When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.
–Acts 2:1-3

Last Sunday, Luke’s gospel narrated for us Jesus’ ascension from earth. This Sunday, in the book of Acts, Luke leads us alongside the apostles back to Jerusalem. Fifty days after the Passover comes Pentecost, the day the Holy Spirit filled the early followers of Jesus with courage, connection, and new life.

Our scripture selection from Acts 2:1–6, 14–17, and 37–43 reminds us that Pentecost was more than a dramatic moment of wind and fire. It was the birth of a Spirit-filled community shaped by worship, generosity, compassion, and shared life together. It  is a day we honor as the birthday of the church (don’t forget to wear red!)

In a fragmented and anxious world, Pentecost reminds us that the Spirit still creates understanding across differences, still connects people in community, and still calls the church to share Christ’s blessing in the world.  

I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday or on YouTube as we celebrate the ongoing movement of the Holy Spirit among us. This will be our last Sunday in the sanctuary until this fall. Starting on May 31, worship will be in the chapel at our normal time of 9:30 am.

Brett