Worship Tools

Worship Outline 1

Additional Scriptures

Psalm 104:24–34, 35b; Ezekiel 37:1–14; Romans 8:22–27

Preparation

For the Day of Pentecost Focus, hand out lengths of orange and red ribbon, construction paper, or crepe paper. Alternatively, purchase or make pinwheels for everyone.

Invite People to Christ

Prelude

Welcome

Call to Worship: Psalm 104:24, 33, 35b

Our Response

Leader: Spirit of life

All: Fill our emptiness with your fullness

Leader: Spirit of power

All: Stir our hearts afresh

Leader: Spirit of love

All: Touch us, and through us, our neighbor

Leader: Spirit of creativity

All: Enable and empower the gifts you have given

Leader: Spirit of eternity

All: Draw us ever deeper into your kingdom

Opening Hymn of Praise

“O Breath of Life” CCS 486

OR “For the Fruit of All Creation” CCS 132

OR “Lord, Lead Me by Your Spirit” CCS 209

Invocation

Response

Develop Disciples to Serve

Focus Moment of Confession

The Jesus Prayer

Rather than praying with just the head, the Jesus Prayer, or the prayer of the heart, seeks to engage the whole human person in prayer. By repeating a phrase from scripture, the practitioner bypasses the distracting activity of mental prayer to commune with God in the quiet inner places hidden deep inside their beings. Invite participants to find a comfortable prayer-meditation position, then suggest one of the following phrases or words. Print or project the words for all to see.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.

Jesus

Mercy

Hymn of Contemplation

“Lord, Have Mercy” sing twice CCS 197

OR “Kyrie Eleison” CCS 184

Day of Pentecost Focus

Adapt the following reading on Pentecost for your group. Hand out lengths of orange and red ribbon, construction paper, or crepe paper. Alternatively, purchase or make pinwheels for everyone.

The celebration of Pentecost (pentekoste which meant 50 in ancient Greek) involves the early disciples of Jesus Christ creating a blessed community. During one of the most important festivals for the Jews—which commemorated Moses receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai—people from all over came to Jerusalem for the festival. When the Holy Spirit appeared at Pentecost, it was said to feel like a rushing wind and was seen as tongues of fire.

Community of Christ believes in the Holy Spirit. We experience the Spirit’s revealing, redeeming, restoring, renewing presence in our midst. The Spirit, who through the prophets called Israel to walk justly, is calling us to the same path today. The Spirit poured out on Jesus is calling us in his name to make real today God’s vision of the world that will be.

—Anthony J. Chvala-Smith, Understanding the Way, rev. ed., (Herald Publishing House,
2011, ISBN 9780830914692), 39–40.

The events at Pentecost empowered the church to do Christ’s mission. The Spirit that descended on Jesus now came to the disciples, giving power to the church. Just as Jesus began his ministry filled with the Holy Spirit, the disciples were beginning their ministry filled with the Spirit.

Ask everyone to stand and wave their ribbons, papers, or pinwheels recognizing the presence of the Holy Spirit while sharing a message from God with those around them such as “God loves you,” or “God’s grace is generous,” or “Respond faithfully, with the help of the Holy Spirit.”

Scripture Reading: John 15:26–27, 16:4b–15

Hymn of Truth

“We Limit Not the Truth of God” CCS 69

Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

OR “God Is a Wonder to My Soul” CCS 216

OR “O God We Call” sing several times CCS 195

Message

Based on John 15:26–27, 16:4b–15 and/or Acts 2:1–21 (A,B,C)

Abolish Poverty, End Suffering

Disciples’ Generous Response

Statement

Read the lyrics from “Rain Down,” CCS 260.

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

Focus today’s prayer of blessing on asking that we may help to provide ways to rain down God’s love on people and make progress toward abolishing poverty and ending needless suffering.

Pursue Peace on Earth

Prayer for Peace

Light the peace candle

Hymn of Peace

“The Peace of Jesus Christ” CCS 317

OR “Put Peace into Each Other’s Hands” stanzas 1, 2, and 5 CCS 309

Prayer

To the God of Shalom, the Lord who encourages peace and gives us the motivation to work toward a better world. We dwell in your presence today and pray for peace in all nations. Jesus showed us the way of peace and through the scriptures we know true peace. Grow that peace within our souls so we can keep moving toward a world that knows no war, knows not what hunger is, where all children are loved and supported, where all people are fed, not just by earthly food but also by your Spirit. Lord, we pray together as a choir of voices struggling for peace. May you hear our prayer O Lord, Amen.

Experience Congregations in Mission

Sending Forth: Doctrine and Covenants 162:2e–3a

Hymn of Sending Forth

“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” CCS 248

OR “My Life Flows On in Endless Song” CCS 263

OR “God Turned the Spirit Loose in Wind” CCS 484

Prayer

Creator,

As we leave this time of worship today, we do so knowing we have experienced the blessing of God’s presence. We have been filled with a renewal breath of life as a gift from the Holy Spirit. 

