2015Worship Resource
Scripture: “From my youth you have taught me,
and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds”(Psalm 71:17).
Call to Worship
In the last days, God says,Acts 2:17–21
I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh—
Your sons and daughters will prophesy!
Your young will see visions!
Your old will dream dreams!
Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
will be saved.
Come, Lord Jesus!
Opening Prayer
O Lord our God, from our youth you have taught us,Ps. 71:17
and still we proclaim your wondrous deeds.
Help us, in these days, to listen for your Word
in the voices of children, youth, and young adults,
and to support them as they seek to serve you,
so that they may be empowered in faith and faithfulness,
for the sake of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
HymnGracious Spirit, Heed Our PleadingGlory to God 287
Call to Confession
at the baptismal font
Jesus said: Let anyone who is thirsty come to me.John 7:37
and let the one who believes in me drink.
Trusting in the overflowing grace of God,
let us confess our sin.
Prayer of Confession
Gracious God, by your Holy Spirit you call us1 Cor. 12:3–13; John 20:19–23
to live as members of one body,
working together for the common good.
Yet we stir up discord and division,
squandering your gifts,
ignoring your wisdom,
living in fear instead of love.
Forgive us, we pray.
Breathe on us again with the power of your Spirit,
so that we may receive your mercy,
live according to your way of grace and peace,
and be sent forth in your mission to the world;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Assurance of Forgiveness
lifting water from the font
Jesus said: Out of the believer’s heartJohn 7:38
will flow rivers of living water.
Hear the good news:
In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
Thanks be to God!
HymnBreathe on Me, Breath of GodGlory to God 286
Prayer for Illumination
Help us, O God, by the power of your Spirit,
to listen attentively to your living Word,
to speak boldly of your saving love,
and to live faithfully in your holy way;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
ScriptureFirst ReadingActs 2:1–21 or Ezekiel 37:1–14
PsalmPsalm 104:24–34, 35b
Second ReadingRom. 8:22–27 or Acts 2:1–21
Gospel ReadingJohn 15:26–27; 16:4b–15
* Note: If Ezekiel 37:1–14 is chosen as the First Reading, Acts 2 is used as the Second Reading.
Sermon
Affirmation of FaithA Brief Statement of Faith (excerpt)
In a broken and fearful world
the Spirit gives us courage
to pray without ceasing,
to witness among all peoples to Christ as Lord and Savior,
to unmask idolatries in church and culture,
to hear the voices of peoples long silenced,
and to work with others for justice, freedom, and peace.
In gratitude to God, empowered by the Spirit,
we strive to serve Christ in our daily tasks
and to live holy and joyful lives,
even as we watch for God’s new heaven and new earth,
praying, “Come, Lord Jesus!”
HymnO Day of Joy and Wonder!Glory to God 290
Prayers of the People
Let us call on the name of the Lord, our Savior, saying:Ps. 104:30; Acts 2:21
O Lord, send forth your Spirit,
and renew the face of the earth.
We pray for your church—1 Cor. 12:12–13
help us to live as one people, one body,
so that all may know we are one in you.
O Lord, send forth your Spirit,
and renew the face of the earth.
We pray for your world—Acts 2:5–6
transform our nations and neighborhoods
with your Spirit of understanding and peace.
O Lord, send forth your Spirit,
and renew the face of the earth.
We pray for the poor and oppressed—Num. 11:29
raise up a new generation of prophets
crying out for justice, righteousness, and mercy.
O Lord, send forth your Spirit,
and renew the face of the earth.
We pray for our loved ones—Ps. 104:29–30
heal those who are suffering in any way
and give hope to all who are discouraged.
O Lord, send forth your Spirit,
and renew the face of the earth.
We pray for children, youth, and young adults—Acts 2:17
empower them to be faithful witnesses
to what you are doing in the world.
O Lord, send forth your Spirit,
and renew the face of the earth.
All these things we pray
in the power of your Holy Spirit
and in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,
our sure hope of salvation. Amen.
Minute for Mission
Offering
In the church’s ministry and mission1 Cor. 12:4–6
there are a variety of gifts, services, and activities,
but there is one Spirit, one Lord, one God—
giver of all.
Empowered by God’s Spirit,
let us be faithful in sharing our gifts.
Prayer of Dedication
O Lord, how wonderful are your works! Ps. 104:24, 28
When you open your hand
we are filled with good things.
Receive these gifts from our hands
and let them be a blessing in your world;
through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
Invitation to the Lord’s Table
Just as the body is one, with many members,1 Cor. 12:12–13
so it is with Christ.
In the one Spirit we were baptized into one body.
As the body of Christ in this place,
let us gather at the table Christ prepares.
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, or at the breaking of the bread.
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.
Prayer after Communion
Loving God, we give you thanksPs. 104:27, 33
for this joyful feast of grace—
life-giving food in due season.
Continue to nourish us with your Word
and empower us with your Spirit
so that we may live in faith each day,
and praise your name forever;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
HymnAs the Wind SongGlory to God 292
Blessing and Charge
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, 2 Cor. 13:13
the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit,
be with you all. Alleluia!
Go forth in faith, hope, joy, and peace,Rom. 15:13
empowered by the Spirit. Amen.
The text of the Great Thanksgiving is used with permission from Call to Worship 47.1 (pcusa.org/calltoworship).