We Gather as God’s People
Prelude
“Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing,” arr. Martha Lynn Thompson; senior bell choir
Processional Hymn
“Come, O Spirit, Dwell Among Us” VU 198
Greeting
The grace of Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the companionship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.
Pentecost Prayer
Almighty God, at the feast of Pentecost you sent your Holy Spirit to the disciples, filling them with joy and boldness to preach the gospel. Empower us with that same Spirit to witness to your redeeming love and draw all people to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Call to Praise
“Come, Christians, Join to Sing,” arr. D. Linda McKechnie; junior bell choir
Hymn
“Come, Children, Join to Sing” VU 345
Prayer of Confession and the Lord’s Prayer
Almighty God, you poured out your Spirit upon gathered disciples creating bold tongues, open ears, and a new community of faith.
We confess that we hold back the force of your Spirit among us.
We do not listen for your word of grace, speak the good news of your love, or live as a people made one in Christ.
Have mercy on us, O God.
Transform our timid lives by the power of your Spirit and fill us with a flaming desire to be your faithful people, doing your will for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.
And now we pray in the words our Savior taught us,
Our Father …
Assurance of Pardon
Songs of Joy
“Smiles” and “Sun Twinkles” by Barry Gosse; junior choir
We Listen to God's Word
Scripture: Psalm 104:24-35
The psalm verses were read with a refrain sung by all at the beginning and after verses 24, 30, and 35. The refrain was the first line of "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation."
Songs of Praise
"Many Gifts, One Spirit" by Alan Pote; youth choir
"And the Father Will Dance" (based on Zeph. 3:14, 17)
by Mark Hayes; senior choir
New Testament Lesson: Acts 2:1-21
Sermon
We Respond to God's Word
Anthem
"Let Heavenly Music Fill This Place" by Gordon Young; combined senior and youth choirs
Offering
Offering of Music
"Leaning on the Everlasting Arms," arr. Mark Hayes;
combined senior and youth choirs
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
God of all might and power, we praise you that you forged your church in the fire of the Spirit and breathed life into your people that we might be the body of Christ.
We rejoice that our Lord came to rescue us from sin and to deliver us to a rebirth and newness of life.
By your Spirit, baptize us again with your flame of faith, inspire us with the witness of martyrs and saints, and send us forth into your world to live Christ's life in power and compassion.
Take us, O God, and shape us according to your will in the service of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, now and forever, Amen.
Prayers of the People
Parting Hymn
"Love Divine, All Love's Excelling"
Parting Blessing
Postlude
"For All the Saints," arr. Kevin McChesney; youth bell choir
This service, involving all the choirs at Islington United Church, Islington, Ontario, was submitted by John Derksen, music minister (also see p. 12).
Prayers are from the Book of Common Worship (Westminster/John Knox Press, 1993). The hymnal code “VU”