The word "pentecost" means "fiftieth day". In most Christian traditions, Pentecost Sunday occurs 50 days following Easter Sunday, which is May 11 this year.

Pentecost was originally an Old Testament festival called the Feast of Weeks. It was a festival celebrating and giving thanks for the first fruits of the early spring harvest. By the early New Testament period, it became a celebration of God's creation of His people and their religious history. It continues to be celebrated in this manner in modern Judaism.

Today, the Christian Church celebrates Pentecost as the birthday of the church, as seen in the story of Acts 2 and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on those in the upper room. Christians emphasize Pentecost as the empowerment through the Holy Spirit to enable the people of God to witness to Jesus the Christ.

The sanctuary color for Pentecost Sunday is red. Red symbolizes both the fire of Pentecost as well as the apostles and early followers of Jesus who were gathered in the Upper Room for the empowerment form God to proclaim the Gospel throughout the world.

You are encouraged to wear red on Pentecost Sunday to help us celebrate

• celebrate hope - a hope evoked by the knowledge that God through His Holy Spirit is at work among His people;
• celebrate newness - of recreation, of renewal of purpose, mission, and calling as God's people;
• celebrate God's ongoing work in the world and the recognition that His work is done through His people as He pours out His presence upon them.

Pentecost Sunday also marks the beginning of Reading Through the New Testament

See Dick's "Musings" on for more information.