P a g e 1 Day of Pentecost Additional Materials 19 May 2013 This liturgy can be used for Sunday morning worship or as an afternoon/evening service. At points there are suggestions such as outdoors worship and using candles which may be more suited to evening worship or a non-traditional format, however at these points there are alternative suggestions which should be suitable for traditional Sunday morning worship. Please adapt the resource for your congregation or situation. What you will need Food and drink for edible liturgy (see Edible Liturgy Files) Response Option 1 Candles (tealights), 1 per person Table(s) or space for placing candles onto Candle holders or foil for placing candles on Response Option 2 Orange, yellow, red coloured card cut into flame shapes, 1 per person One large piece of card for attaching flame cards to People Readers: Leader 3 voices (monologues) Reader (Scripture) Others: Musician/song leader People to co-ordinate flame cards (if using Response Option 2) People to co-ordinate edible liturgy People to co-ordinate outdoors worship The service should be rehearsed and walked through at least once before with all involved. This should take at least 30 minutes if not more. A rehearsal will mean that worship flows much more easily and people involved will not worry so much about what they are doing or what is happening next and if there is anything that comes up it can be addressed.
Set Up Visual Arts As this is a worship service of celebration, you may wish to spend time thinking about preparing your worship space in line with Pentecost. A good way of involving artistic people in your congregation is through the use of visual arts. The use of visual arts will depend on resources as well as the shape and size of your worship space. This should be prepared and planned in advance. It should also be thought out sensitively in a way that reflects the liturgy and celebrations. Throughout the liturgy there are continuous flame references; colours such as orange, red and yellow are a good starting point for considering the use of visual arts. This colour scheme could also be incorporated into any weekly décor that your congregation may use such as flowers. Response 1: Lighting of Candles Large table at front of worship space with several large, lit candles on it It may be more practical to have more than one table set up You may wish to cover the table Tealight candles should be given out at start of worship as people enter People will come forward with their candle and use the larger candles to light. The lit tealights would be placed on the larger table. Response 2: Creating the Fire Flame shaped cards should be prepared in advance You will need red, orange or yellow card The flames should be large enough to write on and small enough to fit to the palm of your hand The cards should be given to people at the start of worship as they enter Pens should be laid out in pews/seats Baskets/collection plates should be used to gather in the flames during the chant A large piece of card/paper (approx. A3) should be at the front of your worship space, in a place where people can see. A communion table may be used to enable this. An outline of a large flame shape may be lightly drawn in pencil to guide the placement of the smaller flames There should be tape/blu tack at the front to allow people to affix the flames into the shape of a larger flame.
P a g e 3 Notes on the music and suggestions for songs For most of the worship we offer a range of suggestions, including a variety from the Church Hymnary Fourth Edition, modern hymns and songs and short chants. There are a few songs which we strongly suggest and are integral to the liturgy, and there are tips for teaching these to your congregation. If none of the songs seem suitable there will be many others in CH4, the hymnbook you use or in other resources. Prelude If you have a choir this is an opportunity to sing some songs in other languages, incorporating the multilingual aspect of Pentecost. As people are gathering for a day of celebration, sing songs that are positive and warm. Fluye Espiritu Fluye - Puerto Rico: http://rockhay.tripod.com/worship/music/fluye.htm http://www.slideboom.com/presentations/18591/fluye,-espir%c3%adtu,-fluye---english Many and Great (WGRG) Wa wa wa emimimo - South Africa Gathering Song CH4 623 CH4 608 CH4 716 More Voices Gather us in Spirit of Truth and Grace Come and find the quiet centre Come and seek the ways of wisdom - Ruth Duck (tune Picardy) Heaven Shall Not Wait/One is the Body Gifts of the Spirit - John L. Bell The Spirit calls us by Shirley Erena Murray: http://www.hopepublishing.com/html/main.isx?sitesec=40.2.1.0&hymnid=5097 When two or more are gathered in your name - Sam Hargreaves: http://www.jubilate.co.uk/music_lyrics/music/two_or_more_are_gathered Jesus lead us to the Father - online link/singing the Faith - Sam Hargreaves http://www.resoundworship.org/song/jesus_lead_us_to_the_father All age: I Wonder...WHY? Welcome Everybody - Fischy Music
