Beloved Friends,
This Sunday we will gather for a fabulous Feast Day in the life of the church called “Pentecost.” One of the most ancient feasts of the Church, Pentecost is often referred to as the “birth”-day of the church. On this day we read the story from Acts recounting the original Pentecost. Jews from all over were gathered in Jerusalem celebrating the Jewish feast.
On that Sunday, ten days after the Ascension of Christ, the apostles and Mary were gathered in the Upper Room. What follows in the story from Acts is a dramatic account of the in-breaking of a mighty wind filling the house where they were gathered followed by the appearance of “parted tongues as it were of fire,” (Acts 2:2). From there we read of what has always struck me as the true definition of “holy chaos”! Crowds form and languages of all kinds are heard and amazingly understood, and out of the cacophony of sound and wild energy and confusion provoking wonder and skepticism alike, a kind of faithful clarity seems to emerge resulting in the conversion and baptism of “about 3,000” people. And so the “church,” out of that chaos, as a gathered people, inspired and lead by Holy Spirit, forms and moves forward into today as the Body of Christ.
It is an amazing “birth-story” and one that is rich in both meaning and mystery for us as well. We’ll decorate the church in red (and ask all of us to do the same) symbolizing the color of flames and fire – marking our faith-filled vision that the gifts of spirit are still revealed and given to us just as surely as they were revealed centuries ago.
We will also hear the choir one last time before they begin a summer of rest and renewal. So following the service we will honor and thank them with a festive reception offered by the vestry. And finally, we will take an all-parish photo for our new website (check it out if you haven’t yet- trinitytoledo.org) to reflect one the many images of who we are in this time and place.
So come “home” this Sunday for what is sure to be a glorious celebration of God’s love in and through us, with Holy Spirit still having her way—pulling and pushing, prodding and coaxing, forging a path of new possibilities each day, and simply waiting for us to be amazed and ready to respond.
Come, Spirit who is our Light.
Shine among the shadows within.
Warm and transform our hearts.
Come, Spirit who makes a home in us.
Draw us to the treasures of your dwelling.
Reveal to us the inner journey of love.
Come, Spirit, Comforter and Consoler.
Heal the wounded. Soothe the anxious.
Be consolation for all who grieve and ache.
Come, Spirit, consuming Fire of Love.
Fill us with enthusiasm for your vision.
May the desire for truth be vibrant in us.
Come, Spirit, joy of our souls.
Dance amid life’s hills and valleys,
Encircle us with the delights of your dance. Amen
May you never forget that you are loved,
Lisa