What is Pentecost?

Dear Pali Pres,

This coming Sunday is Pentecost Sunday, which comes from the Greek word for “fiftieth.” As many of you may already know, Pentecost is the fiftieth and last day of the Easter season. We recognize Pentecost as the time when Jesus gifted us the Holy Spirit (traditionally depicted as a dove) and the church was “born.” So, in a sense, Pentecost is a time to say, “Happy Birthday!”

Celebrating the birthday of the Christian church is an excellent opportunity for us all to reflect on what it means to be “the church” in general and specifically here at Pali Pres. By looking at accounts of the first Pentecost some 2000 years ago, we can tell that the church was designed from the very beginning to be a diverse community of Jesus followers, one that is commissioned and gifted with all the resources needed to do God’s work of love, service, and reconciliation in this world.

As you prepare for Sunday, I encourage you to take some time to reflect on the gift of the church and the meaning of Pentecost. May we feel a renewed energy in serving as Jesus’ followers as we celebrate the birth of the church and all that it has been empowered to do in this world.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Matt

PS—Don’t forget to wear your RED this Sunday (the liturgical color for Pentecost)!