Pentecost: May 23, 2021
Acts 2: 1-42
Jesus asked the disciples to stay in Jerusalem until a helper came to them. On the Jewish festival of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came to the disciples. It appeared as the sound of a wind and looked like tongues of fire above the disciples. The Holy Spirit filled the disciples so that they could tell the Good News about Jesus’ death and resurrection to all the pilgrims gathered in Jerusalem. 3000 people were baptized that day, which is why we call this day the birthday of the church.
Things to note about Pentecost. The liturgical color for Pentecost is red. Pentecost comes from the Greek meaning 50 and was the Greek word for the Jewish Feast of Weeks which comes 50 days after Passover. The Jews would bring their harvest offering, the first fruits to the Temple.
Watch this reading of a wonderful explanation of Pentecost for all ages.
Each child received a bag with some fun things to use to celebrate Pentecost. We invite you to have some fun and celebrate the Church’s birthday!
Ascension:
Acts 1:4-14
Watch for a delivery to your home early next week with suggestions on ways to celebrate Jesus’ Ascension (May 16) and the Birthday of the Church on Pentecost (May 23).
The story of Jesus’ ascension is told by Matthew and includes what the church calls the Great Commission. Gospel writer Luke also tells of Jesus’ ascension in his second volume, Acts of the Apostles.
In each story, Jesus commands the disciples to DO something. The version in Acts tells the disciples that they will be Jesus’ witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. They are to remain in Jerusalem until they receive the Holy Spirit.
As Jesus finishes his command he is taken up into heaven. The disciples stand there dump-founded until 2 men in white robes appear to tell them It’s time to move on!
Children can be followers of Jesus’ command in the simple ways they include friends in their Sunday morning rituals and in the way they share their faith simply and openly. Helping your child find ways to spread the news of Jesus to their world is a wonderful challenge and honor.