“Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire,
And lighten with celestial fire.”
Dearly Beloved,
The verse above, from a 9th century Latin text (our Hymn #217), is what we as Christian people should pray and hope happens at each and every moment of each and every day. This is what happened to the Apostles at the very first Christian Pentecost when “…suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:2-4).
The disciples had been waiting, according to Jesus’ instructions, waiting for the final act in the Drama of Redemption, waiting for Jesus’ work, appointed to Him by the Father, to be perfected. And then Jesus’ final promise came to fruition, the Comforter had come, the Spirit of Sanctification had arrived to abide with the Church on earth. Jesus had commanded them to “love one another.” And so here came Love itself, to be written in their hearts, the very first fruits of Jesus’ Ascension, for “God is Love, and he that abides in love abides in God and God in him” (I John 4.16).
This is what we celebrate specifically this coming Sunday on Pentecost, that the “celestial fire,” Love, has come to enlighten us, that Love has come to abide in us and, since God is Love, that God now abides with us. And so we know that He is with us, “even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:20).
Honduras Mission Trip
As you know, Ethan & Abigail Byrd are headed off on a mission trip this coming July. This past Sunday they presented us with some of the details of what they are intending to accomplish in this endeavor. One of things that I asked all of you to do was to help them with their expenses for this trip. I am pleased to report to you that we raised more than enough funds to send them on this mission trip. Thank you all very much. Your generosity, as always, is very evident. Ethan and Abigail extend their thanks to you also for your incredible love and support!
Vacation Bible School
We still have a few slots available for children to attend VBS this year. Registration forms are in the entryway to the buildings. If you know of a young person that would benefit, please sign them up! There is no cost for this program.
VBS Volunteers
There is a short training video that we ask all volunteers to watch. We will present the video in the large classroom in Simcox Hall at 9:45 a.m. this coming Sunday, as well as after the 11:00 a.m. Holy Communion.
Bell Update
Unfortunately, I have not heard anything recently from the bell manufacturer. I have sent an email off and hope to hear by Sunday morning on the status of our bells. I will let you know what I find out.
Vestry Meeting
The vestry will hold its monthly meeting this coming Monday, June 10, at 6:30 p.m. in the conference room.
Tuesday Book Study
The Tuesday Book Study group will finish its study of N.T. Wright’s Surprised by Hope, Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church this coming Tuesday. Please read the chapters 13-15 for this week’s class. The group will be on break for the summer and will return in September.
Craft Market 2019
It’s time once again to start preparing for our Annual Craft Market. The date for this year’s event is Saturday, October 19. If you are a crafter, artist, knitter, etc. we need you! Please see Kathy Zwingert and become a part of this year’s event. If you would like to buy a table to sell your goods, fill out the registration form in your bulletin or see Barbara Conner or Cynthia Hensley. The next meeting of the planning committee will be on Sunday, June 22 at 9:45 a.m. in the conference room. All are welcome to help!
Food Bank
While many of us have started our summer vacations and such, please do not forget that the needs of the hungry continue all year long. Please bring some non-perishable foods to church for the benefit of this month’s in-gathering recipient, the Western Carolina Rescue Mission up in Asheville.
That is about it for this week. I look forward to seeing all of you as we celebrate the Coming of the Holy Ghost this coming Pentecost Sunday.
Blessings,
Fr. Erich
This Week in the Parish
Sunday, June 9, Pentecost
· 8:30 a.m., Holy Communion
· 9:45 a.m., Sunday School
· 11:00 a.m., Holy Communion
· 12:15 p.m., Fellowship Lunch
Monday, June 10
· 6:30 p.m., Vestry Meeting
Tuesday, June 11
· 11:00 a.m., Tuesday Book Study
Wednesday, June 12
· 6:00 p.m., Holy Communion
· 6:30 p.m., Fellowship Dinner
· 7:00 p.m., Bible Study
· 7:00 p.m., Choir Practice
