Whit Sunday - Pentecost

Whit Sunday - Pentecost

 Burton Joyce Community Church

Nottingham North East Circuit

Sunday 31st May 2020 Pentecost

This short act of worship has been adapted from material kindly provided by Rev John Wiseman. Spend a few moments with God, other people are sharing in this act of worship too.

Let’s begin by singing: Come down, O Love divine! [SoF 1202]

Opening Prayers

God of fire and flame, hurricane and gentle breath, we come to worship you, our God of hope. God of love, we praise you this morning. We thank you for the gifts and fruit of your Spirit which fill our lives helping transform strangers into neighbours and enemies into friends.

Forgive us that we pursue self-interest instead of hospitality. Forgive us that we plunder the earth instead of cherishing it. Come to each of us as we hear you say: ‘Your sins are forgiven’

Our Father...

Today’s bible reading: Act 2:1-17

The Holy Spirit comes

We sing again: Breathe on me, breath of God [SoF 51]

Today’s message

The disciples of Jesus are gathered in Jerusalem. Jesus has risen from the dead, appeared to them, spent time with them and then just when they were beginning to think everything was ok, Jesus has gone again. Telling them to wait. And so, they wait. Wait for heaven knows what. Then there is a sound like wind, a storm, the heavens splitting open and tongues of fire appear.

The Holy Spirit had arrived. Pentecost is about breaking down barriers. People opening their homes for worship, breaking bread, talking about Jesus and praying. People shared their property and possessions with anyone who was in need. People gathered together to teach and to learn.

The promise of Pentecost is that everyone can be ignited by the Spirit for a deeper and a more powerful way of life. The Spirit is alive and active in people like you and me, guiding, inspiring and re-making us in the likeness of God. The question for the Church today is the same as it was for the Church then. Will we let the Spirit transform us? Will we have the strength and compassion, to declare the story that needs to be told? Will we pass on the ‘good news’ of Jesus until it goes viral?

Prayers of Intercession

Today we pray for...

All those who speak the language of love into troubled situations

All those struggling to find the right words to communicate with family, friends or strangers.

For the scattered church.

For loved ones you are separated from.

For yourself

Loving God, gather together all our thoughts and prayers, offered in the power of your Holy Spirit and in Jesus name. Amen

Let's sing:  Rejoice the Lord is king (Songs of Fellowship 482)

A blessing...

May the Holy Spirit, who hovered over the waters when the world was created, breathe into you the life he gives. And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen