Memorial Day Sunday/Pentecost
I have had some concern about how we will
combine Memorial Day Sunday and Pentecost.
On Memorial Day, we remember those who have
died since this time last year. Pentecost is
an energetic, vibrant celebration of the Holy
Spirit creating the church in Jerusalem after
Jesus ascended to heaven.
But I think I have found the connection.
Memorial Day is designed for remembrance.
Some have called it decoration day, where
we go and decorate the graves of the deceased.
We set aside this day also to remember those
who have sacrificed their lives fighting in
the armed forces of the United States.
On the table at the front of the sanctuary
we find words of remembrance. "This do
in remembrance of me."
On the one hand we remember warriors who
served in our place and put themselves in
harms way. On the other hand, we remember
one person who died without resisting to show
us the way to love and to provide eternal
salvation.
Memory shapes our lives today.
We recall to whom we are grateful
and why. Gratitude is expressed
for the full impact of one life on
another. We stand on the shoulders
of those who have gone before us.
This Sunday, if you have a name of
someone who died since last
Memorial Day who was not a member
of the church, please let us know
and we will light a candle and give
you a rose.
For Pentecost, wear red and come
ready to remember the blessings
of the church in your life.
Moving to the deeper places,
Jeff