Notes from Pastor Jon Anderson

1 Corinthians 5:8a

“Therefore, let us celebrate the festival…”

In the month of May, there is much to celebrate, and many of the celebrations start with the letter “M”. We celebrate milestones-confirmations at Bethlehem and St. John, and 8th grade, high school, and college graduations. We celebrate mothers on May 12th (the same day we celebrate three confirmations at St. John). And on May 27th we celebrate Memorial Day, when we remember with thanksgiving the lives of our beloved friends and relatives who have gone before us and are at rest, especially those who fought and died in service to our country. The church year includes other celebrations this month that don’t start with “M”-on May 8th we celebrate Jesus’ ascension into heaven; on May 19th we celebrate the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended on the Church (the same day we celebrate a combined baptism and confirmation at Bethlehem). And the following Sunday, May 27th, we celebrate the wonder and mystery (another “M” word!) of the Holy Trinity. May is a month filled with celebrations and festivals-I forgot to mention that students (and teachers!) will be celebrating the end of school! Each Sunday in May, no matter what else is going on or being celebrated, we will be celebrating the presence of God among us in Word and Sacrament, giving us forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. All of these celebrations draw us to thank God-to thank God that He has brought people to important milestones; that He has given us mothers to love and nurture us; and people whose memories we cherish. It’s May-it’s time to celebrate and rejoice, and give thanks to God.

 Pastor Jon