The Holy Spirit: birthdays, gifts, and fire
May 17, 2021
Dear parents and families,
Get ready to see a lot of red this week! The Day of Pentecost is this Sunday, May 23. Pentecost officially takes us out of the Easter season. Many Christians do not understand the significance of Pentecost. Why is Pentecost called “the birthday of the Church,” anyway? As we continue into this reality of hybrid life and church, there are ways of making Pentecost meaningful for your families and children.
The Book of Acts describes Pentecost as the coming of the Holy Spirit following the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. Acts 2 is a description of Pentecost, beginning with fiery wind entering the house, and ending with a brief description of “life among the believers.” We call Pentecost the birthday of the Church because it quite literally is the day that the Holy Spirit breathed life into the apostles; after that, they went far and wide with their ministry to spread the Good News!
Pentecost is a great time to have a party! Here is a recipe for some Anne Alexis-approved red velvet cupcakes (red to mark the day). Making the cupcakes together is a fun way to talk to your children and families about what the Holy Spirit means to you. What does the Holy Spirit look like? What does it sound like? Does it have a gender? What shape does it take? Does it feel slimy or smooth? The Holy Spirit brought gifts that empowered Peter, Paul, Matthew, Thomas, John, Mary, and all the other apostles to grow the church! These spiritual gifts can be found in all of us. Where do you see them in your families?
The Holy Spirit is associated with fire, so adding candles onto the cupcakes when they’re done makes for a nice visualization. After the cupcakes are done, sing the birthday song and say a prayer over the cupcakes. The traditional Collect for Pentecost from the Prayer Book can be found on page 227. Something more family-friendly may look like this: “God our creator, Jesus our redeemer, Holy Spirit of wind, fire, water, and air: thank you for this day. Fill our souls and hearts with your goodness, and give us just a little bit of fire to tell the world about your unconditional love. Amen.”
I pray you all capture your inner fire and recognize the gifts that the Holy Spirit has bestowed upon you.
In Christ,
Anne Alexis
Minister for Children, Youth, & Families 215 247 8716 Anne Alexis Harra (she/her) was born and raised in Wilmington, DE. She and her beloved partner, Cole (he/him) currently live in Manayunk. Anne Alexis graduated from Washington College in May 2019 with a B.A. in English and a minor in Philosophy. Anne Alexis has served on the Diocesan Council in the Episcopal Church in Delaware, as well as the Racial Justice & Reconciliation Commission, and the Diocesan Assessment Committee. Since moving to Philadelphia in January 2021, she has served on the DioPA Youth Leaders Team and the DioPA Dismantling Racism for Youth Leaders Team. She is passionate about children's spirituality and using education as a force for good in their spiritual lives. Beginning with the waters of baptism, Anne Alexis has devoted her life to serving God in the Episcopal Church. Raised on Godly Play in Sunday school and moving into a tight-knit youth group, she is aware of the positive impact that the Church’s presence can have in the life of a young person. She is passionate about encouraging children and youth to explore their faith on a personal level while also committing to a community-centered effort to enact change for the greater good. Anne Alexis is passionate about racial justice and healing, as well as advocating for the rights of children in the context of the Christian faith. She hopes for a church where all of God's beloved are welcomed, heard, and included. She seeks and envisions a church where every member feels the true love of God in Christ. Anne Alexis is deeply aware of the profound impact of Jesus' unyielding love for all, including the most tender and vulnerable in our society: children. Hopeful for a day when all marginalized peoples are treated with equity, she continues "to seek and serve Christ in all persons." The Baptismal Covenant and Sacrament of Eucharist guide her ministry. Anne Alexis’ father owns and is president of a local funeral home in Wilmington. Some of her earliest childhood memories include observing him engage with bereaved families in a way that can only be described as ministerial. Her mother is a hospice nurse who guides her patients and families through a dignified palliative care stage. Anne Alexis’ parents have left a huge impression on her heart. A ministerial goal she has at St. Martin’s is exploring the often taboo topics of dying and death in the hopeful context of the gospels. In her free time, she enjoys weightlifting, reading, spending time with her family (notably her godson, Will), and watching new shows with her beloved cats by her side. She and Cole enjoy trying eclectic restaurants in their neighborhood -- observing COVID restrictions, of course!Anne Alexis Harra
Pentecost activities for families
Tags: Children & Families / Pentecost
