Order of Service / Pentecost Sunday / June 8, 2025

*Gathering Hymn Come Down, O Love Divine (#367 VU)

Welcome & Land Acknowledgement

Lighting the Christ Candle

Call to Worship

One: On the first day of Pentecost, the faithful gathered and the world changed. On this day of Pentecost, we have gathered and we commit to being a faith community of change.

  All: We will celebrate joyfully,

One: and others will be caught up in our joy.

  All: We will care passionately,

One: and others will be touched by our compassion.

All: We will meet injustice head on,

One: and self-serving attitudes will be confronted.

  All: We will embrace global needs,

One: and serve up hope and justice in the world.

All: The Spirit will inspire and enliven us! Thanks be to God for the gathered church.

One: Let us worship and welcome the Spirit.

*David Sparks, Gathering Pentecost 1 2025. Page 25.

Opening Prayer

*Opening Hymn Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness (#375 VU | vs. 1,2,3)

Prayer of Confessional and Renewal (Unison)

God of order and peace, we come before you this morning with hearts bulging like overfilled cupboards. We have stuffed our troubles away until the cabinet doors will not close and fear tumbles into the living spaces of our lives. We receive your message that you have made a place for each of us in your kingdom, but we are skeptical, and entering is difficult. Rather than journeying in the Way, we are prone to wander in a worldly maze. Living in the spirit of truth makes us so vulnerable that we seek security in the cover of game faces and attitudes. The life you offer is a beloved community from which we turn away in order to grasp our privacy. Forgive our confusion and our resistance. (a time of silent confession) Amen.

*Carol E. Bayma, Gathering Pentecost 1 2025. Page 27.

Words of Assurance

One: God sees our worries and fears.

  All: God understands and still loves us.

One: When we feel lost or unsure, God stays close and offers peace.

All: God forgives us and helps us start again. Thanks be to God!

Announcements and Minute for Mission

Time for God’s Children (Know that God is God, #104 MV)

Know that God is Good. Know that God is Good.

Know that God is Good. God is good, God is good.

Prayer for Illumination

Proclaiming the Scriptures

Acts 2:1-21 The Spirit Comes on the day of Pentecost.

Psalm 104:24-34, 35b (VU p. 827 | P2) God and Wisdom create the earth and creatures.

John 14:8-17 God will send you the Spirit of Truth.

This is the Good News from the Bible.

  Thanks be to God.

Anthem

Sermon

*Hymn O Breath of Life (#202 VU)

*Offering

*Offertory Hymn (Tune: #374VU)

Acts of kindness, times for sharing; bringing Christ to human need.

Caring for the least among us; simple actions plant the seed.

By our giving and forgiving, work a miracle of love.

Holy presence to us offered; Praise the One who reigns above.

*Offertory Prayer (Unison)

God of wind and flame, on this Pentecost Sunday, we thank you for your Spirit that moves in us. Take these gifts, and use them to bring hope, joy, and love to the world. Help us to share your light wherever we go. Amen.

Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer

*Closing Hymn I Feel the Winds of God (#625 VU)

*Commissioning

One: People of God, the wind of God moves among us and gives us new life.

  All: The Spirit brings us comfort, courage, and peace.

One: When we feel tired or unsure, God’s Spirit lifts us up and helps us keep going.

All: We are not alone. God is with us.

One: As we leave this place, filled with the Spirit,

All: Let us go with joy, sharing kindness and hope.

*Commissioning Song May God’s Sheltering Wings (#214 MV)

May God’s sheltering wings, her gathering wings protect you,

May God’s nurturing arms, her cradling arms sustain you,

And hold you in her love, and hold you in her love.

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