Pentecost is coming! I am so excited! Pentecost is the celebration of the birthday of the church, when the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the Good News to anyone who would listen. That day more than three thousand were added to their number!
The Holy Spirit has often been described as fire resting on the heads of the disciples or a wind
blowing where it will. There is a sense of unpredictability, adventure, possibility when we think of the Holy Spirit. I also think about the welcoming nature of the Spirit — God’s Spirit who seeks out all who might come. Just as Jesus sought out all who would come, God lays out the welcome mat for everyone.
I have a stole (that colorful scarf thing that I wear each Sunday) that a friend made for me specifically for Pentecost. It is red, the color of fire (again a symbol of the Holy Spirit), but in addition to a dove, which is also often symbolic of the Holy Spirit, it has some dandelions. They are puffy and white and their seeds are flying everywhere. There are also three dandelion seeds at the top of the stole representing the Trinity.
When she gave me the stole, my friend told me the story of an angel who came to earth looking for the best, most beautiful flower. The angel asked each flower where it would like to be planted. The rose needed strong walls on which to climb. The violet wanted the protection and shade of the forest. The tulip wanted to be in front of a glorious mansion to showcase its beauty. The angel shook its head at all of these.
Finally the angel found the dandelion. When asked, the dandelion responded, “I want to be able to bloom anywhere and everywhere so that I can bring brightness and joy to children everywhere. I want to make everyone feel happier when they see my bright colors. Whether it be the barren city sidewalks, by the side of a road or the middle of a field. And when a child makes a wish and blows my seeds, I want to be able to carry that wish on the wind.” The angel smiled and named the dandelion as the best most beautiful flower.
I think the church is like the dandelion — resilient and welcoming. The good news that God loves us and is present with us can pop up anywhere and everywhere, and we are called to be that welcome and joyful presence in all places.
I have seen Asbury offer that welcome in our banner that hangs at the front of the church, as well as our efforts to reach into the community to meet the needs of people there. From our collection of food to our support of local helping agencies, to our opening of our doors for COVID-19 testing and vaccinations. There was a wonderful news clip from
CBS 3 Duluth featuring Asbury UMC and our first vaccination clinic entitled: “I am just so grateful” West Duluth vaccination clinic ensures minorities are not left behind. Here is the link:
https://bit.ly/3sVfBlW
And so I am encouraged. We can be filled with the Holy Spirit, spreading the seed of the Gospel of Love! We can be resilient like the dandelion and share joy in hard to grow places! Come join us!
Blessings and Peace,
Katherine