1. Pentecost: The Church’s Birthday

2. What is Pentecost? Pentecost is known as the Church’s birthday
It was when the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples, transforming them into courageous witnesses to the risen Jesus

3. What is Pentecost?
Pentecost is frequently called the Church’s birthday because at the first Pentecost, the disciples began a whole new way of living in communion with one another
This transformation created the Church
Believers were inspired to spread to the Good News

4. Acts of the Apostles
Pentecost is described in the Acts of the Apostles
Jesus foretold the coming of the Spirit when he said to the disciples, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (1:8)

5. Acts of the Apostles
“When the day of Pentecost had come, [the disciples] were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a great sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.”

6. Acts of the Apostles
“Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard [the disciples] speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, [the people] asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language?...” All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine” (Acts 2: 1-13)

7. An Artistic Portrayal of the Coming of the Spirit

8. Reflection Assignment
Pretend that you are one of Jesus’ disciples. You have observed the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. As well, you have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit. How would you be a courageous witness to the risen Jesus?
Write a reflection about the things that you would say or do to be a courageous witness to the risen Jesus.
Your reflection must be at least 250 words in full and complete sentences.
You will receive a thinking/inquiry and communication mark.