Note from our Senior Pastor
"…they were all together in one place…."
-- Acts of the Apostles 2:1
Dear Friends,
When I need a line from scripture for my meditation sometimes I choose this
one.
Describing the Jewish Day of Pentecost, it also gives an account of the
Apostles and a vision of togetherness. Originally Pentecost came seven weeks
after Passover, and it celebrated the giving of the law by God. It still does.
For Christians it also describes the giving of the Holy Spirit, or the new
covenant, or the essence of new life in Christ. All good things. And when we
received all this (law, Spirit, new life…), we were on the same page, in the
same place. No confusion, no misunderstanding, no language problems.
Frankly, we are still there quite a bit. In a conversation with some
potential new members at the end of April, I pointed out how Christians agree
much, much more than they disagree. We just make more of the disagreements.
Perhaps this year at Pentecost we can meditate on that fundamental spirit:
the one gift that we all receive from God. Not because of any pressing
disagreements but because it is such a joy to share common faith and hope and
trust. It is so powerful to be in accord (as much as possible) with God's way.
May is such a wonderful month: with Children's Sunday and Pentecost, among
other things. Rejoice in our one God, one baptism, common hope, fundamental
mission. And enjoy all this together!
See you at various events, in church,
Peace,
Ken Baily
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