Lectionary Readings
If Ezekiel 37 is chosen as the First Reading, Acts 2 should be used as the Second Reading.
Acts 2:1–21
On the day of Pentecost, God pours out the Spirit upon the earth.
or Ezekiel 37:1–14
In a valley of dry bones, Ezekiel has a vision of hope for Israel.
Psalm 104:24–34, 35b
The Lord of creation sends forth the Spirit to renew the earth.
Romans 8:22–27
Creation groans in labor pains; the Spirit intercedes for us.
or Acts 2:1–21
On the day of Pentecost, God pours out the Spirit upon the earth.
John 15:26–27; 16:4b–15
Jesus promises: I will send you an Advocate, the Spirit of truth.
— Gathering —
Call to Worship
God has gathered us once again.
Come, Holy Spirit! Bring us life!
It is in the air—something new is being born.
Come, Holy Spirit! Bring us life!
We are one in hope.
Come, Holy Spirit! Bring us life!
Prayer of the Day
How can this be, wonder-working God?
You bring the gift of the Spirit to be with us.
Our Comforter, our Advocate.
Our Counselor, our Wisdom.
These are but a few of the names we give
as the Spirit speaks to our hearts.
We give you thanks
for the unending gifts of the Spirit.
How can this be,
that we have what we need when we need it?
You, O God, are one and all things to us,
and we raise our Hallelujahs. Amen.
Hymn, Psalm, or Spiritual Song
Thanksgiving For Baptism
At the baptismal font:
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
O Lord our God, we give you thanks
for the new life you raise up in us
through the mystery of our baptism—
the sorrow of the heavy cross,
the surprise of the empty tomb,
the love that death could not destroy.
By the power of your Holy Spirit,
poured out upon us in baptism,
fill us with the joy of resurrection,
so that we may be a living sign
of your new heaven and new earth;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Confession and Pardon
At the baptismal font:
The Spirit of God helps us in our weakness,
interceding with sighs too deep for words.
Romans 8:26
Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin.
O God, as your Spirit filled the church
on the first Pentecost day,
so fill this house of worship with your presence,
and fill us with your passion.
You are doing a new thing, actively moving in the world.
Forgive us when we act as if your stories have all been written.
You hear the prayers of every language
and call us to hear each other.
Forgive us when we act as if your Spirit
only spoke our native tongue.
Wash us in your grace, O God,
and illumine us with your fire.
Send us out to follow your spirit
and teach us to hear the prayers of all your people.
Lifting water from the font:
Hear the good news of God’s promise:
I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh.
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
will be saved.
Acts 2:17, 21
In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
Thanks be to God.
— Word —
Prayer for Illumination
At the lectern or pulpit:
God of power and grace,
fill us with the wisdom of your Word
and the understanding of your Spirit
so that we may be your church:
a people with dreams and visions
at work in all the world;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture
Before the readings:
O dry bones,
hear the world of the Lord.
Ezekiel 37:4
After the readings:
This is the good news
which we have received,
in which we stand,
and by which we are saved.
Thanks be to God.
1 Corinthians 15:1–2
Sermon
Ascription of Praise
After the sermon:
All authority and power and dominion
to the name that is above all names—
Jesus Christ our Lord—
now and in the age to come. Amen.
Ephesians 1:21
Hymn, Psalm, or Spiritual Song
Affirmation of Faith
Season of Easter, Day of Pentecost
God the Holy Spirit
fulfills the work of reconciliation in human life.
The Holy Spirit creates and renews the church
as the community in which people are reconciled
to God and to one another.
The Spirit enables people to receive forgiveness
as they forgive one another
and to enjoy the peace of God
as they make peace among themselves.
In spite of their sin,
the Spirit gives people power
to become representatives of Jesus Christ
and his gospel of reconciliation to all.
Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.20
Prayers of Intercession
Holy God of Pentecost,
we do not know how to pray as we ought.
Send your Spirit to intercede for us
as we await with patience
the coming of your kingdom.
We pray for witnesses to the Good News . . .
Inspire them to share your love for all people.
Holy God of Pentecost, hear our prayer.
We pray for your creation . . .
May all living things, present and future,
rejoice in the bounty of your earth.
Holy God of Pentecost, hear our prayer.
We pray for the leaders of nations . . .
Set their feet on right paths.
Holy God of Pentecost, hear our prayer.
We pray for victims of injustice . . .
Restore and preserve their human dignity.
Holy God of Pentecost, hear our prayer.
We pray for people estranged from one another . . .
Break down dividing walls of hostility.
Holy God of Pentecost, hear our prayer.
We pray for our community . . .
Increase in this place love for you and neighbor.
Holy God of Pentecost, hear our prayer.
We pray for those who dream dreams
and see visions . . .
Reveal to them signs of your dawning kingdom.
Holy God of Pentecost, hear our prayer.
Holy God of Pentecost,
set us on fire to do your will
and fill us with joy in serving you,
until that day when you make all things new;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
— Eucharist —
Invitation to Offering
At the communion table:
How does God’s love abide in anyone
who has the world’s goods
yet refuses to help a sister or brother in need?
Remembering God’s great love for the world,
let us offer our lives to the Lord.
1 John 3:16–17
Prayer of Dedication
At the communion table:
Eternal God, take and use these gifts
for your purpose in the world—
giving food to the hungry,
hope to the despairing,
and new life to the dead.
