05/25/2026
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US! That’s what we sang yesterday at Good Shepherd on the Feast of Pentecost, recognized as the birthday of the Holy catholic (universal) church. Pastor Dave led the children and the congregation in singing, and to drive the point home, produced an actual birthday cake! The candles were lit, and the cake was enjoyed after the service!
In his sermon, Pastor Dave recounted the remarkable events occurring in the two months from Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem through His arrest, crucifixion and Resurrection. According to Luke, during the 40 days after Jesus’ ascension, which we celebrated last Sunday, He appeared to about 500 people. Because of the limitations of His human, Jesus could only be in one place at one time. He ascended and sent His spirit, which can be in every place at all times.
On Pentecost, about 120 disciples of Jesus were gathered in one place in Jerusalem. They included the remaining 11 original disciples and Mary, the mother of Jesus. In the dramatic account in the book of Acts, the house was filled with the howling of a rushing wind (which the children did a great job of imitating), and tongues of fire alighted on each of the disciples. [Acts 2: 1-21]. Like makes no distinction between men and women, and men have no special claim to the power of the Holy Spirit.
Jerusalem was packed with Jews from all over the Roman empire, but each heard the disciples speaking in their native language! [Acts2:6-12]. This was not some special heavenly language, but more like the translation section at the UN. The Holy Spirit was inspiring the spread of the Gospel throughout the world, as Christ had commanded. On Pentecost, the Gospel of the Resurrected Christ was proclaimed in a cacophony of languages. Languages shape and are shaped by the cultures in which they arise, influencing the way people speak and think about the Divine. That diversity was affirmed on the First Pentecost.
But Pentecost is about both diversity and unity. Despite the prevalence of different denominational structures, we confess that ALL of the Church is the Body of Christ, not limited by any culture, nation, location or even time. The Holy Spirit pours out onto and into us at Baptism, along with water and the Word of God, uniting us with the Baptized of all times and places.
On this Memorial Day, we began our worship with a prayer remembering all who had given their lives in service to our country, and the family and friends who mourn them. “May [God’s] peace be upon those who died and rest in Your mercy.”
And we welcomed the first-time visit of a very special member-to-be! Brendon Jacob, celebrating his ONE WEEK birthday, is the son of Laura, music impresario extraordinaire, and Jacob, Council president. We wish them God’s blessing and much joy in their lives together!
