Sunday service for 28 May 2023, Pentecost

Sunday 28 May 2023, Pentecost
Gourock St. John’s Church of Scotland
Service prepared by Rev. Teri Peterson
Manse: 632143 
Email: tpeterson (at) churchofscotland.org.uk

Prelude Music

Welcome and Announcements

Call to Worship: 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.

Teri: God reaches out to bring people in:
1: Spirit-wind blowing in a way we can’t miss,
2: Spirit-flames revealing God’s word to each and every one,
3: Spirit-gifts connecting with our reality to make something new.
Teri: God empowers and expects us to join in reaching out:
1: giving gifts of communicating across barriers,
2: giving gifts of proclaiming good news,
3: giving gifts of creating community out of chaos.
All: The Spirit of God is here, calling us in and sending us out.

Sanctuary Hymn 622: We Sing a Love (words: June Boyce-Tillman; tune: Woodlands)

We sing a love that sets all people free,
that blows like wind, that burns like scorching flame,
enfolds like earth, springs up like water clear:
come, living love, live in our hearts today.

We sing a love that seeks another’s good,
that longs to serve and not to count the cost,
a love that, yielding, finds itself made new:
come, caring love, live in our hearts today.

We sing a love, unflinching, unafraid
to be itself, despite another’s wrath,
a love that stands alone and undismayed:
come, strengthening love, live in our hearts today.

We sing a love that, wandering, will not rest
until it finds its way, its home, its source,
through joy and sadness pressing on refreshed:
come, pilgrim love, live in our hearts today.

We sing a burning, fiery, Holy Ghost
that seeks out scars of ancient bitterness,
transfiguring these, as Christ in every heart:
come, joyful love, live in our hearts today.

Prayer
You call us to remember who we are, O God —
to live as the people you created us to be,
and so to reveal your image in the midst of the world.
You send your Spirit to fill us with your breath,
to lead and guide us into our place in your family,
that all creation may revel in your glory.
We confess that we too often follow other powers instead,
for they pretend to be good for us,
they claim to be ultimate,
they seduce us with their promises.
We admit that we allow those voices to keep us in our small fearful places,
unwilling to take up your call to go speak to those we think of as different.
We admit that we fall into the trap of believing the worst moment is the end,
forgetting that because you raised Jesus, the worst thing is never the last thing.
We admit that we do not always live by your family values,
substituting our own instead.
Forgive us, loving God.
As you promised to be not only with us but for us,
we pray you would conform us ever more to your image,
even today,
that we may live from the truth of your love
that cannot be contained in words or traditions or institutions,
that cannot be thwarted by our weakness,
that cannot be separated from your people and your creation.
Come, Holy Spirit!
Show yourself,
draw us ever more into your truth,
and push us out into your world to reveal your will.
Make us your people by water and word and Spirit,
breathe your life into your Body
and kindle the flame of love that spreads beyond our control.
May we who belong to you follow your Spirit
out into this world you so love.
We ask in the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.

Song: Wa Wa Wa Emimimo (Come Holy Spirit)

Experiencing Pentecost
(Song for when it’s time to move: wa wa wa emimimo)
Three circles of chairs we move between, 7 minutes per station:

1. Learning some phrases in other languages (Sandra and Teri)
   
God is good
   God is love
   
Christ is alive
   
thank you
   peace be with you
2. Writing prayers together as a group, to be used later in the service (Jeanette Peel)
      names/descriptions of God, how we address God (Holy God, Gracious and merciful, etc)
      We thank you for __________
      We ask your help for __________
      We pray for your Church, that _________
3. Studying Romans 8 (Graham Gardiner)

14For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ 16it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God.

26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. 27And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

35Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36As it is written,
‘For your sake we are being killed all day long;
   we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.’ 
37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8 study questions:
1. Verse 14 says “all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God” — meaning that who or what we follow reveals who we belong to, what family we are part of. Can you think of some other things we might be led by (ie a spirit of greed, selfishness, tradition, etc) and what that would reveal about who we belong to (ie children of capitalism/captives of the past/etc)?
2. What does it mean to you to be led by the Spirit? How do you know when you are being led by the Spirit?
3. Verse 15 says we have received a spirit of adoption — that God is expanding God’s family by choosing to bring more people in and give them God’s own name and family life. And so God’s Spirit helps us and teaches us how to be a part of the family. Having been adopted into God’s family, we are always learning the family values. What do you think are the family values we, who are adopted by God, are supposed to live by and demonstrate to the world?
4. Verse 28 says “all things work together for good…” — does that make sense to you? How have you experienced God making things work together for good even when it didn’t seem very good at the time? (Note: we often only see this when we look back!) Does knowing that “the worst thing is never the last thing” or “the bad news never has the last word” help you or is it not helpful?
5. The end of this passage says that there is nothing in all creation that can separate us from God’s love. Have you ever felt like something has come between you and God? Have you experienced God’s love reaching out across that barrier?

Song: Wa Wa Wa Emimimo

Offering

Offering Response: Hymn 352 verse 1
O for a thousand tongues, to sing
my great Redeemer’s praise,
the glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of his grace!

Invitation to the Table
The end of that Romans passage you all studied a wee bit is very famous, a reminder that there is nothing in the whole created world that can come between us and God’s love for us. Love is the ultimate reality, and Paul says that even in the midst of really difficult things happening to us or around us, even when it feels like too much of a gap between the world as it is and the world as God wants it to be, we should reorienting ourselves to the ultimate reality of Love, because that is the only way to persevere. We need the big picture, to recognise that only God is Ultimate, The One, the Truth…and in the biggest possible picture, bigger than we can see, all those other powers and troubles are nothing in the face of God and God’s love. In Jewish tradition the phrase they use is “Ein Od” — there is nothing else.
At this table, we are reminded: there is nothing else but God’s love.
At this table, we are filled with the truth: there is nothing else but God’s love.
At this table, where there is room for everyone and God is constantly expanding the family, we see: there is nothing else but God’s love.
At this table, whatever our background, whatever our troubles, whatever our uncertainties, we can be fed with the reality bigger than all realities: there is nothing else but God’s love.
At this table, Christ is the host, God feeds us, and the Spirit opens our eyes to see the kingdom of God come on earth as it is in heaven, for Ein Od — there is nothing else.
And there is certainly nothing in the whole created universe that can keep you separated from God’s love made known in Christ, who is revealed among us at this table. Whatever else we may think or think we know, this is God’s gift to us: there is nothing else but love.

Communion Hymn 655: For Your Generous Providing (words: Leith Fisher; tune: Holy Manna)
For your generous providing
which sustain us all our days,
for your Spirit here residing,
we proclaim our heartfelt praise.
Through the depths of joy and sorrow,
though the road be smooth or rough,
fearless, we can face tomorrow
for your grace will be enough.

Hush our world’s seductive noises
tempting us to stand alone;
save us from the siren voices
calling us to trust our own.
For those snared by earthly treasure,
lured by false security,
Jesus, true and only measure,
spring the trap to set folk free.

Round your table, through your giving,
show us how to live and pray
till your kingdom’s way of living
is the bread we share each day:
bread for us and for our neighbour,
bread for body, mind, and soul,
bread of heaven and human labour –
broken bread that makes us whole.
Prayer at the Table
(during the sanctuary service, this prayer will be replaced with prayers we’ve written at one of the stations)

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, ruler of the universe,
for You work all things toward your good,
and we marvel at your power.
You extend yourself out into the world,
and we give thanks as your Spirit reaches even us.
You are Alpha and Omega, the ultimate and complete biggest picture,
and we praise your love that creates family, confounding our small boxes.
You are Creator, calling your creation good,
and we stand in awe of your calling to us to be stewards of your gift.

