May & June 2026
After Easter, we look ahead to several significant anniversaries within our
Church tradition: the Ascension on May 14th, Pentecost and Aldersgate Day or Wesley Day (for the Methodists!) on May 24th, and 120th Church Anniversary for Hartley Wintney Methodist Church on May 16-17th — on a much lighter note for me personally—the World Cup 2026 will be held near New York, with a 48-team tournament on June 11th. Yes, Iwould remember my Ordination service too!
I still feel the excitement of the 2002 World Cup, jointly hosted by Korea and
Japan, when South Korea reached the semi-finals. It was such a joyful
international celebration, yet also a painful memory for me, because I had
only just arrived in the UK and could not physically share that national
excitement back home. At that time, there was no strong wi-fi or easy video
connection where I was staying in a small village near Wellingborough.
Looking back now, after moving around the country and abroad over the years, I realise how many family gatherings, anniversaries, celebrations, and even sorrows I have missed physically. In many ways, I became used to
celebrating important moments from afar — sometimes even my own
anniversaries. Yet one of the greatest joys in life is not simply the occasion
itself but sharing it together with others: being present in each other’s happiness, struggles, hopes, and prayers.
As a young girl, I remember my family and neighbours gathering every Sunday
evening during the national boxing and pro-wrestling championship that ran
from spring into summer. At that time, having a large television with several
channels was a luxury, so many neighbours would squeeze into my house to watch together, as my father had afforded after saving several months’ wages.
I can still remember the noise, excitement, and crowded room filled with anticipation. Many of the village coal miners carried serious expressions
shaped by hard work and difficult lives, yet during those matches I saw faces
transformed — smiling, laughing, even dancing when their boxer won. I
especially enjoyed seeing my father smile as he watched others enjoy
themselves and feel comfortable in his house, whilst my mother constantly
brought out different snacks, drinks, and food, along with the food others brought.The sense of belonging, security, and comfort were present, I reflect.
Perhaps that is why celebrations with the community matter to me—every
special occasion in life, including funerals. They remind us that life is not
meant to be lived alone. Joy becomes fuller when celebrated in community,
and sorrow becomes lighter when carried together.
At the same time, I value the importance of solitude: those sacred moments of being alone with the Lord in different seasons of life. Both community and
quiet reflection are gifts from God; nevertheless, togetherness is essential
for the depth of solitude with the Lord, as Bonhoeffer said, “let him who is not
in community beware of being alone”.(p.67, Life Together, 1963).
For now, therefore, this is a time for togetherness, and that is why Pentecost
— the birth of the Church — holds such deep importance for Christians.
Pentecost is not only a historical event we remember once a year; it is a
living celebration of the Holy Spirit continuing to work among “us” today.
The Spirit gathers people together, forms community, and gives each
person unique spiritual gifts to build up the Church. To worship together, pray
together, serve together, and lay down our gifts for one another is itself a
celebration of Pentecost. The Church is most alive when people continue to live by the Spirit in fellowship, encouragement, and togetherness.
As we prepare to celebrate Pentecost and other important anniversaries of
faith, perhaps we may also remember this simple but profound truth: as the
Scripture said, the Holy Spirit is interceding (Romans 8:26-27) for your joy and assurance of salvation, as comprehending our own weakness, in order to live by the joy of the Lord in the Truth. Through every gathering, fellowship, and act of community, we continue to share in the life of the Church born at Pentecost — a people united not only by tradition, but by the living Spirit of God.
Let’s sing out, express our joy, laugh, and thankfulness for who God is and
what the Lord has done for our lives, and wait more patiently until the Lord comes back, like Isaiah sang, despite all the confronting challenges and obstacles that may prevent us from being singing and proclaiming His greatness!
“I will sing for joy in God, explode in praise from deep in my soul! He dressed me up in a suit of salvation, he outfitted me in a robe of righteousness.
As a bridegroom who puts on a tuxedo and a bride with a jewelled tiara.
For as the earth bursts with spring wildflowers, and as a garden cascades
with blossoms, So the Master, God, brings righteousness into full bloom
and puts praise on display before the nations.” (Isaiah 61:10-11, Message)
Revd Kyung Mi’s Blog, “outside the gate”
