This article is from Issue 67 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.
Although some ideas and liturgies may appear somewhat “dated” in style, concept, imagery or language, they may nevertheless offer a spring-board for new ideas among people who find themselves leading worship, perhaps in a new context, and with some trepidation.
Reproduced with permission. May be reprinted for use in local congregations only.
“THE FESTIVAL OF THE GOD WHO IS HERE”
An order of worship for Pentecost from Pilgrim Uniting Church, Adelaide.
WELCOME AND NOTICES
THE LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES
THE PREPARATION
| Reader | It was late that Sunday evening, and the disciples were gathered together behind locked doors, because they were afraid of the Jews. |
| Community | We too have come together, and we are a fearful people. We are afraid of the changes in our world— afraid of making decisions— afraid of standing alone— afraid of being different— afraid of criticism. |
| Reader | Then Jesus came and stood among them. “Peace be with you”, he said. The disciples were filled with joy at seeing the Lord. Then Jesus said to them again— “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I send you.” Then he breathed on them and said— “Receive the Holy Spirit.” |
| SONG | “Father in heaven” (TIS 465: AHB 399) |
| CONFESSION | |
| Leader | We remember the example of Jesus the Christ whose life was open and available to all. |
| Community | We have cut ourselves off from others. We have withheld our gifts from them. (silence) |
| Leader | We remember the command of Jesus the Christ: ‘As I have loved you, so you should love one another.” |
| Community | We turn our love inwards. We have used others for selfish ends. (silence) |
| Leader | We remember the prompting of the Spirit of Christ, to spend ourselves for our neighbour. |
| Community | We turn away from following Christ. We have silenced the voice that calls us. (silence) |
| Leader | Remember that the One who calls us is the One who equips and renews us. |
| Community | “The Spirit we are given is not a spirit of fear, but a Spirit of love and power and a sound mind.” |
| Leader | Let us stand and praise the one who sets us free! |
| SONG | O praise God in his holiness” (Psalm 150) with cantor and response |
| SCRIPTURE | Acts 2:1-11 |
| THE WITNESS (or sermon) | |
| SONG | “Men of the Spirit” |
| INTERCESSIONS | * news items from the daily paper |
| * concerns of the community | |
| * prayers for Christian unity | |
| Leader | Across all our barriers of language, race and nationality, |
| Community | Unite us, Jesus. |
| Leader | Across all our mutual ignorance, prejudices and hostility, |
| Community | Unite us, Jesus. |
| Leader | Across all our differences of thought, outlook, and religious allegiances, |
| Community | Unite us, Jesus. |
| Leader | O God, for thy greater glory, |
| Community | Gather together the separated Christians. |
| Leader | O God, for the triumph of goodness and truth, |
| Community | Gather together the separated Christians. |
| Leader | O God, that there may be henceforth one flock and one Shepherd, |
| Community | Gather together the separated Christians. |
| Leader | O God, that peace may reign in the world at last, |
| Community | Gather together the separated Christians. |
| Leader | O God, for the greater joy of the heart of thy Son, |
| Community | OGather together the separated Christians. |
(A prayer of Fr. Couturier of Lyons, France, who initiated the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.)
THE OFFERING
SONG: “We are one in the Spirit”
THE COMMISSIONING
| Leader | Go out into the world— bearing the love of God, the good news of Jesus Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit. The Lord be with you! |
| Community | And also with you! |
| Leader | Amen. |
| Community | Amen. |
THE PASSING OF THE PEACE