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WORSHIP AT HOME – 31 May 2020 - PENTECOST
Preparing for Worship
(Note since Pentecost is one of the Church’s Feasts, I have included 5 hymns, so you can choose to sing all 5 or select!)
“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.” (Acts 2:1)
Fifty days after the feast of Pesach (Passover), the Jews celebrate the feast of Shavuot (Feast of Weeks or Pentecost). Like Pesach, it is a pilgrimage festival and the Jews would gather in Jerusalem to celebrate the feast. This Feast remembered the Torah (the Law – known as the Pentateuch or the 5 Books of Moses.)
Jesus’ disciples having been instructed to remain in the city, would have already been in Jerusalem. As faithful Jews, they would have been preparing to observe Shavuot with their fellow Jewish sisters and brothers.
Hymn – StF 385 – Holy Spirit We Welcome You (https://youtu.be/xUIXBmT-JNk)
Prayer of Approach:
God our Creator, our Redeemer and our Sustainer, we worship and adore you.
Creator Spirit,
in the beginning you brooded over chaos,
and at God’s word you brought all things to life.
Redeeming Spirit,
you rested on Jesus’ head at the start of his earthly ministry,
confirming him to be the Beloved Son of God
Sustaining Spirit,
you fill the hearts of God’s people
enabling us to say with one voice, “Abba Father, you are our God.”
You are our God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit
and we come to worship you in Spirit and in Truth.
The Promise of God’s Spirit
Reading: John 7:37-39
Prayer of Confession
Let us ask God to show us those things that we need to confess so that we might repent and be forgiven.
[Silence]
Living Water,
wash over our lives to cleanse us from words, thoughts and deeds
that have marred the image of God in us.
Forgive us
for those moments when we allow unhelpful words to spill out of our mouths,
for times when our anxieties overflow into unhelpful actions
when our thoughts splash over into unkindness or impatience
Meet us where we are,
and by your Spirit cleanse us and fill us,
that we might seek justice, love mercy and walk humbly with you.
Through Jesus Christ, whose word of forgiveness, we now receive with thanksgiving. Amen
Hymn – StF 376 Crashing Waters at Creation – Can be sung to Stuttgart – (https://youtu.be/FdAbmeZGFOY)
you rested on Jesus’ head at the start of his earthly ministry,
confirming him to be the Beloved Son of God
Sustaining Spirit,
you fill the hearts of God’s people
enabling us to say with one voice, “Abba Father, you are our God.”
You are our God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit
and we come to worship you in Spirit and in Truth.
The Promise of God’s Spirit
Reading: John 7:37-39
37 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.’ 39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.
Prayer of Confession
O Lord you have searched me and you know meSee if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139 v1,24)
Let us ask God to show us those things that we need to confess so that we might repent and be forgiven.
[Silence]
Living Water,
wash over our lives to cleanse us from words, thoughts and deeds
that have marred the image of God in us.
Forgive us
for those moments when we allow unhelpful words to spill out of our mouths,
for times when our anxieties overflow into unhelpful actions
when our thoughts splash over into unkindness or impatience
Meet us where we are,
and by your Spirit cleanse us and fill us,
that we might seek justice, love mercy and walk humbly with you.
Through Jesus Christ, whose word of forgiveness, we now receive with thanksgiving. Amen
Hymn – StF 376 Crashing Waters at Creation – Can be sung to Stuttgart – (https://youtu.be/FdAbmeZGFOY)
The Giving of the Holy Spirit
Reflection
I am sure that all of us, looking back over our lives, can recall times of transition. Times when we know that change is happening (or will soon take place) and a period of waiting and preparing. For youngsters, it may be a change of school; for adults the change between handing in one’s notice and taking up a new job, or between becoming engaged and getting married or moving house (that interminable wait for the conveyancer to finish their tasks!) There are, of course, transition times that are not always positive, like the time waiting for a needed medical operation, or the transition that takes place immediately after retirement.
It may be moving from one phase of life to another involves some unknown quantities, for example the length of time, the exact nature of the change, sometimes the location, the people and the demands are all unknown. Some of us may try to prepare ourselves by gathering as much information as possible so that we can try to imagine what our new life will be like; others may be far more relaxed and just ‘wait and see.’
One word for this common experience is liminality it has its origins in a word meaning to cross a threshold. It conveys the sense that this kind of change takes us through a doorway, and often it means never returning to the way things were before. Perhaps this is illustrated in the old (?) tradition of a newly-married husband carrying his wife across the threshold of their new home.
From the moment Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, his disciples had been thrown into an extended period of transition (or liminality). In fact, we might argue that their lives were under going transition from the moment they met Jesus.From the very start when they “left everything to follow” the disciples' lives had been changed and transformed.
Yet if we concentrate on the seven weeks, or so, between Jesus’ arrest and Pentecost (yes, it really is seven weeks since we had our strange lock-down Easter!) we cannot help but conclude that the events and experiences that the disciples endured were the exact opposite of those you would recommend for people who are about to engage in an important work of global mission.
Their rabbi, friend and leader, Jesus, had been arrested on trumped-up charges, convicted by an illegitimate court, handed the death sentence by a politically motivated foreign leader and crucified.
Before they had even had chance to begin grieving, his tomb had been found empty and, lo and behold, he began to appear amongst them, to tell them how all of this had been the fulfilment of the divine plan. Then after 40 days, he had been taken from their sight and without so much as time to draw breath, angels had come and rebuked them for “looking into the sky!”
Seven weeks of events that would leave the most hardy of souls suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder had concluded with Jesus telling them that they would receive power and “be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:7)
Right now we are in a times that have left us feeling bewildered and in some cases mourning for life as it was before the Coronavirus crisis hit us. So the disciples' experience prior to Pentecost may be useful for us to reflect on as we still wonder how on earth we are going to survive and come out of lockdown capable of resuming our mission as God’s church in our communities.
Naturally speaking both their task and ours would be impossible – but the whole point of the story is that neither they, or us, are required to do any of this in our own strength or from our own resources.
If we rewind to the beginning of the seven weeks, Jesus had said, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you … the Advocate, the Holy Spirit … will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you. … Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:18,26,27)
And just before he departed at the Ascension, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” (Acts 1:7)
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Reflection
I am sure that all of us, looking back over our lives, can recall times of transition. Times when we know that change is happening (or will soon take place) and a period of waiting and preparing. For youngsters, it may be a change of school; for adults the change between handing in one’s notice and taking up a new job, or between becoming engaged and getting married or moving house (that interminable wait for the conveyancer to finish their tasks!) There are, of course, transition times that are not always positive, like the time waiting for a needed medical operation, or the transition that takes place immediately after retirement.
It may be moving from one phase of life to another involves some unknown quantities, for example the length of time, the exact nature of the change, sometimes the location, the people and the demands are all unknown. Some of us may try to prepare ourselves by gathering as much information as possible so that we can try to imagine what our new life will be like; others may be far more relaxed and just ‘wait and see.’
One word for this common experience is liminality it has its origins in a word meaning to cross a threshold. It conveys the sense that this kind of change takes us through a doorway, and often it means never returning to the way things were before. Perhaps this is illustrated in the old (?) tradition of a newly-married husband carrying his wife across the threshold of their new home.
From the moment Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, his disciples had been thrown into an extended period of transition (or liminality). In fact, we might argue that their lives were under going transition from the moment they met Jesus.From the very start when they “left everything to follow” the disciples' lives had been changed and transformed.
Yet if we concentrate on the seven weeks, or so, between Jesus’ arrest and Pentecost (yes, it really is seven weeks since we had our strange lock-down Easter!) we cannot help but conclude that the events and experiences that the disciples endured were the exact opposite of those you would recommend for people who are about to engage in an important work of global mission.
Their rabbi, friend and leader, Jesus, had been arrested on trumped-up charges, convicted by an illegitimate court, handed the death sentence by a politically motivated foreign leader and crucified.
Before they had even had chance to begin grieving, his tomb had been found empty and, lo and behold, he began to appear amongst them, to tell them how all of this had been the fulfilment of the divine plan. Then after 40 days, he had been taken from their sight and without so much as time to draw breath, angels had come and rebuked them for “looking into the sky!”
Seven weeks of events that would leave the most hardy of souls suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder had concluded with Jesus telling them that they would receive power and “be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:7)
Right now we are in a times that have left us feeling bewildered and in some cases mourning for life as it was before the Coronavirus crisis hit us. So the disciples' experience prior to Pentecost may be useful for us to reflect on as we still wonder how on earth we are going to survive and come out of lockdown capable of resuming our mission as God’s church in our communities.
Naturally speaking both their task and ours would be impossible – but the whole point of the story is that neither they, or us, are required to do any of this in our own strength or from our own resources.
If we rewind to the beginning of the seven weeks, Jesus had said, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you … the Advocate, the Holy Spirit … will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you. … Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:18,26,27)
And just before he departed at the Ascension, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” (Acts 1:7)
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| (c) Pentecost - Mark Wiggin - www.veritasse.co.uk This image has been used with permission it may not be reproduced or printed. |
Jesus never promised his disciples that they would escape the horror of the events that they were about to live through. He didn’t somehow offer them an immunity policy that meant that they could sail through it all without ever once doubting or thinking that it was all too high a price to pay. No, the promise of Jesus, was he would give them the resources they needed to be able to survive the things that would happen and the power they needed to carry on the work he had given them, even when that very work would cost them their lives (and for most of them it would cost them their lives.)
So, as Pentecost dawned, another great festival that should be accompanied with celebrations, they were gathered together, almost certainly suffering shell-shock from all that had happened, but also with some expectation that there was more to come. They did not know how long their transition would last; they didn’t know what would happen to bring it to an end and, I suspect, they didn’t really have any idea
So, as Pentecost dawned, another great festival that should be accompanied with celebrations, they were gathered together, almost certainly suffering shell-shock from all that had happened, but also with some expectation that there was more to come. They did not know how long their transition would last; they didn’t know what would happen to bring it to an end and, I suspect, they didn’t really have any idea
of the task that lay ahead of them!
