Happy Birthday Church!

As we head into Memorial Day weekend, Pentecost can easily get lost among graduations, family gatherings, backyard barbecues, and the unofficial beginning of summer. But in the time of the apostles, Pentecost was one of the great celebrations of the Jewish faith — an ancient harvest festival, a commemoration of God giving the Law to Moses, and a time when Jews from across the diaspora gathered together in Jerusalem.

And it is into that crowded and expectant city that the Spirit arrives.

Meanwhile, the disciples are gathered behind closed doors. I imagine they are still grieving and trying to make sense of all that had happened — still processing the loss of their teacher, their rabbi, their friend. And then suddenly, wind and flame fill the room. The Spirit literally blows them out of their seats and into the streets.

That is why Christians celebrate Pentecost as the birthday of the church.

Henri Nouwen writes, “Without Pentecost the Christ-event — the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus — remains imprisoned in history as something to remember, think about and reflect on. The Spirit of Jesus comes to dwell within us, so that we can become living Christs here and now.”

Pentecost is the celebration of Christ’s Spirit alive and active in the world through ordinary people. It is the moment fearful disciples become courageous witnesses. The moment grief gives way to purpose. The moment the church is born.

And that same Spirit is still at work among us.

This Sunday we will celebrate Pentecost together and give thanks for the gift of the Spirit that continues to guide the ministry and mission of the church. Whether you are reading this at home before worship or sitting in the sanctuary this Sunday morning, I hope you will join us in praying once again: Come, Holy Spirit.

See you in church!

Peace, love, and grace,

Pastor Kevin