What Kind of Birthday Will You Have?

With Pentecost, the birthday of the church, being this Sunday, I usually start thinking about the colour red, flames on top of people’s heads, the crowds in Jerusalem for the annual Jewish celebration that gets hijacked by the Holy Spirit, and a lot of confusion as people suddenly speak in a variety of languages. The sanctuary may be decorated with balloons in red, orange and yellow or with streamers or windsocks or banners or other things that remind us of the wind that blew through the house that morning.

It never really hit me until I recently read Laura Alary’s blog for Paraclete Press that the Pentecost story can be a bit overwhelming and even unnerving for introverts like me. She talks about how Acts 2 is Pentecost for extroverts, while John 20:19-23 is Pentecost for introverts (you can read more about Laura’s picture books about faith here). In John’s account, Jesus answers the anxious questions of the disciples locked in their house in fear calmly and breathes the Holy Spirit on them after offering them peace.

We do tend to focus more on the Acts story - the big, loud gathering with lots of sensory stimulation. I’m sure on that day Jerusalem was full of overwhelming sights, smells and sounds. Normally, when a festival or outdoor event comes to where I live, I’m happy to find things to do inside. I can’t imagine how I would respond to all that was happening at the Pentecost celebration and would probably have stayed at home. And this particular Pentecost, to add to the usual mayhem, we have the appearance of the strong wind, tongues of fire, people making a spectacle and others saying that those speaking in various languages are drunk. Then we have Peter’s impromptu speech quoting the prophet Joel and using dark imagery.

There are many people who, given the choice, would have loved to be in Jerusalem that Pentecost. They would have been energized by the throngs of people and diverse cultures all gathered to celebrate their Jewish faith. But there are also many who, given the choice, would have preferred to be in that intimate group locked inside a house, even though they were filled with anxiety about what would happen after Jesus’ death. They had opportunity to have Jesus physically with them to reassure them that God was in control and things were happening according to plan. Jesus gently breathes the Holy Spirit on them, offering them a precious gift of God’s presence and power. Jesus lets them know that they have the ability to forgive sins or retain them. This is weighty indeed.

I’m so grateful that I came across Laura’s blog, because it raises some great questions. How do we meet the needs of introverts and extroverts on this celebratory day, both in worship and in our programs? Some congregations know the need to provide quiet and reassurance if they have autistic children in their midst. For anyone who is sensitive to loud noises and over-stimulation, a high-energy and sensory-packed experience is far from helpful. Many churches in my tradition tend to lean toward the needs of introverts – of quiet conversation before church to allow for personal prayer, of one thing happening at a time, decently and in good order.

We are constantly challenged to tell and live the Story in ways that speak to all who come into our community. As you prepare for this Sunday, take some time to reflect on how well your celebration of the birthday of the church takes into account the introverts and extroverts in your midst. Is there balance to be found between offering quiet reassurance of Jesus’ power and presence that is breathed over us, while still sharing the joy and excitement of how God can come swirling into our lives in unmistakable ways, equipping us and vividly empowering us? Can we find the balance between the God who speaks quietly and brings peace, and the God who turns a crowded city upside down?

May we all celebrate our birthday as part of the body of Christ, and that there is room for everyone in the church. We all have experienced God in ways unique to our personalities and needs. May we continue to strive to speak to all who enter our doors in ways that honour the image of God within them.

Happy birthday!