Reverend Mark spelt out the story of Pentecost this week.

P is for the people in our story, the disciples. They were chosen by Jesus.

E is for elation. This is the joy that the disciples felt in knowing that Jesus had risen from the dead and ascended

N is for the nervousness that the disciples felt when they heard the roaring sound of an approaching wind.

T is for the turmoil that the disciples felt as the raging wind swirled around the room.

E is for encircling. The wind circled and whirled around each one of them.

C is for the Christians who were to be changed by this amazing experience.

O is for overjoyed. The disciples were very happy when they realised that they were being given a special power from God.

S is for the spirit – the Holy Spirit that entered every one of the disciples.

T is for the tongues of fire that settled above their heads, giving them special powers.

These letters spell the word ‘PENTECOST’. It is the time when the power of God was given to the disciples.  Someone watching in the crowd said, ‘Aren’t these people from Galilee? Yet they can speak our language and we can understand what they say!’ Peter told the crowd, ‘God has poured out his Holy Spirit on us. Now, we will be able to teach everyone about him. We will hear God speaking clearly, see visions and dreams and perform wonderful miracles.’

Peter also said, ‘Jesus, who was crucified, is alive, and God has made him Lord over everyone. If you are sorry for the bad things you have done, he will forgive you.’

That day, about 3,000 people became Christians. To this day, God’s message has been spread all over the world.

Pentecost Sunday is celebrated 50 days after Easter. In 2025, it falls on Sunday, 8th June. This event is celebrated to commemorate the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Dear God,

Thank you for the festival of Pentecost.

Thank you that your spirit can live in us, bringing us peace, hope and joy.

Amen.