Feast of pentecost
The Feast of Pentecost, celebrated fifty days after Easter, commemorates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles (Acts 2:1–4). In the liturgical year, this feast marks the culmination of the Easter season and the birth of the Church as a Spirit-empowered community sent into the world. The event fulfills Christ’s promise that the Advocate would come to guide, dwell with, and empower his people (John 14:16–17). Pentecost emphasizes both the universality of the Gospel—seen in the apostles speaking in many tongues—and the unity of the Church in and through the Spirit’s presence within her (Eph. 4:3-6). In Anglican worship, it serves as a turning point from the joy of resurrection to the mission of the Church, calling all the faithful to participate in the Spirit’s ongoing work of renewal and Gospel proclamation.
Scripture
Gen. 11:1-9 or Acts 2:1-11(12-21)
Psalm: Ps. 104:24-35
Acts 2:1-11(12-21) or 1 Cor. 12:4-13
John 14:8-17
Collect
Almighty God, on this day, through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, you revealed the way of eternal life to every race and nation: Pour out this gift anew, that by the preaching of the Gospel your salvation may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Traditions
Prayer
Spend some time prayerfully reflecting upon the gifts (1 Cor. 12:8-10) and fruits (Gal. 5:22-23) of the Holy Spirit and asking him to make them more fully alive within you!
Feasting Foods
Make 12 fruit salad (for the fruit of the Holy Spirit), red velvet cake or tongues of fire cupcakes.
Host a Pentecost Party
with a bonfire and birthday cake (for the birthday of the Church!) Sing hymns about the Holy Spirit and read the story of Pentecost: Acts 2:1-11
Decorate Your Home
Put out red roses or hang red, yellow, and orange streamers from the ceiling (to look like flames of fire descending from heaven) over your dining room table or prayer corner.
Mission
Support a missionary/mission ministry or pray for the Spirit to guide and empower you to share Jesus with someone!
Learn more about the Holy Spirit
Join the monthly ASH prayer gatherings, which will focus on the person and work of the Holy Spirit (May - Oct)
Church Calendar Resources
- Book of Common Prayer, 2019, ACNA
- Church Calendar Living channel on Slack
- Explore the All Saints Church Calendar section of our website
- Sacred Seasons by Danielle Hitchen
- www.ashleytumlinwallace.com