Pentecost Sunday is a commemoration and celebration of the receiving of the Holy Spirit by the early church. John the Baptist prophesied of the first Pentecost when Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire (Matthew 3:11). Jesus confirmed this prophecy with the promise of the Holy Spirit to the disciples inJohn 14:26. He showed Himself to these people after His death on the cross and His resurrection, giving convincing proofs that He was alive. Jesus told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Father’s gift of the Holy Spirit, from whom they would receive power to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:3-8). After Jesus’ ascension to heaven, the men returned to Jerusalem and joined together in prayer in an upper room. On the Day of Pentecost, just as promised, the sound of a violent wind filled the house and tongues of fire came to rest on each of them and all were filled with the Holy Spirit. They were given the power of communication, which Peter used to begin the ministry for which Jesus had prepared him. After the coming of the Holy Spirit, the disciples did not stay in the room basking in God’s glory but burst out to tell the world. This was the beginning of the church as we know it.

Today, in many Christian churches, Pentecost Sunday is celebrated to recognize the gift of the Holy Spirit, realizing that God’s very life, breath and energy live in believers. During this service,John 20:19-23may be the core of the message about our risen Savior supernaturally appearing to the fear-laden disciples. Their fear gave way to joy when the Lord showed them His hands and side. He assured them peace and repeated the command given in Matthew 28:19-20, saying, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” Then He breathed on them, and they received the Holy Spirit (John 20:21-23).

The celebration of Pentecost Sunday reminds us of the reality that we are all have the unifying Spirit that was poured out upon the first-century church in Acts 2:1-4. It is a reminder that we are co-heirs with Christ, to suffer with Him that we may also be glorified with Him; that the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7); that we are all baptized by one Spirit into one body (1 Corinthians 12:13); and that the Spirit which raised Jesus from the dead lives inside believers (Romans 8:9-11). This gift of the Holy Spirit that was promised and given to all believers on the first Pentecost is promised for you and your children and for all who are far off whom the Lord our God will call (Acts 2:39).

Dear Heavenly Father, 
As we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy every day, we think of how they have followed in the footsteps of your son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Please hold our servicemen and women in your strong arms. Cover them with your sheltering grace and your presence as they stand in the gap for our protection. May the members of our armed forces be supplied with courage to face each day and may they trust in the Lord's mighty power to accomplish each task. Let our military brothers and sisters feel our love and support. 
In the name of Jesus. Amen. ~ Anonymous

Perhaps you're a visitor on Long Beach Island. Perhaps you're a permanent resident of the Island. Maybe you haven't been in Church for a while and would like to start back. Whatever is going on in your life, you are welcome at Holy Innocents. Your past affiliations don't mean nearly as much to us as your present affiliation with us. Come join us.

SPRING 2013

Service Schedule

Sunday 9:30am Holy Eucharist 

Tuesday 8:00am Lectionary Study Group ~ All invited

Wednesday at noon Holy Eucharist in the Chapel

Update on our work in Equatorial Guinea

Since August we have had seven new additions to Bome village and are expecting two more in 
April. The newest baby has demonstrated the true meaning of "it takes a village." Born to a severely 
mentally disabled mother and weighing only 4 pounds at birth, she is being cared for by multiple moms 
and doing well. 
We continue to provide clothes, blankets, and baby supplies to the mothers and their newborns 
while weighing them weekly and addressing any medical needs. This year we have brought thirtyeight infants, toddlers, and children into the Hess doctor for everything from scabies to (of course 
and mainly) malaria. 
English lessons continue and school materials, supplies and uniforms are supplied to those in need. 
On the health and hygiene side, we continue to provide toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and vitamins. 
New photos are posted here: click

SPRING CARD PARTY & LUNCHEON 
11:30am ~ Friday, May 17, 2013, Martin Hall 
Donation $18.00 Door Prizes 
Tickets are available through the church office ~ 609 492-7571 ~ 
If mailing in your request, please provide a self addressed stamped envelope for the return of your tickets

The Episcopal Church

of The Holy Innocents

Marine Street, between Atlantic and Beach Avenues

Beach Haven, Long Beach Island, New Jersey 08008

1-609-492-7571

email: hichurch@verizon.net

REMINDERS

“One World ~ a benefit concert for Hurricane Sandy Relief” 
Capital Singers of Trenton and Trenton Community Singers in concert! 
May, 19 4 PM Church of the Holy Innocents 
All proceeds to benefit Holy Spirit Episcopal Church, Tuckerton 
All Saints Church (Episcopal) Bay Head 
Free Will offering – please join us!

Dear Friends, 
The mission of the United Thank Offering is to expand the circle of thankful people. To achieve this mission 
we encourage daily prayers, offerings, and an awareness of the abundance of God’s blessings. Every 
penny of your thank offering goes to support grants for ministries here in the United States and overseas. 
May 5th will be Holy Innocents’ United Thank Offering Ingathering Sunday. The diocesan United 
Thank Offering Ingathering will be held Tuesday, May 14th, 2013, at Trinity Cathedral in Trenton. 
If you would like to attend, please call Ruth McLaughlin at 492-8135.

“GREEN” Giving 
Are you in the habit of paying your household bills online via your checking or savings account? 
Why not consider electronic funds transfer (EFT) from your bank account as a convenient and reliable way to make your periodic pledge payments?
We already have several members that have taken advantage of electronic donations!
 If you are interested in this option for your pledge, contact your banking institution for details on how to set up a recurring payment schedule to send your contributions to Holy Innocents.

COMMUNION AT HOME
If you are ill and would like to have a Eucharistic minister bring you communion at home, please call the Church Office at  609-492-7571, and let Cathy know. We will arrange for someone to bring you communion.