Home
Pentecost Resource Page
|
This article is from Issue 63 of "On The Move," a publication of new learning possibilities for churches, at one time published by The Joint Board of Christian Education of Australia and New Zealand. Reproduced by permission of Uniting Education, PO Box 1245, Collingwood 3066, Australia. May be printed for use in local congregations only. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
NO LONGER BEHIND LOCKED DOORS! outline for an intergenerational service of worship for Pentecost by David Dent |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Theme: The Holy Spirit gave the very early Christians assurance, joy and power to come from behind locked doors into the open to proclaim the Good News. Aim: To re-enact an experience similar to the one that the followers of Jesus (the believers of Acts 2:1) might have had on the day of Pentecost, and thereby causing today’s participants to encourage each other in their daily witness for Christ. The service outline 1. Set the scene: A. With minimum movement establish four groups in the congregation. Hand out copies of the verbal symphony (or use bold lettering on OHP transparencies). Let everyone see which part they have to read (1, 2, 3 or 4). It may be a good idea to have a practice before the service starts. B. Begin the worship by telling the congregation that they are to imagine they are the early followers of Jesus gathered together, rather frightened at the turn of events. (See John 20:19, 26; Acts 2:1). C. The leader says: “I think we’re all here. Please shut the doors and lock them.” This is done.
Fire two or three photographic flashes—. with a piece of red translucent material over the flash.
The doors are unlocked, and the people are invited to greet one another with words such as “The Holy Spirit is here”, “Comfort and joy be with you”, and the response “And also with you”. 3. A hymn or song to bring the scene from then to now. 4. Bible reading—Acts 2:1-21 or Psalm 107:1-6 (read by a teenager). 5. Prayer A confession, e.g. Bruce Prewer, Australian Prayers. page 60 (read by an adult). 6. The primary age children move to one side and receive the balloon picture to colour in. The leader gives a short exposition on some facet of Pentecost (5-7 minutes). 7. Reconvene for action: A.The young folk take their balloon pictures to any six adults, each of whom writes or draws on one of the balloons something that will help the child to remember Pentecost. B.Meanwhile the adults are all given a piece of paper on which they are to write (1) a thought about the Holy Spirit that they would like to pass on to someone else; and (2) a message of encouragement for the coming week. The papers are then folded, collected and redistributed. 8. The offering, followed by prayers of concern and love for others, e.g. Bruce Prewer, Australian Prayers, page 62. (Or the people could be invited to make requests and suggestions for prayer.) 9. A song of encouragement, e.g. AHB/WOV 311. 10. The benediction should take the form of a special prayer requesting the Holy Spirit to strengthen, lead and guide during the coming week. 11. Conclusion: The doors are unlocked — you are free to go out, hand in hand with the Holy Spirit. Go out — the world is waiting to hear the Good News. And may the peace of God be with us all until we meet again. The verbal symphony is adapted from another source. David Dent is a Uniting Church lay person from West Lakes Parish in South Australia. |
Home
Pentecost Resource Page