FYI

The Day of Pentecost
	Pentecost is the great festival that marks the birth of the Christian church by the power of the Holy spirit.  Pentecost means "fiftieth day" and is celebrated fifty days after Easter. What Happened on Pentecost? Ten days after Jesus ascended into heaven, the twelve apostles, Jesus's mother and family, and many other of His disciples gathered together in Jerusalem for the Jewish harvest festival that was celebrated on the fiftieth day of Passover.  While they were indoors praying, a sound like that of a rushing wind filled the house and tongues of fire descended and rested over each of their heads.  This was the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on human flesh promised by god through the prophet Joel  The disciples were suddenly empowered to proclaim the gospel of the risen Christ.  They went out into the streets of Jerusalem and began preaching to the crowds gathered for the festival.  Not only did the disciples preach with boldness and vigor, but by a miracle of the Holy Spirit, they spoke in the native languages of the people present, many who had come from all corners of the Roman Empire.  This created a sensation.  The apostle Peter seized the moment and addressed the crown, preaching to them about Jesus's death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins.  The result was that about three thousand converts were baptize that day.
Ascension Sunday
	The Ascension is one of the great feast in the Christina liturgical calendar, and commemorates the bodily Ascension of Jesus into Heaven.  Ascension Day is always Thursday (the fortieth day of Easter); it is commemorated on the Sunday before Pentecost.  The three days before Ascension Thursday are sometimes referred to as the Rogation days.
The History of Rogate
	Rogation Days in the Calendar of the Christian Church are the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday before Ascension Day.  The name rogate comes from the Latin rogare, meaning "to ask".  The chief purpose of Rogation Sunday is the prayers and songs to ask for the blessing of God upon the crops of the year so there may be a good and bountiful harvest. Rogate was introduced by St. Mamertus, the Bishop of Vienna and ordered throughout France by the first Council of Orleans in the year 511.  The custom spread into the English Church.   Pope Leo III introduced Rogation Days in Rome around 800 A.D. It was the custom to process out into the streets and fields to Reflect the unity that existed between daily life and religion, clearly admitting the dependence upon God for help and protection.
What is a Prayer Shawl?
	Have you ever wondered what a prayer shawl looks like????  It is warm and soft.  It is a "prayer shawl". All around the ELCA, women (and men) are knitting and crocheting these shawls filled with prayer.  They are called "prayer shawls" because the knitting (or crocheting) of the shawl is a spiritual practice for the crafter.  A prayer is said as the shawl is begun and then many prayers are added with the stitches. The shawls are knitted or crocheted in a pattern of three, symbolizing the Holy Trinity.  Some knitters will say, "in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit" as they work....Knit 3, purl 3.  Crocheted shawls are usually done in a pattern of one row of single crochet filled by three rows of double crochet . . .bands of three. When the shawl is completed, pastor presents it to a member of Rosemont as a tangible sign of God's love in the life of a person suffering pain, grief, or lineliness...or perhaps to a new mother to wrap around herself and the precious child God has given her. Each shawl is a blend of prayers, talents, gifts and grace. Two knitted shawls have been given to members to comfort, console and Strengthen our family of faith.  A reminder of gods' promise that he is always with us. If you knit or crochet, YOU can be a part of this important ministry.  For more information and instructions, contact Jean S., Doris M, or Ellie M.
The Meaning and Use of Liturgical Colors
	In the Christian tradition colors are used for vestments and paraments, but a unified system of colors developed only gradually and haphazardly until and through the Middle Ages. Today, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America provides a system of colors for use by its congregations; for the most part, the same system is also used by Roman and Anglican churches, at least in the United States; and by many churches around the world, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. The colors serve to adorn the worship space, and to call attention to the nature of the season or festival being celebrated. A brief summary of their usage, according to the church year, follows. Advent: Blue is used for its references to hope. It originated in Scandinavia, probably because purple dye was too expensive for churches to use. The alternate color for Advent is purple, the royal color of the coming King (note that this is a different meaning than when it is used in Lent; see below). Christmas: White is used, as a reference to the purity of the newborn Christ, and to our light and joy in him. Epiphany of Our Lord: White (see Christmas). Baptism of Our Lord: White (see Christmas). Sundays after the Epiphany: Green is used for its symbolism of our growth in Christ. Green, in a sense, is a "neutral color," used when more festive or more somber color is not appointed. Transfiguration of Our Lord: White (see Christmas). Ash Wednesday: Black is the preferred color, since it is the color of the ashes to which we will all return. Purple is the alternate color for this first day of Lent. Lent: Purple is indicated, as the stark color of repentance and solemnity. Sunday of the Passion: Scarlet is the preferred color of this first day of Holy Week, as it suggests the deep color of blood. (Scarlet is to be distinguished from the brighter color of red, which is appointed for the Day of Pentecost, martyrs’ days, and certain church celebrations). If a parish does not have scarlet vestments, purple may be used. Days of Holy Week: Scarlet or purple may be used for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of Holy Week. Maundy Thursday: For this fourth day of Holy Week, celebrated as the institution of the Lord’ s Supper, scarlet or white is used. Good Friday: No vestments or paraments are used on this day, after the stripping of the altar on Maundy Thursday night. Vigil of Easter: White as the color of joy in the Resurrection is used on this night. Easter Day: On this one day of the church year, gold may be used. White is the alternate, perhaps with gold running through it. The gold color indicates that this day is the "queen of feasts," unique in the entire church year. Sundays of Easter: White (see Vigil of Easter). Day of Pentecost: Red as the color of fire is used on this day when we remember the tongues of fire descended on the crowd in Jerusalem. In contrast to the color of scarlet, Pentecost’s red is a bright color. The Holy Trinity: White is appointed, the expression of joy in the mystery of the Triune God. Other Sundays after Pentecost: Green is used, to indicate our growth in faith as we follow the teachings and ministry of Christ. Christ the King: The final day of the church year uses white, a festive color of light, joy, and the celebration of our Lord. Lesser festivals and commemorations are white, unless a martyr is celebrated, in which case bright red is used. February 2003 Resources Stauffer, S. Anita. Altar Guild and Sacristy Handbook. Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 2000. ISBN: 0806638966. Copyright © 2003 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress. copyright@augsburgfortress.org www.augsburgfortress.org
What does it mean when the minister washes his hands before the Holy Eucharist?
	It is the ceremony of cleansing the celebrant's hands before the offertory oblation in the Holy Eucharist.  The word is also used to denote the bowl containing the water, and the small towel that is with it. The name Lavabo ("I shall wash") is derived from the words of the 26th Psalm.The Lavabo is symbolic.  It is Biblically based when Pilate washes his hands of convicting Jesus.