From the Pastor’s Desk,
Pentecost comes the Greek language and it means "50th day." Fifty days after Easter Sunday, we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and their followers, and the beginning of their Earthly ministry to make disciples of all nations according to the directive of Christ as He ascended to the heavens. It is the birthday of the Church. Pentecost is also a Jewish holiday, which the Jews use to celebrate the end of Passover. Jews celebrate the gift of the law to Moses at Mt. Sinai on this day.
At Pentecost, the Apostles and their followers were gathered in a room. Jews from all over the world were gathered with Peter, the leader of the Apostles and the Eleven. At this time, a great wind blew and a flame appeared as a tongue of fire, which split itself into many individual flames above the heads of all those present. The Holy Spirit came upon these people and each began to speak in tongues. Despite the fact many had no common language, they were perfectly able to understand one another.
In the Acts of the Apostles we find Peter presenting to all present one of his greatest sermons on Jesus Christ. He presents Jesus as the fulfillment of the prophets and prophecies of the Old Testament. Peter then called all those present to be baptized and about three thousand people were baptized that day.
The symbols of Pentecost which are the flame, wind, and the dove, which represents the Holy Spirit. The color of Pentecost is red and the priest wears red vestments on this day.
This weekend unfortunately Missouri made the national news twice. My niece and nephew called to ask what people in Missouri were thinking by their actions. My niece’s husband is working in the hospital with Covid 19 patients and it is not pretty. Both are doctors and live in Portland on the frontline of this pandemic. Completely non- understandable was the Lake of the Ozarks, with its huge pool parties and no social distancing. I am not a person who goes to extremes, but I do believe we should follow guidelines of doctors. The only answer that I can come up with is they're thinking, “it’s my right and if I want to be in a huge pool party no one is going to stop me”. Americans have for too long looked to “me, myself and I” and think little of how their actions affect others. Many have lost the “we”, and think only of what they want. There is plenty of food on the store shelves, it may just not be what I exactly the brand I want, oh well too bad. As we begin this summer, take the time to pray, take the time to be family. I want everyone to feel safe coming to church, we are doing what we can to make our liturgies safe, liturgical and prayerful.
~Rev. Lewis Hejna
In a few weeks, we will be conducting our Diocesan Development Fund
Campaign. I know some of you are suffering financially and may not be able
to contribute this year. However, if you are able to contribute, we ask that
you consider a pledge. If those parishioners who are able to contribute
would give a little more, it could make up for those fellow parishioners who
are not able to donate this year.
All of our registered households should have received a DDF mailing by
now. If you have not received the mailing, please call Tammy Stander at
417-866-0841. She will mail you the information. Please review the materials.
We are stressing participation. We need for all of us to work together,
especially this year. Every gift helps. Please prayerfully consider assisting the
diocese in funding the many ministries it provides for our parish and the
other 85 parishes and missions in southern Missouri.