Sacred Space: A Resource for Small-group Ministry

Transcription

1 Sacred Space: A Resource for Small-group Ministry Year B Focus: Day of Pentecost Scripture: Acts 2:1 21 NRSV Gathering Welcome Prayer for Peace Ring a bell or chime three times slowly. Light the peace candle. 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 no hunger, where all children are loved and supported, where all people are fed, not just by earthly food but by your Spirit. Lord, we pray together as a choir of voices struggling for peace. May you hear our prayer, O Lord. Amen. Spiritual Practice Breath Prayer Sit with relaxed posture and close your eyes. We will spend five minutes in centering prayer. Breathe in a regular, natural rhythm. As you breathe in, name what you would like to receive. As you exhale, state what you would like to release. For example, breathe in peace, breathe out fear. As you breathe focus on what you are breathing in and what you are exhaling. Watch the time and encourage the group to continue the breath prayer for five minutes. When time is up offer a brief word of thanks to God, take a deep breath, and open your eyes when you are ready. Sharing Around the Table Acts 2:1 21 NRSV When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 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. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a

2 tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs in our own languages we hear them speaking about God s deeds of power. All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, What does this mean? But others sneered and said, They are filled with new wine. But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: 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. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord s great and glorious day. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Christ had promised his disciples that they would not be left alone. With the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, this promise is fulfilled. Pentecost was an important festival for the Jews. They celebrated Pentecost seven weeks after Passover. The word Pentecost meant 50th. It was celebrated on the 50th day after the Sabbath on which Passover began. For Christians, Pentecost is celebrated 50 days after Easter. At Pentecost the Holy Spirit was present in a rush of a violent wind. The wind and commotion draw a crowd, and the text goes into detail, listing all the nations present. 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 hear and understand in their own language. This is what continues to

3 happen today as people are led by the Spirit to learn languages and share the gospel around the world. Questions 1. How has the Spirit led you beyond your understanding? 2. What is the Spirit doing in your life today? 3. Have you ever felt despair or frustration, only to realize the Holy Spirit is breathing new life into you, your community, or your activities? Sending Generosity Statement Sharing for the common good is the spirit of Zion (Doctrine and Covenants 165:2f). We receive God s grace and generosity. The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing small-group ministries as part of your generous response. Pray with me: God of wisdom 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 484, God Turned the Spirit Loose in Wind Closing Prayer Optional Additions Depending on Group Sacrament of the Lord s Supper Thoughts for Children

4 Prayer for Peace Ring a bell or chime three times slowly. Light the peace candle. 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 no hunger, where all children are loved and supported, where all people are fed, not just by earthly food but by your Spirit. Lord, we pray together as a choir of voices struggling for peace. May you hear our prayer, O Lord. Amen.

5 Spiritual Practice Breath Prayer Sit with relaxed posture and close your eyes. We will spend five minutes in centering prayer. Breathe in a regular, natural rhythm. As you breathe in, name what you would like to receive. As you exhale, state what you would like to release. For example, breathe in peace, breathe out fear. As you breathe focus on what you are breathing in and what you are exhaling. Watch the time and encourage the group to continue the breath prayer for five minutes. When time is up offer a brief word of thanks to God, take a deep breath, and open your eyes when you are ready.

6 Sharing Around the Table Acts 2:1 21 NRSV When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 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. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs in our own languages we hear them speaking about God s deeds of power. All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, What does this mean? But others sneered and said, They are filled with new wine. But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: 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. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord s great and glorious day. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Christ had promised his disciples that they would not be left alone. With the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, this promise is fulfilled. Pentecost was an important festival for the Jews. They celebrated Pentecost seven weeks after Passover. The word Pentecost meant 50th. It was celebrated on the 50th day after the Sabbath on which Passover began. For Christians, Pentecost is celebrated 50 days after Easter.

7 At Pentecost the Holy Spirit was present in a rush of a violent wind. The wind and commotion draw a crowd, and the text goes into detail, listing all the nations present. 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 hear and understand in their own language. This is what continues to happen today as people are led by the Spirit to learn languages and share the gospel around the world. Questions 1. How has the Spirit led you beyond your understanding? 2. What is the Spirit doing in your life today? 3. Have you ever felt despair or frustration, only to realize the Holy Spirit is breathing new life into you, your community, or your activities?

8 Generosity Statement Sharing for the common good is the spirit of Zion (Doctrine and Covenants 165:2f). We receive God s grace and generosity. The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing small-group ministries as part of your generous response. Pray with me: God of wisdom 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.

9 Communion Statement We come together to share in the Lord s Supper as a visible witness of loving Christian fellowship and shared remembrance of Jesus Christ s death and resurrection (Doctrine and Covenants 164:4a). All committed followers of Christ are invited to partake, but no one should feel pressured to receive the emblems. The Spirit is present with us as we share in Communion as an expression of blessing, healing, peace, and community. In preparation let s sing Community of Christ Sings 524, For Bread before Us Broken.

10 Thoughts for Children Materials: lengths of orange and red ribbon, fabric, or crepe paper Hand several ribbons to each child. Pentecost shows how disciples following Jesus Christ created a blessed community. During an important Jewish festival, people from all over came to Jerusalem. When the Holy Spirit appeared at Pentecost, it felt like a rushing wind and looked like tongues or flickers of fire. The Spirit helps us to follow Jesus. We cannot always see the Holy Spirit, but we can show what it was like when the Spirit arrived at Pentecost. Ask the children to stand and wave their ribbons, fabric, or paper to symbolize wind and flame. Remind them the Holy Spirit is one way God is present in the world today. We are better followers of Jesus because the Spirit is with us. Thank the children for participating.