Pentecost, year a

2020 - 31 May
2023 - 28 May
2026 - 24 May
2029 - 20 May
2032 - 16 May
2035 - 13 May
2038 - 13 June

Note: For a Pentecost vigil service, which could be held on Pentecost Eve, see the document 'Pentecost eve (vigil)', in the 'Rites and services' folder.

BACKGROUND OF PENTECOST
The Jewish festival 'Pentecost' came fifty days after the Passover. According to the Acts account, this was the day that the Holy Spirit was given to the church. In the earliest period of the church, Pentecost was a double celebration of both the ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit. It was only late in the fourth century that the ascension came to be celebrated separately on its chronological date 40 days after Easter. At the same time, the term 'Pentecost' often referred to the whole 50 day period, not just the final Sunday. Despite the fact that the Acts chronology has received a liturgical imprimatur, Luke's gospel seems to place Jesus' ascension on the same day as his resurrection, and John's gospel also places the giving of the Holy Spirit on Easter day. So it can be seen that the themes of Christ's resurrection and ascension, together with the coming of the Holy Spirit, form not separate celebrations, but one celebration in the church.

As few people attend the Ascension Day services of the church today, we may need to give consideration to reintroducing the theme of the ascension into the Pentecost celebration, noting the clear connection between the two on the basis of texts such as John 14.

Just as the third article of the creeds was not highly developed in the early period, so also the ancient church developed no particular ceremonies in connection with Pentecost, apart from the fact that this is the last day that the paschal candle is lit.

LITURGY

SENTENCE
See the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Sentence', in the 'General and seasonal' folder for suggestions on using a Sentence.

God has poured out his love into our hearts 
by the Holy Spirit whom he has given us.
Come, Holy Spirit, Lord and giver of life.
Fill the hearts of your faithful people 
and kindle in them the fire of your love.
Come, Holy Spirit, Lord and giver of life.

OR
Come, Holy Spirit. Fill the hearts of your faithful people 
and kindle in them the fire of your love.

INTRODUCTION TO CONFESSION OF SINS
The call to confession may be introduced with the following words:

Friends in Christ:
Jesus said to his apostles: 
'Receive the Holy Spirit. 
If you forgive anyone's sins, they are forgiven; 
if you proclaim them unforgiven, unforgiven they remain.' 

AFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM
Pentecost was a baptismal festival in the early church, because of the emphasis on new life in the Spirit. In the place of the confession and absolution, or in the place of the creed, the congregation may be invited to affirm their baptism by using the form found in the Easter Vigil service in Church Rites, pp 301, 302. This is reproduced here:

Brothers and sisters in Christ: 
Do you renounce the devil 
and all his works 
and all his ways?
Yes, I do.

Do you believe in God the Father?
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
	maker of heaven and earth.

Do you believe in God the Son?
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
	who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
	born of the Virgin Mary,
	suffered under Pontius Pilate,
	was crucified, dead, and buried.
	He descended into hell.
	The third day he rose again from the dead.
	He ascended into heaven,
	and sits at the right hand of God, the Father almighty,
	from thence he will come to judge the living and the dead.

Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
	the holy catholic church,
	the communion of saints,
	the forgiveness of sins,
	the resurrection of the body,
	and the life everlasting. Amen.

Do you intend to remain firm in this faith 
and reflect it in love to God and your neighbour?
Yes, I do.

(May) God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has given you new birth by water and the Spirit and has forgiven you all your sins, strengthen you with his Spirit , so that you receive eternal life.
Amen.

With due pastoral care and explanation, this affirmation may be enhanced by using the sprinkling (asperges) ceremony. After the affirmation (or after the absolution, if the affirmation is not used) the congregation sings a baptismal song or Pentecost hymn, while the minister walks around the congregation and sprinkles them with water. An evergreen sprig and a small bowl of water are suitable for this purpose. For more details, see the document 'Sprinkling (asperges) ceremony', in the 'Rites and services' folder. 

LORD, HAVE MERCY 
One of the following versions of the 'Lord, have mercy' may be used. The musical setting in the liturgy being used may be adapted to fit, or one of the Taize settings may be used (see Music from Taize, volume one (pages 55-59) or volume two (page 36)).

Risen Lord Jesus, hear our prayer and give us your Spirit of life.
Lord, have mercy.  OR  Kyrie, eleison.
Risen Lord Jesus, hear our prayer and give us your Spirit of joy.
Christ, have mercy.  OR  Christe, eleison.
Risen Lord Jesus, hear our prayer and give us your Spirit of peace.
Lord, have mercy.  OR  Kyrie, eleison.

OR
Lord Jesus Christ, anointed by the Spirit, hear our prayer and save us.
Lord, have mercy.  OR  Kyrie, eleison.
Lord Jesus Christ, well of living water, hear our prayer and help us.
Christ, have mercy.  OR  Christe, eleison.
Lord Jesus Christ, giver of the Holy Spirit, hear our prayer and give us peace.
Lord, have mercy.  OR  Kyrie, eleison.

OR
Let us call on the Lord, to whom we belong through our baptism.
Lord God, heavenly Father, send your Holy Spirit to renew the earth:
Lord, have mercy.  OR  Kyrie, eleison.
Lord Jesus Christ, help us to win people for you:
Christ, have mercy.  OR  Christe, eleison.
Lord God, Holy Spirit, kindle in us the fire of your divine love:
Lord, have mercy.  OR  Kyrie, eleison.

PRAYER OF THE DAY (COLLECT)
Traditional
O God, 
since you taught the hearts of your faithful people 
by sending them the light of your Holy Spirit: 
Grant us by the same Spirit 
to have a right judgment in all things 
and always rejoice in his holy comfort; 
through your Son, 
Jesus Christ our Lord, 
who lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

OR, modernised traditional
Lord God, 
you taught the hearts of your faithful people 
by sending them the light of your Holy Spirit. 
Fill us with the same Spirit, 
so that we may love what is right 
and always rejoice in his comfort. 
We ask this through your Son, 
Jesus Christ our Lord, 
who lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

OR, new (revised alternative)
(Let us pray for the power of the Holy Spirit. [silence])
Almighty and merciful God, 
you sent your Holy Spirit at Pentecost, 
making the disciples bold to preach the good news. 
Send us out with the power of the same Spirit 
to spread the fire of your love. 
We ask this through your Son, 
Jesus Christ our Lord, 
who lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

FIRST READING
Note: It is intended that the reading from Acts be read as either the first or the second reading. Although alternatives are given for both the first and second readings, the Acts reading should not to be omitted on this day.

Acts 2:1-21 The coming of the Holy Spirit
OR
Numbers 11:24-30 Seventy elders of Israel receive the Spirit

PSALM 
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
Antiphon: (You) send out your Spirit, and (you) renew the face of the earth.  (Ps 104:30 NKJV alt.)

SECOND READING
1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 The gifts of the Spirit
OR, if not read as the first reading:
Acts 2:1-21 The coming of the Holy Spirit

SEQUENCE HYMN 
See below under 'Hymns and songs', 'Pentecost sequence hymn', for the Pentecost sequence which may be sung at this point.

ALLELUIA VERSE
Alleluia.
The Spirit of the Lord fills the world. Alleluia!
Alleluia.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful people,
and kindle in them the fire of your love.
Alleluia.

OR, especially if the alternative gospel (from John 7) is used:
Alleluia, alleluia.
Jesus said: 'Let the one who believes in me drink. 
As the scripture has said,"Out of the believer's heart 
shall flow rivers of living water".' (John 7:38 NRSV)
Alleluia.

GOSPEL
John 20:19-23 Jesus gives his Spirit to the apostles
OR
John 7:37-39 Jesus promises streams of life-giving water
(Note: Consider using a full or simplified gospel procession to symbolise the presence of Jesus as the well-spring of the Spirit among us. For details on a gospel procession, see the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Gospel procession', in the 'General and seasonal' folder.)

PRAYER AFTER THE GOSPEL
This is the gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, 
for giving the Holy Spirit to your disciples. 
Fill us with the joy and peace of the Spirit. 
Amen.

OFFERING PRAYER
Holy God, 
may the Spirit you give us 
make us more and more like your Son, 
loving and self-giving. 
Amen.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Call to prayer
Let us pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the church.

Response
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.

Suggested intercessions
*	We thank you, holy Father, that, as you had promised, you gave your Holy Spirit to all your people at Pentecost. Pour out your life-giving Spirit on your holy church throughout the world and equip its members with the gifts of your Spirit.
*	You brought light out of darkness and order out of chaos by your Spirit in the creation of the world. Let your Spirit move over our unruly world and heal its broken people.
*	You sent out your Spirit on the disciples like the rush of a mighty wind and distributed tongues of fire on their heads. Burn out all that is evil in us; consecrate all your people for holy service, and empower them to work with you for the salvation of the world.
*	You inspired the disciples with your Spirit to praise your marvellous deeds in many different languages. Unloose the tongues of all your people, so that they may joyfully confess you as their Lord and boldly proclaim their common faith to all the world.
*	Your Spirit touched the hearts of those who heard the gospel from Peter. Sharpen the consciences of those who hear your word and convince them of its truth, so that they may turn from their sins and receive the gift of forgiveness.
*	You gave the Holy Spirit to all those who were baptised on the day of Pentecost. Let your Spirit renew the faith of all those who have been baptised, so that they may devote themselves in public worship to the teaching of the apostles, the giving of gifts to you, the breaking of bread in the Lord's supper, and the prayer of the church for the world.

Concluding prayer
You united people from many different nations and cultures by your Holy Spirit. Bring together those who have been divided by misunderstanding, hatred, and mistrust, and join us with them and all the angels as we adore you forever; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reign with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.

LITANY TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
As an alternative form of the intercessions for this day, the following litany may be prayed. As it is quite lengthy, it can be edited to suit the circumstances (especially section 7). The response after each line in sections 3-7 may be omitted and replaced with a single response at the end of the section. In section 7, specific intercessions may be added, eg 'That you would heal the sick, especially . . .'

1	Lord, have mercy. 
	Christ, have mercy.
	Lord, have mercy. 

2	O Christ, hear us. 
	Christ, graciously hear us.

3	O God the Father in heaven: 
	Have mercy on us.
	O God the Son, redeemer of the world: 
	Have mercy on us.
	O God the Holy Spirit, comforter and sanctifier: 
	Have mercy on us.

4	O Spirit of wisdom and understanding: 
	Have mercy on us.
	O Spirit of counsel and might: 
	Have mercy on us.
	O Spirit of knowledge and godliness: 
	Have mercy on us.
	O Spirit of the fear of the Lord: 
	Have mercy on us.
	O Spirit of love, joy, and peace: 
	Have mercy on us.
	O Spirit of, patience, kindness, and generosity: 
	Have mercy on us.
	O Spirit of faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control: 
	Have mercy on us.
	O Spirit of adoption as the children of God: 
	Have mercy on us.

5	From all sin and from all evil: 
	O Holy Spirit, deliver us.
	From the crafts and attacks of Satan: 
	O Holy Spirit, deliver us.
	From uncleanness of mind or body: 
	O Holy Spirit, deliver us.

6	By your eternal procession from the Father and the Son: 
	O Holy Spirit, deliver us.
	By your working at creation: 
	O Holy Spirit, deliver us.
	By your inspiration of the prophets: 
	O Holy Spirit, deliver us.
	By your descent upon the mother of our Lord at his incarnation: 
	O Holy Spirit, deliver us.
	By your descent upon our Lord at his baptism: 
	O Holy Spirit, deliver us.
	By your descent upon the apostles at Pentecost: 
	O Holy Spirit, deliver us.
	By your continual presence with the church: 
	O Holy Spirit, deliver us.
	By your grace and pity in the day of judgment: 
	O Holy Spirit, deliver us.

7	That you would shine your light and love into our hearts: 
	O Holy Spirit, hear us.
	That you would open to us the treasures of your grace: 
	O Holy Spirit, hear us.
	That you would teach us to pray according to your will: 
	O Holy Spirit, hear us.
	That you would teach us to pray, and also pray within us: 
	O Holy Spirit, hear us.
	That we may not grieve you or despise you: 
	O Holy Spirit, hear us.
	That we may remember that our bodies are your temple 
		and be careful not to defile them: 
	O Holy Spirit, hear us.
	That you would guide and direct all young people: 
	O Holy Spirit, hear us.
	That you would heal the divisions between families: 
	O Holy Spirit, hear us.
	That you would heal the sick: 
	O Holy Spirit, hear us.
	That you would reconcile all people to one another: 
	O Holy Spirit, hear us.
	That you would lead us into all truth: 
	O Holy Spirit, hear us.
	That you would grant your unity to the church: 
	O Holy Spirit, hear us.
	That you would grant your peace to the whole world:
 	O Holy Spirit, hear us.

8	O Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world : 
	Pour out your Holy Spirit on us.
	O Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world : 
	Send down your Holy Spirit on us.
	O Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world : 
	Grant us your Holy Spirit of peace.

9	O Christ, hear us : 
	Christ, graciously hear us.

10	O Spirit of the living God, 
breathe into our lives, 
and renew and transform us, 
so that we may serve our Lord Jesus Christ, 
who lives and reigns 
with you and the Father, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

SEASONAL PREFACE
It is indeed right and good, 
Lord God, holy Father, 
that we should at all times and in all places 
give thanks to you, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
When he had ascended above the heavens 
and was enthroned at your right hand, 
he poured out the promised Holy Spirit 
on his chosen people. 
At this the whole earth greatly rejoices, 
praising your name with many tongues. 
And so, with angels and archangels, 
and with all the company of heaven, 
we adore and praise your glorious name:

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
Here is a modified form of the eucharistic prayer (ie prayer of thanksgiving) in the Service - Alternative Form (also in the Sing the Feast settings).

All praise and thanks be to you, eternal God, holy Father, 
together with your only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, 
and the Holy Spirit, who unites your people in love. 
We thank you for creating all things. 
We thank you for calling and rescuing your chosen people. 
Above all we thank and praise you 
for keeping your promise to the people of old 
and sending your Son Jesus Christ. 
You poured out your Spirit on us, 
filling us with gifts and leading us into all truth. 
You give your people power 
to proclaim the good news about your Son to all nations. 
And so we remember 
his life, death, and resurrection for our salvation 
as he comes to us in this holy meal. 
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

Here is a version for use in the Modern Liturgy (originally from Worship Today).

Gracious Father, 
we remember the sacrifice of our Lord in celebration, 
as we receive his body and blood 
with this bread and wine. 
We rejoice to receive all that he has done for us 
in his life and death, 
his resurrection and ascension. 
We thank you that you poured out your Spirit on us, 
filling us with gifts and leading us into all truth, 
and that you give your people power 
to proclaim the good news about your Son to all nations. 
As you sent your Holy Spirit at Pentecost, 
so fill us with your Spirit 
that we who receive the body and blood of Christ 
may live as true members of the body of your Son. 
Amen.

If using the Service - Alternative Form or Sing the Feast settings 1 or 2, you could modify the prayer 'Send us your Holy Spirit' in the following way.

As you sent your Holy Spirit at Pentecost, 
so send us now your Spirit to strengthen our faith, 
so that we who receive the body and blood of Christ 
may live as true members of the body of your Son. 
Amen. Come, Holy Spirit.

OR
If using the Service with Communion, you could use the above prayer after the words of institution, beginning: 

Heavenly Father, as you sent . . .

COMMUNION INVITATION
Jesus says: 'Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, 
and let the one who believes in me drink.' 
(Thanks be to God.)
Come, everything is ready.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
We thank you, heavenly Father, 
that you have given us one Spirit to drink 
through the body and blood of your Son. 
Let your Holy Spirit unite us all 
in the holy fellowship of faith and love and praise. 
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, 
who lives and reigns 
with you and the Holy Spirit, 
one God, now and forever. 
Amen.

SEASONAL BLESSING
This seasonal blessing is used together with (ie before) the usual blessing in the order of service.

(May) the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, 
so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope; . . .

DISMISSAL
Go in peace, in the Spirit of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.  OR  In the name of Christ. Amen.

HYMNS AND SONGS

FOR THE READINGS

Please note:	* =	Modernised version available
	G3, G4 . . . =	Guitar chords available in the Music Package 3, 4 . . . 
	GS =	Guitar chords in the Supplement to LH

First reading (a): Acts 2:1-21
LHS
116	Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly dove * G8
117	Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire
119	Come down, O Love divine G8
121	Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord * G4
124	O Holy Spirit, enter Thou * G3
128	O Spirit of life, O Spirit of God * G5
129	Breathe on me, Breath of God G5
227	O Spirit of the living God G5
229	Revive Thy work, O Lord * G5
505	Father, who the light this day G4
773	Filled with the Spirit's power G7
775	Let every Christian pray G7
779	My Lord of light, who made the worlds G8
AT 
218	Spirit, Spirit of gentleness
249	As a dream receive your history
264	Spirit of God, you're with me
299	Pour it all out, Jesus
334	Wa wa wa Emimimo
358	Holy Spirit, living water 
TIS
186	Alleluia (v 6)
396	Come, Holy Spirit, our souls inspire
397	Come, Spirit blest, Creator, come
398	Come down, O Love divine
399	Come, Spirit of God, holy Lord
400	O Holy Spirit, enter in
401	O Spirit of life, O Spirit of God
404	Lord God, the Spirit blest
405	O Spirit of the living God
406	Spirit divine, attend our prayers
407	Breathe on me, Breath of God
409	O breath of life, come sweeping through us
411	Filled with the Spirit's power
415	Praise the Spirit in creation
416	Great God, your Spirit like the wind
420	Holy Spirit, go before us
422	Come, Holy Spirit, come
423	Christians, lift up your hearts
572	O thou who camest from above
711	Wa wa wa Emimimo

First reading (b): Numbers 11:24-30
LHS
229	Revive Thy work. O Lord* G5
AT
359	Holy Spirit, living water
TIS
415	Praise the Spirit in creation

Second reading (a): 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13
LHS
121	Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord* G4
194	Thy hand, O God, has guided G3
245	Lord of the Church, we humbly pray* G6
AT
264	Spirit of God
313	Christ be our light
388	One body
TIS
399	Come, Spirit of God, holy Lord
413	Holy Spirit, come confirm us
419	Like the murmur of the dove's flight
422	Come Holy Spirit, come
440	Christ, from whom all blessings flow
442	All praise to our redeeming Lord
456	Your hand, O God, has guided
468	We are your people
572	O thou who camest from above
630	The law of Christ alone can make us free

Second reading (b): Acts 2:1-21 
See above under the first reading.

Gospel (a): John 20:19-23
LHS
129	Breathe on me, Breath of God G5
504	To Thy temple I repair G5
512	Lord, Thy blessing send us* G7
513	Peace to soothe all grief and woe G5
803	Peace with the Father G7
AT
305	Thuma mina
343	Jesus come and stand among us
406	Peace
TIS
363	Alleluia (v 4) 
407	Breathe on me, breath of God
408	O breath of God, breathe on us now
466	Peace with the Father, peace with Christ his son
623	Lord Christ, true peace of all above
635	'Forgive our sins as we forgive'
749	Thuma mina

Gospel (b): John 7:37-39
LHS
126	O Thou source of sweetest gladness
127	Come, Holy Spirit, come (v 5)* G4
158	Jesus, lover of my soul G4
364	A new heart, Lord, create in me* G5
AT
359	Holy Spirit, living water
TIS
211	Jesus, lover of my soul
559	A new heart, Lord, create in me
744	Refresh my heart

PENTECOST SEQUENCE HYMN
For information on the sequence hymns, see the document 'Easter season', under 'Sequence hymn', in the 'General and seasonal' folder. 

The Lutheran Hymnal has a version of the Pentecost sequence at LHS 120. The tune, however, may be difficult for congregations to sing. Therefore, a text by David Schütz (based on the text in the Lutheran Hymnal) is provided here for singing to an alternative tune, Capetown (LH 354). Three verses from the original (3, 4, and 7) that were omitted from the hymnal version have also been included here. If singing all ten verses, consider alternating between the two sides of the church or between men and women.

Holy Spirit, come, we pray,
send from heav'n your inward ray,
brighten darkness into day:
Holy Spirit, come.

Come now, Father of the poor,
come now, source of all our store,
lighten hearts for evermore:
Holy Spirit, come.

Of all comforters, the best
is the soul's sweet, heav'nly guest.
Come, and let us be refreshed:
Holy Spirit, come.

In all labour, be our rest;
be our comfort in distress;
strengthen us in every test:
Holy Spirit, come.

Light immortal, fire divine,
fill our hearts and in us shine;
claim your people for all time:
Holy Spirit, come.

Nothing holy, nothing true,
nothing we can ever do,
can be good if not in you:
Holy Spirit, come.

Wash from us the sinful stain,
liven those whose lives are drained,
make the wounded whole again:
Holy Spirit, come.

Bend the stubborn to your mould;
melt the heart of ice and cold;
guide the lost back to the fold:
Holy Spirit, come.

On the faithful who confide
in you as their only guide
may your sev'n-fold gifts reside:
Holy Spirit, come.

Give salvation when we die;
give us life with Christ on high,
Give us faith while yet we cry:
Holy Spirit, come!

OTHER SONGS FROM THE 'ALL TOGETHER' SONGBOOKS
The following songs from the 'All Together' books are suitable for Pentecost.

