From the Pastor
May, 2012 Newsletter
I didn’t say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. But now I go away to the one who sent me. None of you ask me, “Where are you going?” Yet because I have said these things to you, you are filled with sorrow. I assure you that it is better for you that I go away. If I don’t go away, the Companion won’t come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you…I have much more to say to you, but you can’t handle it now. However, when the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you in all truth. He won’t speak on his own, but will say whatever he hears and will proclaim to you what is to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and proclaim it to you. John 16:4b-7, 12-14
Pentecost is on the way! Easter doesn’t end just with Easter. Yes, Jesus rose from the dead. Yes, he defeated the powers of sin and death that lead us to hopelessness, helplessness, and fear. Yes, we celebrate his resurrection with all our might, as loudly and joyfully as we can. But this is not just a one-day event. The Bible tells us that the risen Jesus appeared many times to his friends and disciples over the next several weeks, so they could see and touch and ask questions and know that he really does live.
If the risen Jesus is alive, why don’t we see him? Because, says Jesus, it’s better for us if he goes and the Holy Spirit comes. Jesus of Nazareth couldn’t be everywhere at the same time, and hear everyone, because he was fully human and therefore limited in time and space just as we are. The risen Jesus Christ, although no longer limited as he had been before, is still localized. People near him may see and hear him, but others who are farther away do not. But the Holy Spirit is neither limited nor localized. The Holy Spirit is everywhere, all the time, dwelling in and among Jesus’ people, inspiring them, leading them, and giving them gifts for the benefit of the whole body of believers.
And so, forty days after Easter, the risen Jesus ascends into heaven. The Holy Spirit descends upon the gathered believers ten days later, at Pentecost. This is the climax of the Easter season, and the fulfillment of the promises Jesus made to his disciples just before his death. Definitely worth rejoicing over, don’t you think?
This year, Pentecost falls on May 27. Let’s all wear red to church on May 27th to celebrate. If you don’t have red, then orange or yellow or other flame-colored clothes will be fine. And if you have any red or orange flowers, please bring them, and come a little early. There will be vases around the sanctuary so we can decorate with flowers before the service begins. There will also be red and orange helium balloons in the sanctuary, like last year. And I think there will be some surprises too!
May 27th is also Memorial Day Sunday; and we will remember those who gave their lives in the service of this country in the midst of our celebration of Pentecost. I also encourage you to attend the Memorial Day celebrations throughout the county on Sunday and Monday.
May the joy of our risen Lord be yours,
Pastor Janet
Mobile Site Links:
