Rector's Note: Celebrate the Spirit!

Dear Saints,

This Sunday we celebrate Pentecost: the birth of the church and the gift of the Holy Spirit as it is described -- tongues of fire and all -- in Acts 2.

But what exactly is it that we’re celebrating? And how does that story continue to resonate today?

In the Outline of the Faith that’s in the back of the Book of Common Prayer, it says that the Holy Spirit is, “God at work in the world and in the Church even now,” and that we recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit when we “are brought into love and harmony with God, with ourselves, with our neighbors, and with all creation.”

So wherever we see instances of God in the present day… wherever we see people and the planet living in cooperation and peace… wherever we see expressions of love… that’s all evidence of the Spirit!

We see the Spirit in the way our church continues to give and serve despite the odds.

We see the Spirit in the love that is present when we come together.

We see the Spirit in the miraculous arrival of Covid vaccines that are saving countless lives.

We see the Spirit in the things we have learned about ourselves this last year and the changes being made in our lives as a result.

We see the Spirit in the way our neighbors are getting involved in our outreach efforts.

We see the Spirit when we commune in the beautiful Pacific Northwest nature and when we do our best to preserve and protect it.

What else? Where has the Spirit been most real for you?

God is at work in our church and in our world even now, and there is much to celebrate this Pentecost. I look forward to worshipping and wearing red with you this weekend, and enjoying some delicious Laughing Planet to support the Woodstock Pantry.

In peace,

The Rev. Andria Skornik

[email protected]