99	Pentecost Prayer
105	Spirit of God
192	Spirit of Peace
202	Move when the Spirit say move
217	Shine, Jesus, shine
218	Spirit
223	When your Spirit moves
249	Dreams and visions
251	God sends us his Spirit
264	Spirit of God
276	Into your death
299	Pour it all out, Jesus
334	Wa wa wa Emimimo
359	Holy Spirit, living water
469	Wind is moving

SONGS FROM TAIZE SUITABLE FOR PENTECOST
Many of the Taize songs may be sung in more than one language. It may be appropriate for a choir to sing one of the Taize chants (for instance, 'Veni Sancte Spiritus', pages 36-39 in volume 1) using various different languages for the verses.

Volume I
Veni Sancte Spiritus (note the versions given in French, German, Spanish and Italian)

Kyrie eleison IX
Veni Creator Spiritus
Veni Lumen Cordium, I and II
Alleluias IIV
Cantate Domino 4. Veni Creator Spiritus

SONGS FROM IONA SUITABLE FOR PENTECOST
Here are some songs from the Iona Community suitable for Pentecost.

Note that the Iona Community is willing to allow a church or worship assembly to reproduce the words only of a song from these publications on a service sheet or overhead transparency that is to be used once only on a non-commercial basis, provided that the title of the song and the name of the copyright holder is clearly shown.

John L Bell & Graham Maule, Wild Goose Songs vol. 2 Enemy of Apathy

page 106	Come Holy Spirit
page 108	Pentecost
page 110	God the Spirit comes to stay
page 112	Heaven on earth
page 114	Enemy of Apathy (feminine pronouns used for the Spirit)
page 136	Come, Holy Spirit

John L Bell & Graham Maule, Wild Goose Songs vol. 3 Love from Below 

page 42	Come, Holy Ghost (for use in the evening)

HYMN OF ADORATION
The following hymnic 'Glory to God' is from the Hymnic Service for Pentecost from the Approved Worship Services disk (or print-out) The three verses are modernised verses of LH 441.

(Spoken)
Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.

(Sung to the tune Lobt Gott den Herrn, ihr Heiden (LH 440, TIS 110))

With joyful heart your praises bring
to God the fount of blessing;
his everlasting goodness sing,
his holy name confessing.
Our God let all creation bless;
he is our aid in all distress:
O bless his name forever!

Praise God, who to the cross and grave
has sent his Son from heaven;
his death, that did the guilty save,
eternal life has given.
He set us free from sin and hell;
now we with God in peace can dwell:
O bless his name forever!

Praise God, who by his Spirit's light
to faith in him awakes us;
and with his gifts of grace and might
he strong and steadfast makes us.
His word sheds light upon our way;
his grace inclines us to obey:
O bless his name forever.

PSALM 104:24-34,35b
For musical settings of Psalm 104:24-34,35b, see Music Packages 2, 5 and 8. TIS 65, Praise the Lord, O my soul, is a version of Psalm 104:1,24,27-31,33.

The following metrical version of Psalm 104:24-34, 35b by David Schütz may be sung to the tune of 'What wondrous love is this' (LHS 794, ATA 145). If reproducing this version, please put 'Words (c) David Schütz' at the beginning or the end of the psalm.

How many are your works, O Lord God, and how wise!
Your creatures fill all parts of the earth.
Where ships sail to and fro, on seas so great and wide,
there countless creatures live, and the whales have their sport,
and you have made them all, great and small.

See how they look to you for their food in due time.
You open up your hand, they are filled.
But when you hide your face, they suffer in dismay. 
You take away their breath, and they die and decay;
they all return again to the dust.

You send your spirit out to create life again,
and you renew the face of the earth;
rejoice, Lord, in your works, your glory evermore!
You look upon the earth, and it trembles and quakes;
the mountains pour out smoke at your touch.

So I'll sing to the Lord, for as long as I live;
I'll sing my praise to God all my life.
And may my words and thoughts be pleasing to the Lord,
for in the Lord alone will my soul find its joy:
O bless the Lord, my soul! Praise the Lord!

GOSPEL RESPONSE
The following gospel response is from the Hymnic Service for Pentecost from Approved Worship Services. It is sung to the tune Song 13 [Canterbury] (LH 131).

Holy Spirit, light divine,
shine upon this heart of mine;
chase the shades of night away,
turn the darkness into day.

Let me see my Saviour's face,
let me all his beauties trace;
show those glorious truths to me
which alone can make us free.

OFFERING SONG
The following offering song is sung to the tune Komm, o komm (LH 134).

