Public Pentecost

A couple of years ago in the week following Pentecost I attended the only Pentecost Celebration that ever really made me mad. I was at Annual Conference at Purdue University and it was in the midst of one of the reports -- I think it was from the district superintendents. Whoever it was that was giving the report concluded it by leading us in song while balloons floated down from the ceiling. Now I love a good party as much as the next guy (if not more) -- but man oh man this made me mad.

You see the first Pentecost started in a room behind closed doors. But it sure as heck didn't end that way. The first Pentecost began with the disciples still in fear and hiding after Easter. They are in an upper room still trying to figure out what to do since Jesus has died...and even though he had made a resurrection appearance...they still were feelin' a little sketchy.

So...this Pentecost Sunday, at Broadway, we reminded ourselves of the pouring out of God's gifts -- on women and men, young and old. At worship Marc McAleavey played the drum while the choir marched in singing and stepping to the beat. Clay Taylor read the scriptures just right -- conveying the depth and passion of that first Pentecost. We began like that very first Pentecost, by meeting behind closed doors. But at the end of worship we headed out doors. The congregation thought we were only heading out to received the benediction...but no, there was more to come.

As people came outside Trina Evan's children handed out bubbles and were blowing some themselves. Out on the lawn Jerrilyn was at the hospitality table with refreshments for those who just wanted a snack and Anita had a table set up with taco salad for those who wanted something more. Brandon had photographs taken by the young people in his photography group from around the neighborhood on display and there were two young women - Crystal and Jolanda who had massage chairs set up and were offering them to any and all who came along.

That first Pentecost drove the disciples out doors. It is important always to remember that the gifts of the Spirit surround us all the time -- inside and outside the doors. We had a very vivid reminder of that this Sunday. It was wonderful. A good day. A holy day. A Pentecost day.