SUNDAY ORDER OF WORSHIP
Day of Pentecost
Recognizing Our Sunday School Teachers
May 23, 2021
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Do you hear it,
the sound of rushing wind beginning to fill this house?
Do you see it,
the glowing pillars of fire reflecting in every pair of eyes?
Do you feel it,
God moving in this place, calling us to worship?
The spirit has come! The church is born!
Let us worship God with thanksgiving!
HYMN #128 “On Pentecost They Gathered”
On Pentecost they gathered
Quite early in the day,
A band of Christ’s disciples,
To worship, sing, and pray.
A mighty wind came blowing,
Filled all the swirling air,
And tongues of fire aglowing
Inspired each person there.
The people all around them
Were startled and amazed
To understand their language,
As Christ the Lord they praised.
What universal message,
What great good news was here?
That Christ, once dead, is risen
To vanquish all our fear.
God pours the Holy Spirit
On all who would believe,
On women, men, and children
Who would God’s grace receive.
That Spirit knows no limit,
Bestowing life and power.
The church, formed and reforming
Responds in every hour.
O Spirit, sent from heaven
On that day long ago.
Rekindle faith among us
In all life’s ebb and flow.
O give us ears to listen
And tongues aflame with praise,
So folk of every nation
Glad songs of joy shall raise.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
God our creator, earth has many languages, but your gospel proclaims your love to all nations in one heavenly tongue. Make us messengers of the good news that, through the power of your Spirit, all the world may unite in one song of praise; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
CALL TO CONFESSION
The Spirit of God helps us in our weakness, interceding with sighs too deep for words.
Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
O God, as your Spirit filled the church on the first Pentecost day, so fill this house of worship with your presence, and fill us with your passion. You are doing a new thing, actively moving in the world. Forgive us when we act as if your stories have all been written. You hear the prayers of every language and call us to hear each other. Forgive us when we act as if your Spirit only spoke our native tongue. Wash us in your grace, O God, and illumine us with your fire. Send us out to follow your spirit and teach us to hear the prayers of all your people. (Silent reflection)
ASSURANCE OF PARDON/DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
Hear the good news of God’s promise: I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
Thanks be to God.
GLORIA PATRI (please stand)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
God of power and grace, fill us with the wisdom of your Word and the understanding of your Spirit so that we may be your church: a people with dreams and visions at work in all the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.
Ezekiel 37:4
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Psalm 104:24-34 (read responsively)
24 O Lord, how manifold are your works!
In wisdom you have made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.
25 Yonder is the sea, great and wide,
creeping things innumerable are there,
living things both small and great.
26 There go the ships,
and Leviathan that you formed to sport in it.
27 These all look to you to give them their food in due season;
28 when you give to them, they gather it up;
when you open your hand, they are filled with good things.
29 When you hide your face, they are dismayed;
when you take away their breath, they die
and return to their dust.
30 When you send forth your spirit, they are created;
and you renew the face of the ground.
31 May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
may the Lord rejoice in his works--
32 who looks on the earth and it trembles,
who touches the mountains and they smoke.
33 I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God while I have being.
34 May my meditation be pleasing to him,
for I rejoice in the Lord.
John 15:26-27, 16:4-15
26 “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. 27 You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning.
4 But I have said these things to you so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you about them.
“I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. 5 But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. 7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 about sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; 11 about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.
12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.
Acts 2:1-21
1When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
5 Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. 6 And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. 7 Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.” 12 All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.”
14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. 15 Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. 16 No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:
17 ‘In the last days it will be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.
18 Even upon my slaves, both men and women,
in those days I will pour out my Spirit;
and they shall prophesy.
19 And I will show portents in the heaven above
and signs on the earth below,
blood, and fire, and smoky mist.
20 The sun shall be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood,
before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day.
21 Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’
This is the good news which we have received,
in which we stand, and by which we are saved.
Thanks be to God. 1 Corinthians 15:1–2
REFLECTION: “Abiding in the Spirit” Rev. Norlita Kaul
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
God the Holy Spirit fulfills the work of reconciliation in human life. The Holy Spirit creates and renews the church as the community in which people are reconciled to God and to one another. The Spirit enables people to receive forgiveness as they forgive one another and to enjoy the peace of God as they make peace among themselves. In spite of their sin, the Spirit gives people power to become representatives of Jesus Christ and his gospel of reconciliation to all.
Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.20
RECOGNITION OF OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS
MINUTE FOR MISSIONS
INVITATION TO OFFERING
There is only one Lord and God from whom all things come and for whom we live. Let us offer our lives to the Lord.
SPECIAL MUSIC “Gracious Spirit, Dwell With Me”
by the Choir and Rev. Kaul, organist
DOXOLOGY (please stand)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Holy Spirit, come upon us this day. We feel your joy and delight as we celebrate this glorious day. With a sense of happiness and gratitude, we eagerly offer you these financial gifts for your ministry in this community and beyond. May all who call upon your name be saved from selfishness and filled with God-honoring habits of generous giving. All praise and glory be unto you. Amen.
John 17:6-19 (David S. Bell)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Christ has gathered the church in unity through the Spirit.
With sure hope, let us pray: Lord, hear our prayer.
Maker of all things, in the beginning, you created heaven and earth.
In the fullness of time, you restored all things in Christ.
Renew our world, in this day, with your grace and mercy.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Life of the world, you breathed life into the flesh you created.
