The service began in front of the church, where a liturgy and a Mortgage Burning Ceremony took place. From there, participants formally proceeded into the sanctuary, singing Come All Ye People.
The multilingual singing featured songs from Zimbabwe, Kenya and languages like Swahili, Spanish, and English. They all reflected the Spirit’s power to transcend barriers. The music spoke to our hearts and acted like a vibrant echo of the first Pentecost, when the disciples spoke in many tongues and all could understand. The Glocal Music team led songs that drew from global Christian traditions, weaving together rhythms and languages that celebrated the diversity and unity of God's people. Matt on piano, Bob and Luka on drums led the mostly young adult choir, making, at times, a completely joyous sound.
Inside the sanctuary, new red fabric banners and fiery, colorful streamer-shaped fabric adorned the sides of the worship space, everything a visual reminder of the Holy Spirit's presence. The sermon, besides working with the usual Acts description, was based on a reading from Galatians. Pastor Emillie invited us to imagine the Holy Spirit not as a distant force, but as a breath still blowing through our communities today, calling us to justice, joy, and radical love to resist the temptation to judge and divide rather than unify.
This Pentecost worship felt like more than a celebration. and more like a commission to dream. The church not only marked the end of a mortgage but the beginning of a renewed mission. We were reminded that the church is not a building, but a Spirit-filled people sent into the world.
The Sending Song was Shine, Jesus, Shine provided the perfect vehicle to express our thanksgiving for blessing of sharing this worship together.
Recording of the service:
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