GREEN SUNDAYS
(THE PENTECOST SEASON)
July/August, 2004

By Pastor Dan Gibson

The color for the Season of Pentecost is green. Green symbolizes life, growth and mission. The Pentecost Season lasts from late May through late November and is the longest season of the church year.

Through Word and Sacrament, the Holy Spirit gives us the gift of faith. The Season of Pentecost is the season when we develop our relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church. We find our compass in what God has done for us in Jesus Christ ~ which has both vertical and horizontal implications. We remember our baptism. We move out of ourselves. The Season of Pentecost is a time of letting the Spirit flow through us to embrace others ~ and all of God’s creation.

Summertime is a good time to enjoy God's creation. It's a time for play, leisure and laughter in the company of family and friends. Personally, I look forward to spending time celebrating with my daughter her first summer in this special corner of God’s beautiful world: Southern California.

This year Bethel has been asked to open our annual Beach Party (8/15) to the entire LA~Metro Conference. So, get ready for double the fun. Once again we will splash in the waves our baptism; bask in the warmth of the Son; have fun with our brothers and sisters in Christ; and later sing songs of the classic California genre while roasting marshmallows over the Pentecostal fire under the stars. Be sure to bring a friend to the beach party ~ and they will be likely to be in church on Sunday.

Whatever you do and wherever you go over the summer months, I pray that God be with you and that you be open to whatever forms of praise, fellowship and spiritual renewal that you personally find enriching.

Celebrate Pentecost ~ Enjoy the summer!

Amen.

Moving Ahead in Christ,

+ Pastor Dan

Previous Pastor's Pages

• June, 2004
• Summer, 2004
• Spring, 2004
• Winter, 2004
• Fall, 2003
• Summer, 2003
• Spring, 2003
• Winter, 2002
• Fall, 2002