Notes from Yukiko’s Desk

Dear friends in Christ,

Happy Pentecost Sunday! The word “Pentecost” comes from the Greek pentēkostē, meaning “fiftieth.” It is celebrated 50 days after Easter Sunday and 10 days after the Ascension of Our Lord.

This timing is deeply symbolic and connected to the Jewish feast of Shavu’ot, which commemorates the giving of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai. In celebrating this significant feast, this week’s Sunday service will be a bit different. We’ll begin by acclaiming ‘Christ is risen’ in different languages – one at a time and then finally all together.

This will be a good opportunity to brush up your language! In Maori, Kua ara a te Karaiti! In hearing many other languages, you may be able to emerge yourself in the scene of Acts 2! We will then have candle flames lit from the Paschal candle - the symbol of Christ's resurrection. We pray for renewal by the Holy Spirit by anointing with Chrism - the holy oil that is blessed by our bishops on Maundy Thursday. As we did on Palm Sunday, we will try to do a dramatized reading on Acts 2 together. By doing so, I am inviting you to take ourselves back to biblical times and try to capture the emotions of the disciples, of those who were following, of those who were listening. After Eucharist (at Holy Cross), the Paschal Candle will be extinguished at the conclusion of the Easter season. People will be invited to gather around the Candle to do the commission together. Each person will hold a candle lit from the Paschal Candle. This practice is a continuation of the tradition that the candle symbolizes the presence of the glorified risen Christ, and everyone is encouraged to share the good news with the Spirit. The Paschal Candle will be lit again in the year ahead at times when we need this bright reminder of Christ’s resurrection life: at baptisms and funerals.

P.S. The photo of the cover was taken by Patrick who noted; “the reflection is from the top of the Waitemata harbour below us. It reminds me of how we must be a reflection of God’s glory.”

The colour captures the image of Pentecost stunningly too!

Wishing you a spirit-filled Pentecost. May God’s presence guide every step of your journey.

Yukiko

  
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