11 May 2008

Welcome to St Alban’s Anglican Church 

Today's Scripture (HC) : Acts 2: 1-21   1 Corinthians 12: 3b-13   S. John 20: 19-23

Today's Liturgy: 8.35 a.m. BCP Matins;   9.00a.m. Scripture Study Prep;   9.30a.m. Holy Eucharist ;   EP 6.00 p.m.

Tues to Fri 12.30 p.m. Midday Prayer. Monday and Tuesday in Whitsun Week are Lesser Festivals.

Whit Sunday (Pentecost)

God, who as at this time didst teach the hearts of thy faithful people, by the sending to them the light of thy Holy Spirit: Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgement in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through the merits of Christ Jesus our Saviour, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, one God, world without end.

FAITH IN FOCUS: SPIRIT E-FIT

An E-fit (Electronic Facial Identification Technique) is used to identify someone’s features, usually when the police are investigating a crime. It is the most up-to-date computerised method of describing a person.

If today, Pentecost or Whit Sunday, we were to try and provide an E-fit of the Holy Spirit, what evidence could we offer?

At Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan the Holy Spirit was seen in the form of a dove. We tend to think of peace when we think of doves. But anyone who tries to get close to a dove will know that they immediately fly away. They can’t be tied down and they can only be studied by people who are approach them calmly and slowly. The Holy Spirit cannot be "pigeon-holed" and only with prayer and reflection can we begin to understand his workings.

Of course, we are introduced to the Holy Spirit on the first page of the bible in the form of the breath of God hovering over the waters of the earth. The Spirit breathes life, inspires and vivifies. It is the Spirit that motivates us and enthuses our actions.

And in the story of the very first Pentecost we see two more characteristics of the Holy Spirit: wind and fire. The Spirit appears like a powerful wind from heaven and also as something that looks like tongues of fire. We sometimes speak about a "wind of change" that sweeps through a society or a continent. The Holy Spirit blows wherever he wills, bringing a blast of fresh air and then disappearing as quickly as he arrived. No one can catch the wind. And the tongues of fire burn to bring heat, light and warmth. Fire casts out darkness, provides comfort and enlightens.

We know a lot about the Spirit and yet we know almost nothing. Our E-fit would show a dove, breath, wind and fire. A strange mixture for a photo! Each time we get close to thinking that we have got a handle on the Holy Spirit we realise that the Spirit cannot be categorised. For the Spirit is the wind that blows through our cobwebs and changes our hearts. The Spirit is the flame of fervour that burns within us and makes us ardent witnesses to Christ. The Spirit is the very life-breath of God within us that inspires all we say and do. And today we recall the gift of the Spirit to the Church and the world.

 

TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR CHILDREN

1. Do not treat anyone or anything as if they were God.

2. Do not worship statues, pop idols or celebrities.

3. Be careful about how you use God’s name.

4. Keep Sunday special.

5. Honour your father and mother.

6. Keep your marriage promises.

7. Do not murder anyone.

8. Do not steal.

9. Do not lie.

10. Do not be jealous of what others have.

WORD OF GOD

No one can say, "Jesus is Lord" unless he is under the influence of the Holy Spirit.

(I Corinthians 12:3)

I BELIEVE in the surprises of the Holy Spirit.

(Leon Cardinal Suenens)

THIS WEEK’S BIBLE READINGS:

Mon: Joshua 1, Luke 9: 18-27, Romans 1: 1-17

Tues: Joshua 2, Luke 9:28-36, Romans 1: 18-end

Wed: Joshua 3, Luke 9: 37-50, Romans 2:1-16

Thurs: Josh 4:1 - 5:1, Luke 9:51-end, Romans 2:17-end

Fri : Josh 5:2-end, Luke 10:1-16, Romans 3:1-20

Sat : Josh 6:1-20, Luke 10: 17-24, Mark 1: 1-13

NEXT SUNDAY (TRINITY SUNDAY): Isaiah 40:12-17, 27-end, 2 Cor 13:11-end, S. Matthew 28: 16-20