We call Pentecost the birthday of the Church – happy birthday Church!

It is in many ways when the Church, the body of Christ of which we are a part, was born and took shape, having been given the gift that had been promised them – the Advocate and Comforter – the Holy Spirit, who enlivens, empowers, inspires, and sustains us.

I attended several conferences this past month: the clergy conference, the diocesan missions conference, and the church planting/new ministries conference. They were wonderful opportunities for connection and learning.

However, the most important thing that I learned at these conferences is that though the Church is changing, is shifting, and is getting smaller in this part of the world, we do not need to be afraid.

The gift of the Holy Spirit is still being poured out onto the people of God, onto God’s Church. It is the (birthday) gift that keeps on giving!

There are so many ordinary, wonderful people of faith who continue to have their hearts warmed within them by the Spirit of God, who continue to dream and work with creativity and passion toward God’s Kingdom of justice and peace, and who proclaim with word and action the good news of God and Christ.

I learned, I saw that the Holy Spirit is alive and well and on the move.

The Holy Spirit is alive and well and on the move here in Squamish too. At St. John’s. In our hearts and lives. May we receive this Pentecost gift, this birthday gift once again and be filled up and shaped to be the Church of love, grace, mercy, peace, healing and forgiveness here in this place.

Thanks be to God!

CG+