Following Jesus into the world

Pentecost is sometimes called the “Birthday of the Church,” marking the time when the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles, empowering them to speak in many languages and boldly proclaim the Gospel. More than just a spiritual awakening, Pentecost is a moment of sending. The followers of Jesus are no longer hidden or waiting – they are launched into the world to witness, preach, and serve.

In this sense, Pentecost is not just about receiving power; it’s about becoming a missionary church. Every believer is sent to participate in God’s mission of reconciliation and love. At the close of our worship each week, the cross that is carried outward – literally leading the Church from the altar into the streets – reminds the community that worship must lead to witness. For this reason, those leading worship don’t bow at the altar as we recess; we are not saying goodbye. We are following Jesus into the world. 

The logo of All Saints’ captures this movement using elements found in our church: the pointed arch over the altar and the missionary cross surrounded by pieces of light in the stained-glass window above the entrance, which is visible from the choir loft. The pointed arch both draws the eyes forward and upward, reminding us of God’s movement, power, and the promise of eternal life, as well as offering protection. The cross always represents the love of Christ. The missionary cross is a symbol that embodies the call of the Church to go into all the world. The four equal arms of the missionary cross remind us that Christians are called to take the word of God to the “four corners of the earth.” The small triangles offer images of movement akin to flames of the Spirit, echoing Pentecost’s themes of diversity and global reach. 

On Pentecost, the Spirit speaks through many voices and sends the Church across borders and boundaries. The missionary cross is a powerful visual reminder of this calling. The All Saints’ logo reminds us that worship leads to action, and that we are sent from the table of grace to be Christ’s hands and voice in the world.

Blessings,
Nancy+