May we be transformed by this generosity, warmed by this presence, and as a result, emboldened to share the good news of God’s love with those we encounter in our daily lives, trusting that God will translate where needed.

We go forth now in God’s promises to guide us, with the grace of Christ Jesus leading us, and with the breath of hope and love from the Holy Spirit pouring over us. Amen.

Response

Postlude

Worship Outline 2

Additional Scriptures

Psalm 104:24-34; Ezekiel 37:1-14; 35b; Romans 8:22-27

Preparation

Prepare half sheets of colored paper to use during the Focus Moment. Choose colors that would symbolize tongues of fire (orange, yellow, red—even blue and purple). Markers, crayons or other writing instruments should be available for distribution.

Prepare a worship setting that includes a representation of tongues of fire constructed with crepe paper streamers or other colorful symbols.

We Gather in Spirit

Prelude

The end of the instrumental prelude is an opportunity to include the sound of rushing wind. Sound files can be found free on the internet with a simple search. Slowly reduce the sound of the rushing wind and move directly into the Gathering Hymn.

Gathering Hymn

“Holy Spirit, Come with Power” CCS 46

OR “Spirit, Open My Heart” CCS 564

Welcome

Today we gather in remembrance of the events of the Day of Pentecost; to testify of the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives and the work of the Spirit in our world.

Focus Scripture Reading: Acts 2:1-21

Let us today be renewed in our testimony that God is with us always.

Testify with Song

“As the Wind Song through the Trees” CCS 42

OR “Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart” CCS 48

OR “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” CCS 92

Invocation

Response

We Watch for Spirit

Focus Moment

Hand out a half sheet of colored paper and marker to each person.

What symbols would you use to symbolize the coming of the Holy Spirit to you? Would you use different images for different times? The mystics have said that the coming of the Spirit is “ineffable,” inexpressible; and yet every one of us will try to give expression to this highpoint of human experience.

Sketch, write or use abstract drawings if you wish, of an experience of the coming of the Spirit to you. What words or symbols would you use?

Music could be played during this time of reflection. OR a soloist, small ensemble or instrumentalist could sing/play “Wind Upon the Waters,” CCS 49. 

Conclude this time with the following prayer: 

In symbol of gentle dove and consuming flame, we give image to your Spirit, O God. We have felt its stirrings in the past, and with full expectations await its coming in each new day. We affirm your Spirit upon us, for we are yours. You have captured and claimed us, and we delight in the declaration of your constant works among humanity. We crown you through Jesus Christ, Lord of all, and join with the Saints of all the ages in singing our alleluia. And may that alleluia be on our lips both now and when we take our final breath of precious life. Amen.

—Transformation: A New Creation in Christ, Velma Ruch, editor, pages 123-24

We Listen for Spirit

A Reminder

“Wind Who Makes All Winds That Blow” CCS 485

OR “O Holy Dove of God Descending” CCS 44

The Message

Based on Acts 2:1-21

OR

Our Witness of the Spirit

Ask several people, variety of ages and genders, to share an experience of the Holy Spirit working in their lives.

We Respond to Spirit

Disciples’ Generous Response

Statement

Read stanzas 1 and 3, “Take My Gifts and Let Me Love You,” CCS 609

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

We Turn Toward the World with the Spirit

Prayer for Peace

Light the peace candle
Prayer of the People

Within all aspects of our lives and our world exist situations and conditions that need the healing touch of the holy. Will you join with me to listen to the voice that speaks peace to each of us from beyond the farthest hills, from the infinite heavens above, and the vast seas below?

Pause.

Listen to the voice that invites you to surrender your fears and frustrations, anger, and anxieties, and to await with an open heart the peace that only Christ can bring. Allow the one who seeks only the best for you to offer the comfort you seek.

Pause.

Listen to the voice that whispers the invitation to reconciliation with those whose lives, words, decisions, or actions have wounded you. May you find space in your heart for healing to occur in your relationships with brothers and sisters, as well as your enemies.

Pause.

Listen to the voice that calls all into unity and oneness. We remember all nations. May we be attuned to hear the cries for mercy, forgiveness and generosity. Listen to the one who reminds us that in the welfare of another resides our own well-being.

Pause.

Listen to the voice that echoes across the eons of time and yet speaks anew in this moment. The Earth shudders in distress because creation’s natural and living systems are becoming exhausted from carrying the burden of our greed and conflicts. Listen to creation which struggles to provide life to the seas, the hills, and the heavens above.

Pause.

May the one who spoke calm to the storm and stilled the waves with a word, bring peace to us and through us. May we be among those whose lives whisper, shout, and proclaim peace to those far and near for the sake of God’s shalom. Amen.

—Prayers of the People, June 14, 2019, www.CofChrist.org

Sent To Testify

“On Pentecost They Gathered” CCS 483

OR “Wind upon the Waters” CCS 49

OR “The Spirit of God like a Fire Is Burning” CCS 384

Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

Closing Prayer

Come then, Holy Spirit, breathe on us—fill us with life anew!