Their faith was that the promise of God, in Jesus, would be fulfilled.
Jesus had said they would receive power to start them on the next phase of their journey, and it was for that power they waited.
Hymn – StF 372 – Come Down, O Love Divine - https://youtu.be/qgUFay0th9A?t=53
Reading – Acts 2:1-21
The Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost
2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: ‘Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs – we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!’ 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, ‘What does this mean?’
13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, ‘They have had too much wine.’
Peter addresses the crowd
14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: ‘Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 ‘“In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
18 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.
19 I will show wonders in the heavens above
and signs on the earth below,
blood and fire and billows of smoke.
20 The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
21 And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Postscript
What are you waiting for today?
How have the events of the past seven-weeks or so affected you? You may be feeling somewhat brow-beaten by the sheer enormity of the news from around the world? You may be feeling that you have been rendered useless by the continued need to wait at home? You may be mourning the loss of fellowship with friends at church?
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Yet, the promise of God, is that the presence of the Holy Spirit brings us peace in our disturbance, power in our helplessness and renewal when we feel wiped out from the continual buffeting of life’s difficulties.
God may not come to us today in the drama of wind and flame, and the Spirit’s coming may not make it instantly possible for us to burst out of our doors into a new season of mission and activity, but God's Spirit does still come to dwell within God's people.
God is with us, the Spirit is here and the Holy Presence is the answer to Jesus’ promises.
Jesus has not abandoned us to lock-down; he has not left us ‘stewing in our own juices’ at home and alone. He promised that we would not be left as orphans. He promised that the Spirit would come and his promise is for us today. May God’s presence be with you to bring you peace, power and renewal.
Veni Sancte Spiritus – Come Holy Spirit. Amen
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Prayers of Intercession
Their faith was that the promise of God, in Jesus, would be fulfilled.
Jesus had said they would receive power to start them on the next phase of their journey, and it was for that power they waited.
Hymn – StF 372 – Come Down, O Love Divine - https://youtu.be/qgUFay0th9A?t=53
Reading – Acts 2:1-21
The Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost
2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: ‘Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs – we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!’ 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, ‘What does this mean?’
13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, ‘They have had too much wine.’
Peter addresses the crowd
14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: ‘Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 ‘“In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
18 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.
19 I will show wonders in the heavens above
and signs on the earth below,
blood and fire and billows of smoke.
20 The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
21 And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Postscript
What are you waiting for today?
How have the events of the past seven-weeks or so affected you? You may be feeling somewhat brow-beaten by the sheer enormity of the news from around the world? You may be feeling that you have been rendered useless by the continued need to wait at home? You may be mourning the loss of fellowship with friends at church?
God may not come to us today in the drama of wind and flame, and the Spirit’s coming may not make it instantly possible for us to burst out of our doors into a new season of mission and activity, but God's Spirit does still come to dwell within God's people.
God is with us, the Spirit is here and the Holy Presence is the answer to Jesus’ promises.
 |
| Original work of Maddy Daly (2011 when aged 6) The original is owned by Revd. Dalwyn Attwell |
Jesus has not abandoned us to lock-down; he has not left us ‘stewing in our own juices’ at home and alone. He promised that we would not be left as orphans. He promised that the Spirit would come and his promise is for us today. May God’s presence be with you to bring you peace, power and renewal.
Veni Sancte Spiritus – Come Holy Spirit. Amen
Prayers of Intercession
I suggest the use of the Taize chant - Veni Sancte Spiritus (Come Holy Spirit) to lead you into a time of personal prayer.
As you use the chant you may wish to pray in a way that reflects the spreading mission of God described to the disciples:
Beginning with prayers for the people in the place where you are living right now,
extending to prayers for the wider region that you are part of,
spreading further to prayers for our nation
before praying for global situations.
Hymn – Veni Sancte Spiritus – Taize - https://youtu.be/Z1fR4SV55qg
The prayers in English included on the track are:
Hymn – Veni Sancte Spiritus – Taize - https://youtu.be/Z1fR4SV55qg
The prayers in English included on the track are:
Come from the four winds, O Spirit, come breath of God;
disperse the shadows over us, renew and
strengthen your people.
Veni Sancte Spiritus
Most kindly warming light! Enter the inmost depths of our hearts,The Lord's Prayer
for we are faithful to you.
Without your presence we have nothing worthy, nothing pure.
Veni Sancte Spiritus
Blessing (from MWB Holy Communion Service for Pentecost)
The Spirit of truth lead us into
all truth
give us the grace to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
and to proclaim the word and works of God;
and the blessing of God
Spirit, Son and Father,
remain with us always. Amen
give us the grace to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
and to proclaim the word and works of God;
and the blessing of God
Spirit, Son and Father,
remain with us always. Amen
We go into the world in the power
of the Spirit
to fulfil our high calling as servants of Christ,
Thanks be to God. Amen.
to fulfil our high calling as servants of Christ,
Thanks be to God. Amen.
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