Pentecost

Today is Pentecost—a very special day in the church year. Pentecost is the day when Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit to his followers came true!
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Although Jesus’ friends and followers knew that the Holy Spirit was coming, the way it showed up on Pentecost was a big surprise. Lots of dramatic and unexpected things happened—things that led many people from many different places to believe in God, then go out and share the good news of Jesus with others. For this reason, Pentecost is sometimes called the birthday of the Christian church.
As you read or listen to today’s story, imagine you were there when the Holy Spirit arrived. What would you have seen and heard? How would you have felt? How would you expect the Holy Spirit to change things?

Hear
The story of Pentecost comes from Acts 2:1–21. Find the story in the family Bible or a children’s storybook Bible and read it together.

You can also click here to read the story using an online Bible, or you can watch the video retelling below.

Think
When you’ve finished reading or listening to the story, talk about these questions with your family:
  • Have you ever gotten a big surprise? How did you feel when it happened?
  • ​Does God ever surprise you? How?
  • Think about something hard that has happened in your own life. How did you get through the hard time? Can you think of ways the Holy Spirit might have helped you?
Then, watch the following short video:

Do
Connect more deeply with today's story by trying one or more of these activities.
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Make a pinwheel.
When the Holy Spirit came to the disciples, a sudden wind blew through the room. Although we cannot see the wind, we can feel it and see its effects on the world. The same is true of the Holy Spirit!

Make a pinwheel to remind yourself that the Holy Spirit, like air and wind, is always present in our lives. Follow the instructions at this link, then take your pinwheel outside and watch it spin! 
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Let your light shine.
Make your own flame that doesn't burn, then place it above your head! Use tape and red or orange construction paper to make a simple headband. Then add flames sticking up from the headband. Create the flames using orange, red, or yellow paper, or you can print, color, and cut out the flame coloring page found here. As you wear your headband, imagine how surprised the disciples must have been when the Holy Spirit caused flames to appear above their heads.
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Speak in different languages.
On Pentecost, the disciples spoke in many different languages. Be like the disciples by learning how to say something in at least 5 different languages. Pick a simple word or phrase, like "peace," "Jesus," or "I love you," then look up how to say this word in whatever languages you choose. Practice saying the words with other members of your family.
Share what you've made! Take a picture of your project and send it to sfelde@ctkluth.com so we can include it in our online gallery!

Pray
Dear God,
Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit, just like Jesus promised.
Help us remember that the Spirit is always with us,
Giving us the strength and courage we need to do hard things.
Amen.
CHRIST THE KING LUTHERAN CHURCH
17195 CLEVELAND ROAD  +  SOUTH BEND, IN 46635  +  (574) 272-4306