We hear your creation groaning and your Spirit sighing,
and we pray for not only hearts that care but wills strong enough to take up the task,
to live in the vision you reveal.
Remind us who we are created to be,
and strengthen us to step up and act as restorers of the breach,
that all your world may rest in your blessing.
Our spirits join your Holy Spirit in sighs too deep for words
when we see your world in pain.
You have made us family and called us to care,
and so we weep this day with those who weep in ______,
and we rejoice this day with those who rejoice in ________.

We pray for healing this day for those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit,
and we give thanks this day for those whose prayers have been answered
in your time, your wisdom, and your way.

We remember those in the midst of heartache, grief, or pain,
and we offer our comfort along with yours,
praying that you would reveal your goodness in the land of the living.

We remember those caught up by the powers of this world,
unable to see the new thing you are bringing to birth,
and we offer our hope alongside yours,
praying all your children might have courage to follow you.

Help us in our weakness, Loving Spirit.
Blow through our hearts and move us out of our own way, and yours.
In the quiet beyond our inadequate language,
in the simplicity of bread broken and wine shared,
show us a new perspective,
bring us into your mystery,
and give us a glimpse of your glory,
that we may be inspired to push on into your kingdom come on earth as in heaven.
As we come to your table,
may these common things, and we common people,
be set aside for your sacred purpose, your holy mystery,
made one with you and with one another,
filled to overflowing with your love,
for there is nothing else.
We ask in the name of our living Lord, Jesus the Christ,
host at this and every table, who taught us to pray together:
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.
Forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.

Communion of the People

Affirmation After Communion (from General Assembly worship 25 May 2023)
One: Wherever we wander, whenever we stumble, when the hill ahead is too steep or the valley has laid us low, God holds us, beloved.
All: For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but God’s steadfast love shall not depart from us.
One: When the path is precarious and the crossroads fill us with foreboding and an unsettling fear, God holds us, beloved.
All: For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but God’s steadfast love shall not depart from us.
One: And when we don’t even notice because the sun is shining and the sky is bright and “God’s in heaven and all’s right with our world’, God holds us, beloved.
All: For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but God’s steadfast love shall not depart from us.
One: God’s steadfast love shall not depart from us …
All: And we shall not depart from it.

Hymn: Send Us Out (Resound Worship) (praise band)

Send us out in the power of your Spirit,

to shine your light in the way we live.

Send us out in the power of your Spirit,

as we’ve received, may we freely give.

Send us out,
send us out,
send us out for your glory.
Let all we do
be praise to you;
send us out for your glory

Send us out in the power of your Spirit

to show your love everywhere we go.

Send us out in the power of your Spirit,

Lord, fill us up so we overflow.

Send us out,
send us out,
send us out for your glory.
Let all we do
be praise to you;
send us out for your glory

We’re laying down our lives,

a living sacrifice,

we’re living for your glory and your praise.

We’re taking up our cross, 

we’ve counted up the cost,

we’re living for your glory and your praise.

Send us out,
send us out,
send us out for your glory.
Let all we do
be praise to you;
send us out for your glory
 

Benediction
Nothing in the universe, not even in life or death, can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus — and so there is nothing to stop you from living by the Holy Spirit, here and now. Trusting in God’s ultimate reality, go to be a blessing to community and creation, in Christ’s name. And as you go, may the Spirit of God go above you to watch over you. May the Spirit of God go beside you to be your companion. May the Spirit of God go before you to show you the way, and behind you to push you into places you might not go alone. And may the Spirit of God go within you, to remind you that you are loved more deeply than you can possibly imagine. May the fire of God’s love burn brightly in you, and through you into the world. Amen.

Sung Benediction Response (John L Bell, tune Gourock St John’s)
Now may the Lord of all be blessed,
Now may Christ’s gospel be confessed,
Now may the Spirit when we meet
Bless sanctuary and street.

