‘Why does Pentecost matter? What do we do with the Holy Spirit!’

May 31 Facebook Live event to explore history and place of Pentecost in the Reformed tradition

by Emily Enders Odom | Presbyterian News Service

Paul Huh and Charles Wiley (Photo by Mari Graham)

LOUISVILLE – As part of an ongoing series designed to engage Presbyterians in conversation and learning around Christian festival days as well as secular holidays, the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s Office of Theology and Worship continues its occasional Facebook Live series hosted by the Rev. Dr. Charles Wiley III, coordinator for Theology and Worship.

On Wednesday, May 31, at 3:00 p.m. EDT, Wiley and the Rev. Dr. Paul Huh, the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s associate for Korean Translation, will be live on the PC(USA) Facebook page to speak briefly about the history of the Christian festival and the vital place of the Holy Spirit in Reformed theology and worship. They will also respond to viewers’ questions and engage in dialogue about the ways in which congregations celebrate Pentecost.

“Even though John Calvin was considered ‘the theologian of the Holy Spirit,’ Presbyterians have developed a reputation for being light on the Holy Spirit,’” says Wiley. “Being referred to as the ‘frozen chosen’ for centuries can do that to you. We hope that many Presbyterians will join us and let us know how they are challenging that perception by celebrating Pentecost in their congregations.”

The Day of Pentecost — celebrated 50 days from Easter Sunday — will be observed this year on Sunday, June 4.

Huh, a PC(USA) teaching elder, former seminary professor and an accomplished church musician, notes that France recently revived Whit (or Pentecost) Monday as a national holiday.

“Every Sunday is Pentecost Sunday for Korean churches and many churches around the world,” he says.

For those unable to join the Facebook event live, a video playback will be available for viewing on the PC(USA)’s Facebook page following the May 31 broadcast.

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The Pentecost Offering is traditionally received on the day of Pentecost. Young Adult Volunteers, Children-at-Risk, and Ministries with Youth — including the Presbyterian Youth Triennium — are made possible thanks to your gifts to the Pentecost Offering.