The Day of Pentecost: Whitsunday
Sunday, June 9 is The Day of Pentecost: Whitsunday. The term Pentecost means "the fiftieth day." The term is used in Acts 2:1 to refer to the coming of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, shortly after Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension. Christians came to understand the meaning of Pentecost in terms of the gift of the Spirit. The Pentecost event was the fulfillment of a promise which Jesus gave concerning the return of the Holy Spirit. The speaking in tongues, which was a major effect of having received the Spirit, is interpreted by some to symbolize the church's worldwide preaching. In the Christian tradition, Pentecost is now the seventh Sunday after Easter. It emphasizes that the church is understood as the body of Christ which is drawn together and given life by the Holy Spirit. Some understand Pentecost to be the origin and sending out of the church into the world. The Day of Pentecost is one of the seven principal feasts of the church year in the Episcopal Church (BCP, p. 15). The liturgical color for the feast is red.
We invite you all to join us for this celebration of the gift of the Holy Spirit by wearing red to church. After our 10:00 am worship services we will share a birthday cake for the Church!