Holy Spirit, strong and mighty,
constant, making all things new,
work in us to make us holy,
and the evil one subdue.
Give us weapons for the fight,
to defeat the powers of night.

Give us wisdom, insight, judgment,
guide our thoughts and all we do,
that we may be always seeking
only that which pleases you;
let your knowledge spread and grow,
and all error overthrow.

POST-COMMUNION SONG
The following post-communion song is from the Hymnic Service for Pentecost from Approved Worship Services. It is sung to the tune O heiliger Geist (LH 128, TIS 401).

O Spirit of life, O Spirit of God,
you comfort us in every need,
sent down to us from heaven's high throne,
from God the Father and the Son,
O Spirit of life, O Spirit of God.

O Spirit of life, O Spirit of God,
make us to love your holy word.
Your flame of love to us impart,
that love for all may fill each heart,
O Spirit of life, O Spirit of God.

O Spirit of life, O Spirit of God,
by you our souls to heaven are led.
Make us to strive with valour here,
and reign with you in glory there,
O Spirit of life, O Spirit of God.

NOTES ON THE READINGS

See the document 'General notes and resources', under 'Notes on the readings', in the 'General and seasonal' folder.

NUMBERS 11:24-30: General dissatisfaction had arisen in the Israelite camps over current privations in the desert compared to their enhanced memories of Egypt. Moses' outraged plea to the Lord for relief evoked the command from the Lord to assemble the seventy elders so that the responsibility could be shared. God caused some of the spirit he had given to Moses to rest on the elders, as their prophesying showed. This 'prophesying' at this time was no doubt an ecstatic experience inducting them into office. 

ACTS 2:1-21: This is the 'baptism with the Holy Spirit' predicted by John the Baptist concerning Jesus, and referred to by Jesus after his resurrection (Acts 1:5). It marks the culmination of his earthly ministry and the beginning of his continuing ministry by the Holy Spirit through his church into all the world. The miracle of tongues lay not only in the rational and powerful use by the disciples of languages never learnt, but also in the hearing of Jewish people from all around the Mediterranean world. Tongues of fire and the sound of rushing wind both figure in Old Testament imagery when the presence of God was involved. Peter's reversal from his former fearful denial to brave confession of Christ, occasioned by the Spirit, proclaimed the long-planned purpose accomplished now in this sign. This prophesying and proclamation in tongues was mentioned by the prophet Joel among the cataclysmic signs of the end, thus demonstrating that this era has now been entered. Most importantly in all of this, 'Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved'.

1 CORINTHIANS 12:3b-13: The background to this reading needs to be born in mind. The Corinth congregation was beset by rivalry, division, envy and dissension despite its prominent gifts. A veiled reference in the previous verses to Father, Son and Spirit implies the purpose of unity behind these gifts. The primary and essential gift, of course, is common to all Christians, that is, personal saving faith in Jesus as Lord and Saviour. This attestation or manifestation of the Son's headship in the body of believers is accompanied by God's production of differing and divergent spiritual abilities in individual believers. These, though, are not for personal aggrandisement, but to achieve a shared benefit and blessing one to the other, according to the Spirit's plan and purpose, apportioned as he wills. Christ's body is to be built up with a unity of purpose which serves his headship.

JOHN 20:19-31: The peace between God and his foremost creature, established and pronounced by God in Jesus' resurrection, is now declared by Jesus to the assembled disciples. They are commissioned and given the Holy Spirit. They are directed to pass on God's peace in declaring forgiveness in the absolution. Any who refuse that forgiveness still live under condemnation.

JOHN 7:37-39: Jesus invited people at the Festival of Tabernacles at Jerusalem to come to him to drink. The scriptural reference here quoted by Jesus could well be a summary of many Old Testament prophesies depicting the pouring out of God's Spirit in the messianic age as flowing water which may be drunk. John points in this section to the prediction of the coming of the Spirit after Jesus's suffering and resurrection, that is, after his glorification.

VISUAL

VISUALS FOR THE READINGS
Pictures or symbols could be displayed on banners or the overhead screen during the readings. For instance, the reading from Acts 2 could be accompanied by a picture like the illustration in the TEV Bible for verse 14 or a simpler picture of a few disciples' heads with tongues of fire.

COLOUR
The colour for Pentecost is red, including the eve of Pentecost (Saturday night before the festival) and for the whole week following Pentecost.

