People of the Spirit,
I was this many years old when….
In my weekly lectionary discussion group, I learned that Pentecost is simply the Greek word for the Jewish festival of Shavuot – an agricultural festival celebrating the early summer wheat harvest that later evolved to commemorate the giving of the Torah (teaching, instruction, direction, or – as Jesus noted – “The Way”) to Moses on Mount Sinai. While many Western Christian traditions commonly refer to this event as the “birthday of the church,” viewing it solely through that lens can obscure its deeper roots. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Shavuot wasn’t the creation of a completely separate religion out of thin air but rather the fulfillment of Israel’s story and the empowerment of a new movement from within its native Jewish context.
So, when we connect it to Jesus’s Ascension in Luke: “Take note – I am sending forth what Abba God has promised to you. Remain here in the city until you are clothed with the power from on high.” Bing! bang! boom! A new revelation.
As we celebrate our 60th year anniversary, walking into the 61st year, we can ask ourselves, “What are we doing that is new? How are we being renewed, rebirthed in the Holy Spirit? Are we truly walking the way?” The important history of Island United in a new “planned community” that was designed to be uniting rather than exclusionary is still very relevant and needed.
I look forward to seeing you Sunday at 10 am on 1130 Balclutha, Zoom, or Livestream, as we look at Luke’s sequel Acts 2:1-21 story of Pentecost and participate in writing the third installment of the story. Bring a friend and celebrate!
Love,
Rev. Michael
P.S. I would still have to have a word from God in another language that you might know or have learned. Please also – as part of the Pentecost Celebration – remember the “Strengthen the Church” special offering this Sunday.