The Feast Day of Pentecost
This Sunday at 9 a.m.
|
|
Perhaps one might say all moments contain the fullness of the glory of God, that each moment can radiate the love, compassion, and generosity of the Creator, or that each time "two or three are gathered together" the presence of Christ is made known.
And I wouldn't disagree with any of those statements. And yet, I know from my own experience, there are some moments or events which draw us into an awareness of holiness that we know for certain the glory of God is being revealed to us, here and now.
The service celebrating the life of Joan Applegate this past Sunday was one such moment.
Her service, which was lovingly prepared to reflect her essence and presence, will always be a touchstone of what the glory of God looks like for me,
many hearts gathered together into one by love,
to which I will return often. I am so grateful for all of you who came, who sang, who opened your hearts to the glory within, and who celebrated the life of someone who lived life well in love. I am also grateful to her family, who are some of the most amazing and loving people I have ever met, and who put so much thought and effort into creating a service that was just right for Joan.
If you would like to hear a recording of the service, especially to hear the spectacular music, please
click here, prepared for us by the organist, Peter Berton.
With love and gratitude, Mother Barbara
|
|
 |
The church was beautiful, the flowers exquisite, the pews filled, the music completely glorious, and the remembrances of Joan's life were meaningful and moving. It was a perfect celebration of a life lived well in love.
|
|
|
|
After the service, we were all treated to an amazing and delicious buffet, lovingly prepared by the hands of parishioners and served with style and grace. Thank you to everyone who contributed in so many ways. It was beautiful, abundant, and filled with the grace of generosity of spirit. Many thanks to Jane Offner who had the vision of this celebration and who shepherded all of us to make it so special!
|
|
|
|
|
We were blessed by Joan's generosity and presence for so many years at St. Andrew's.
She and her family have now gifted our parish her Steinway piano with her beautifully needlepointed bench. It fits perfectly into the space, like it was always meant to be here.
|
|
|
|
Such a gift as this, we will always treasure.
|
|
|
|
The Manifestation of the Holy Spirit
|
This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the peoples gathered and astonished all, many of them hearing the message of Christ spoken in their own language for the first time. Today, the Holy Spirit manifests itself in the life of believers in countless ways. Sometimes the work of the Spirit appears in pronounced ways, and at other times, the Spirit is experienced more quietly, as an abiding presence as close to seekers as their very breath. And then there are those mystical and intimate moments when the Spirit is encountered through the gifts of contemplation. Often depicted as a dove in the Christian tradition, or perhaps more appropriately as a wild goose amongst Celtic believers, one thing is certain: the movement of the Spirit is mysterious, wild, transformative, and unique to each and every seeker of the Sacred. May we be filled with the Holy Spirit and carry the Spirit out into our world.
|
|
|
3 Teaching Points about Pentecost from Building Faith
- It is the "Birth Day of the Church
- Pentecost Showcases the Trinity
- Jesus keeps his promises.
To read this whole article for ways to understand this festival day and bring it into the life of your family, please
click here.
|
|
"Hear what the Spirit is saying to God's people"
|
You will notice that in our worship on Sunday we will be trying a new response to our lessons: “Here what the Spirit is saying to God’s people.
”
Sunday is one of the most glorious days in our church year- the feast of Pentecost when we commemorate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and other followers of Christ. This event represents the birth of the early church, a “gathering into one” which we celebrate especially on this feast day and every day when we come together as believers to share in worship and community and strengthen ourselves for mission.
We have been eagerly anticipating the coming of the Holy Spirit among us, hearing in our Gospel readings how Jesus is promising that the Spirit, as Advocate and Guide, will be sent to teach us what we need to know and lead us into all truth. Jesus, who is close to the Father’s heart, now gifts us with the Spirit who will remain with us always, ever by our side.
|
|
When we hear and respond to the Word proclaimed among us with our new response, we share our thankfulness for the gift of the Spirit in our lives and we rejoice that we are God’s people.
This response is from the Supplemental Worship Material,
Enriching our Worship, which was approved for over 20 years ago by the General Convention. Our bishop has also given us permission to offer this liturgical response within our worship and has encouraged us to invite your feedback, which we do! I invite you to see if your response to the scripture is different, deeper, or engages your heart in a new way because of the awareness this phrase brings to us that the Spirit will speak God's truth to us by breaking open the scripture to us. Please share your responses with Mother Barbara.
We will try this new response to the lessons during the season of Pentecost, since this is the season when we are particularly attentive to the movement of the Spirit in our lives and our worship.
|
|
|
|
As a symbol of the Holy Spirit being released within our world, we will release butterflies from our Memorial Garden this Sunday as we conclude our 9 a.m. service. Lisa Turchi will chant "Come Holy Spirit" as the butterflies spread their wings and take flight. Come and join us -- this is a wonderful and festive celebration!
|
|
|
Worship Ministers at 9 a.m.
|
|
Greeters: Dave Hutton, Edna Guido
Acolytes: Alexander Smeltz, Jonathan Luo
Altar Guild:
Christina Luo, Bill Gawors, Sue Davis, Samantha Davis
Gospel Bearer:
Joseph Luo
Celebrant and Preacher: Mother Barbara
Assisting Priest: Mother Pat Dickson
Coffee Hour: Jennifer Romine, John Richardson
Eucharistic Ministers:
Andrew Smeltz, Susan Briggs
Lectors:
Ken Dotson, John Richardson
Church Musician:
Brian Helman
Thurifer: Ken Dotson
Verger: Bill Gawors
We will dedicate the gift of Joan's piano at our service on Sunday.
Let us pray.
Almighty God, we thank you that you have put it into the hearts of your people to make offerings for your service, and have been pleased to accept their gifts. Be with us now and bless us as we set apart this piano to your praise and glory, in memory and love of Joan Applegate; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Grant that all who benefit from this gift may show their thankfulness to you by using it in accordance with your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
On Sunday, the first lesson will be from Genesis and Acts will be read as the second lesson.
To read a blog about making space for Pentecost in your life, please
click here.
|
|
Walking together in the Way of Love:
The Practice of Prayer
|
|
Walking Together in the Way of Love: Walking Together...
The Rt. Rev. Audrey C. Scanlan, XI Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania, interviews Deacon Marsha Roscoe with the Lutheran Lower Susquehanna Synod, about the Way of Love practice of prayer and how prayer has drawn her closer...
Read more
podcasts.apple.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Can you believe this is a beautiful orchid in the shape of the Holy Spirit? Wow!
Talk about the beauty, diversity and holiness of God's creation!
|
|
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
717-532-8089
Mother Barbara
717-333-5590
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
