It seems like we just celebrated the glorious news of Easter, but Pentecost, the fiftieth day, is rapidly approaching. This is the day we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the church.

This seems to be a holy day where many churches craft their own intergenerational traditions, rituals, and ways of celebrating. Some congregations dress in red and take a church picture. Others release balloons symbolizing the spreading of the Gospel. Some fly kites, make pin wheels, or wave streamers/flags in worship to live out the Holy Spirit’s symbolization of wind in Acts 2, John 3, and in the very Hebrew and Greek words for spirit.

Many denominations provide resources or take up special offerings on this day.  Here are some links to the denominational resources I found. What resources and ways of celebrating this festive day, have you found helpful?

United Methodist Blog Post on the meaning and symbols of Pentecost

Presbyterian Association of Resource Centers Suggested Resources for Children and Families and PC(USA) Mission Agencies Worship and Prayer Helps

Episcopalian Lesson Plans that Work for children or adults and for intergenerational groups— These are lectionary based for Year B.

Kathy Dawson, Associate Professor of Christian Education, Columbia Theological Seminary