Dear Friends,
This week we celebrate the Day of Pentecost. Fifty days after Easter, the Church marks the eternal presence of the Holy Spirit–God’s animating, fiery Spirit who breathes life into each one of us, and into our community of faith. We will baptize two children at the 10 a.m. service (Benjamin and Coleman) as we welcome them into this life together. The color for Pentecost is red to remind us of the “tongues of fire” that appeared over the heads of those first followers of Jesus at Pentecost. Water, fire, breath of God…the elements of life! As you prepare for the fiery day on Sunday, pray for our diocese as we elect a new bishop on Saturday, receive this Pentecost blessing, listen to some fiery preaching from our Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry (see video below), wear red tomorrow, come and add your promise to “support Benjamin and Coleman in their life in Christ.” Together we are One Body in Christ, as the Spirit guides us in all things.
Nancy+
Pentecost blessing
May the mystery of the Holy Spirit dwell in you,
that you may hear the voice of grace
even in strange places and foreign tongues.
May the wind of the Holy Spirit move you
to cross boundaries and defy divisions
to love those who are different from you.
May the breath of the Holy Spirit breathe in you
to forgo all comfort and familiarity
to meet others where they are.
May the fountain of the Holy Spirit flow in you
with courage and humility to learn anew,
to be awkward and foolish for the sake of love.
May the fire of the Holy Spirit burn brightly in you,
that in all you do others may see in you
the warm light of the steady love of God.
—--Steve Garnaas-Holmes
Unfolding Light
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