June 7, 2025: The Eve of Pentecost

Dear Friends in Christ,

I hope this finds you and your loved ones well and if not well, living in hope for a better tomorrow. We remain Easter people regardless of what life may bring. 

When I was in seminary, I took a course entitled Use of the Voice. It was an elective, worth one credit hour, and designed for people interested in understanding and practicing the ins and outs of chanting the liturgy. We had to take our turn at leading Evensong which was offered four days a week in the Chapel. We practiced as a group and then were released to the public sphere of the seminary. One in class assignment involved selecting a Gospel reading and chanting it during class. I raised my hand to gain clarification – “Any Gospel reading from the Book of Common Prayer?” – the response “Yes.” I then carefully looked through all the lectionary for the shortest reading I could find. Seminary can be filled with occasions that are very competitive and filled with critical eyes and ears waiting to whisper condemnation or snickering. My goal was to leave as little room as possible for that to come my way. My quest led to something I’d never experienced before nor ever – Vigil for Pentecost. It is very similar to the Great Vigil of Easter, and I’ve always wanted to offer that liturgy. Maybe one day. The gospel reading appointed for the Vigil of Pentecost is John 7:37-39a:

 On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, 

“Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. 

As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.” 

Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive. 

The music professor was shocked! I completed the assignment avoiding as much as possible the opportunity for error. My guess is that future students were limited to the Sunday only lectionary.

Tomorrow, we celebrate the Day of Pentecost one of the Principal Feasts in the life of the Church. You are encouraged to wear red in person and live stream! 

From 9:30 am – 10:15 am Michelle Hiskey will share highlights from her recent pilgrimage to the Diocese of Cape Coast, Ghana. Unfortunately, Beth-Sarah Wright is ill, so the Dignity Sewing Pop-Up Shop has been postponed until St. Bart’s Day, August 24. The 10:30 am service will offer communion wafers made in Cape Coast. And Michelle will present a gift to us from Bishop Victor Atta-Baffoe! 

Following that service the annual parish picnic takes place inside and outdoors! Parish Life is committed to providing cake, coffee, lemonade, and tea. Bring a picnic lunch with something to share along with blankets and chairs if you choose to eat outdoors. Portable lawn games and other games are welcomed. Questions? Contact Becky Coralli rjcoralli@bellsouth.net. 

Finally, with your help The Stewardship Tree goes live tomorrow! Share how your gifts and talents are offered in and outside the church!

Here are more things happening at St. Bart’s this month.

June 15 – Annual Juneteenth Concert, 4:00 pm                                                                           

Seersucker Sunday – Wear your favorite outfit and let’s take a group photo! (Transferred from Thursday June 12 National Seersucker Day.)

June 16 – 20 – Vacation Bible School 

June 22 – Afternoon Tea and discussion of Bishop Maryann Budde’s recent book How We Learn to be Brave - 4:00 pm. All are invited! RSVP to Betsy Rothschild erothsc@aol.comHosted by the Women’s Bible Study Ministry. 

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Ministry Team Update

Parish Administrator (P/T) – Applications have been received, and I am thankful for Mark Flanagan and Becky Coralli who reviewed letters and resumes, conducted a first round of interviews and submitted to me candidates to interview in person. That process is currently paused as one person could not schedule an interview until later this month.

Director of Faith Formation and Ministry with Families (P/T) – This position has been posted in different places and is currently open to receiving applications. 

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Tomorrow, we recall the miraculous day that completes the Trinity! Until then, consider reflecting on the Gospel reading appointed for today. 

On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, 

“Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. 

As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.” 

Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive. 

Prepare yourself to be renewed by the Holy Spirit who comes unexpectedly! 

Faithfully,

Mother Angela