Liturgy: Pentecost Sunday, Acts 2:1-21/Numbers 11:24-29 (May 19, 2024)

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Hymns

Hymn GTG #291, “Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness”
Hymn GTG #284, “Holy Spirit, Come to Us”

Hymn GTG #280, “Come, O Spirit, Dwell Among Us”

*Call to Worship (based on Acts 1:17-18/Joel 2:28-29)

Leader: In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
People: Your sons and daughters will prophesy; your young will see visions; your elders will dream dreams.
Leader: I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
People: And they will prophesy.
Leader: Pour out your Spirit upon us here, O Lord,
People: And we will gladly bear your Good News to the ends of the earth


Call to Confession (based on Acts 2:2)

Leader: We may hear hymns in place of a fierce wind and see orderly pews instead of tongues of flame, but the Spirit of the Lord is just as surely with us on this Pentecost as she was 2000 years ago. In her presence, let us confess our sins.


Popcorn Prayer of Confession (based on Acts 2:17)

You are invited to speak a word or short phrase that describes a personal or collective sin of which you repent and seek forgiveness.

When the gathered community is finished sharing, we pray together:

People: Omnipotent God, you have indeed poured out your spirit upon your people, but we deny the evidence of our own eyes and ears. Your prophets speak, but we do not listen. Your apostles act, but we do not see. Young and old describe their visions, but we say that they are full of new wine. Forgive us, Lord of all, and remind us that you do not choose your messengers from among the powerful – you bestow your power upon those entrusted with your message. In your mercy, hear our prayers… 

(Silent prayers of personal confession)

Declaration of Forgiveness

Leader: Beloved of God, on this Pentecost, hear the Good News in your native language: Nosotros somos perdonados [Spanish]. Nous sommes pardonnés [French]. Vir sind vergeben [German]. Siamo perdonati [Italian]. We are forgiven [English].
People: Thanks be to God!