Grace us with new depths of honesty, integrity, and sensitivity.
Grant us new eyes to see the hidden gifts of friend, family, and stranger.
Open unfettered highways of trust, appreciation, and transforming friendship.

Let leadership and management be eclipsed by ministry.
Let not public performance impoverish personal piety.

And finally, gracious God, stir within us the true spirit of servanthood
–remind us of why we do what do
–the call, the passion, the joy, the hope, the tears, the great laughter.

Give us breathing lessons!

Breathe on us that we may stir your breath of life in others!

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

—Let the Spirit Breathe, Danny Belrose, Herald Publishing House, page 22.

Sung Response

“Breathe on Me, Breath of God” stanza 1 CCS 190

Consider singing in a language other than your own.                   

Postlude

Sacred Space: Small-Group Worship Outline

Gathering

Welcome

Pentecost means 50th day. On the 50th day after Passover, Jews celebrated with a festival. For Christians, Pentecost marks the 50th and final day of the Easter season. At Pentecost the Spirit moves among the disciples and crowds of onlookers. It is on Pentecost that the disciples begin their Spirit-filled ministry. At Pentecost the Holy Spirit often is depicted as flames or a dove descending on the people.

Prayer for Peace

Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.
Light the peace candle.

Gracious and loving God,

We have come to you today to be fed by your Spirit.

We have come to recognize that you are a God of:

Love—accepting us as we are;
Forgiveness—forgiving our shortcomings;
Mercy—carrying us when we can go no further.

And when we can go no further, we pray for:

Peace in our busy lives;
Understanding in our confusion;
Clarity when our eyes are dim to your abundant grace;
Strength to meet the challenges in life;
Comfort when we feel alone and healing of our spirit.

God, bless this community with peace. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

—Dick Hansen

Spiritual Practice

Breath Prayer

Read the following to the group:

Our spiritual practice today is a breath prayer. During the prayer we will use a word to breathe in and a word to breathe out. As you breathe in, name something you would like to receive. As you exhale, state something you would like to release. (For example: Breathe in peace, exhale fear).

For the breath prayer, you will sit with relaxed posture and close your eyes. We will spend five minutes in this practice. Take a moment to think of the word that names something you want to receive. (Pause in silence 15 seconds.) Now think of the word that states something you want to release. (Pause in silence 15 seconds.)

Lead the practice with these instructions:

Sit in a relaxed posture. If you are comfortable, close your eyes.

Become aware of your breath. Notice its regular, natural rhythm.

As you breathe, begin to focus on what you are inhaling and what you are exhaling.

Continue with your natural rhythm. Breathe in…receive. Breathe out…release.

Monitor the time. Occasionally give instructions, “Breathe in…receive. Breathe out…release.”

After five minutes share the following instructions:

Close your breath prayer by offering a silent prayer of thanks to God. When you are ready, take a deep breath and open your eyes.

Sharing Around the Table

Acts 2:1–21 NRSVue

2 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. ² And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. ³ Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. ⁴ All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

⁵ Now there were devout Jews from every people under heaven living in Jerusalem. ⁶ And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. ⁷ Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? ⁸ And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? ⁹ Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, ¹⁰ Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, ¹¹ Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.” ¹² All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” ¹³ But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.”

¹⁴ But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Fellow Jews and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. ¹⁵ Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. ¹⁶ No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:

¹⁷ ‘In the last days it will be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,
    and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
    and your old men shall dream dreams.
¹⁸ Even upon my slaves, both men and women,
    in those days I will pour out my Spirit,
        and they shall prophesy.
¹⁹ And I will show portents in the heaven above
    and signs on the earth below,
        blood, and fire, and smoky mist.
²⁰ The sun shall be turned to darkness
    and the moon to blood,
        before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day.
²¹ Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’

—Acts 2:1-21 NRSVue

At Pentecost, the Spirit that descended on Jesus now descends on the disciples. Just as Jesus began his ministry filled with the Holy Spirit, the disciples are beginning their ministry empowered by the Spirit.

The Jewish festival of Pentecost is a celebration of giving the Law on Mount Sinai. That encounter with God included dramatic signs—thunder, lightning, smoke, and fire. The writer of Acts uses similar imagery as the Spirit descends on the formation of the church.

In the Hebrew Scriptures, the words breath, wind, and spirit are all the same word. Fire was understood to purify or cleanse. The writer of Acts describes the Spirit descending on the gathered crowd at Pentecost as wind and flame. The Spirit purifies, cleanses, and breathes life into the formation of the church.

The people of Israel had hoped the Messiah would bring together Jews from all nations.

This passage connects Jewish expectation with God’s vision for an inclusive community that includes all nations. For the gospel to go to the entire world, to every ethnic group, culture, and tribe, it needs to be taught in all languages or tongues.

Some people have understood this Pentecostal passage to describe the charismatic spiritual gift of speaking in tongues. But the miracle of this story is that everyone could understand what the disciples were saying in their ownlanguage. The gift of the Spirt made the gospel message accessible to all people. This gift continues today as people are led by the Spirit to learn languages and share the message and ministry of Jesus around the world.

