Ascension Day is the fortieth day after Easter and falls on a Thursday.

During the period of Christ’s appearance to the apostles and prior to his appearance from their sight, Jesus ordered the apostles to remain n Jerusalem and await the gift of the Holy Spirit which would enable and empower them to carry out their divine commission.  The collect for this day is filled with expectation because in it we ask God to send us the Holy Spirit as a strengthener.

THE DAY OF PENTECOST or WHITSUNDAY

In Jewish custom the Passover was brought to completion at the Feast of Weeks (the grain harvest some seven weeks after Passover).  This was called Pentecost, meaning “fiftieth day” in Greek.  In earliest Christian custom a Christianized Passover remembered the Last Supper, the crucifixion, the resurrection, the ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit as a single story over fifty days, celebrating the mystery of our salvation through Jesus Christ.

The Day of Pentecost sometimes is also called “Whitsunday” (white Sunday) in English-speaking countries, the name derived from the white garments worn by those to be baptized at Pentecost.

On the Day of Pentecost we celebrate the fact that our Lord sent the Holy Spirit - the strengthener - to reinforce the faith of the Apostles.  Upon receiving this gift the Apostles went out into the world to preach, teach and baptize in Christ’s name.  At Pentecost we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit as the birth of the church.  The color for this day is red symbolizing the tongues of fire.

MUSES FROM THE VESTRY

It was noted that on the March 31st workday, that the car stops were put in place.  The cost of handicap designation will be paid out of general funds.

Congregational Development Conference is now being held in Mississippi.  Jason Alexander will be asked to discuss this in the fall.  If you think you may be interested in this please let the Vestry know.

The need for a UTO chairperson was discussed.  Again, if you think you may be willing to serve in this capacity, please let the vestry know.

PENTECOST CELEBRATION

On May 27, the color for the service is red.  (See above description).  We all need to wear red on that day.  At the request of Mother Evelyn, we will need to get there early so that we can blow up red balloons and attach ribbons to them.  Once the ribbons are secured to the balloons they will be placed throughout the church.  In the  bulletins there will be a 3 by 5 card so that after the sermon we may all write notes or prayers and invitations to church to be attached to the balloons.  After the note is attached a celebratory release will occur outdoors.

HOSPITALITY

The hospitality periods at the church are a very important part of the church family.  Someone needs to be responsible for making the morning coffee, bringing food and cleaning up afterward.  A list will be posted as to the date each assigned individual is responsible.  The hospitality list will be located in the monthly bulletin.  There is a list on the bulletin board to note when you will not be available, please sign up so you will not be assigned on those days. If for some reason you are unable to be there on your assigned day, please trade with someone.

Hap Hazzard, Layreader

Kevin Lang, Lector

May 27

The Rev. Evelyn Hornaday, Celebrant

Brock Cline, Lector

Altar Guild

Carolyn Haynes

Katy McDowell

May 20

Gwen Sutowski

Matt Hollis