Worship Resources for
the Center for Faith and Giving
Pentecost!
Acts 2:1-21
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
1 Corinthians 12:3b-13
John 20:19-23
Call to Worship
One: We’re gathered to celebrate Pentecost JOY,
grateful God still pours out the Spirit on all flesh!
Many: We celebrate, for our sons and our daughters shall prophesy!
One: Some will see visions, and others, dream dreams.
Many: In that day, all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved!
One: Let the wind blow free, let God’s Spirit fill us all!
(Consider having red crepe paper streamers for everyone or red cloth streamers blowing into the air in the chancel {fans!})
Opening Prayer
Ever-breathing God,
like a mighty wind bringing fresh air and new life to each and to all!
Fill us with your Spirit this day!
Renew in us a passion for you, for your all-encompassing love,
and for this congregation.
Inspire us! Help us breathe in the power you offer.
Set us on fire to do the mighty works you’ve prepared for us,
even as we’re energized in this time of worship. AMEN
(Respond to this prayer with Rend Collective’s Build Your Kingdom Here or with a soloist or choir singing CH #242 “Shaping Spirit, Move Among Us.”)
Moment for Stewardship
Over many years, Christians have marked Pentecost Day as the birthday of the church. Today, we’re celebrating this birthday with ________________ (Describe what you’re doing: Birthday cake after worship? Balloons? A kitchen shower with gifts to help the kitchen be more usable? Canned food for your food pantry?)
Of course, birthdays often mean presents too!
You’re invited to share a birthday gift today, as part of our morning offering. Will you give an extra dollar for each year you’ve been part of this congregation?
How about a financial gift in thanksgiving for the number of years since this congregation began ministry?
Perhaps you will give a penny, nickel, dime, or dollar for each year since our calendar marks time since Jesus was born? ($20.26, $101.30, $202.60, $2026.00!)
Happy birthday to the church! Let’s receive our morning offering, including any and all birthday gifts today.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Holy God,
By your hand, creation came out of chaos.
Through your love, Jesus came to teach, heal and share Good News.
With your Spirit, we are empowered to share what we now offer,
to build up your church, share Good News,
and rejoice as new life emerges out of chaos.
So touch this offering and help it be used wisely and well.
Breathe your Spirit into each one present today,
so together we eagerly act out your love for the world, AMEN
Invitation to Communion
We hear in Acts 2 how God’s Spirit came into the disciples like the rush of a mighty wind, and with tongues like fire. The disciples were able to speak in every language of the people gathered, so communication could help ALL understand, no matter their nationality.
2000 years later, we pride ourselves on the variety of ways it’s possible for us to communicate with one another:
spoken, written, signed language,
face-to-face, in public speaking, through the internet,
Instagram, FaceTime, texting, phone calls,
television, newspaper, radio…
But when we only know our own language, or 2 or 3 languages,
(do you know there are over 7000 languages in the world?),
communication with symbols of bread and cup
means MANY are able to participate in this Love Feast,
even if we do not share a common verbal language!
So whether you know this as bread, or pan,
brot or pain
(use whatever languages might be recognized,
or make a visual collage for your screen)
come share the gift of communion, blessed by the Spirit, for all to share.
REMINDER: The Pentecost Special Day Offering will be received in many congregations on May 17 and 24. The Pentecost Offering supports Disciples’ new church development. Planning, nurturing, and sustaining new congregations are part of the Disciples’ vision. This offering supports the specialized ministry of new church development through both regional and general programs. Gifts for this offering are divided equally between the region in which they’re given and the New Church Ministry. You can find more resources here.