Questions

1. How have you felt the Holy Spirit breathe new life into you?
2. What imagery would you use to describe your experiences with the Holy Spirit?
3. Through the presence of the Spirit, all the people could hear and understand. How has the presence of the Spirit brought new understanding to your life?

Sending

Generosity Statement

Faithful disciples respond to an increasing awareness of the abundant generosity of God by sharing according to the desires of their hearts; not by commandment or constraint.

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:9

The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing, small-group ministries as part of your generous response. This offering prayer is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:

God of passion and purpose, May your Spirit guide our decisions as we make Responsible Choices with our resources. May we be wise in spending, prudent in saving, and generous in sharing, that your purposes of healing, wholeness, and well-being might be extended to all. Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn

CCS 42, “As the Wind Song through the Trees”

Closing Prayer

---

Optional Additions Depending on Group

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

Communion Scripture

Choose one scripture to read from this selection: 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; Matthew 26:17–30; Mark 14:12–26; Luke 22:7–39.

Communion Statement

All are welcome at Christ’s table. The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is a sacrament in which we remember the life, death, resurrection, and continuing presence of Jesus Christ. In Community of Christ, we also experience Communion as an opportunity to renew our baptismal covenant and to be formed as disciples who live Christ’s mission. Others may have different or added understandings within their faith traditions. We invite all who participate in the Lord’s Supper to do so in the love and peace of Jesus Christ.

On this day of Pentecost we celebrate the Holy Spirit’s presence with us in full. As we share Communion we experience new life through blessing, healing, peace, and community.

In preparation let’s sing Community of Christ Sings 532, “We Meet as Friends at Table.”

Blessing and serving bread and wine.

Thoughts for Children

Materials: picture of a dove, a lit candle (electric can be substituted), a blanket

God has promised that God’s Spirit always will be with us. We call this the Holy Spirit. In the Bible we learn about God’s Spirit. Lots of words have described the Holy Spirit.

Dove (show picture)—How might the Holy Spirit be like a dove? Listen to what the children share, and then say: When Jesus was baptized, the Spirit flew down like a dove and landed on Jesus.

Flame (light or turn on the candle)—How might the Spirit be like a flame? Give the children time to share their ideas, and then say: It flickered like a flame and touched everyone.

Comforter (let the children touch the blanket or wrap themselves in it)—How might the Spirit be like a comforter? Affirm any responses from the children, and then say: We feel as if we are wrapped in God’s love when we feel the Spirit with us.

Breath/wind (breathe out)—How is the Spirit like breath or wind? Give the children time to think of their answers, and then say: Sometimes the Spirit is like a mighty wind, and sometimes it is as quiet as Jesus breathing the Spirit upon the disciples. We can hear the Spirit in our breath, too. Cup your hands over your mouth and breathe into your hands. Listen…Can you hear the Spirit? 

God promises the Holy Spirit always will be with us. Listen and watch for the Spirit in your life.

Sermon Helps: Acts 2:1-21

Exploring the Scripture

Pentecost comes at the end of the Easter season. Christ had promised to return and promised his disciples would not be left alone. With the coming of the Holy Spirit those promises are fulfilled.

Today’s text is set in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. Pentecost was one of three most important festivals for the Jews (the others being Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles). They celebrated Pentecost seven weeks after Passover. The word Pentecost meant “fiftieth.” It was celebrated on the 50th day after the Sabbath on which Passover began. For Christians Pentecost is celebrated 50 days after Easter.

Acts was written by the same author as the Gospel according to Luke. There are many parallels between the two books. If the Gospel is the story of Jesus, the book of Acts is the story of the Holy Spirit. Just as the Spirit is responsible for the birth of Jesus in Luke chapters 1 and 2, in today’s text the Spirit is responsible for the birth of the church. The promise of John the Baptist in Luke 3:16 that people would be baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire, is fulfilled in today’s text. The Spirit that descended on Jesus (Luke 3:22), now descends on the disciples giving power to the church. Just as Jesus began his ministry filled with the Holy Spirit, the disciples are beginning their ministry filled with the Spirit.

The Jewish festival of Pentecost is a celebration of giving the Law on Mount Sinai. During that encounter with God there were dramatic signs—thunder, lightning, smoke, and fire (Exodus 19:16–24). Now, as God comes to the church in the Holy Spirit similar signs appear. In the Hebrew Scriptures, the words breath, wind, and spirit are all the same word. So, it is not surprising the Spirit arrives as “a rush of a violent wind” (v. 2).

While fire might be feared, fire in the Hebrew Scriptures was understood to purify or cleanse. When Isaiah was called to be a prophet, hot coals from the fire were touched to his lips as a cleansing agent (Isaiah 6:5–8). Just as giving the law was a key founding event for the Jewish people, giving the Holy Spirit will start the church.

