During the month of May, we will be celebrating Pentecost on Sunday,
May 20th. Pentecost is a celebration on the liturgical calendar commemorating
the pouring out of the Holy Spirit on the disciples in Jerusalem, as Jesus had
promised them during his post-resurrection appearances. It is a day that is also
known as “the birthday of the church” because on this day, Jesus’ followers
became a unique community empowered by the Holy Spirit to carry out God’s
kingdom in the world.
After the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the Book of Acts describes how the community of Jesus’
followers lived among themselves and society around them:
“Those who welcomed
persons were added. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the
breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were
being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would
sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as
they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and
generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord
added to their number those who were being saved.” [Acts 2:41-47]
These qualities of love, forgiveness, fellowship, generosity, and devotion to God in worship
marked the early church. Through their witness, others around them saw a picture of what it looked
like to live in God’s kingdom – a different kind of kingdom than that which is offered by the world. As
21st century Christians, we too have the power of the Holy Spirit available to us and our congregation
so that we can live out this kind of life with one another in our community. Let us seek the Holy Spirit’s
power and guidance as we live out God’s kingdom in our church and in our broader community this
Pentecost and always!
Blessings,
Pastor Hilary Livingston
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