Order of Service / Pentecost Sunday / May 24, 2026

 # Gathering Hymn Make a Joyful Noise (#820 VU)

Welcome & Land Acknowledgement

Lighting the Christ Candle

Call to Worship

One: The Spirit of the Lord is upon us,

  All: and in the shelter of the Spirit, we will rejoice and be glad.

One: The heavens are telling of the glory of God,

All: and beneath those very stars, we raise our spirits and proclaim that God is good.

One: The gifts of the Spirit are offered to us,

  All: and, when we put them to use, we discover that our gifts blend with the gifts of others into a wonderful song filled with hope, energy, life, and love.

One: In this house of prayer, may we find shelter, lift our hearts in prayer, and sing songs of praise:

All: May we find strength in knowing we are the Body of Christ, enlivened by the Spirit, engaging the work of God in this world.

One: Come, let us worship our God!

*Nora Vedress. Gathering Pentecost 2026. Page 27.

Opening Prayer

*Opening Hymn Be Still, My Soul (#652 VU)

Prayer of Confessional and Renewal (Unison)

Sometimes, Loving God, we feel defeated and downcast. Sometimes the choices we make hurt and wound others, more often than not also wounding ourselves in the process. Forgive us, Risen Christ, that we may start anew, learning from our mistakes in order to grow more fully into your Way. Inspire us, Holy Spirit, that we may know we are not alone, that new life is ours for the asking in humility, in hope, and in trust. In silence, we bring to you our own confessions and our hope for a new beginning. (a time of silent confession) Amen.

*Gord Dunbar. Gathering Pentecost 1 2022. Page 28.

Words of Assurance

One: The Spirit of God is still moving among us.

All: God’s grace is wider than our failures, and God’s love is stronger than our fear.

One: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, renewed, and called again into life.

All: The Holy Spirit gives us courage, peace, and hope.

One: Let us receive God’s mercy with grateful hearts, and live as people made new.

All: Thanks be to God. Amen.

Announcements and Minute for Mission

Time for God’s Children (Little by Little, TLUS 134)

Growing in cracks and crevices (3x), we are everywhere

Prayer for Illumination

Proclaiming the Scriptures

Acts 2:1-21 The Holy Spirit comes in wind and flame.

Psalm 104:24-35 (VU p. 827 |P. 2) God’s spirit brings life and renewal.

John 7:37-39 Let the thirsty come and drink!

This is the Good News from the Bible.

  Thanks be to God.

Anthem

Sermon

*Hymn Breathe on Me, Breath of God (#382 VU)

*Offering

*Offertory Hymn Though I May Speak (#372 VU|vs.2&3)

2 Though I may give all I possess, and striving so my love profess,

but not be given by love within, the profit soon turns strangely thin.

3 Come, Spirit, come, our hearts control, our spirits long to be made whole.

Let inward love guide every deed; by this we worship, and are freed.

*Offertory Prayer (Unison)
Creator God, thank you for the gifts you give us through the Holy Spirit. Thank you for staying close to us and helping us stay close to you. We praise you for the wisdom, courage, and hope you give. Receive these offerings, and use them to share your love and blessing in the world. Amen.

Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer

*Closing Hymn Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart (#378 VU)

*Commissioning

One: The Holy Spirit inspires us and helps us see clearly.

All: The Spirit helps us notice the presence of Christ around us.

One: The Holy Spirit inspires us and works through us.

All: The Spirit leads us to think and act in ways that show Christ’s light to others.

One: As we go from this place, let us trust the Holy Spirit to guide us.

All: May the Spirit fill us with courage, love, and joy, so that we may share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

One: May the grace of the Holy Spirit be with us all.

* Susan Silverthorne. Gathering Pentecost 2026. Page. 29.

*Commissioning Song I Am Sending You Light (#99 TLUS)

I am sending you light to heal you, to hold you.

I am sending you light to hold you in love. x2

No matter where you go, no matter where you’ve been;

You’ll never walk alone. I feel you deep within.

I am sending you light to heal you, to hold you.

I am sending you light to hold you in love. x2