May 23 - a jam-packed celebration

In May of 1981 I was ordained a minister in the American Baptist Churches of America at a church in Wayne Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia.  On May 24, 2009, my ordination was recognized and I was officially welcomed as a minister of word, sacrament and pastoral care in the United Church of Canada at a regional celebration in Langley, BC.  This Sunday will mark 17 years since I officially became a part of United Church family.  At the time I had absolutely no idea that in the years following I would serve in 5 different churches, including several years here at Mill Woods United Church.  Moving to the United Church felt like coming home to me, and it still does!

This Sunday I will make note of this anniversary.  But this is only one of many things that will be going on during the worship service this Sunday.  Sunday is Pentecost, one of the major liturgical celebrations in the church in which we remember the Holy Spirit being poured out upon the disciples marking the birthday of the church.  We will celebrate Pentecost with two selections from the Bells of Mill Woods United Church, a stirring African song presented by the Sanctuary Choir, and the sacraments of baptism and communion.  We will also acknowledge the second anniversary of our Sanctuary Banners that were dedicated two years ago on Pentecost.

Sunday will be a jam-packed celebration.  I hope you can join us as we observe anniversaries and celebrate together.

Shalom,

The Rev. Dr. Dale W. Johnson