Pentecost

The ascension left the disciples slack-jawed, with heads upturned, waiting for that was to come next...

When Pentecost came 10 days later, I’m certain that after the wonder of mighty winds and tongues of flame wore off, the disciples were a bit disappointed. It turns out that the world was not coming to a cataclysmic end with victory given only to the close friends of the messiah. There was work to be done and workers were needed.  The infant church had to expand and expand fast, taking on the task of speaking in the languages of all people, and bringing together a new community of love and reconciliation. It was quite a wonderful vision and responsibility. Given the scope of the work the disciples were expecting more than, “Tag, you’re it!” 

More than the birthday of the church, Pentecost is the time we come of age as responsible Christians. We are called to step into the sandals of Jesus and follow his path beyond the point where he left, into unknown territory. We’d rather not. We’d rather keep looking up and waiting for what comes next. We’d rather dodge the tag. But the Holy Spirit doesn’t seem to follow our wishes. It blows wherever it wills. It inspires, directs, enables, comforts, encourages, strengthens and sanctifies us all, sometimes in very different ways. It unifies all the diverse expressions of sanctified humanity into one great common work, building the dream of God.

The truth of Pentecost is that we are the body of Christ, no less than that of the Galilean carpenter. And God’s dream of the reconciliation of all people is squarely in our hands. But, cheer up! We are not alone. The Holy Spirit is a force beyond our ability to comprehend. It’s a force that is always with us. 

– Fr. Dwight 

 

Worship services at St. John’s, year-round:

Sundays
The Holy Eucharist:  7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., and at 5 p.m. (parish hall). Children’s chapel and child care are available during the 10:30 a.m. service; Sunday school for all ages is resumes in September.

Tuesdays
The Holy Eucharist:  10 a.m. in the Chapel of the Beloved Disciple, followed by a Bible study in the church library. Centering prayer is offered from 7:30-8:30 p.m. in the church library.

Wednesdays
The Holy Eucharist:  6:30 p.m. in the Chapel of the Beloved Disciple