Chant during monologues CH4 779 Listen now for the Gospel (1 verse per monologue) We suggest Listen now as it reminds us we are listening to the Gospel, not just a drama, and encourages engagement with the Pentecost story while being fun and easy to sing. Sing unaccompanied or with a djembe/percussion. This is very effective in four part harmony either sung by the choir or built up in the congregation. A cantor of one or more people is required. For teaching the melody line, ask people to sing back alleluia, alleluia, keep them singing that line and add in the cantor line after a few repetitions. For teaching more than one part start the same way, but instead of adding the cantor next add the alto part, then the tenor, then the bass until all four parts are singing alleluia, alleluia, then add the cantor. For the verses explain they will be repeating exactly what the cantor sings, and then demonstrate with one verse, getting them to repeat the line after you. Other chant suggestions Taize Holy Spirit Come to Us Enemy of Apathy Come Holy Spirit, John L Bell Enemy of Apathy God the Spirit Comes to Stay, John L Bell (1 verse per monologue) During the Story CH4 189 Be Still for the Presence of the Lord This song is intended to be part of the spoken liturgy, as it is well known there should be no need for an alternative suggestion. If you have anyone who plays a musical instrument it would be very effective to use a small music group or even a solo instrument such as a cello or clarinet to accompany at least the first verse. Chant during Response Fan Into Flame See Fan into Flame sheet music and lyrics here Written for this liturgy, this has a very easy to sing melody so you can teach it by singing to la (without words) each phrase and asking people to repeat after you, then adding words. If people haven t quite got it a quick way to help is to ask them to hum the tune while you sing it through, this way they will hear any differences much more clearly. If using the four part harmony you could either ask the choir to sing this, or if you have time teach it to the whole congregation part by part as with the melody line. This song could also be sung as a part of the blessing or benediction.
P a g e 5 Song(s) and Offering These songs should be reflective and lyrically and musically allow people to reflect or continue in prayer. We suggest using a set of songs to allow this personal reflection as well as the movement from a very personal space into the communal and more lively edible liturgy. So the first and second songs could be very quiet and reflective and third build more musically and lyrically start to focus more communally and less personally. A format for a traditional church setting is to sing a congregational song, listen to a song during the offering and then sing another congregational song. If you have a choir they could sing the offering song, if you would still like music to listen to during the offering then you could play one of the songs as a CD or mp3 - many are available on itunes to download as a single track. CH4 97 CH4 489 CH4 501 CH4 590 CH4 593 CH4 596 CH4 619 CH4 626 Taize O God you search me and you know me Come down O Love Divine Take this moment Holy Spirit gift bestower Enemy of Apathy Breathe on me breath of God Spirit of the living God Holy Spirit truth divine Holy Spirit Come To Us Spring Harvest 08/09 Spring Harvest 08/09 More Voices Go Before Us Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord Chris Tomlin You Give Rest to the Weary (I will say) - Nathan & Lou Fellingham & Busbee Holy Spirit, come into our lives - Ken Canedo Take My Gifts - Bernadette Farrell and Shirley Erena Murray Holy Spirit, Keith Getty and Stuart Townend http://www.gettymusic.com/hymns.aspx?id=141 Speak, O Lord - Keith Getty and Stuart Townend http://gettymusic.com/hymns-speakolord.aspx Take my life and let it be - Chris Tomlin and Louis Giglio http://www.worshiptogether.com/songs/songdetail.aspx?iid=564494 Spirit Fall - Chris Tomlin http://www.worshiptogether.com/songs/songdetail.aspx?iid=1836124 Consuming Fire - Tim Hughes http://www.worshiptogether.com/songs/songdetail.aspx?iid=565634
Closing song This song should be celebratory and in its words encourage and send people to live in the Spirit. MP 664 CH4594 CH4607 CH4622 CH4 252 One is the Body One is the Body Songs of God s People The Spirit lives to set us free Come Holy Spirit Come The bright wind is blowing (alt. tune Laredo ) We sing a love As a fire is meant for burning God s Spirit is here, John L. Bell (alt. tune Immortal Invisible) We rejoice to be God s chosen, John L. Bell Colours of day Come Thou Fount - traditional hymn, tune Nettleton http://www.hymnary.org/text/come_thou_fount_of_every_blessing All age song: Build Up As we go now - Fischy Music Ideas for recessional songs or choir postludes Like with the prelude, songs in other languages and from other countries would be great here. Sing something with a celebratory feel. Here are just a few suggestions... Enemy of Apathy The Truth that Sets us Free We re gonna shine like the sun - John L. Bell Malembe (Democratic Republic of Congo) Every time I feel the Spirit (African American Spiritual)
P a g e 7 Welcome It is important to set the tone and prepare people for worship as you gather. As this is a celebration of Pentecost, offer a warm welcome and an explanation that as we gather on Pentecost, as the first Christians did, we will hear the story and through song, prayer and food reflect on and celebrate what this means for us today. If you are using any songs that are unknown this is the time to teach them. Someone with a clear voice who can learn the songs beforehand should teach. There are more specific notes on the previous page and in any of the Wild Goose Resource Group books on how to teach new songs at the beginning of worship. Always explain at the beginning and end of a song what it means if in a different language and give a little context if appropriate. It will also be helpful to let people know of aspects of worship that they are unused to, either generally or specifically, for example explaining about the use of sign language. This allows people who like to know what is going on to feel more at ease. A brief example of welcome is given in the leader s order of service. Gathering Song See suggestions above Gathering Prayer A possible congregational response is repeating the line in bold ( You have gathered us in ), and using the given sign language. Loving, welcoming God, You have gathered us in All here - together All here - each of us so different All here - equal All here - together You have gathered us in We have come to listen to the story of Your Spirit To learn with and from each other You have gathered us in We come with different stories celebrating that You give us rest and a place to share them We come with different joys celebrating that You are with us in our differences. We come with different burdens celebrating Your love and Your promise to provide. You have gathered us in Here on Pentecost To celebrate Your Spirit The coming of Your Spirit the promise that You bring You have gathered us in! Prepare us to listen in this space Through stillness, song, words, stories and prayer Prepare us to listen in this space You have gathered us in Amen
The Story This part of the liturgy follows the Bible narrative from the disciples viewpoint from after the Resurrection to the day of Pentecost as well as giving some historical context to Pentecost. Although it is not a straight Bible reading, everything is drawn from scripture, allowing us to engage with a large part of the story in a different way. The monologues should be read in a conversational way, as one person recounting events and thoughts to another. Remind readers to speak clearly and not to rush, leaving pauses for people to take in what is being said. The monologues could be read by one person or three different people. Leader: Listen for the story of Jesus Listen for the Gospel Chant: CH4 779 Listen now for the Gospel (verse 1) Reader 1: Monologue 1 I keep thinking about before he died, how he tried to tell us what was going to happen and how we were deaf to it. We were so afraid, and didn t know what to think when he told us we would be scattered, that his hour had come, as he liked to put it; and then when it did happen... [pause] But now I understand, now we understand: and now is that time when he said he ll speak plainly about the Father and the kingdom. How strange that the deepest pain I have felt could turn into the deepest joy. This Spirit he speaks of, if it is sent by him how could I be afraid? So for now, we ll wait. Wait with him, learn from him. Wait in joy. Chant: Listen now for the Gospel (verse 2) Reader 2: Monologue 2 It seemed like everything was coming together. We thought, this must be it: the time when he will restore the kingdom to Israel. But instead he spoke again of the Spirit, that with it, we would be witnesses to the ends of the earth. And then I still can t believe what I saw, him lifted up to the heavens.
P a g e 9 But I do believe in who he is. So we ll wait in Jerusalem, like he told us. Wait together. Wait in prayer. Chant: Listen now for the Gospel (verse 3) Reader 3: Monologue 3 We gathered, as all Jews do, to mark the festival of Shavuot, or Pentecost. We are meant to be remembering the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai and when the first fruits were harvested and brought to the Temple. All we can think about, though, is the future. It s been a week since he left and we re still here, in Jerusalem, like he ordered. Of course this time we believe that something s going to happen; that s what makes it so difficult to think about the past - the promise of the future feels close enough to touch. For now, though, we ll wait. Wait wherever we find ourselves. Wait in hope. Song: Be Still (verse 1) There should be no spoken introduction to the song, simply a musical introduction. It should be accompanied in a gentle way. Reader 4: Acts 2: 1-4 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. Song: Be Still (verses 2 and 3, Build the accompaniment, reflecting the words, to a full sound.)
Response Here we offer people a space to respond to the Gospel and the promise of the Spirit and through thought and prayer to reflect on their own lives and what they need and can ask the Spirit for. Through the lighting of candles or the forming of a f ire out of card, individual, personal prayers and desires are brought together, allowing both for a physical act of prayer and also a sense that these are the prayers not of that one person, but of a community with much to give. Leader: All: This is the Story of Jesus This is the Gospel Leader: In the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God and the Word was God and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. The Word was sent, Christ, the promised dawn, breaking through the darkness of death. Then the Spirit, sent to awaken the gifts of God in each of us and to nurture and guide all that is good within; tending her fruits of love, joy, peace and patience; breathing life into kindness, generosity, faithfulness and self-control. Through the Spirit, we can ask for and find guidance and understanding; realise the gifts of God resting in us; and when we don t know how to pray, the Spirit knows the depths of our hearts and expresses that which no words can. This is the story of Jesus, the story of the Spirit. This is the Gospel of God s deep love and care for each of us. [Be Still instrumental verse]
P a g e 11 Leader: In a moment you are invited to take some time to reflect on the gifts and skills, qualities and potential resting within you; prepared and placed by God. You might feel like in your life these are just glowing embers, holding so much promise, but needing the gentle breath of the Spirit to realise and encourage their potential. Or you might feel the spark and the flame within you and it is the Spirit s constancy and passion you need to sustain and inspire. Or maybe you feel like you are burning out, like there is nothing left to give and you need the Spirit s wisdom and care to kindle God s fire that will not consume. So you are invited, in a time of quiet prayer, to reflect; naming the gifts and potential gifted to you by God and asking the Spirit for what you need to develop and use them; to fan them into flame. Response Option 1: Lighting of Candles Here, people are invited to come to a place and light a candle in prayer for the gifts God has given them. During this time the chant fan into flame is sung. As you reflect you may wish you come forward and light a candle, bringing our prayers and gifts to God together in this place. We will begin and end this time by singing the chant Fan, fan into flame. So, what are the gifts and potential gifted to you by God and what do you need to ask the Spirit for to develop and use them; to fan them into flame. Let us pray, Chant: Fan into flame Fan, fan into flame the gift of God resting in you. Fan, fan into flame, faith to be bold, loving and true. Response Option 2: Creating the Fire Here, people are invited to collect a flame shaped card. This could be given to people as they arrive with their service sheet. If there are young people in the congregation then an alternative to the flame shaped card is to have people draw round their hands on flame coloured paper. People are invited to use the card to pray for the gifts that God has given them. People could write prayers about specific gifts, write single words such as guidance or draw pictures and/or symbols. The cards are collected and fashioned into a fire. During this time the chant fan into flame is sung. Leader: You have a flame shaped piece of card. As you reflect on and pray for the gifts that God has given you, you may wish to write a word or phrase, draw a picture or symbol that represents your thoughts and prayers. In doing this we will bring our prayers and gifts to God together in this place. These will be collected after a few minutes. We will begin and end this time by singing the chant Fan, fan into flame.
So, what are the gifts and potential gifted to you by God and what do you need to ask the Spirit for to develop and use them; to fan them into flame. Let us pray, Chant: Fan into Flame leading into this prayer Loving Spirit, your life giving breath can fan into flame even that which feels like ash within us and sustain the most blazing fire. We offer our deepest thanks. We bring you our hopes and dreams, our certainties and our uncertainties, believing that the fire you tend will be one of goodness for ourselves and the world. Amen.
P a g e 13 Song(s) and Offering This is a space for people to reflect or continue in prayer. We suggest using a set of songs to allow this personal reflection as well as the movement from a very personal place into the communal and more lively edible liturgy. A format for a traditional church setting is to sing a congregational song, listen to a song during the offering (either sung by a choir/solo or play a CD/mp3) and then sing another congregational song. Leader: As we continue to reflect and pray we will sing [song name and number]. After this our offering will be received as we listen to [song name]. Song/Offering with music Offering prayer Loving and generous God, the gifts you give, that rest within us, promise life: life for ourselves and for others. Forgive us when we think of the life you offer simply as one of duty; of endless, calculated days where we are left burnt out and exhausted. You came that we could have life in all its fullness; abundant life, where sparks fly, our souls are warmed by other s love hearts burn with passion but are not consumed. We offer back to you our gifts and passions, our money and time, our strengths and our weaknesses trusting in your love and goodness. We offer this money to the work of your church, opening ourselves to the spark, the vision of your Spirit. We pray not only for ourselves, but that in being and becoming all you have created us to be we can learn to love as you do. Amen Song See suggestion list Edible liturgy This could be done here, or after the service, in small groups or brought to people. See downloadable edible liturgy files for ideas.
