“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.  And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind…”  Acts 2:1

Dear Friends:
We have much to celebrate this Sunday with Pentecost (the birthday of the church), and two baptisms! The Holy Spirit is deeply rooted in these two occasions. After Jesus’ ascension, the disciples were gathered in a room when suddenly a sound like a mighty wind came rushing in. Flames appeared above each of their heads, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit! They were transformed into bold apostles, sharing stories of the many wonders of God working through Jesus.
We are fortunate to have mountain top experiences like the Day of Pentecost – times when it feels like our hearts are on fire.  But as I come down from the mountain, I find myself wondering What do I do next? The book of Acts says the new believers “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teachings and fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer” (Acts 2:42 NRSV). When we come down from the mountain, it seems like what’s next is that we reorient our lives with God at the center. We devote ourselves to being together as a community in worship. We cultivate our prayer life and remain open to what God is asking of us. We try and try again.
In our Baptismal Covenant, we promise to “continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers,” just like the early believers. I love the connection we make to the early church as we recommit ourselves to this life of faith. In this way, we acknowledge that the Holy Spirit is alive and active in us today, just as it was thousands of years ago with God’s people. The Holy Spirit moves like fire and wind but more often in gentle, quiet whispers. It is always with us, helping us, guiding us. Our work is to listen and respond, to clear away the clutter so we can hear the whispers and feel the gentle nudges. The more we can do this, Henri Nouwen writes, “the more we will discover – uncover – a new presence in our lives.”
With love,
Dana
Dana Hale
Children, Youth, and Family Minister
Epiphany Episcopal Church
(703) 466-5200  ext. 106
Thank you Dana!  We’re grateful for how the Holy Spirit works in the Children, Youth and Family Ministry Team providing for our children, youth and families, so many ways to know Christ.  
On Sunday we’ll celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit upon baby Jack and baby Hattie as they become the newest members of the body of Christ in the sacrament of Holy Baptism!  Come, be a witness to this most blessed event in the life of the church!!!  See you Sunday!