The noise of these events obviously draws a crowd. The text goes into some detail listing all the nations present. The people of Israel had hoped the Messiah would bring together Jews from all nations. Peter will connect this with prophecy suggesting they are in “the last days” (Acts 2:17). By the end of the book of Acts the Spirit will be leading the church not just to Jews of all nations but to all people of all nations. This passage connects Jewish expectation with God’s vision for an inclusive community that goes beyond Judaism.

For the gospel to go to the entire world, to every ethnic group, culture, and tribe, it will have to be taught in all languages. Some people have understood this passage to describe the speaking in tongues Paul talks about in his letter to the Corinthians. But the miracle of this story is that everyone could understand in their own languages. This is what continues to happen today as people are led by the Spirit to learn languages and share the gospel around the world.

Central Ideas

1. The church is dependent on the Holy Spirit for its life.
2. The Pentecost experience takes place among a diverse community, where all are invited to hear apostolic witness.
3. The book of Acts is not so much the story of what the apostles did as it is the story of what the Holy Spirit came to do in and through the church.
4. The same Peter who had denied Jesus three times, is now on fire with the Spirit and preaching the gospel so all the nations can understand. The Holy Spirit is prepared to do the same for us.

Questions for the Speaker

1. What has the Holy Spirit done in your life and in the life of your congregation in the past? How has that Spirit led you beyond your human weaknesses?
2. What is the Spirit doing in your life today and in the life of your congregation?
3. How can you and your congregation be involved in bringing the gospel to all ethnic groups, cultures, and nations? What groups are present in your neighborhood or city?
4. Have you sometimes felt despair in your life or in the life of the church, only to realize the Holy Spirit is breathing new life into you and the church?

Sermon Helps: John 15:26–27, 16:4b–15

Exploring the Scripture

Today’s scripture is part of Jesus’ farewell discourse in the Gospel of John. From chapter 14 through verse 16:33 Jesus delivers a farewell to his disciples. To understand today’s verses one must understand them as the part of this final testament. This speech sophisticatedly interweaves themes important to the writer of John and his community. First comes the promise of Jesus’ continued presence. Second, there’s the requirement for Jesus to return to the Father. Third is primacy of the believing community. Fourth is the importance of love. Added to these themes is one more important topic: the Spirit (or Paraclete—literal translation is the one who “is called alongside”). The New Revised Standard Version uses the word Advocate. The writer of John highlights this term, Paraclete, on five occasions in this final discourse.

The Spirit, a key part of Jesus’ speech, is rich in meaning. In no other Gospel is the Holy Spirit so central to Jesus’ teaching. The writer explains how this Advocate engages in and supports Jesus’ teaching. The Paraclete is the continued presence of Jesus to the post-resurrection community and is a witness and teacher. The Paraclete has a personal and significant role, which we cannot overemphasize in the life of the disciple and community. Through this living presence of Christ, the Christian community learns about hope—it is not abandoned and is called to witness to the love of God.

Similar to the early Christians and later Christian communities throughout history, the message is clear for us today. The Holy Spirit is basic to our Christian life in community. This Paraclete—Advocate, Helper, Comforter—is the one who walks alongside, encouraging and teaching us hope. The Holy Spirit challenges us to speak truthfully and to testify of what we see reflected in the life of Jesus—a generous and loving God, who calls us to serve others. Verse 15:26 mentions the “Spirit of truth.” This truth is not about facts, but rather a way of life—an essence of our very being, projecting openness, awe, and servant leadership. This living presence of the Holy Spirit provides Christian hope. We practice hope during our active life as disciples. As disciples, we worship, we pray, we gather in community, and we share the sacraments.

Additionally, as Christians, we are called to provide hospitality to the stranger, to serve the needy, to feed the hungry, to relieve suffering, and to set free. All of these activities help us reconcile and forgive, granting us God’s peace. Regardless of what the future might bring, the Paraclete teaches us and our community that true Christian hope is to share joyously in the good news of Jesus Christ. We are to witness to God’s gift of grace and generosity with unbounded love. We are to struggle against violence and inequality, to enter into solidarity with all who suffer, and to take risks for freedom, peace, and justice for all. True Christian hope is action in which we wholeheartedly work toward the consummation of life in communion with God and all of creation. On this Pentecost Sunday, these verses in John remind us that it is the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, who guides us to speak the truth and to open ourselves to the grace and beauty of creation. The Triune God is acting and loving amid our lives and our world. We are called to follow the Holy Spirit, to join in service, and to share in Christian hope God’s blessings to creation.

Central Ideas

1. The Spirit teaches disciples and the Christian community to become truth-telling witnesses.
2. The Advocate inspires spiritual vision and courage.
3. The Paraclete reflects Christ’s presence and projects a Christian hope that humanity be in partnership with the Triune God—to be in action with the Divine.

Questions for the Speaker

1. How does your congregation listen to the Spirit?
2. How has the Holy Spirit taught you?
3. How does the Spirit of truth live in your life?
4. Have you felt expectant to receive the blessing of the Holy Spirit?
5. Can you provide examples of how your congregation has shared the witness of the Paraclete?
6. How have you projected Christian hope?
7. Does your congregation truth-tell?

