- “For Christians, Pentecost Sunday is a day to celebrate hope, a hope evoked by the knowledge that God through His Holy Spirit is at work among His people. It is a celebration of newness, of recreation, of renewal of purpose, mission, and calling as God’s people. It is a celebration of God’s ongoing work in the world. Yet, it is also a recognition that His work is done through His people as He pours out His presence upon them.” Read more at http://www.crivoice.org/cypentecost.html
- Watch this animation about Acts chapters 1- 7 from The Bible Project
- Create a sacred space for worship
~ Light a candle, the Light of the World is with you.
~ Have a cross in the room since we’ll be sending our problems to the Cross of Christ.
~ Put out a piece of cloth that is red to commemorate the Day of Pentecost (fire).
~ If you’re alone, call someone and ask if you can worship Jesus together. Take turns reading each section of the service.
~ Have fun! Let children participate and be sensible with attention spans.
PREPARING FOR WORSHIP
Nothing you’ve done nor anything that’s been done to you this week – even if it’s criminal – can separate you from the love of the Creator in Christ Jesus. There may be consequences and sufferings to carry, but there is no condemnation in Christ!
CALL TO WORSHIP
Alleluia! Christ is Risen.
The Lord is Risen indeed! Alleluia!
The Lord is here.
His Spirit is with us!
UNITED IN TRUTH
As an act of public worship and witness, let us confess the faith handed down once and for all:
I believe in God the Father Almighty,
— Apostles’ Creed
Creator of Heaven and Earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ His only Son, Our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
The third day He rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
From there He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
PRAY-SING GOD’S WORD, PSALM 104.24-35
BEING SHAPED BY SCRIPTURE AND SPIRIT
Prayer: Almighty God, on this day, through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, You revealed the way of eternal life to every ethnicity and nation: Pour out this gift anew, that by the preaching of the Gospel Your salvation may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
HEARING GOD’S WORD
There are plenty of Scripture passages today. Look for connections of the Spirit of Christ with the Word of Christ. In lieu of my teaching this morning, please watch these videos and then read some of the selected passages from Scripture. Here’s another video about the book of Acts. And one about the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:1-21; Numbers 11:24-30; 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13; Acts 2:1-21; John 20:19-23; John 7:37-39
MUSICAL WORSHIP – enjoy listening to your favorite songs. Here are two related to Pentecost Day:
PRAYING FOR THE GRACE CHILDREN
“Father, fill the children and youth of Grace with Your Spirit. May they never know a day outside the love of Jesus Christ.”
Say each name then picture the person before moving on. This is the last Sunday for Lois, Micah, and Naomi – they’ll be with their Grandparents this week while Tina and Brett wrap up in Baton Rouge. It’s heartbreaking the kids can’t be together to say goodbye.
Lois, Micah, Naomi, Emma, Nora, David, Sophia, Noelle, Jace, Sophia, Beckett, Easton, Iva James, Colton, Rose, Paul, Amaya, Miles, Lizzie Mae, Nezzie, Ira, Sofia, Simone, Samuel, Virginia, Evie, Thomas, Karli, Grant, Cailyn, Rayana, Jack, Greyson, Caroline, Travis, Ethan, Arin, Liam, Rachel, Sami, Thomas, Grant, Whernska, Levi, Judah, Natalie, Benjamin.
OFFERING
When we make an offering, we give what already belongs to Christ; Of Your own, O Lord, do we give. Money is not the only offering, we also offer our talents, abilities, and gifts to the exclusive use of King Jesus and His Kingdom. We offer every bit of ourselves in service to Christ and His Creation. We don’t want to be tone-deaf about economic crisis facing some in our church, nor do we want to presume financial instability in our church. If you are facing an economic crisis today, please let Byron know your need so your church can support you in some way. If you have financial security and even abundance, share generously with those in need. Thank you for worshipping through tithes and offerings. Mail is received at 630 Richland Avenue, 70806, or give online at https://gracemidcity.churchcenter.com/giving
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Who is Jesus shaping us to be as individuals and a church? Who will we be when we gather together next week? Will kids be present? Will adults be present? What will this local church look like? Will it have to be replanted again? Being a follower of Jesus is not a problem to solve, it’s an adventure to live!
Holy Father, quiet us in Your Love—with the confidence that You hear us and are near. May You lighten our hearts and enable us to take these strange days with the quiet resolve of people aligned with Your purposes and confident that Your will be done. Lord, send Your Spirit, full of comfort. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Face the Cross in your room and let’s cast our cares upon Him.
Lord Jesus, You are our Refuge and Fortress.
— Kenyan Prayer
All our problems –
we SEND to the Cross of Christ!
All our difficulties –
we SEND to the Cross of Christ!
All the devil’s works –
we SEND to the Cross of Christ!
All our hopes –
we SET on the Risen Christ!
CALLING ALL CREATURES TO WORSHIP
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all Creatures here below,
Praise Him above, ye Heavenly Host,
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. A-men.
COMMISSIONED INTO ANOTHER WEEK
May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God, and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.
—–
Pastoral appointments available : https://calendly.com/gracemidcity
Happy First Day of the Week!