Bishop Ward describes the scenes at Pentecost – wind, fire, different ethnic groups and languages. The United Methodist Church today is a global church of many races, languages, ages, and ethnic groups.
May the peace and power of Pentecost be yours as this great day comes.
Pentecost, sometimes called the birthday of the church, is the day when the Spirit descended upon the church, like fire, like wind. The rush of a mighty wind filled the room where they were sitting, and tongues, as of fire, rested on each one of them. They spoke in many languages and they understood one another. A great miracle of unity, of power, of love, and of witness. The most amazing miracle of Pentecost is in the lips of the speakers. The capacity to give witness in every tongue is at the heart of Pentecost.
We give thanks that in our global church, we welcome the witness of all people, as God is experienced in every culture, in every land, in every ethnic group, among all people of all ages, across all differences, we bear the mark of Christ. The Pentecost Spirit captures us once again, gives us the power to be the people that we are created to be. The reds and yellows and oranges of Pentecost are a vibrant symbol of the Holy Spirit’s descent upon us. The Holy Spirit ignites us for vibrant life and ministry in the world.
May you go forth as a witness for Christ, alive through the power of the Holy Spirit, day by day.