May, 2005 Calendar In This Issue: On the Taking of a Sabbatical… The Summer Schedule The Problem of Pain Easter Sunday Sermon Celebrating Pentecost Practice Makes It Wonderful

by The Rev. Joyce Stickney

"The love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
- (Jim Cotter, Prayer at Night's Approaching)

These are the comforting words of a prayer said at bedtime during the season of Pentecost. Having worshipped quite often among charismatics and "Pentecostals" in the past, I love the feast of Pentecost. The drama of violent wind, tongues of fire, and the infusing of the Holy Spirit is steadied with the words from above… a spirit of power, love, and sound mind. Fear is conquered and displaced.

Following Jesus' death and resurrection a million pilgrims were gathered in Jerusalem for the Feast of Weeks, a time to stop work and be together, offering to God the first fruits (new grain and bread). The Jewish holiday focused on one thing - to celebrate God, rejoice before the Lord.

In our Feast of Pentecost we do the same. Baptisms are celebrated and we renew our baptismal covenant with God. The Rev. Malcolm Boyd will be with us on May 15th breaking open the Word of God as our guest preacher. Those interested in the sacrament of baptism are invited to speak to a member of the clergy.

"Alleluia. The Holy Spirit will teach you all things, Alleluia, and will guide you into all truth, Alleluia, Alleluia." (Jim Cotter)

Copyright © 2005 St. Augustine by-the-Sea