Lessons

Adult Lesson

Focus Scripture Passage

John 15:26–27; 16:4b–15, Acts 2:1–21

Lesson Focus

The Holy Spirit is a gift of comfort, truth, strength, and courage sent to walk beside us as we strive to share and live our testimony of the Living Christ.

Objectives

The learners will…

• engage in the scripture text.
• consider Community of Christ’s Basic Belief of the Holy Spirit and how it calls us to Unity in Diversity and Grace and Generosity.
• be challenged to discern the Holy Spirit in their own lives as it walks with them daily.

Supplies

• Bible
• Symbols commonly used to represent the Holy Spirit (examples might include a dove, flame, wind chime, consecrated oil, water, compass)
• Community of Christ Sings (CCS)

Note to Teacher

In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for John 15:26–27; 16:4b–15; Acts 2:1–21 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year B: New Testament, pp. 79–82, available through Herald House.

Gather

Display symbols commonly used to represent the Holy Spirit. Ask class members to reflect on these and share in groups of two or three which symbol is most meaningful to them and why.

Sing or read “O Holy Dove of God Descending” CCS 44 as a prayer of invitation to the Holy Spirit.

Engage

Read the suggested scriptures together; then continue with the lesson breaking into small groups of two or three for discussion.

Today’s scripture passage from John explains why the Holy Spirit will be gifted and describes what it will be. The Acts scripture describes the actual Day of Pentecost, who was there, and what they experienced. Both are important for our discussion. John and Luke differ in their telling since John has the Spirit coming to the disciples in the upper room on Easter, while Luke has the disciples waiting in Jerusalem until the Pentecost celebration 50 days after Passover. However, the gift is the same—the Holy Spirit will be there with all disciples, then and now, to fill the gap of the physical presence of Jesus.

Except for 1 John 2:1, John’s Gospel is the only place in the NT [New Testament] to employ the name “Advocate” (parakletos), sometimes translated “Counselor” or “Comforter.” The literal translation is “one called alongside” to take Jesus’ place after his physical absence and to testify on Jesus’ behalf.

—Paul L. Hammer in Exegetical Perspective, Feasting on the Word: Year B, Volume 3, edited by David L. Bartlett and Barbara Brown Taylor (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2009), pp. 21–22

In verse 13, John also uses the name “Spirit of Truth” and says, “…he will guide you into all the truth.” In summary, John is saying we will be gifted with someone who will walk alongside us, counseling, comforting, testifying on Jesus’ behalf, and guiding us into all truth.

• Discuss examples in the New Testament when the Spirit walked alongside the disciples.
• When has the Spirit walked alongside you?
• Share times the Spirit has testified to you on Jesus’ behalf.
• What does it mean to be guided into all truth?

Acts 2:1–21 speaks of the actual Day of Pentecost, sometimes called the birthday of the church. This was a major Feast Day for the Jews, and people were gathered from many places to celebrate. Diversity abounded! The Spirit came with a rush of violent wind and as tongues of fire, allowing people to speak in other languages and to hear the gospel message each in their own language. Peter quoted Joel, claiming this Spirit as the fulfilling of the prophecy. All flesh would be included, dreaming dreams and seeing visions, making everyone equal. No one was excluded; equity among gender, age, and economic status was ushered in. Even though a diverse community, they were in this moment called into oneness as the body of Christ. “Peter proclaims that ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved’ (v. 21). It is a proclamation spoken not in judgment but in love to all” (G. Lee Ramsey Jr. in Homiletical Perspective, Feasting on the Word: Year B, Volume 3, edited by David L. Bartlett and Barbara Brown Taylor [Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2009], p. 7).

• Discuss the diversity in your congregation and community.
• Share times when people of all genders, ages, and walks of life have brought ministry to you.

Pentecost reminds us that even though we worship in small groups in a specific time and place, our identity extends beyond one congregation to the mission center, mission field, and even across borders into other countries and cultural traditions. We are many, we are one.

• Look at “Dios esta’ aquí” CCS 150, translated “God Is Here Today.” It was written by Raúl Galeano from Latin America and translated into four other languages. Thumbing through other pages, we see hymns contributed by people from many different countries. What a blessing our diversity is!
• Recite accounts of blessings you have received or heard about from people around the world.

Respond

One of the Basic Beliefs in Community of Christ is our understanding of the Holy Spirit.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, Giver of Life, holy Wisdom, true God. The Spirit moves through and sustains creation; endows the church for mission; frees the world from sin, injustice, and death; and transforms disciples. Wherever we find love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, or self-control, there the Holy Spirit is working.

—Sharing in Community of Christ, 4th Edition, p. 34

Two of our Enduring Principles speak especially to our scripture passages today, Grace and Generosity and Unity in Diversity.

Enduring Principle Grace and Generosity

• God’s grace, especially as revealed in Jesus Christ, is generous and unconditional.
• Having received God’s generous grace, we respond generously and graciously receive the generosity of others.
• We offer all we are and have to God’s purposes as revealed in Jesus Christ.
• We generously share our witness, resources, ministries, and sacraments according to our true capacity.

