The Gift of the Spirit

Pentecost Sunday

This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday! This powerful festival commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ, empowering them to spread the Gospel. Pentecost fulfills Jesus’ promise to send an “Advocate” or helper (the Holy Spirit) to guide and comfort his followers.

The gospel text for this week is from John 7: 37-39. In this passage, Jesus offers free spiritual salvation and promises that the Holy Spirit will dwell within believers. He compares Himself to a source of water that completely satisfies the soul and promises that those who trust Him will not only have their own thirst quenched, but will become conduits of the Holy Spirit’s overflowing grace.

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP

Prelude: “O Spirit of Life arr. Dr. David Cherwien (b.1957)

Welcome

Thanksgiving for Baptism

Gathering Song: God of Tempest, God of Whirlwind

Apostolic Greeting

Hymn of Praise

Prayer of the Day

WE HEAR GOD’S WORD

Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:4-13

Bells of Hope “Holy Breath of Pentecost” – A. Bootzin

Gospel Acclamation and Gospel Reading: John 7:37-39

Children’s Time

Sermon: The Gift of the Spirit

WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD

Apostles’ Creed

Prayers of the Church

WE WORSHIP WITH OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS

Sharing of the Easter Peace

Offering and Offertory: “Holy Spirit, Light Our Darkness”, Dr. Robert J. Powell (1932-2025)

WE GATHER AROUND THE LORD’S TABLE

Holy Communion Story

The Lord’s Prayer

Communion Distribution: ” As Grains of Wheat”

Post Communion Blessing

WE DEPART TO SERVE

Sending Prayer

Benediction

Sending Song: “The Spirit Sends Us Forth to Serve”

Dismissal

Postlude: Fughetta on “Nun bitten wir der Heiligen Geist”, arr. Dr. Johann G. Herzog (1822-1909)