Written By Olena Riznyk
STRATHROY - On Sunday, June 8, the congregations of Strathroy East Christian Reformed Church (ECRC) and Hope Community CRC in Mount Brydges gathered at Alexandra Park in Strathroy for a special outdoor Pentecost worship service. With the sun shining and music filling the air, community members of all ages joined in celebration, fellowship, and lunch in the open air.
Pastor Stephan Heumann, Director of Youth and Worship at ECRC, shared that the idea for an outdoor service had been in the works for some time. “Our church council had wanted to do this last year, and then the park flooded around the time we were planning to do that,” he explained. “So, we were looking ahead and saying, hey, we would love to just have a service outside in nature for ourselves and also just the community, hoping that people would join us.”
The event, which featured a message from Pastor Philip Hall of Hope Community CRC, was held on Pentecost Sunday—an important day in the Christian calendar also known as Trinity Sunday.
“Pentecost is significant because it marks the beginning of the Church,” Pastor Heumann said. “It was God’s Spirit just pouring out on his disciples and believers. We celebrate that and remind ourselves that we are part of that community—present, past, and future.”
In Christian tradition, Pentecost occurs fifty days after Easter and commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles. This moment, recorded in Acts 2 of the Bible, is considered the birth of the Christian Church. Pentecost also celebrates the fullness of the Trinity: God the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit—all equal and united.
“The Holy Spirit, which we celebrate on Pentecost, is all included,” Pastor Heumann emphasized. “It is God and it is Jesus, and it’s not more important or less important. Just as those disciples were called to go into the world, we are also called with the power of the Holy Spirit to be witnesses.”
Following the worship service, volunteers served hotdogs, hamburgers, drinks, and desserts, creating a picnic atmosphere filled with laughter, conversation, and the sounds of children playing at the park.
The churches extend a warm invitation to anyone interested in joining their community. “We have a website: eastcrc.com,” Pastor Heumann said. “There’s information on our services and different ministries.”
Both congregations also offer programs for all age groups beyond Sunday services and are committed to fostering a spirit of unity, hospitality, and faith.
