The Fire of Pentecost
And when the days of Pentecost were drawing to a close, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a violent wind coming, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them parted tongues as of fire, which settled upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in foreign tongues, even as the Holy Spirit prompted them to speak (Acts 2, 1-4). Pentecost—the infilling of the apostles with the Holy Spirit—the birthday of the church… a day of hope. Christ has bodily ascended into...
Read MorePentecost 20201 Bishop Duncan
Dear Sisters in Christ,The Season of Pentecost is upon us. It is the “long season” in the Church’s year and will last until the 4 weeks of the Advent Season preceding Christmas. At one time this season was referred to as the Trinity Season. Pentecost references the Holy Spirit coming down upon the Apostles and their empowerment as Disciples to preach and teach the Gospel of the Risen Lord Jesus to all people “…even to the ends of the earth!”The Gospel challenges all of us to not only proclaim the Gospel but also to live it out in our lives. How might we share, invite, visit, include others...
Read MoreAn Easter Message from Nancy Young
Alleluia, Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!On this most holy day, we rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus who destroyed death and brought to us new life.Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life, those who believe in me, even though they die will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” John 11:25-26Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened the gate of everlasting life; Grant that we, who celebrate with joy this day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your...
Read MoreEaster Message from Bishop Duncan
“ALLELUIA!” “CHRIST IS RISEN!” “THE LORD IS RISEN INDEED!” “ALLELUIA!” Dear Sisters in Christ,Central to our faith is that “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again!” In the early Church it was dangerous to be a follower of Jesus. Christians were often persecuted, enslaved and executed for sport and amusement. That the faith survived is testament to those who believed and risked everything that we could ever imagine.We give thanks for those who, nevertheless, witnessed to their faith and preached the Gospel that we now are called to share. These were the Saints known to us...
Read MoreLenten Message from Bishop Duncan
The 40 Days of Lent Dear Sisters in Christ, We are about to enter the Season of Lent. We prepare not only for Holy Week and the Easter celebration, but also for deepening our personal spirituality. I have over many years observed this time with prayer, fasting and good works in their many forms and outcomes. In my journey I have found this helpful in the physicality of focusing on not just “good works” but also deepening the areas of where I need to grow. It is not always easy. I am an extrovert. The Pandemic forces all of us to isolate for appropriate reasons. Yet, how I...
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