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During the month of May, we celebrate Pentecost. For many, this is the day we wear red to remind us of the tongues of flame that came down that day. For others, Pentecost is the day the Confirmands will join the church, affirming their baptisms, and becoming full members. Still others know Pentecost as the Birthday of the Church. This is the day when the church was born, the Holy Spirit blew in like a mighty wind, and people gathered together to worship the risen Lord! The good news is that we can celebrate Pentecost in all these ways! And we will celebrate, on May 19th, all of these things! Our Confirmands will come, reminding us of our own baptisms and what it means to commit ourselves to the Church. They will be given red stoles that have been prayed over to remind them that they join not only Aldersgate but they also join the ministry of all believers. Pentecost is the day the church began and it was started for the purpose of spreading God’s love and sharing the word of God with all people in order to make everyone a disciple. We are all ministers in this understanding of the word. It takes the gifts of each of us, offered individually and together, to share the grace of God with a world that doesn’t know it’s loved! We join with the Confirmands as we reaffirm our vows to support the church and spread the gospel in the world with our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service and our witness! Join us for this uplifting celebration on Pentecost Sunday, May 19. Celebrate Pentecost, the birthday of the church, by wearing something red. Support our Confirmands by reaffirming your vows and recommitting yourself to let the Spirit guide you in the use of your God-given gifts. Join with the body of Christ as we collectively, here and around the world, say “Come, Holy Spirit, come!” May the presence of the Holy Spirit inspire your work in the world during this season of Pentecost and always.
Pastor Tara