—Sharing in Community of Christ, 4th Edition, p. 28

Enduring Principle Unity in Diversity

• Community of Christ is a diverse, international family of disciples, seekers, and congregations.
• Local and worldwide ministries are interdependent and important to the church’s mission.
• The church embraces diversity and unity through the power of the Holy Spirit.
• We seek agreement of common consent in important matters. If we cannot achieve agreement, we commit to ongoing dialogue and lovingly uphold our common faith in Jesus Christ and the mission of the church.
• We confess that our lack of agreement on certain matters is hurtful to some of God’s beloved children and creation.

—Sharing in Community of Christ, 4th Edition, p. 31

The Spirit walks alongside us as we strive to be gracious, generous, and kind. We recognize that diversity is all around us. Sometimes we fight against it, and sometimes we embrace it. Blessings will be ours if we let the Spirit guide us through our struggles.

• How is the Spirit leading us to offer Grace and Generosity to the diversity in our congregation and community?
• Whom is the Spirit nudging you to embrace?
• What gifts are we willing to receive from others?
• Identify areas of tension or disagreement in your congregation or community. What can be done to graciously arrive at common consent, lovingly upholding our common faith in Jesus Christ and his mission?

Send

Take special notice this week of the Spirit as it walks alongside you each day, in every moment. To whom is it calling you to love and reach out? Send a card, make a phone call, or visit that person who, even in their diversity, needs to feel the unity of God’s love and grace.

Bless

Close this time together, holding hands in a circle, singing “Come, Holy Spirit, Come” CCS 154. Note that it is written in three languages in our hymnal. We are many, we are one.

Youth Lesson

Focus Scripture Passage

John 15:26–27; 16:4b–15 and Acts 2:1–21

Lesson Focus

The Holy Spirit is with us.

Objectives

The learners will…

• be affirmed God is present always.
• explore what the Holy Spirit represents in scripture and the theology of Community of Christ.
• discover how the Holy Spirit empowers us to live the Mission Initiative.

Supplies

• Bible
• Community of Christ Sings (CCS)
• Flip chart paper
• Pens or pencils
• Markers

Note to Teacher

In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for John 15:26–27; 16:4b–15 and Acts 2:1–21 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year B: New Testament, pp. 79–82, available through Herald House.

Gather

Today we can learn about an extraordinary event in the early years of the Christian church. However, today even in our own lives, extraordinary things can happen. Sometimes these extraordinary events surprise or amaze us. Other times they can make us uncomfortable or uneasy.

Share a time something extraordinary happened.

• How did that event or experience change you?
• What did you learn or feel called to do in response to your experience, if any?
• How did you sense God’s presence in that experience?

Today we can talk about God and Jesus’ living force in the world: the Holy Spirit.

Engage

Today we celebrate the day of Pentecost.

• What do you know about Pentecost?

For the Jewish people, Pentecost was celebrated for two reasons: as a remembrance of receiving the Torah from Moses and to participate in a daylong harvest festival known as “The Festival of Weeks.” It is specifically celebrated 50 days after Passover. Pentecost literally translates to “fiftieth.” It is a day dedicated to celebrating all the good God has done. The beginning of this verse in Acts tells the readers the Spirit was given to all who attended the Pentecost celebration.

Ask the students to get comfortable; invite them to close their eyes and listen to the words you read.

Read Acts 2:1–21.

• What images were you seeing as I was reading?

Read the passage again, this time inviting the students to place themselves in the story. Have them imagine they were someone there celebrating Pentecost.

• Who did you imagine yourself to be in this story? Peter? A community member? A passerby? The Spirit?
• How would your character respond to this experience afterward?
• How would you respond today?
• What does this passage tell us about the Holy Spirit?

The Gospel of Luke ends with Christ telling his disciples to wait for a sign before continuing Christ’s work. God’s faithfulness to God’s people was upheld. Jesus promised God’s message of hope, liberation, love, and redemption would not end when he ascended. This Pentecost experience was the sign. People from all backgrounds and traditions could suddenly understand each other. Everyone understood the good news of Jesus Christ. Not only could Jewish Christians receive the Holy Spirit, but Arabs, visitors from Rome, Mesopotamians, Elamites, and others from around the world also experienced God’s presence in the world.

Read John 15:26–27 directly followed by John 16:4b–15.

These passages come from the Gospel of John. While the Gospel of John and Acts are two different books in the New Testament, they both give us an idea of what the Holy Spirit is and what it means to us.

• How does this passage differ from the previous one?

Jesus knew he was going to die, be resurrected, and ascend into heaven, yet the disciples believed they needed Christ. In John 20 after the death of Jesus, the disciples locked themselves up for fear of the Jews, unsure of their future. Then Christ returned to them and gave them the Holy Spirit by breathing on them.

This passage is about a promise. The world would not be easy on the disciples, and they would be challenged and persecuted. But the Spirit would be their advocate and guide. Not only was the Spirit a guide for them, but it continues to call the church to carry out God’s work.

