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What's In a Flame?

Tomorrow's Pentecost, upon which many Christians celebrate the birth of the Church.  But it's also recognized in The United Methodist Church as Heritage Sunday, a day upon which we remember and offer thanks for our denomination's rich history and those who paved the way for us.  Yet Pentecost and Methodism are linked by more than the coincidental alignment of these dates, as what's perhaps the most prominent symbol for Pentecost--fire, or flames--is an integral part of UM identity too, as seen in the cross and flame logo.
The flame in the logo points toward the same Spirit by whose power the Church was formed and sent forth on Pentecost.  And yet, looking closely, one sees that there isn't one flame; there are two--divided, fiery "tongues" as it were--taken straight from the second chapter of Acts.  And still, the two flames remain connected--pointing not only to the two distinct denominations (the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church) who merged to form the UMC, but also to the oneness of Pentecost; the Spirit is poured out upon all flesh: men and women, young and old, servant and free.

What's in a flame?  Much, indeed.  Come, Holy Spirit!

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