Postlude Music

Announcements

* The Spring 2023 Church Notes are now available, click here! Many thanks to Notes editor, elder Seonaid Knox!

* We worship in the sanctuary on Sundays at 11am, and all Sunday worship is also online (or on the phone at 01475 270037, or in print). If you are able, please enter by the front door in Bath street, and only those who need step-free access should use the back door. If you feel unwell, please worship online, to protect both yourself and others in our community.

* Did you know that the ministry we do at St John’s costs about £2700 per week? Everything we do is funded by your generous giving — all our support for young people, older people, bereavement care, community outreach, worship, study, spiritual growth, and community work is because of your offering. If you would like to set up a standing order in order to facilitate your spiritual discipline of giving, or if you would like to make an extra gift to support the ministry St. John’s does in our parish, you can give online by clicking here. If you would like to set up a standing order, please contact Teri and she can give you the treasurer’s details. You can also send your envelopes to the church or the manse by post and we will ensure they are received. 

*Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Youtube, and to sign up for our email devotions! Midweek you can watch Wine and the Word on Youtube, pray with video devotions on Facebook, and consider a new angle on something with a devotional email. Feel free to share with your friends, too!

* Teri is off from Monday 29th May to Monday 5th June. If you have a pastoral need, please contact your elder or Cameron. Thank you.

* Next Sunday 4 June is Trinity Sunday. Our Sanctuary service will be a service of Trinity Readings and Hymns (like Trinity “Lessons and Carols”!). There will be no online service next Sunday.

* The next Bowl & Blether here in St John’s is Monday the 5th of June, and the next Bowl & Blether in St Margaret’s is Saturday the 10th of June. Doors open at 11:30 and soup is served from noon.

* Wednesday Evening Bible Study DOES NOT MEET this Wednesday, we resume meeting in the manse on 7 June at 7:30pm. All are welcome as we finish our Bible-in-a-year…in 18 months! Once we finish on 21 June the group will decide what to study in more depth.

* Young Adult Bible Study DOES NOT MEET tonight, but normally meets in the manse on the 2nd and 4th Sundays at 7pm for a meal and discussion of the gospel according to John. Everyone in their 20s is welcome!

* Da Capo Alba, a guitar & mandolin orchestra, will present the concert “a night at the movies” at Westburn Parish Church on Saturday 10 June at 7pm. Mandolins, mandolas, classical guitars & bass create a unique sound. Tickets are £10 at the door, and doors open at 6:30pm.

* During the sanctuary service on Sunday 11 June we will hear from Lorna Veal about her recent month spent volunteering in Ghana — she’ll be speaking during the sermon time in worship and will be available after the service to tell more stories as well. And of course there will be pictures!

* The Kirk Session meets on the 15th of June at 7:30pm in the sanctuary.

* Clyde Presbytery will meet on Tuesday 20 June when we expect that the Presbytery Mission Plan to be finally approved so we can move into the implementation phase, which includes pursuing St John’s vision of becoming even more of a community church. If you have questions about that, please feel free to ask Teri!

* A funeral service for Jim Hay will be held on Wednesday 21 June at 12 noon at the crematorium.

* Organist Philip Norris will play a recital in the St John’s sanctuary on Friday 23 June at 7pm. Donations at the door will be for both the church and Starter Packs.

* 2023 marks the 125th anniversary of the 2nd Gourock Boys’ Brigade. Our anniversary Grand Charity Ball will be Saturday 9th September 6.00 for 6.30pm in Greenock Town Hall. Tickets priced £50 or £500 for a table of 10 are available now from BB leaders. The benefitting Charities have been selected and will be announced shortly. We are delighted to announce that every penny raised from ticket sales and our charity auction on the evening will go directly to our chosen charities. This event is open to all so please spread the word, book your table, put the date in your diary and look forward to what we are sure will be a Second To None evening of enjoyment and celebration.

* Free period products are available in the church toilets for anyone who might need them, thanks to Hey Girls and Inverclyde Council.