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PENTECOST:  Pentecost is the 50th day after Easter.  It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples in the form of tongues of fire.  This day has also been called Whitsunday, from the custom of robing the confirmands in white vestments. Our banners are emblazoned with 7 tongues of fire, representing the Holy Spirit, with the number 7 representing the 7 gifts of the spirit: wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, piety, fortitude and fear of the Lord.  The words “Let your flame break out within us,” is from the hymn Praise the Spirit in Creation, # 507 in the Hymnal 1982.  The text was written by Michael Hewlett and the tune, Julion, by David Hurd.  The dove is one of the most common symbols of the Holy Spirit, and may be found in the story of the Baptism of Christ (Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 3 or John 1).