Prayers of Intercession The prayer focusses on what the Spirit can offer in times of need and the hope that God brings. The issues prayed for can be adapted to suit current news stories and the needs of each congregation. A possible congregational response is saying the line in bold, and using the given sign language. If the leader of the prayer is confident they could also use sign language for Love, Faithfulness etc. Loving God, As the disciples gathered to celebrate and pray on Pentecost, we also unite in prayer for situations and people in your good world. We admit that often we feel helpless, hopeless, and don t know how or what to pray. Holy Spirit, help our hearts to be open to you trusting that you will intercede for us in sighs that words cannot express. We pray for families. Thank you for so many homes surrounded by loving people. We pray for those without families, for those without a home, for those whose family relationships are broken. In quiet, we pray for those who feel lost and alone. [Pause] May they know the Love of Your Spirit and the hope that You bring. We pray for those suffering with mental and physical illnesses. Thank you for people who care, support and listen. We pray for those who feel alone in illness, for healing and peace of mind. In quiet, we pray for all those who are living with illness. [Pause] May they know the Faithfulness of Your Spirit and the hope that You bring. We pray for victims of discrimination and bullying. Thank you for courageous people who stand up to injustice and prejudice. We pray for those who live in fear, for those who don t feel valued, for justice and grace. In quiet, we pray for all who experience hatred. [Pause] May they know the Kindness of Your Spirit and the hope that You bring. Cont
P a g e 15 We pray for places in our world that are living in war and violence. Thank you for people and organisations who work tirelessly for peace and those who risk their lives for others safety. We pray for people who live in fear of their own and their family s lives, for communities that have been ripped apart, where futures seem hopeless. In quiet, we pray for these people across our world. [Pause] May they know the Peace of Your Spirit and the hope that You bring. We pray for your children and each of their futures. Thank you for all those who encourage and care for young people. We pray for young people who have limited or no access to education and opportunities, for wisdom and passion in those who work with them, for environments, people and resources that will nurture and value their lives. In quiet, we pray for Your children in our country and across the world. [Pause] May they know the Joy of Your Spirit and the hope that You bring. We unite all these prayers together with people from around the world, joining in the words that Jesus taught us, saying... Our Father in heaven hallowed be your name your kingdom come your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us in the time of trail and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours. Now and forever, Amen.
Closing song Closing Prayer A possible congregational response is repeating the lines in bold ( You have gathered us in and Now you send us ), and using the given sign language. You have gathered us in And now you send us. Going - together Going - each of us different Going - as equals Going - together Now you send us. We have listened to the story of Your Spirit We have learnt with and from each other Now you send us. You have gathered us in Here on Pentecost Celebrating Your Spirit The coming of Your Spirit the promise that You bring, the Promise that You are with us as we go from this place. Now you send us Open us to kindle the fire of Your promise, Your love. You have gathered us in And now you send us. Amen
P a g e 17 Benediction May you go feeling the spark of the Creator within you kindling the Christ-light in all those you encounter and allowing the gentle breath of the Spirit to sustain and inspire you. OR Moving outside to continue in celebration At this point the celebrations can be continued outdoors. After the closing prayer the congregation could move together whilst singing a song such as The Spirit lives to set us free. Someone should lead the movement outside with the congregation following. This is a good opportunity to involve musical people in the congregation, particularly percussionists. Percussion is portable and keeps the singing going as people move outside. Depending on space and resources, the outdoor celebrations could be done in a variety of ways. This should be planned in advance and consideration should be given for safety and the environment. These celebrations can be simple or more adventurous. Some suggestions have been given below: 1) Singing outside After moving outside, everyone would gather in a group or a circle. If the service is taking place at night, people may wish to carry torches or candles. Singing would continue with the use of musical instruments or unaccompanied. If you have access to percussion, people can be invited to play. This would be aided by a strong lead percussionist able to keep the group going. Singing could continue for several songs and end with chant Fan into flame and the benediction. 2) Setting off Chinese lanterns If the service is taking place at night and there is sufficient outdoor space then Chinese lanterns could be released. This will require some leaders to be in charge of ensuring that the lanterns are released safely. This could be done whilst singing the chant Fan into flame. This would end with the benediction. 3) Fireworks If the service is taking place at night and there is sufficient outdoor space then fireworks could be released. This will require some leaders to be in charge of ensuring that the fireworks are released safely. Background music such as Consuming Fire by Tim Hughes could be played in the background. This would end with the benediction. 4) Bonfire As the congregation move outside they would gather round a small bonfire. This is a good way to involve people as the bonfire could be built up earlier in the week. The bonfire creates a good atmosphere for singing. Singing could be done in a similar way to suggestion 1. Alternatively people could gather round the bonfire with gentle music playing in the background or in silence. This time would end with the benediction. Benediction May you go feeling the spark of the Creator within you, kindling the Christ-light in all those you encounter and allowing the gentle breath of the Spirit to sustain and inspire you.