• How do you see the Spirit working today?

Respond

The Holy Spirit

We believe in the Holy Spirit, Giver of Life, holy Wisdom, true God. The Spirit moves through and sustains creation; endows the church for mission; frees the world from sin, injustice, and death; and transforms disciples. Wherever we find love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, or self-control, there the Holy Spirit is working.

—Sharing in Community of Christ, 4th Edition, p. 34

Read:

Receiving the Holy Spirit gives new life. It symbolized the birth of the Christian church’s mission. As the Spirit guides us continuing God’s call to those who need redemption, hope, liberation, and love, we must be ready for anything. Community of Christ has five Mission Initiatives that move the church forward. Not only are they goals we desire to achieve, but they represent the beating heart that pushes us toward God’s vision of the Peaceable Kingdom, God’s reign, heaven on earth, Zion.

Form pairs or groups of three. Hand out the flip chart paper, assigning a Mission Initiative to each group. If the class is smaller you may do this activity with the whole group, going through each Mission Initiative. The students have several tasks to record on their flip chart paper:

• Write the Mission Initiative at the top of the paper as the heading.
• Create a subheading stating how the Holy Spirit works within that Mission Initiative.
• Draw a line down the middle of the paper vertically.
• On the left side draw or write examples of how that Mission Initiative is being lived in your communities—what is!
• On the right side, draw or write examples of how that Mission Initiative could be lived more—what could be!

Here is an example:

Send

The Advocate or Spirit calls us to act! As a class pick one Mission Initiative and select an idea from the “What could be” section. Brainstorm a plan to make the “What could be” idea a “What is” act. With the Spirit guiding and shaping us, mission is always possible.

Bless

Sing “Spirit of the Living God” CCS 567.

Children’s Lesson

Focus Scripture Passage

John 15:26–27; 16:4b–15, Acts 2:1–21

Lesson Focus

Coming of the Holy Spirit, Work of the Holy Spirit

Objectives

The learners will…

• describe the Holy Spirit.
• describe ways the Holy Spirit helps us.

Supplies

• Bible or Lectionary Story Bible, Year B, by Ralph Milton, illustrated by Margaret Kyle (Wood Lake Publishing, 2008, ISBN 9781551455648)
• Piece of white or colored paper for each child (for folding)
• Piece of white paper for each child (for painting)
• Red, orange, and yellow washable paint (thinned with water if the paint is thick)
• Drinking straws
• Colorful streamers
• Sticks (craft sticks, dowels, or sticks found outside)
• Community of Christ Sings (CCS)

Note to Teacher

In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for John 15:26–27; 16:4b–15, Acts 2:1–21 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year B: New Testament, pp. 79–82, available through Herald House.

Gather

Help each child accordion fold a piece of paper into a fan shape. Invite them to use the fans to create a breeze or wind. Ask children how God is like the wind. (God is everywhere and moves through all of creation.) In our scripture passage today, Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to be with the disciples. “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf” (John 15:26). The “Advocate” refers to the Holy Spirit.

When the Spirit appeared to the disciples, there was the sound of a strong wind. Many people describe the Holy Spirit as being like wind or air.

Engage

Read “The Birthday of the Church” from the Lectionary Story Bible, Year B, pp. 124–125. Or read Acts 2:1–12. “Peter explained that from now on, God’s Spirit would be with everyone who believed in Jesus. We would not be able to see Jesus alive again the way the disciples had seen him. But Jesus would be alive in our hearts. Peter called it ‘the Holy Spirit’” (Lectionary Story Bible, p. 124).

Holy Spirit Painting

Children will use their breath (a metaphor for the Spirit) to make paintings. During the Pentecost story, the Holy Spirit arrived with the sound of rushing wind, and flames appeared. Invite each child to squirt some red, orange, and yellow paint onto a piece of white paper. Children should blow gently through a straw to spread the paint, so it looks like flames. As children are working, discuss:

• Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would be an “advocate.” What does that mean?
• Jesus said the Holy Spirit is “the Spirit of truth.” How can the Holy Spirit help us know the truth in our lives?
• The Holy Spirit is described as a Helper or Comforter. When have you felt the Holy Spirit in your life?

Respond

The disciples had the Holy Spirit with them, helping them as they went out to tell others about God’s love. We are called by the Holy Spirit to do the same. We always have the Holy Spirit with us. We can pray to God for help, comfort, protection, or guidance, and we know we always have the Spirit giving us those things.

The Holy Spirit has been compared to the wind because it is all around us and moves through all of creation.

Spirit Streamers

Help each child attach colorful streamers or ribbons to a stick.

Send

Invite children to imagine they are the Holy Spirit. Let them dance or move around the room with their “spirit streamers.” Invite them to say words that remind them of the Holy Spirit, such as truth, comforter, advocate, peace, help, gift, or joy. Next, sing “Come, Holy Spirit, Come” CCS 154.

Bless

Invite each child to finish the statement, “The Holy Spirit is like ______.” End with a prayer of thanks for the gift of the Holy Spirit.