This Sunday is Pentecost, 50 days after Easter and the Jewish festival of spring harvest. It is also known as the birthday of the Church when the early disciples were filled with the Sprit and empowered for ministry in the world in the name of Jesus. Our children will process in with bright streamers and head pieces flashing with flames as a way to honor this church holiday. We may also have a red covering for the communion table to help do the same. I’ll talk to the children and youth about the meaning of light and fire. I’ll ask them what in the world the Bible means when it says that ‘tongues of fire’ sat on top of each disciple’s head! What do you think that means? I’m sure the kids will come up with something—and I’ll get to respond. Should be fun—and an opportunity for learning about God.
The big concern of Pentecost is not focused on looking back to the church origins, but looking ahead: What is the future of the Church? Does this holiday give us clues as to who we are to become in Christ in this time and place? I will share how I see that Spirit of Pentecost at work in our midst already, and how that Spirit is nudging us to grow—to be filled with fire and passion. My title is: “Follow Your Passion” and that is the theme for the day. Where is God leading you? How is the Spirit nudging you at the moment? How do we support each other in passionate ways? Come on Sunday and find out as we give thanks for the past and seek God’s future up ahead. Along the way we’ll sing some great Spirit-filled hymns and hear grace-filled music.
I’m writing this on Thursday morning. This evening at 5:30 Berkshire Interfaith Organizing will gather in Barrett Hall for a coming together of many faith communities to discern how to work together in being instruments of God’s peace in this community and county. Come join us if you can. We may touch into some of that holy fire of God as we seek to help and heal one another in a challenging time. A light supper of sandwiches is available after 5 and child care will be provided by Rachael Roche and a friend. We’ll be done by 7:30.
On Sunday afternoon at 2:30pm our Berkshire Association will gather at the Dalton Congregational Church to open our hearts to each other in our shared work of ministry in the UCC. We will also have a workshop on racial justice that will conclude at 5 p.m. All are welcome.
Finally, I had a great time watching the Transit of Mercury across the face of the sun on Monday. A little, very black dot marched across the sun hour by hour. There were also sunspots that day which were larger than the planet! Mercury is 3,000 miles in diameter while the sun is 865,000 miles across. That gives one a sense of perspective on our local star. Earth is about 8,000 miles across—we would make a slightly bigger dot. We are so small in this universe and yet so amazing—such as being able to buy a special sheet of mylar-like material, find a design online, and make one’s own personal solar filter. I marvel at what we, humans, can do! Now if we will just ‘do’ what is merciful, just, and hopeful more often. (There I go back to preaching. I do like this job.) Blessing and peace on this beautiful day.