It was a warm Pentecost – maybe like a holy wind. 17 were present with another 9 online for a total of 26. There were differences in the past – “Hail Thee Festival Day” was done as a prelude and “O day of radiant gladness” became the opening hymn. The Holy Communion used Eucharistic Prayer D and not the special Prayer for Pentecost. Eucharistic Prayer D is the lengthiest and is generally associated with the holiest of our holidays or with occasions of Christian unity.
One thing that continued was the holy tongues of fire that appeared during the closing hymn, “There’s a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place”. Johnny and Edgar did the honors.
The sermon spoke less of the Pentecost event and more of practices. Pentecost is the beginning of the church’s mission as well the coming of the Holy Spirit. The mission can’t work unless the Holy Spirit can do its work. If people think they have all the answer than the Holy Spirit is blocked.