Dear Friends--
First of all, what a week that was! Thanks again for all your gifts of time and energy and love to this community during Bargain Bin Week. Just amazing (and, on top of everything else, great fun).
This Sunday is Pentecost, the day when, according to the book of Acts,
"there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force -- no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through the ranks of the disciples, and they started speaking in different languages as the Spirit prompted them. "
We'll pray that we might live as people whose eyes are open to the spirit of Christ in the world around us:
"Sustain us, O Lord, in the gifts of your Spirit: an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works."
And we'll hear St. Paul reflect on his experience of Christian community: "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." (To some is given the gift of sorting, to some the gift of pricing, to some the gift of cleaning up!)
It's sometimes called the birthday of the Church, and it's one of the big celebrations of the church year. It's also the Sunday when we dress the altar and lectern in red. Many people dress themselves in red this day, too, as a reminder of all that Pentecostal fire.
Wear red if you have some and feel inspired to, but whatever color you're in please come celebrate with us!
Peace,
Mark.