This Sunday, we celebrate Pentecost, the day in which disciples of Jesus receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is sometimes called the birthday of the Christian church. In this time of pandemic, birthdays have been experienced differently for many of us. Some have known lonely days, cherishing a card and note from a dear friend. Others have had safe and creative celebrations with car parades, signs and loud honking horns. Those with access to technology may have had the gift of presence with loved ones, from near and far away places, on Zoom.
In his book, The Cherry Log Sermons, Fred Craddock reminds us that, like birthday celebrations, there are also different versions of the story of Pentecost in the New Testament. The one in the Book of Acts (2:1-21) is more like a big and loud birthday celebration. The gift of the Holy Spirit comes as strong wind sweeps through the room where over 100 are gathered. In the Gospel of John (20:19-23), there is a more personal and intimate gathering with Jesus and some of those closest to him. Jesus comes to them, through a locked door, and greets them with the words “Peace be with you”. He breathes on them saying “Receive the Holy Spirit.” This gift is also given to us, even if we cannot logically comprehend or describe it in words. This Sunday, we will consider together what Pentecost might mean for us individually, and as a community, today.
In our time of worship, we will share inspiring music including hymns and musical offerings from our Sanctuary Singers (accompanied by Nara Lee) and our Bell Choir, a children’s moment, prayer and reflection, and a reading of the scripture passage based on Acts 2:1-21. The sermon title is “The Gift of Presence”.
If you have been part of the St. Mark’s community for decades, or will be joining us for the first time, we look forward to connecting with those of you here or on the live stream at 10:30am this Sunday.
Fred Craddock, "The Softer Side of Pentecost" in The Cherry Log Sermons (Westminster John Knox Press, 2001)