The great, miraculous, world-changing day of Pentecost is drawing near (June 9th) and Eastertide starts to anticipate it this Sunday. The message is one of tremendous hope—the exact hope we need when we face seemingly insurmountable personal or world problems.

We will hear the prophet Joel talk about a coming day of upheaval on earth, promising that a spirit of prophecy and vision will come to the human race to match its need, and that all who turn to God and heed the Spirit will endure and survive. We will hear Jesus promise that through his teaching and way we can connect to the super-powerful force of the Spirit of God to give us the vision and strength we need.

We will sing three hymns that share the same hope and promise: “O Day of God Draw Nigh,” “Our God, Our Help in Ages Past,” and “Now Is the Day Approaching.”  The choir will sing “How Lovely Is Your Dwelling,” set to the tune of “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming,” and William Blake’s “Jerusalem,” and the South African “Mayenziwe.”  Pianist Nicole Johnson will play pieces by J. S. Bach, Prelude and Fugue V in D Major from the Well Tempered Clavier Book 1 and Gavotte in E major from the French Suite VI.

Just for fun, here is “Jerusalem” being sung at the recent royal wedding.