Brunch Church on Pentecost

It’s central to being church – sharing a meal – and not only at the Lord’s table.  Food and fellowship have always been integral to our building community and deepening relationships in the church. So why not occasionally incorporate these into worship? That’s part of the rationale behind “Brunch Church” — what we’ve planned for our worship service on Pentecost, May 19th.

Having Brunch Church on Pentecost seems particularly appropriate since Pentecost is the day we celebrate the birth of the Church. Originally Pentecost was an ancient Jewish feast celebrating the early (spring) harvest. (see Deuteronomy 16:9-10) After Jesus’ ascension, as his 120 followers were gathered for the Pentecost observance, they received in spectacular fashion the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise (John 14:26) of a Helper, the Holy Spirit.  Hear Luke’s account of this seminal event:

“And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.” (Acts 2:2-4)

This amazing display of God’s power drew a diverse crowd composed “from every people under heaven,” and astounded because they each heard the disciples’ testimonies in their own unique tongue. The Holy Spirit added 3,000 new followers to their group that day. This sudden expansion and their miraculous endowment with God’s power are considered by many the birth of the Christian church.

A birthday observance of sorts then, is fitting for St. Andrews this Pentecost, and for several other reasons as well. We’re acknowledging a season of rebirth at St. Andrews, as we enter, give thanks for, and relish our new debt-free era, having remitted our final mortgage payment in March. During our Brunch Church service we will symbolically “burn the mortgage.” We’ll also collectively review the results of our Vital Congregations Initiative (VCI) Congregational Survey, acknowledging our areas of vitality and exploring potential areas for growth as we listen for God’s new calling on us for the future.

Brunch Church will be worship — around tables in Heffner Hall, over a meal, and in fellowship with one another and with the Spirit of God. We will sing songs, pray, recite litanies, hear the Word proclaimed, and glorify God, all the elements of a worship service, even as we eat.  Please help us with Brunch Church, Sunday May 19th. Brunch starts at 9:45 am. Worship begins at the regular time, 10:00 am. The church will provide coffee, beverages, and donuts. We’re asking members to contribute breakfast casseroles, fruit and cheese platters, and other brunch items.  Bring them to Heffner Hall by 9:30. And we’ll need many hands for set up, serving and clean up. Please sign up here. Contact Jeni Allen or LaVerne Byas-Smith for more information.