jerusalem for this Holy Day.  It was during this celebration, the first one since Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, that the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples.  The Spirit moved the disciples from their locked room into the street.  There, they began telling about Jesus and his salvation.   Everyone there was able to understand the words of the disciples no matter their native language. 
The Day of Pentecost is a celebration of the Spirit’s presence with the Church.  It also points Christians beyond the church building toward the world, so we can tell about Jesus and all he has done and continues to do.  Fire is the symbol of the Holy Spirit, and the color of the day is red.
The following Sunday is Holy Trinity Sunday.  We focus upon the doctrine of the Trinity.  We explore the nature of God, the three in one and one in three. 

 

Then we have the long season of Pentecost.  That season will actually continue until
December.  The color is green, signifying growth.  The weekly readings will consist of |Jesus’ teachings and parables and miracles.  Some denominations call this “Ordinary Time”.  This season of Pentecost is not focused on celebrations and festivals.  Rather, it
reminds us of the importance of the routine of following Jesus day in and day out. 

The “green season” can feel like a list of those things we ought to do.  They are not

glamorous, but they are profound.  You know:  eat healthy foods (especially your veggies), exercise, connect with people, have some alone time, give focus to an activity or hobby.  These are some of the ingredients to a healthy and happy life. 

 

Like the list above, the things that disciples do can seem tame and manageable:  connect with God through Scripture and prayer, show care for another through an act of service, look for the presence of God in the people and events around you.  Be open to the

movement of the Spirit within yourself.  These are life giving and life changing practices. 

 

 

Pastor John