Worship - June 4, 2006

Today is Pentecost Sunday, our celebration of the birth of the church. Seven weeks ago we sang our songs of resurrection remembering that this new life in Christ which we have been given by God cannot be contained by anything - like a tombstone - that tries to hold it captive. Three weeks ago we praised the Lord for the gift of new life in two tiny children, and dedicated their parents and ourselves to the task of nurturing all children in the faith. Two weeks ago we rejoiced as someone new among us joined his walk with ours, and together we reaffirmed our faith in Jesus - a new beginning. Along the way of the journey to this day, we have planted seeds of hope and replanted them into deeper soil. With a sense of expectancy, we watch them grow. Turn now to #26 in your hymnal, and let�s sing together a song of anticipation - "Holy Spirit, come with power."

Call to Worship - part two

Today is Pentecost Sunday, a celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit - the fresh breath of God upon His people. Long ago, the disciples of Jesus wondered what would happen next, now that his death had led to his rising from the tomb, and he had then left to be with God. On Pentecost, as they gathered in an upper room, these students became missionaries, these disciples of Jesus were transformed into his apostles. By the sea of Galilee they had been called out to learn. On the wings of God�s Holy wind that first Pentecost day, they were then called forth to spread the good news, with tongues on fire for the Lord. This is not just their story, lost in the pages of history. It is our story, also, as we step into this hope that we have in Christ, trusting in God, empowered by the Holy Spirit today. "Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing" our dear Redeemer�s praise. Please stand, if you are able, and sing out hymn #110 - and mean what you sing.

Opening Prayer

1 - Great and glorious God,
2 - whose name is above every name,
1 - whose grace has triumphed over the grave,
2 - whose voice gives new life to those who listen,
1 - whose people are gathered now to worship.
2 - If only we had a thousand tongues to sing your praise!
1 - One just doesn't seem to be enough.
2 - One tongue to sing;
1 - One set of ears to hear;
2 - One pair of arms to break free;
1 - One heart to rejoice.
2 - One just doesn't seem enough.
1 - "O for a thousand ...," a million.
2 - You know the longing of our hearts, Oh Lord.
1 - Guide our worship this hour.
2 - May your Holy Spirit move among us,
1 - as you have promised.
2 - And may we become more aware of your heavenly choir,
1 - your saints and angels who surround us.
2 - When our tongues grow silent,
1 - your chorus continues to sing.
2 - Amen!
1 - Amen!
2 - Amen!

Scripture Acts 2 (selections)
(vv. 1-6, 12-14a, 37-39)

"When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 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. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each...
"All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, �What does this mean?� But others sneered and said, �They are filled with new wine.� Then Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them..."

What follows in the second chapter of Acts is the first recorded "sermon" of the early church. Drawing from the prophets and the Psalms, recalling what had only recently happened in Jerusalem, this simple fisherman turned disciple transformed into an apostle proclaimed Jesus to be the Messiah. What was the response to this first sermon? Listen.

"Now when they heard this, those listening were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, �Brothers, what should we do?� Peter said to them, �Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.�"

Please turn to #699 in the back of your hymnal and join me in a moment of repentance, confessing our sins to the Lord who gives every good and perfect gift.

Unison Prayer of Confession

Lord, our God,
         great, eternal, wonderful
         utterly to be trusted:
                  you give life to us all,
                  you help those who come to you,
                  you give hope to those who cry to you.
Forgive our sins, secret and open,
         and rid us of every habit of thought
         that stands against the gospel.
Set our hearts at peace,
         so we may live our lives before you
                  confidently and without fear,
                  through Jesus Christ, our Lord. AMEN

Hymnal #699. Based on a prayer from
The Liturgy of St. Basil of Caesarea, 4th c.,
adapted from Contemporary Prayers for Public Worship,
ed. Caryl Micklem, copyright � 1956 1967 SCM Press, Ltd.

Returning our Tithes and Offerings

"Confidently and without fear" our hearts are set at peace, and God empowers us to dance our lives before Him. What we do with our finances is part of that dance. May our gifts, our tithes and special offerings, flow out of our faith rather than out of our fear. Ushers?

Pastoral Prayer

written closer to the time (if not at the moment)

Benediction