Now, by your Spirit, breathe new life into the children of earth.
Turn hatred into love, sorrow into joy, and war into peace.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Lover of concord, you desire the unity of all Christians.
Set aflame the whole church with the fire of your Spirit.
Unite us to stand in the world as a sign of your love.
Lord, hear our prayer.
God of compassion, through your Spirit you supply every human need.
Heal the sick, and comfort the distressed.
Befriend the friendless, and help the helpless.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Source of peace, your Spirit restores our anxious spirits.
In our labor, give us rest; in our temptation, strength;
in our sadness, consolation.
Lord, hear our prayer
God eternal, as you sent upon the disciples the promised gift of the Holy Spirit, look upon your church and open our hearts to the power of the Holy Spirit. Kindle in us the fire of your love, and strengthen our lives for service in your kingdom; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
OUR TIME TO PRAY:
Continued Health Requests:
-Don K
-Joann (granddaughter of Bob B)
-Darwin L (Jeanne’s husband) and Jeanne as caregiver
-Gene G
-Andrew L
-Jan B
-Judith (Judy & Mike’s sister-in-law)
-Rocky (Judy & Mike’s nephew)
-Harry (Bonnie S’s father)
-Jack (Lee’s father)
-Kara (Richard & Dolores’ daughter)
-Gwen M (friend of Elizabeth)
-Riley (son of Rev. Norlita’s friend)
For continued recovery
-LaVonne B
-Carrie VB
-Bob & Jan J
-Sharon W
-Brent (nephew of Roger & Marvis J)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Dennis H & Carolyn C, MK H
For our new confirmand’s journey: Gayle F is starting her confirmation journey. Donna F will be her mentor.
Our homebound or in care members: Barb B, Delores K, Nona M, Rose P, Cliff R, Stephen & Carrie V B, Dee W. (Please reach out and call)
Those who mourn:
We continue to pray for the McCann, Salonen, Fishback, Kennedy N., Watson, Peterson, and Larson families and for all who have lost loved ones.
Prayers for Second Presbyterian in Flandreau, Pastor Ann Spitzenberger; our Presbytery of South Dakota; the PCUSA (leaders and staff); and our own Session, Deacons, members and friends. We continue to pray for Christ’s church universal and at work here in Brookings.
Victims and families affected by the Coronavirus. God grant them all comfort and healing. Prayers for all hospital workers, especially doctors and nurses, and first responders across the world and their families.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
HYMN #129 “Come O Spirit Dwell Among Us”
Come, O Spirit, dwell among us;
Come with Pentecostal power;
Give the church a stronger vision;
Help us face each crucial hour.
Built upon a firm foundation,
Jesus Christ, the Cornerstone,
Still the church is called to mission
That God's love shall be made known.
We would raise our alleluias
For the grace of yesteryears;
For tomorrow's unknown pathway,
Hear, O Lord, our humble prayers.
In the church's pilgrim journey
You have led us all the way;
Still in presence move before us,
Fire by night and cloud by day.
Come, O Spirit, dwell among us;
Give us words of fire and flame.
Help our feeble lips to praise You,
Glorify Your holy name.
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
Three in One: what mystery!
We would sing our loud hosannas
Now and through eternity.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
WORSHIP IN THE PARK on May 30th at the Pioneer Park Bandshell at 10:30 AM. Please bring your own chair. No Zoom worship this Sunday.
REV. KAUL WILL BE ON VACATION May 31 to June 11th to be with her family 1st time since Christmas 2019. (finally!)
THE CHURCH OFFICE will be closed on Monday, May 31st in honor of Memorial Day.
SUNDAY JUNE 6 ELIZABETH FOX, CRE, will be our guest presider for our worship service.
ONLINE WORSHIP SERVICES: Worship services are now being held in the sanctuary and online via Zoom.
SUNDAY SCHOOL will resume again in September.
TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP will be meeting at Perkins at 9:30ish.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at 9:30 AM in the church basement.
Birthdays and Anniversaries will be celebrated the second Sunday of June.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY for May: Bonnie F, John P, Kay N, Bruce W, Trent B, Skylar H, Carolyn M, Jennifer H, Cliff R, Saige H, Adam Y, Carolyn C, Lori W
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY for May: Scott & Jennifer H, Dean & Sharon H,
Dave & Lucy B, Bruce & Lori W
Lord, for these joys, we give thee thanks.
BENEDICTION
Dear Friends, Our God of power and might, has forged us to be the Church in the fire of the Spirit. Our God has breathed life into God’s people that we will be the body of Christ. By the Holy Spirit, we are baptized again with Christ’s flame of faith to fill us with the breath of zeal, to inspire us to be witnesses and to send us forth into our world to live Christ’s life in power, compassion, and love.
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent, one from the other. Amen. (Mizpah Benediction)
POSTLUDE
Thanks to everyone who helped out with our worship this morning. It takes a village to raise a child the saying says. It takes a village to do worship virtually, our new saying during these days of pandemic. Stay safe and well. Pray often. Love always! Blessings for your week!
Sources: Call to Worship Lectionary Aids for 2020-2021 Year A Vo.54.1 PCUSA; Copyright © 2019 David S. Bell. Reprinted with permission from www.DavidSBell.org. and from the Book of Common Worship, Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville KY, 1993; pg.339 & 341-342