Teach us to live each day for you,
so that future generations
will know your goodness
and praise your glory;
in the name of Christ our Lord. Amen.
Psalm 22:25–31
Great Thanksgiving
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Blessed are you, O Lord our God:
In every age, you have anointed leaders with your Spirit.
Now all of your people—men and women, young and old—
are empowered to speak your truth and show your glory.
Therefore we praise you, joining the song
of the universal church and the heavenly choir:
A Sanctus (“Holy, holy, holy”) is sung.
Blessed is Jesus Christ, our Savior:
You sent Jesus to show us the way of truth and life.
Now we listen for his word through the voice of your Spirit,
watching for the day when he will return in glory to reign.
The words of institution are included here.
Remembering your goodness and grace,
we offer ourselves to you with gratitude
as we share this joyful feast.
A Memorial Acclamation (e.g., “Christ has died”) is sung.
Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us
and upon this bread and cup;
make us one in the body and blood
of Jesus Christ our Lord.
By your Holy Spirit, help us in our weakness.
Encourage and empower us to live according to your will,
until at last you come to redeem the whole creation.
Through the Lord Jesus Christ,
in the unity of the Spirit,
we bless you, God of glory,
now and forever.
An Amen is sung.
Lord’s Prayer
Breaking the Bread
Communion of the People
Hymn, Psalm, or Spiritual Song
Prayer after Communion
At the communion table:
Holy God, by the gift of your Spirit
you have nourished and filled us.
Now send us out to share the vision
of new creation you have begun;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
— Sending —
Hymn, Psalm, or Spiritual Song
Blessing and Charge
At the doors of the church:
May the love of the holy triune God—
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—
abide with you forever. Alleluia!
1 John 4:13–16
Now go forth in Jesus’ name,
remembering his new commandment
to love one another,
just as he has loved us. Amen.
1 John 3:23
Birds of the Apse
New Kilpatrick Parish Church, Bearsden, UK, 2013
Additional Materials
Congregational Song
GATHERING
- On Pentecost They Gathered (MUNICH) GTG 289 (AG)
- Holy Spirit, Come to Us (VENI SANCTE SPIRITU) GTG 281 (AEG)
- Come, O Holy Spirit, Come (WA WA WA EMIMIMO) GTG 283 (AG)
- Come, O Spirit, Dwell Among Us (EBENEZER) GTG 280 (AEG)
WORD
- O Day of Joy and Wonder! (JONATHAN’S TUNE) GTG 290 (AG)
- Come Down, O Love Divine (DOWN AMPNEY) GTG 282 (AG)
- As the Wind Song (WAIRUA TAPU) GTG 292 (AG)
- Let Us Build a House (TWO OAKS) GTG 301 (AG)
EUCHARIST
- Come, Holy Ghost, Our Souls Inspire (VENI CREATOR SPIRITUS) GTG 278 (AG)
- Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether (UNION SEMINARY) GTG 529 (AG)
- The Rice of Life (BÍ-NÎU) GTG 524 (A)
SENDING
- Every Time I Feel the Spirit (PENTECOST) GTG 66 (AEG)
- Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ (LINSTEAD) GTG 526 (AEG)
- Now Go in Joy (JUNKANOO) GTG 745 (AG)
- Blow Wind and Blow Freely (SOPLA FUERTE) SSS 255 (OG)
Psalms and Canticles
Psalm 104:24–34, 35b
Metrical
- Bless the Lord, My Soul and Being! [RUSTINGTON] GTG 34
- Praise for the Depths of Space [DARWALL’S 148TH] GWA 160
Responsorial
- Lord, Send Out Your Spirit PAS 104G
- Praise the Lord PSA 104
Organ Music
- “Like the Murmur of the Dove’s Song,” BRIDEGROOM, The Essential Collection for The Church Organist, vol. 1, Peter Cutts, arr. John Carter, HOPE (M)
- “Choral Varié sur le thème du Veni Creator, Op. 4,” Maurice Duruflé, A. Durand & Fils (A)
- “Spirit Fantasy,” King of Kings, vol. 4, arr. Carl Haywood, GIA (MA)
- “Holy, Holy, Holy,” NICAEA, Praise and Thanksgiving Hymn Improvisations, Set 8, John B. Dykes, arr. Michael Burkhardt, MSM (ME)
Anthems for Adult Choirs
- “In the Midst of New Dimensions,” arr. Jeremy Bankson, MSM, SATB, org, hb (E)
- “Veni Creator Spiritus,” Anthony Bernarducci, HIN, SATB div, perc (A)
- “As the Windsong,” Carol Lynn Mizell, CGA, SATB, hb, fl, org (M)
- “Christ Has No Body Now but Yours,” Chris de Silva, GIA, SATB, pno, C inst (E)
- “Creator Spirit, Heavenly Dove,” Robert Powell, PAR, SATB, hb (M)
- “I’m Gonna Sing till the Spirit Moves in My Heart,” arr. Moses Hogan, HAL, SATB div, acap (A)
Art
- Deep Red, Marina Adams, 2022 (MoMA)
- We Are All In This Together, Juliette Walker, Kecskemét, Hungary, 2016 (SECC)
- Woman Shooting Cherry Blossoms, Yinka Shonibare, 2019 (WA)
