From the Pulpit: We've got the spirit, how about you?

I love sporting events and I especially like to watch high school events. The festivity of high school sporting events coupled with school spirit and support of the local athletes by the community is fun to watch. Over the years there is one cheer that has spanned the decades: “We’ve got spirit yes we do; we’ve got spirit how about you?” Win or lose, watching student athletes compete and being cheered on by fellow students, parents and other fans is still an enjoyable experience. School spirit is good for all.

I enjoyed watching the Brandon Valley girls’ basketball team win their SoDak 16 game to qualify for the state tournament. I was saddened for the team when the announcement came that the state tournament was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the highlights of the state tournament is the presentation of the “Spirit of Su” award at halftime of the championship game. The Argus Leader featured the recipients for 2020 that were presented at their local schools because the state tournaments were cancelled. The award is presented to an athlete who exemplifies the life and achievements of SuAnne Big Crow who died in an automobile accident on her way to the Miss Basketball Banquet. SuAnne Big Crow demonstrated outstanding athletic ability, leadership, character, sportsmanship and grade point average. She certainly had spirit.

Sunday, May 31 is Pentecost Sunday if you follow a liturgical calendar. Pentecost recalls the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and we celebrate God’s presence within and among us. In Acts, the Spirit arrives in rushing wind and flame, bringing God’s presence to all people. Pentecost reminds us that we are unified with the gifts of the Spirit. Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit on his disciples, empowering them to forgive sin. On Pentecost we celebrate that we are given the breath of the Holy Spirit and sent out to proclaim God’s redeeming love to all the world. 

I pray the Holy Spirit will give you comfort during this time of social distancing with the assurance that the Spirit of the Living God is present with you always and nothing can separate you from God’s love given through Jesus Christ.

As Christians we can boldly cheer: “We’ve got the Spirit yes we do; we’ve got the Spirit how about you?”