Anticipation… counting down of days…this week in May is framed with the anticipation of the Jewish Festival of Shavuot and the upcoming Christian Pentecost. Also in religious news is the consecration of Bishop Mary Glasspool, the second openly gay bishop in the Episcopalian Church. Let these resources help you in bringing today’s news into your next community discussion or your message for the week.

With fiery red color, the season of Pentecost will arrive in churches worldwide with the commemorating of the arrival of the Holy Spirit. Let the season stir the conversation of justice into your congregation. Watch this clip to witness the legacy of Christian activist Dietrich Bonhoeffer and how the legacy of faith is still a resource to Christians worldwide.

The period from Passover to Shavuot is a time of great anticipation in the Jewish tradition and counts the days from the second day of Passover to the day before Shavuot. The counting is an important connection between Passover and Shavuot: Passover was physical freedom from bondage, but the giving of the Torah on Shavuot was freedom of spiritual bondage. Watch this clip to begin an important discussion on the handing down of tradition in your community.

In the news this week, Bishop Mary Glasspool is to be consecrated as one of two new assistant bishops, known as suffragan bishops, in Los Angeles on May 15. Bishop Glasspool is a lesbian and will be the second openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church. Let your community get to know Bishop Glasspool by clicking here and consider using this moment in the news cycle to talk openly with your community about LGBT issues.

Trying to find a youth activity in these final weeks before summer begins? Click here to get our pick for Trust Me, a great documentary on religious peacemaking that all ages will love.

Looking for more ideas to help your religious community? Contact Auburn’s Associate for Media and Education, the Rev. Kellie Anderson-Picallo at KAnderson-Picallo@AuburnSeminary.org with any questions.