Lectionary Readings
If Numbers 11 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 Numbers 11:24–30
The Lord sends the Spirit to the elders of Israel, and they prophesy.
Psalm 104:24–34, 35b
The Lord of creation sends forth the Spirit to renew the earth.
1 Corinthians 12:3b–13
In the body of Christ there are varieties of gifts, but one Spirit.
or Acts 2:1–21
On the day of Pentecost, God pours out the Spirit upon the earth.
John 20:19–23
The risen Lord appears to the disciples and gives them the Spirit.
or John 7:37–39
Jesus promises the Spirit: living water from the believer’s heart.
— Gathering —
Opening Sentences
We worship a creative God
who formed all living things!
We worship an abundant God
who gives each of us different gifts!
We worship a glorious God
who is seen in the vast array of creation!
Alleluia!
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:
God pours out the Spirit upon us,
but we do not always welcome God’s gifts.
Let us confess our doubts and fears,
that we might find forgiveness and newness of life.
Infinite God,
you come to us in many colors, shapes, and languages.
You speak to each of us in the way we can understand.
You reach out to us and meet us where we are.
But we are quick to limit you
to what we can understand and control.
Forgive us,
and set your Spirit loose among us.
Challenge us, surprise us,
and open us to your power,
that we might know you more deeply,
follow you more faithfully,
and love more fully.
Lifting water from the font:
Scripture is clear:
everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
God draws us together, offering salvation,
forgiveness, and new life to all.
Alleluia! 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 word 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
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
We offer our prayers through Christ,
who lives and reigns forever,
and prays for us in heaven.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Through Christ, we pray for the church . . .
By your Holy Spirit, rekindle the fire among us.
Teach us to prophesy, to tell your mighty work,
and to call upon your name for salvation.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Through Christ, we pray for the earth . . .
Send forth your Spirit to renew the earth.
May your glory live forever, O Lord,
so that all may rejoice in your work.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Through Christ, we pray for all nations . . .
Gather together the wisdom of all peoples.
Enable us to speak to one another with truth
and to listen to one another with understanding.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Through Christ, we pray for this community . . .
Teach us to honor the gifts you have given
as manifestations of one Spirit and one Lord.
Let all of our activities serve the common good.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Through Christ, we pray for loved ones . . .
Pour out your healing on those who suffer,
your grace on those who need forgiveness,
your peace on those who live in fear.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of all power and glory, receive these prayers,
and continue your mighty work among us,
through Jesus Christ, our living Lord. Amen.
Ephesians 1:15–23
— 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:
Great God, to you we give our thanks;
your steadfast love endures forever.
With gratitude we bring our gifts to you.
Bless us and our gifts,
that our lives and our resources
may be a source of healing and hope,
of joy and justice in our world. Amen.
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:
After he rose from the dead, Jesus came to his disciples
and breathed on them, saying: Receive the Holy Spirit.
Even to us he has given the gospel of forgiveness and peace.
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 Spirit, make us one body with many members.
Enable us to use the variety of gifts you have given
in the one mission and ministry of the only Lord.
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
“Veni Sancti Spiritus”
Adam Kossowski, ca. 1965
Additional Materials
Congregational Song
GATHERING
- Come, O Spirit, Dwell Among Us (AOEG) EBENEZER GTG 280, PH 129
- On Pentecost They Gathered (AOEG) MUNICH GTG 289, PH 128
- Spirit Divine, Attend Our Prayers (AEG) NUN DANKET ALL’ UND BRINGET EHR’ GTG 407, PH 325
- Spirit Wind (AOEG) Scott Soper G3 560
WORD
- Come, Holy Ghost, Our Souls Inspire (AOEG) VENI CREATOR SPIRITUS GTG 278, PH 125
- There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit (AOEG) SWEET, SWEET SPIRIT GTG 408, PH 398
- God Is Calling through the Whisper (AOEG) W ŻŁOBIE LEŻY GTG 410
- Now Come, O Holy Spirit / O Roh Kudus Ilahi (AOG) O ROH KUDUS STB 10
EUCHARIST
- Baptized in Water (AOEG) BUNESSAN GTG 482, PH 492
- Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ (AOEG) LINSTEAD GTG 526, PH 514
- Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether (AOEG) UNION SEMINARY GTG 529, PH 504
- Living Spirit, Holy Fire (AOEG) ALL THINGS NEW WAS 3109
SENDING
- God, Be the Love to Search and Keep Me (EG) GREEN TYLER GTG 543
- Loving Spirit (AOEG) OMNI DIE (Corner) GTG 293, PH 323
- Dream On, Dream On (AG) DREAM ON GTG 383
- Recibirán poder / You Will Receive Power (AOEG) GRAN COMISIÓN SSS 216
Psalms and Canticles
Metrical
- Bless the Lord, My Soul and Being! [RUSTINGTON]; GTG 34, PH 224
- O Lord, How Marvelous Your Works [CM]; PCW 104b
- My Soul, Praise the Lord! [HANOVER]; PAS 104E (sts. 9–12 with refrain)
- How Many and Wise [STOWEY]; PP 195 (with refrain)
Responsorial
- Send Forth Your Spirit, O Lord; PAS 104D, PND 38
- Lord, Send Out Your Spirit; PFTS2 34
- Lord, Send Out Your Spirit; PAS 104G
- Creator Spirit, Come We Pray [VENI CREATOR SPIRITUS]; PAS 104G (alt. refrain)
- Lord, Send Out Your Spirit; PSA 105
- Send Us Your Spirit / Señor, envía tu Espíritu Santo; SSS 218–219
Organ Music
- “Komm, Heiliger Geist,” BWV 651, J. S. Bach, public domain (A)
- “Holy Spirit, Truth Divine,” MERCY, Gotta Toccata, David Cherwien, AF (M)
- “Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether,” UNION SEMINARY, Communion Hymns for Organ, Edwin T. Childs, AF (E)
- “He That Believes and Is Baptised,” Chorale—Preludes of the Church Year, Max Reger, CF (M)
- “Come, Holy Ghost, Our Souls Inspire,” VENI, CREATOR SPIRITUS, Augsburg Organ Library: Easter, Flor Peeters, AF (M)
Anthems for Adult Choirs
- “Veni Sancte Spiritus,” Zanaida Robles, zanaidarobles.com, SATB div, pno (MA)
- “My Wordless Prayer,” Craig Courtney, BP, SATB, pno (ME)
- “Veni Sancte Spiritus,” W. A. Mozart, CPDL, SATB, opt solo, keybd, opt orch (M)
- “I’m Gonna Sing ’til the Spirit,” Moses Hogan, HAL, SATB div, opt solo (M)
- “Veni Sancte Spiritus,” Luke Rosen, OCP, SATB, cantor, pno, gtr, C inst (E)
- “Spirit of God,” Fred Gramann, ECS, SATB, acap (M)
- “There’s a Spirit of Love in This Place,” Mark Miller, ABP, SATB, opt solo, pno (ME)
- “The Spirit Brooding Hovered There,” Joel Martinson, GIA, SATB, org (M)
Handbell Music
- “The Spirit in Our Midst,” Sandra Eithun, 3–5 oct, opt 3–5 oct hc, opt narr, CGA, CGB869, Level 2
- “Spirit Wind,” John T. Bartsch, 3–5 oct, FB, FBBG0858, Level 4+
- “Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ,” Sondra Tucker, 3–5 oct, HOPE, 2146, Level 2
Art
- Pentecost, Philippines (VDL)
- Veni Sancti Spiritus, Adam Kossowski (VDL)
- Pentecost, stained glass, South Africa (VDL)
- Spirit, Anneke Kaai (AK)
