This Pentecost service was designed to include all the choirs (vocal and bell) of Islington United Church, Islington, Ontario, as an end of season celebration of praise to the Holy Spirit.
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” Alford
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.
—Reprinted by permission from the Book of Common Worship, © 2018 Westminster John Knox Press. All rights reserved. p. 339.
Call to Praise
“Come, Christians, Join to Sing,” arr. D. Linda McKechnie (junior bell choir)
Hymn
“Come, Children, Join to Sing” Bateman
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 …
—Reprinted by permission from the Book of Common Worship, © 2018 Westminster John Knox Press. All rights reserved. p. 343.
Assurance of Pardon
Songs of Joy
“Smiles” and “Sun Twinkles” 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" Alan Pote (youth choir)
"And the Father Will Dance" (based on Zeph. 3:14, 17) 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" 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,
fill us with the breath of zeal,
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.
—Reprinted by permission from the Book of Common Worship, © 2018 Westminster John Knox Press. All rights reserved. p. 347.
Prayers of the People
Parting Hymn
"Love Divine, All Love's Excelling" Wesley
Parting Blessing
Postlude
"For All the Saints" arr. Kevin McChesney (youth bell choir)
Revised Common Lectionary
Year A, B, C, Pentecost Sunday
