May 31, 2022
Happy almost-birthday, church!
As Jesus’ disciples made their difficult and yet miracle-filled way through the 50 days between his death and the summer celebrations of Pentecost, so we have arrived at our celebration of the incredible day when the Holy Spirit rushed over them like a rush of mighty wind and gave birth to the Church. And as your church leaders are planning, adapting, and organizing ourselves (with very little notice!) so that we can do ministry without setting foot in our buildings, I am inspired to remember the meaning of sanctuary.
The day of Pentecost was a wild, bold, courageous thing. But the word “sanctuary” brings to mind comfort, safety, and peace. The Bible speaks of sparrows that find a nest at God’s altar, peace that flows like a river, weapons that are transformed into gardening tools, shepherd and sheep who rest in the cool grass, wolves and lambs that lie down together, nations that find healing and kinship. The Kingdom of God, the whole world a sanctuary. Shalom.
This is God’s goal for us, beloved. This is what, with God’s power and guidance, we are moving toward. And it is a holy thing.
It doesn’t always look like we are moving in that direction. (OK, it almost never looks like we are.) Probably because the closer we get to true shalom, the more the forces of evil and ugliness panic. So my prayer for us this week is that as we worship and do ministry in new places, we recognize that we carry sanctuary with us. That the Holy Spirit is present and active everywhere, constantly birthing new life. And that by worshiping and serving outside these buildings, neighbors who are yearning for God’s presence and peace – even without knowing how to name it –will be drawn irresistibly toward the lifechanging love of Jesus Christ.
Come Holy Spirit. Fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in us the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and we shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth.
Pastor Dawn
Worship Any and Everywhere!
IT’S PENTECOST SUNDAY!
