Pentecost derives its name from the Jewish festival celebrating the harvest and the giving of the law on Mount Sinai fifty days after Passover. Fifty days after Easter, we celebrate the Holy Spirit as God’s presence within and among us. In Acts the Spirit arrives in rushing wind and flame, bringing God’s presence to all people. Paul reminds us that though we each have different capacities, we are unified in the Spirit that equips us with these gifts. As we dedicate our new baptismal font, “Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38). In baptism we are empowered by the Holy Spirit and receive the gift of living water. This Sunday, as we enter the 50th year of our congregation’s ministry, Vicar Ian reminds us that the Spirit then incites and invites us to proclaim God’s triumphant love to all the world.
