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"With all of this in mind, we are finding ways to respond as Christians to what we see happening around us. We are exploring options to support litigation challenging the travel ban on the ground of religious freedom; advocating for federal spending that safeguards the welfare of the most vulnerable; caring for immigrants and refugees in our congregations and communities; and standing in solidarity with other faith groups. In short, we are practicing institutional resistance rooted not in partisan allegiance, but in Christian conviction.![]()
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At its best, our church is capable of moral clarity and resolute commitment to justice. I believe we can bring those strengths to bear on this gathering storm. Churches like ours, protected by the First Amendment and practiced in galvanizing people of goodwill, may be some of the last institutions capable of resisting the injustice now being promulgated. That is not a role we sought—but it is one we are called to."
“We bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God who made heaven and earth and the sea and all that is in them.” – Barnabas the Apostle (?-c. 60)![]()
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Barnabas was a Jewish believer from Cyprus. Originally named Joseph, he was nicknamed “Barnabas,” meaning “son of encouragement.” Soon after the Holy Spirit descended upon the church at Pentecost, the church held all things in common (Acts 2:44) and Barnabas sold his field and gave the money to the Apostles (Acts 4:36). When Paul, who had persecuted the church, became a Christian, Barnabas was one of the early few willing to risk offering Paul grace. Barnabas vouched for Paul and the two became missionary companions, doing such powerful signs and wonders that the pagans believed Barnabas was Zeus and that Paul was Hermes. When Barnabas and Paul told the pagans to turn to the living God, the crowd tried to kill them. In a sad turn of events, Paul and Barnabas had a falling out, disagreeing over whether to allow Barnabas’ cousin Mark to join them on their next missionary journey. Mark had earlier proven himself unreliable, and Paul was unwilling to repeat the mistake. Barnabas once again vouched for someone who didn’t deserve it, this time for Mark. Paul opted to head to Syria. Barnabas and Mark sailed for Cyprus. Barnabas was given the title “apostle,” indicating that he was ordained by the 12 Apostles to carry on their ministry of shepherding churches (this title was later changed to ‘bishop’ to avoid confusion with the unique office of the original 12 Apostles.) It is believed that Barnabas was stoned to death while serving as the bishop of Cyprus. ![]()
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Grant, O God, that we may follow the example of your faithful servant Barnabas, who, seeking not his own renown but the well-being of your Church, gave generously of his life and substance for the relief of the poor, and went forth courageously in mission for the spread of the Gospel; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.![]()
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Art & history by Ben Lansing ![]()
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ORDER the book 📖 ourchurchspeaks.com![]()
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#apostle #saintbarnabas #catholic #orthodox #Anglican #saint
“He will teach you all things.” John 14:26b![]()
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Pentecost![]()
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Pentecost is the name used by Greek-speaking Jews for the Jewish feast of Shavuot. It is a festival of first fruits, when God is given an offering from the land’s early produce. Ancient Jewish tradition connected this feast with the giving of the Torah to Moses on Mt. Siniai. Its name, “Pentecost,” refers to its placement on the calendar – fifty days after Passover – and it is now associated with the Christian feast commemorating the coming of the Holy Spirit. After Christ’s ascension into heaven, his disciples met in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. While they were together, the sound of a rushing wind filled the room and the Holy Spirit fell upon all, manifesting in flames of fire. The disciples began speaking in the languages of the Gentile nations and they were empowered to fulfill Jesus’ final command to “go into all of the world, baptizing in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Fifty days earlier, Jesus had promised that he would ask the Father to send the Helper (the Holy Spirit) who would be with them forever. Now, in the presence of all, this promise was fulfilled. ![]()
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The cultural chaos following the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in AD 70 led to conflicting traditions in how to calculate Passover. Today, Western Pentecost, Eastern Pentecost, and Jewish Shavuot all fall on different days. This reminds us to pray that through the Holy Spirit’s power, all of his people will be fully unified in his truth and love.![]()
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Almighty God, on this day, through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, you revealed the way of eternal life to every race and nation: Pour out this gift anew, that by the preaching of the Gospel your salvation may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.![]()
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Art & history by Ben Lansing![]()
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Book now available 📚- www.ourchurchspeaks.com![]()
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#ourchurchspeaks #pentecost #jesus #ascension #churchhistory #saint #holyspirit #holyghost #shavuot #judaism #christianity #romancatholic #anglican #easternorthodox