Friends,
Pentecost has come. The wind has blown, the fire has fallen, and the Spirit is ever-expanding in our lives. We have now entered the liturgical season called ordinary time, a season that refers to the order of Sundays in the church year that do not fall into Advent, Christmas, Lent, or Easter. It might be called ordinary, but in all actuality, there is nothing ordinary about what the Spirit is doing among us. She is setting people free. “For freedom Christ has set us free,” the Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 5:1. Paul’s words about freedom are an integral part of the gospel, and liberation, once received, is not something we sit on. We carry it with us as we live and as we march.
Throughout this month, we have opportunities to be a public witness for the good news of God’s liberation.
Between our advocacy in Harrisburg and our service to those experiencing food insecurity in East Liberty, we will affirm the sacred dignity of our neighbors. From the Pride parade to the Juneteenth parade, we will declare that love and liberation are for all God’s beloved children.
And such affirmation begins at home. That’s why we will be celebrating baptisms and new members every Sunday in June during our 10 am worship service. That’s why we will be cultivating wonder as we reflect on God’s creation at Taizé on Wednesdays. That’s why we will be creating a fun and welcoming space for children during Vacation Church School. Love and liberation are for everyone.
Where might you show up to pray or volunteer? Where might you march for justice and joy? Where might the Spirit bring you a deeper liberation in your spiritual life?
People of God, for freedom Christ has set us free.
In Christ,
—Pastor Michael