Pentecost Sunday
INTRODUCTION TO THE DAY
On the fiftieth day of Easter we celebrate the Spirit, through whom and in whom the people of God are created and re-created. Pentecost is sometimes called the church’s birthday, but might more appropriately be called its Day of Baptism, since the gift of the Spirit is the fullness of Baptism. Ezekiel’s (Ezekiel 37: 1-14) vision shows the Spirit resurrecting and re-creating not just individuals but a whole people. Romans makes it clear that God is in the process of re-creating the entire cosmos; yet the Spirit is also at work in the most intimate and personal way, praying in us “with sighs too deep for words” when we do not know how to pray.
FIRST READING: Acts 2: 1-21
Originally Pentecost was a Jewish thanksgiving-type festival celebrated seven weeks after Passover. On this particular Pentecost, however, the Holy Spirit is poured out upon the entire community of believers just as Jesus had promised and the Scriptures had prophesied. Empowered by the Spirit, the entire community hears witness to God’s activity in multiple languages.
PSALM: Psalm 104: 25-37
SECOND READING: Romans 8: 22-27
By pouring the Holy Spirit into our hearts, God gives us the promised first fruit of eternal life so that we await God’s future in hope. In the meantime, the Spirit also intercedes for us by carrying the prayers of our weak human hearts to God.
GOSPEL: John 15: 26-27, 16: 4b-15
When speaking to his disciples before his death, Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as “the Helper” and described the difference the Spirit would make in their lives and in the World.
Announcements
GOD'S WORK. OUR HANDS
PRAY, FAST and ACT with presiding bishops of the ELCA and the Episcopal Church
We Pray alongside the working poor of our nation in their efforts to keep their families housed, fed and clothed. Pray for our nation’s continued commitment to provide access for all to education and training that open opportunities to family-supporting wages.
God of justice, we remember before you those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Guide the people of this land so to use our wealth and resources that all people may find suitable and fulfilling employment and receive just payment for their labor; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen—Prayer for The Unemployed, Evangelical Lutheran Worship
We Fast in solidarity with those who, while they labor tirelessly, still struggle to provide for themselves and their families. Consider including in your fast an action to donate savings from unconsumed meals to educational scholarships or to elementary school reading and library programs.
We Act by writing to Congress and demanding robust federal funding for educational programs from early childhood to adult and trade schools.
PRAYERS
Please keep these people in your prayers: Esther Mae Baker, Al Bausch, Don Brooks, Dortha Feddern, and Carol Schiff. Please remember all of our shut-ins and sick during this Easter season. (Also, pray for the families and caretakers of those on the prayer list.)
THE BREAKFAST BUNCH
“The Breakfast Bunch” meets the first Saturday of every month at Der Dutchman in Plain City, at 8:30 a.m. “Come one, Come all” for a great breakfast, fellowship and more!
SIGN-UPS
Please check the bulletin board behind the office door for all of the sign-up sheets for this year. Communion, birthday Sundays, and Worship Assistants/helpers. Thank you so much!
You can also remember special occasions or special people by contributing money that would normally be used for altar flowers. Instead the donation goes to our local food pantry.
