Pentecost

COLOR: Red
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Acts 2:1-21; Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; Romans 8:14-17; John 14:8-17 (25-27)

THEME IDEAS

Despite the good news of the resurrection, the post-Easter disciples were a rather tentative bunch. They had lost their leader. There was dissension all around them. They were understandably afraid, for their friend and teacher had just been executed by the government. Into their already turbulent lives blew the life-changing wind of the Holy Spirit. Yikes! But as promised in John, the Advocate empowers, comforts, encourages, and strengthens the disciples. To claim the same gifts today, we need only give our fears to the Wind, and open our lives to be transformed.

INVITATION AND GATHERING

Gathering Words (John 14)

Even after the resurrection, when the disciples 
were weighed down with worry, 
Jesus assured them that they were not alone: 
“The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send 
in my name, will teach you everything,
and remind you of all that I have said to you.”
Even after the resurrection, when the disciples
were burdened by their fears,
Jesus calmed their troubled hearts:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled,
and do not let them be afraid.”
Even after the resurrection, when we struggle
with our faith,
Jesus blesses us with comfort and hope:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace
I give to you.”
Especially after the resurrection, when our souls
are dry and barren,
the Holy Spirit blows through our lives,
bringing us new life. Alleluia!

Opening Prayer (Acts 2, John 14)

Amazing God,
you call us today,
just as you called the disciples
on the Day of Pentecost.
You challenge and support us,
revealing the brokenness of our communities;
giving us the peace that our world needs.
You point us to the pain of the cross,
and then remind us of the joy of the resurrection.
Transform us, O God,
through the power of your Holy Spirit.
Help us breathe deeply
of the Breath of Life.
Blow through our worship
and change our lives forever. Amen.

PROCLAMATION AND RESPONSE

Prayer of Confession (Acts 2)

Holy Spirit,
we’re not sure we’re ready
for your awesome power
to blow through our lives;
we’re grown comfortable
with our familiar habits
and our bland routines;
we’re afraid to give up our waking slumber
and face the truth
that we do not truly live.
When we cling to our ways
and the safety of familiar paths,
wake us up,
shake us up,
heat us up,
and breathe your life into us.
Walk with us, O God,
and give us the courage
to follow the way that is lit
by the fire of your Spirit.
On this Day of Pentecost,
we pray for the audacity
to ride the winds of change. Amen.

Words of Assurance (John 14)

Hear these words of Jesus:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace
I give to you. . . . Do not let your hearts
be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”
In the midst of our fears and doubts,
the peace of the Holy Spirit will prevail.

Passing the Peace of Christ (John 14)

When Jesus left his disciples, he did not leave them alone. He promised that the Holy Spirit would be present in their lives, and he gave them an amazing gift: his peace, the peace of Christ. Through the Spirit, this gift lives still, and it is ours to share with others. Turn to those around you and offer Christ’s gift with these words: “The peace of Christ is yours today!”

Response to the Word (Acts 2, Psalm 104, John 14)

Holy Spirit,
we are not ready for you,
but we know that you are ready for us—
ready to change our lives if we will let you.
Help us prepare
by setting our hearts on fire with love;
by blowing away our fears and doubts;
by tuning our ears to the rich diversity
of language and culture around the world;
by opening our eyes to the amazing beauty
and power of your creation;
by breathing into us
the joy and hope of the resurrected Christ,
in whose name we pray. Amen.

THANKSGIVING AND COMMUNION

Offering Prayer (Acts 2, John 14)

Pentecost God,
take our hearts and set them on fire.
Take our lives and transform them.
Take our church and resurrect it
with your life-giving Spirit.
Take our gifts and use them
for the fulfillment of your vision
of peace and unity. Amen.

SENDING FORTH

Benediction (Acts 2, Psalm 104, John 14)

The God who made this amazing universe
is creating you anew every day.
Jesus Christ, the resurrected One,
offers you peace that never dies.
The Holy Spirit is setting your hearts on fire—
right here, right now.
Go in peace, and be transformed,
that you may change the world. Amen.

CONTEMPORARY OPTIONS

Contemporary Gathering Words (Acts 2)

Leader 1: Jesus Christ is alive and with us today!
Leader 2: (Disbelieving) What?
Leader 1: Get ready for some excitement: Jesus is
right here, right now!
Leader 2: Come on, this is the twenty-first century.
We don’t believe that kind of thing anymore.
Leader 1: Can’t you feel the Spirit? God is ready to
change us today!
Leader 2: What are you babbling about? We don’t feel
anything.
Leader 1: It’s true! God’s Spirit is going to set us on
fire today, so get ready.
Leader 2: (Turning away in disgust) This is ridiculous.
You must be drunk!
All: It is true! The Holy Spirit has set us on fire
with the crazy joy of the resurrection.
We’re ready for God to change us today!

Praise Sentences (Psalm 104)

O Lord, how manifold are your works!
Bless the Lord, O my soul.
Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord!

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From The Abingdon Worship Annual edited by Mary J. Scifres and B.J. Beu, Copyright © Abingdon Press.