Message of Pentecost

Dear Friends, 

Fifty days after the resurrection of Jesus, the Apostles were together in Jerusalem. On that Day of Pentecost, God’s gift of the Holy Spirit arrived in a rush of mighty wind and appeared to them as tongues of fire resting on each of them. Filled with the Holy Spirit, they began to speak in various languages.  Amazingly, the Apostles from rural Galilee were suddenly understood by people from all over the Middle East, all of whom had business in cosmopolitan Jerusalem. In a way, these events in the second chapter of the Acts of the Apostles depict a reversal of God’s action at the tower of Babel (Genesis 11). At the tower of Babel, God confused the language of all the earth to foil the human will to attain God’s power, as represented in the building of the tower. On that Day of Pentecost when the Apostles were gathered in Jerusalem, through the power of the Holy Spirit, God provided the means for and a moment of all people coming together. 

The Rt. Rev. Samir Kafity, retired Bishop of Jerusalem and the Middle East, will preach on the Day of Pentecost, May 11, at St. Bartholomew’s at 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Children who have just completed Communion Class will offer their fresh bread for Communion. And we have something special in store for all mothers because this year Mother’s Day falls on the Day of Pentecost! 
St. Bartholomew’s is a friendly church where people come together to worship God, to affirm our unity in Christ, and to be renewed for ministry in the Church and world, in language and idiom that is clear, understood, and unifying. We would love to meet you in person, whoever you are and wherever you are on your journey in faith. At “St. Bart’s” we strive to reach into hearts and reach into the world.

Worship is central to the life and ministry of the Episcopal Church. I am confident that among our several weekly services, at least one will draw you more deeply into your relationship with God and with the people of God. Moreover, we are blessed with a strong music ministry which greatly enhances our worship.

For children and teenagers we offer a dynamic Sunday School (through 5th grade), an engaging Youth Worship service and discussion (grades 6 through 12), and, for the youngest children, a nursery with a trained staff. For youth (grades 6 through 12) we also offer a midweek program designed to promote growth in Christian living and service.

For adults we offer a Christian Formation Program which provides lifelong learning opportunities through Bible study, a special speakers series, and occasional field trips to broaden knowledge of the faith and how God works in our lives. There are also many events, activities, and ways to serve St. Bart’s and the world around us. I urge you to explore our ministries in the Ministries from A-Z section of our website.

You are most welcome to participate in any of our worship and programs. To learn more about St. Bartholomew’s, please explore our website. And we hope you’ll call us at (858) 487-2159 to arrange for a visit with one of the clergy. “We love to tell the story.”
Blessings in Jesus’ name,

 
 
 
Fred+
The Rev. Frederick W. Thayer, Rector