A new activity for me is learning to paint. I did this at a class in April and thought I’d share it with you all. We are blessed to live where we can enjoy this view as often as we like.
“By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
Galatians 5:22-23
Dear Friends,
This month we celebrate Pentecost. This is that special day that the Holy Spirit made a big scene among the people. This is that special day that we think of as the birthday of the Christian Church. This is that special day that we find it hard to get volunteers to read the story. Why? Because there are so many names of places and peoples that are hard to pronounce.
In case you’ve forgotten, here’s the (hard part of the) text:
7Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? 9Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.”
Rather than think about the difficulty of pronouncing words like Phyrgia and Pamphylia I’m thinking about the wonderful way the Holy Spirit allowed people to communicate with one another. I often joke that I wish I could have the assistance of this powerful force when I am trying to learn Spanish! But then I remember that it’s possible to communicate love for others without the use of words.
I am reminded of an experience during my internship. The pastor’s mother was a wonderful senior from New Jersey. She did not speak any Spanish. There was another lady of similar age who’d immigrated from El Salvador. She did not speak any English. Yet somehow these two beautiful women became the best of friends. They sat together, laughed together, and somehow communicated with one another. I smile as I remember watching them Sunday after Sunday. The Holy Spirit is indeed powerful when she is working in our lives!
This year, we have the opportunity to think of Pentecost as a celebration of perseverance. That we made it through a year of covid…that our community continued to gather as we were able…that we found ways to care for one another. I’m wondering if we can celebrate this Pentecost by gathering in person and maybe sharing some favorite food from our own ethnic traditions. I will investigate the feasibility of this and get back to you!
Speaking of worship. We will continue to have a hybrid-style service (both in-person and online). We will also continue to work on improving the online aspect of this. We have received a grant and a generous donation that will allow us to purchase needed equipment to improve both the sound and video. A committee is working on this and we hope to make the improvements in the next few weeks. Meanwhile, we thank you for your patience.
I will be taking a couple of Sundays off in May. I’m happy to announce that Arlin Scott is returning to the pulpit this Sunday, May 2nd. Then on May 9th, Rev. Joseph Castañeda Carrera will lead both our book study and worship that day. He is currently serving as Assistant to the Bishop for Authentic Diversity. He is also a candidate for bishop (election in June). Please attend worship (in-person or online) both Sundays as you will hear wonderful messages from Arlin and Pastor Joseph.
Peace in Christ,
Pastor Nancy
