Jesus’ promise to send an Advocate, the Holy Spirit, comes true for each of us

Aloha! This Sunday, you and I will experience one of the most important feast days in the church year. No, it’s not Christmas or Easter. It’s the Day of Pentecost! The day we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit to dwell within every believer.

Last Sunday we celebrated the Ascension of Christ, when, while the disciples gazed into the sky, Jesus returned to heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father. Our keiki and youth led our service so beautifully, reading the lessons, leading the prayers, and assisting in various ways during the service, and Shannon Casey offered a beautiful, heartfelt sermon. We are so grateful for our children and their leaders!

This Sunday we’ll hear the account of the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2. On this day, Jesus’ promise to send an Advocate, the Holy Spirit, comes true for each of us. The Spirit abides within our hearts to guide us and care for us, if we’re open to that. And the Spirit gives life to the body of Christ in the world, the Church—including St. Timothy’s! In fact, some call the Day of Pentecost the birthday of the Church. We’ll also hear Jesus tell his disciples—and us—that we will be able to do greater works than Jesus! Really? How? What would that look like here at St. Timothy’s? Let’s find out.

And as the Day of Pentecost is an ideal day to do so, we’ll renew our own baptismal vows as we baptize Jessi Leeann Marcelli and her daughter, Juliet Christine. Please pray for them and Johnathan as they prepare to be welcomed into Jesus’ forever family.

I hope you’ll join us on Sunday morning at 9 in the Chapel, or worship with us on Facebook Live. The liturgical color for Pentecost is red, so if you can, wear red this Sunday!

Dear sisters and brothers, you are in my prayers, and I ask for your prayers for St. Timothy’s Church, for our dedicated staff and our devoted lay leaders and ministers, and for your vicar. May God bless you and your loved ones during this most glorious and joyful season of our faith.
 
Aloha Ke Akua!
Fr. Pete+