SYMBOLS OF THE SPIRIT
Just as few ceremonies have been developed for Pentecost, so also there are very few symbols for the Spirit. The following include some common, and some not so common, images:

*	The descending dove: from the stories of Christ's baptism, the dove is one of the oldest and the best known symbols for the Spirit. The dove is usually drawn in a conventionalised or stylised manner, rather than realistically; it is always white and occasionally shown with a three-rayed nimbus. Seven doves have been used to depict the 'sevenfold' Spirit of Isaiah 11:2-3a.
*	The flame of fire: from the story of Pentecost (and Sinai), fire is also a popular symbol. This may be depicted as a single flame, or as seven flames.
*	Seven burning lamps or torches (or a seven-branched candle stick): from Revelation 1 and 4:5.
*	The seven-gift scroll: In order to depict the sevenfold gifts of the Spirit, a scroll may be used with the names of the seven gifts on it. The Old Testament form is given in Isaiah 11:2,3a, where the Latin Vulgate interepreted 3a as another 'gift' of the Spirit. The gifts are: wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, piety, fear. The New Testament list is taken from Revelation 5:12 (though these are not commonly recognised as 'gifts of the Spirit' today, they were once more common than the OT list): blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honour, power and might.
*	The nine fruits of the Spirit: Again, often written on a scroll, these are taken from Galatians 5:22,23a: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

DECORATION
There are various possibilities for decoration:

*	Use red and white flowers in the sanctuary. Could use poinsettias (like flames) or strelitzia (bird of paradise). Could include white dove and/or red candles (see last point below) in the arrangement.
*	A flame design could be created using red/orange flowers.
*	Arrange twelve torches (candles on high stands) at the end of the pews along the aisle (as sometimes done for carols by candlelight at Christmas), but use either red candles or red chimney glasses. 
*	Decorate the church with red, yellow, and orange streamers. Arrange the streamers so that they highlight the places where the Spirit works through the means of grace: the altar, the baptismal font, the pulpit/lectern.
*	Decorate the church with the flags of different nationalities, especially those represented by congregational members.
*	Candles in the church are usually white. This is said to be because they symbolise Christ. However, on this occasion the candles on the altar and in the sanctuary could be red, to symbolise the fire of the Spirit.

DRAMA

'MEGA DRAMA'
See a drama for the day in Mega Drama resources (Openbook Publishers), originally included in these worship resources when they were released on disks.

Procession for GOSPEL
See above under 'Gospel' for a suggested gospel procession.

dramatising the READINGS
The readings can be read by more than one person to make the dramatic meaning of the text clearer. For instance, the reading from Acts 2:1-21 could be read by five readers: narrator, person from another nation, person asking about meaning, person sneering, Peter; and either of the two alternative gospels could be read by two readers: narrator and Jesus.

OR
Part of the reading from Acts 2 (eg verses 1-6) could be read first in English, and then in various languages, especially languages of people present. The rest of the passage is then read in English.

CHILDREN

FLAME-MOBILES
Involve the children in the decoration of the church. They may prepare cut-out cardboard flames which are then hung as mobiles from the ceiling of the church to call to mind the presence of the Spirit among the congregation. 

FLAME-CROWNS
In a talk with the children or as part of the Sunday school activity, children could make or be given flames to wear. Small cut-out paper or cardboard flames may be attached to a band of cardboard which may be placed on their heads.

CHILDREN AND ACTS 2:1-21
Involve children in the reading of the Acts passage, especially if the story is mimed or acted, in which case even small children can be involved as part of the crowd.

BAPTISM AND THE SIGN OF THE CROSS
Pentecost is a baptism day, and even if no baptisms are held, there are ways in which baptism can be highlighted. The children may be invited to come forward to the font (which has water in it!). Show them how to dip their fingers in the water and trace the sign of the cross on themselves while saying 'In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.' 

'COME AND SEE JESUS'
The Come and See Jesus curriculum published by Openbook Publishers has a wealth of material and ideas that may be adapted for use in worship. Please note that a new edition of this material is now available for the Revised Common Lectionary.

The story for Pentecost in year A is: The Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-41) (to be found in both the original edition and the RCL edition Series A for Pentecost).

OTHER IDEAS

*	Hold a Pentecost ethnic luncheon.
*	Encourage people to wear red colours to church.
*	Hold a Pentecost vigil on the Saturday night before Pentecost (see the document 'Pentecost eve (vigil)' in the 'Rites and services' folder).
*	Schedule baptisms and confirmations for this day, or on the evening before.