(Photos by Camille and Mark Braun)

Holy Spirit lifts congregation

On Pentecost Sunday, Rev. Ruth Morrison made it clear the Holy Spirit was with everyone who attended the two services. For the celebration of God sending the Holy Spirit to Jesus’ disciples, seven weeks after Jesus’ resurrection, Ruth directed the spiraling of tongues of fire across the chapel during the 8 a.m. service and then across the sanctuary during the 10 a.m. service.

It began with the call to worship:

When the day of Pentecost had come

all the believers were in one place.

And suddenly there was a rush of a mighty wind

and it filled the house where they were sitting.

And there appeared tongues as of fire

resting on each one of them.

And they were filled with the Holy Spirit.

The Pentecost theme was carried through the entire service, but it was during the Children’s Story that the Holy Spirit came to life. Ruth told the story from scripture and then provided the children with crepe paper streamers attached to soft foam balls. The “tongues of fire” were then tossed back and forth between the children and finally launched out across the congregation, spreading the Spirit throughout the sanctuary.

Artwork and decorations for Pentecost Sunday came from the Sunday School class, directed by Carol Hubbard.

For more of Camille and Mark Braun’s photos of Pentecost Sunday, click here:

Megan and Katie Connelly toss "tongues of fire" back and forth after the Children's Story about Pentecost.

Rev. Ruth Morrison sends a "tongue of fire" into the congregation.

During the Children's Story, Ruth explains the Pentecost Sunday story.

Pentecost decorations were created by children from Carol Hubbard's Sunday School class.

Ruth distributes the "tongues of fire."

During the chapel service, a "tongue of fire" was tossed around the room.

Eric Higley sends a "tongue of fire" across the sanctuary.