Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: Come, Holy Spirit—come into our worship, our hearts, and our lives. Come like rushing wind and holy fire, awakening us again to the presence of God.
People: We come longing for the Spirit to move among us.
Leader: When fear keeps us hidden, the Spirit calls us into courage. When anxiety overwhelms us, the Spirit speaks peace beyond understanding.
People: We come seeking the joy and peace that Christ gives.
Leader: The Spirit gathers people from every nation, language, and story into one body of hope and grace.
People: We come to worship the God who makes us one in love.
Leader: Rejoice in the Lord always. The Lord is near.
People: We rejoice together in the presence of God!
Opening Hymn
O Spirit of the Living God UMH 539
Prayer of Confession
You are a God on the move. Your holy wind pushes us outward. Your holy fire lights the way. Your holy breath gives us words of hope, peace, and life.
And yet we confess that we are not always a people on the move. We prefer what is familiar and comfortable. We cling to routines that feel safe. We build walls where you are creating bridges. We pray for your kingdom to come, but often only in ways that do not disturb us.
Forgive us when we resist the movement of your Spirit. Forgive us when anxiety speaks louder than trust, when fear keeps us behind locked doors, and when we keep the good news to ourselves instead of speaking words others can hear and receive.
Forgive us for standing firm against the wind of your Spirit. Forgive us for remaining within the boxes we have built while you are reaching across barriers, speaking every language of the human heart, and drawing your people together.
Rush in here again today, O God. Re-create us. Re-form us as the Body of Christ. Fill us with joy that rises above circumstance, gentleness that is known to all, and peace that surpasses understanding. Breathe your Spirit upon us, that we may live your life anew. Amen.
Words of Assurance
Leader: The Spirit of God has not abandoned us to fear or left us behind locked doors. Through Christ, we are forgiven, renewed, and filled with the breath of new life.
People: The peace of God guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Thanks be to God! Amen.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
Acts 2:1-21
Second Reading:
Philippians 4:4-7
Sermon:
The Holy Spirit by Pastor Kevin Rutledge
Hymn of Response
Blest Be the Tie That Binds UMH 557
Tithes and Offerings
Offertory Response
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
Holy Spirit, all that we are and all that we have comes from you. Receive not only our financial gifts, but also the offering of our lives. Take our voices and make them instruments of hope. Take our hands and make them ready for service. Take our hearts and make them open to our neighbors.
Send us from this place as people filled with your peace, your courage, and your love. May our lives bear witness to the good news of Christ in the ways we speak, serve, welcome, and care for others. Re-form us again as your Church, alive in the Spirit and ready to follow where you lead. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Closing Hymn
We Are the Church UMH 558
Benediction
Said Each Week as A Communal Prayer:
Send to us all the people who feel unwanted and unloved in other places, and if they can't come to us, send us to them.
Postlude