Pastoral Thought--May 17

This weekend the Christian Church will celebrate Pentecost. Many preachers will remind their church families that Pentecost marks the birth of the New Testament Church and its ministry. Christians everywhere will be invited to not only consider the role of the Holy Spirit in their lives, but reflect on what Acts 2 calls them to do personally. 

At Plains we will celebrate Pentecost as we traditionally have. As Tiffany, our liturgist reminded us, we will wear red to worship on Sunday morning. After the service, we will gather on the front porch by the nursery school doors and enjoy cupcakes, drinks, and fellowship. As of now, the weather looks clear and we are ready to gather! Communion will be served in our traditionally-safe method during worship. As part of worship, Acts 2 will be read. I will wear my favorite red stole over my robe this weekend. 

Pentecost is a day of great joy and excitement for the church. 

But as we lead up to that time of joy and celebration, I want to spend some time thinking about the implications of Pentecost with you and help you consider if God is inviting you into a new practice or behavior?

In his book, The Challenge of Easter, British theologian N.T. Wright wrote these words: 

“Our task, as image-bearing, God-loving, Christ-shaped, Spirit-filled Christians, following Christ and shaping our world, is to announce redemption to the world that has discovered its fallenness, to announce healing to the world that has discovered its fallenness, to announce healing to the world that has discovered its brokenness, to proclaim love and trust to the world that knows only exploitation, fear and suspicion.” 

Reading Wright’s words draws me into considering how I might live, not just through Pentecost, but also in a post-pandemic world. While much of Wright’s work is time consuming to read, the Christian who dwells with him can find themselves changed and challenged in equal measure for he does speak about our on-going mission as the church. 

So as we lead up to Pentecost, I want you first to consider how are you called to announce healing and deliverance in this current cultural climate? 

Among the constant chatter and criticisms that we read about, the positive nature of God’s healing can help soothe the suffering of our community. In my experience they are looking for something to trust in. They want to believe that God is listening to their private struggles. I wonder if God might be calling you today, to share that powerful Pentecost message with them? 

Blessings

Rev. Derek