“For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.” – 1 Corinthians 12:13

Dear Saints, The Spirit is coming! The day of Pentecost approaches, when the Holy Spirit arrives like the rush of a violent wind and rests like tongues of flame on each of the disciples. Each year, the church prepares to welcome the Spirit anew into our midst. And just as the disciples experienced in the house that Pentecost day, when the Spirit comes, things move. The Spirit is often equated with movement: when it moved over the waters of creation, when the Heavenly Dove came down at Jesus’ baptism, when the Spirit drove Jesus out into the wilderness, when it rushed into the house, and as it still moves among us today. 

The Spirit is coming! Wherever disciples go, the Spirit is moving. In the words of the Psalms, we ask God: “Where can I go from your Spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in the pit, you are there.” Whether we wake or sleep, rise or fall, the Spirit will be fast on our heels. And that’s because the work of the baptized is never to grow complacent. The work of the church means never getting to comfortable. The work of disciples is to be the “movers and the shakers” in the world, whenever things begin to grow stale or stagnant.

And 1 Corinthians tells us that we do that work together. Through the Spirit, as the church, we are joined with the whole Body of Christ as one. There is no distinction between us and other believers, regardless of our gifts, our status or our background. As we approach this Pentecost, called the “birthday of the church,” we are reminded that this celebration is not just for us. It’s not a personal or even a congregational milestone, it’s a global one. It is a celebration we share with Christians around the world, with Christians across the street, even with Christians we don’t like very much.

This Pentecost, may the Spirit come among us, shake us free from complacency, and encourage us in unity. May it break down barriers and build up relationships. May the Holy Spirit continue to surprise us, just as it surprised the disciples. Get ready – the Spirit is coming!

+ Pastor Ginger +