“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.” – Acts 2:1-4
Having celebrated Easter, we now look forward to Pentecost! As we prepare for this particular celebration, that of the Church’s birthday, I invite us to consider the miracle that accompanies the disciples’ reception of the Holy Spirit. We will see that they go out to Jerusalem to speak to the crowds, and the crowds understand them despite being from all over the world. Yet, the miracle is not that they suddenly understand Aramaic. The disciples speak, and each person understands them in their own language. The crowds are not conformed to one particular language, but exist as they are in all their variety. This shows us what the Church is supposed to be. We are united in Christ, but our differences and gifts are not flattened out to fit into the same mold. I am especially thankful for this as a minister. Whether it’s Pastor Kitty, Steve, Justin, Morgan, or Jeanie, God does not erase our differences but uses them. In the same way, each of the gifts and differences in this congregation may be used for God’s glory and the good of creation. To be Church is to be a place where all, regardless of difference, may find a place at the table. As we look forward to Pentecost, may we set such a table for one another and for this community.
​Pastor Morgan

​It’s hard to believe that Easter is already upon us! It feels like just last week everyone was sitting in different pews for the first time, ready to enter the Lenten journey together. Even as we have gone through a lot of different stories and events over these nearly 40 days, we will also encounter the highs and lows of Holy Week. As we do so, I encourage you to read the Passion accounts according to the various gospels. Notice what is similar and what is different. When do the various events occur? What color is the robe that the soldiers put on Jesus? What did Jesus say during the Last Supper with his disciples? Doing this can help us see the stories with new eyes. Noticing their differences and details can help to make the story new to us once again. Seeing this event with new eyes can help us to appreciate the intensity of the events and, therefore, the depth of love behind them. I grew up with an idea of an angry and wrathful God when it comes to the cross, as I know many have, yet this missed the point. To focus on the cross is ultimately to focus on love. Peter Abelard, a 12th -century theologian, is credited with an idea called moral influence, the idea that Jesus’ demonstration of love in his life, death, and resurrection is so powerful that it transforms our very selves. Because God loved us so deeply, we too are equipped to love more deeply. May we have fresh eyes to see the love of Jesus, and may we have fresh courage to live into that love together. Pastor Morgan