Introduction to the Pentecost Scriptures - Clover Sites



Pentecost Sunday A, May 31, 2020 Virtual Worship on Facebook Live led by Pastor Beverly AurandToday is May 31, Pentecost Sunday, one of the primary festivals of the church year. We celebrate it as the birthday of the church, when the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles, appearing as tongues of fire. Next Sunday Holy Trinity, and then we will move into the longest season of the church year, the Sundays after Pentecost. This season will continue until we begin Advent, the four Sundays prior to Christmas.Our service this morning is the Service of Holy Communion from the Evangelical Lutheran Worship book (ELW). Please put a small bowl with water in your worship area. We are celebrating the Lord’s Supper this morning, so I would invite you to place a cup of wine of grape juice and a plate with bread or crackers in front of you. You may also want to light a candle and place a cross in this area. Feel free to join along the parts of the service. We are starting on page 97, and then move to page 101. We have licensed permission to use this copyrighted material for worship.The announcements and prayer list for today will be included in the document that you will receive by email or snail mail. If you would like to be included on our email or snail mail list, please private message me from the church Facebook page and I will be happy to add you to it. Special AnnouncementsA special meeting of the Joint Church Council was held on Wednesday evening, May 27 to determine how to proceed with worship. We agreed that we will wait to gather for worship until June 21. Until then we will continue to have our virtual services on Facebook at both of the churchs’ Facebook pages and to monitor the number of Corona Virus cases to see if the numbers are are going up or down. If the number of cases is lower by June 20th , we will worship in the Fellowship Halls of both churches on June 21st : 9 am at Mt. Hermon and 11 am at Mt. Olivet with everyone wearing masks. On June 14, I am asking some members of Mt. Hermon to be at the fellowship hall by 9:30 am and for some members of Mt Olivet to be in that fellowship hall by 11 am. We will need to get the space prepared for worship and to walk and think through the changes that we will need to make for worship there and then at a later date, in the sanctuary. Ushers, communion assistants and those who set up the altar for communion are especially encouraged to attend. Updates will be provided if changes from this schedule need to be made. In addition, parish members will receive instructions of how worship will be conducted to keep everyone safe. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Beverly.A lot of folks around the country along with our parish family are watching the virtual worship on the church Facebook pages. We will continue to post worship services there, so that those who are unable to attend are able to worship with us.We will also continue to mail out worship packets to those without internet connections. Beginning on June 7, the worship packets will simplified to contain only the lessons, prayers, hymns and sermon, along with the prayer list and the announcements. The service order will be Service of the memorations this weekToday, May 31: Visit of Mary to ElizabethThis festival marks the occasion when Mary, pregnant with Jesus, visited her cousin Elizabeth who was herself pregnant with John. Elizabeth pronounced Mary "blessed among women," and Mary responded with the song called the Magnificat.Monday, June 1Justin, martyr at Rome, died around 165Born of pagan parents, Justin was influenced by an elderly Christian in Ephesus. He became a teacher of philosophy and the Christian faith. Jailed for practicing an unauthorized religion, he refused to renounce his faith and was beheaded.Wednesday, June 3The Martyrs of Uganda, died 1886On June 3, 1886, thirty-two young men were burned to death for refusing to renounce Christianity. The confident manner in which these Christians went to their deaths contributed to a much stronger Christian presence in Uganda.John XXIII, Bishop of Rome, died 1963When elected pope, the former Angelo Roncalli was expected to be a short-term caretaker. He showed great spirit, though, and convened the Second Vatican Council which helped bring great changes to Roman Catholic and other churches.Friday, June 5Boniface, Bishop of Mainz, missionary to Germany, martyr, died 754Boniface was a native of England who became a Benedictine monk and was called to missionary work among the Vandal tribes of Germany. With fellow workers, he established churches and schools, and he also worked to reform the church.Introduction to the Pentecost ScripturesPentecost derives its name from the Jewish festival celebrating the harvest and the giving of the law on Mount Sinai fifty days after Passover. Fifty days after Easter, we celebrate the Holy Spirit as God’s presence within and among us. In Acts the Spirit arrives in rushing wind and flame, bringing God’s presence to all people. Paul reminds us that though we each have different capacities, we are unified in the Spirit that equips us with these gifts. Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit on his disciples, empowering them to forgive sin. We celebrate that we too are given the breath of the Holy Spirit and sent out to proclaim God’s redeeming love to all the world.THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM?Let us give thanks for our baptism.Blessed be the holy Trinity,???one God,the fountain of living water, the rock who gave us birth, our light and our salvation.Joined to Christ in the waters of baptism,we are clothed with God's mercy and forgiveness.Let us give thanks for the gift of baptism.We give you thanks, O God, for in the beginning your Spirit moved over the watersand by your Word you created the world, calling forth life in which you took delight.Through the waters of the flood you delivered Noah and his family.Through the sea you led your people Israel from slavery into freedom.At the river your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Holy Spirit.By water and your Word you claim us as daughters and sons,making us heirs of your promise and servants of all.If you are by yourself, please mark the sign on the cross on your forehead by dipping a finger into the dish of water and then tracing a cross on your own forehead. If you are worshipping with others, please take turns marking the cross on each other’s face while you say, “Remember that you are a beloved child of God”We praise you for the gift of water that sustains life,and above all we praise you for the gift of new life in Jesus Christ.Shower us with your Spirit, and renew our lives with your forgiveness, grace, and love.To you be given honor and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.THE GATHERING SONG: Creator Spirit SBH 1241. Creator Spirit, by Whose aid The world’s foundations first were laid,Come, visit every pious mind; Come, pour Thy joys on human kind;From sin, and sorrow set us free; And make Thy temples worthy Thee.2. O, Source of uncreated Light, The Father’s promised Paraclete!Thrice holy Fount, thrice holy Fire, Our hearts with heav’nly love inspire;Come, and Thy sacred unction bring To sanctify us, while we sing!3. Plenteous of grace, descend from high, Rich in Thy sev’nfold energy!Thou strength of His almighty hand, Whose pow’r does Heav’n and earth command:Proceeding Spirit, our Defense, Who dost the gift of tongues dispense, And crown’st Thy gift with eloquence!4. Immortal honor, endless fame, Attend th’almighty Father’s Name:The Savior Son be glorified, Who for lost man’s redemption died:And equal adoration be, Eternal Paraclete, to Thee.GreetingMay the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you.PRAYER OF THE DAY?Let us pray.O God, on this day you open the hearts of your faithful people by sending into us your Holy Spirit. Direct us by the light of that Spirit, that we may have a right judgment in all things and rejoice at all times in your peace, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.FIRST READING:?Acts 2:1-21A reading from Acts, the 2nd chapter.Pentecost was a Jewish harvest festival that marked the fiftieth day after Passover. Luke portrays the Holy Spirit being poured out upon the disciples before the gathered and astonished people assembled in Jerusalem for the festival. Filled with the Spirit, the disciples were able to witness to the power of Christ’s resurrection.1When the day of Pentecost had come,?[the apostles]?were all together in one place.?2And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.?3Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them.?4All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.??5Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem.?6And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each.?7Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans??8And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language??9Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,?10Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,?11Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.”?12All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?”?13But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.”??14But 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.?15Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning.?16No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:?17‘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.?18Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy.?19And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist.?20The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day.?21Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’?”The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.PSALM:?Psalm 104:24-34, 35b?24How manifold are your?works, O?Lord! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full?of your creatures.?25Yonder is the sea, great and wide, with its swarms too many to number, living things both small and great.?26There go the ships?to and fro, and Leviathan, which you made for the?sport of it.?27All of them?look to you to give them their food?in due season.??28You give it to them; they?gather it; you open your hand, and they are filled?with good things.?29When you hide your face,?they are terrified; when you take away their breath, they die and return?to their dust.?30You send forth your Spirit, and they?are created; and so you renew the face?of the earth.?31May the glory of the?Lord?endure forever; O?Lord, rejoice in?all your works.??32You look at the earth?and it trembles; you touch the mountains?and they smoke.?33I will sing to the?Lord?as long?as I live; I will praise my God while I?have my being.?34May these words of?mine please God. I will rejoice?in the?Lord.?35bBless the?Lord,?O my soul. Hallelujah!?SECOND READING:?1 Corinthians 12:3b-13A reading from the 12th chapter of 1 Corinthians.Paul is helping the Corinthians understand the relationship between our God-given unity and Spirit-created diversity. The Spirit creates the unity of faith and gives all Christians diverse gifts for the common benefit of all. We need one another’s diverse spiritual gifts because the same Spirit has given them to each person for the common good.3bNo one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit.??4Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit;?5and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord;?6and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone.?7To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.?8To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit,?9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit,?10to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.?11All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.??12For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.?13For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.GOSPEL ACCLAMATION?Alleluia.?Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts?of your faithful, and kindle in us the fire?of your love.?Alleluia.GOSPEL:?John 20:19-23The holy gospel according to John, the 20th chapter.Glory to you, O Lord.The risen Jesus appears to his disciples, offering them a benediction, a commission, and the gift of the Holy Spirit.19When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”?20After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.?21Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”?22When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.?23If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.CHILDREN’S MESSAGEToday is a special day for our church. It is one of the red Sundays and if we were all together worshipping at Mt Hermon or Mt Olivet, or any other church, we would probably be wearing something red. Today is special because it is a birthday. It is Pentecost Sunday so it is the birthday of the church—not just for Mt Hermon or for Mt Olivet or any other single church. It is the birthday of Jesus’ church—the birthday for all churches who believe that Jesus is God’s Son. On Pentecost, Jesus’ special friends, the disciples, and many others were gathered to pray, when all of a sudden, little flames of fire—like you see when you light a candle—were over the heads of the disciples. Then they began to tell the story of who Jesus is, from his birth to his death and then his resurrection. The same stories we tell each week at church. But, they didn’t just tell it in one language—they told it in many, many languages. Now I speak English, and a little French, and I have learned and forgotten how to speak or read Hebrew and Greek. But these disciples hadn’t learned other languages besides Hebrew. But now all of a sudden they could speak many languages because God wanted all of the people who were listening to them to hear that God loved them very much. So God made it happen, and then all of the people who were in Jerusalem who heard them could go back to their own homes and share that special message of God’s love.God wants us to tell other people about who Jesus is and how much we are loved. So I would invite all of you children who are watching me to tell one of the people who are with you now a special message. Please tell them, “Jesus loves you and Jesus loves me.” Thank you so much for helping to share this important message.message - Rev. Dr. Beverly AurandAnother week, another story of violence, terrorism or intimidation. This past Monday, May 25 marks another family grieving for its son, George Floyd. Cities all over, including Columbia are rocking with demonstrations during the day and violence at night from people who are rightfully angry at the death of a man who happened to be black and was a suspect in passing a forged $20 bill. Crowds watched, horrified as his life was choked out by a police officer who happened to be white. The fatality was captured by many people on their cameras. Three other officers stood by as witnesses and did not intervene, did not point out the obvious that the man lying face down on the ground was already in handcuffs and was under the control of the arresting officer. This officer had his knee on the neck of George Floyd, choking off his airway. Floyd called out that he couldn’t breathe. We’ve heard this story before, of law enforcement officers holding an unarmed man in such a way that he stopped breathing and was later pronounced dead.And people are angry and afraid of what might happen to them, if they happen to fit the sketchy description of a suspect. Will they have a chance to verbally defend themselves, or will they be arrested or shot down or choked out? Law enforcement officers are the people who put their lives on the line every day that they show up to work. They are entrusted with the lives of those in their county, city or state. You and I need to know that if we call 911 in an emergency, someone we can trust based on the badge that they wear will show up and provide the assistance to keep us safe. And that is almost always happens. But law enforcement officers may be afraid when they respond, not knowing exactly what they will be walking into. If they perceive themselves to be in danger have they had enough training to be able to control the situation without lethal force? Will the suspect comply with orders to put their hands up, or to lie on the ground, especially if the identified suspect is not the person who committed a crime but was in the wrong place at the wrong time? Where is God in all of this? In the death of too many innocent men and women?Where was God in the death of the 32 martyrs in Uganda in_1886? Men who were put to death by burning them because they were Christian? Or the men and women around the world who have been tortured and killed for their faith from the early church on and still continues to this day. The death of the Ugandans, we are told, had a strong impact on the growth of the church there, as witnesses saw and heard that these 32 men refused to renounce their Christian faith. In this case, God worked from within the communities and faith grew. These martyrs, and many others held onto their faith in the face of death. Those with strong faith who are unwilling to turn against their religious beliefs in the face of anger and fear and threat can be a powerful witness to God. The Holy Spirit can give these men and women from all places around the world the strength to put their lives in God’s hands. They know that whatever happens to them in their earthly bodies will be healed by their Lord in their heavenly bodies. Today on Pentecost, we witness the amazing power of the Holy Spirit as it is poured out upon the disciples in Jerusalem. With the force of strong winds and tongues of fire, the Spirit fills these men and they begin to preach about who God is and what God has done in the person of Jesus the Christ. The city was crowded with Jewish visitors from surrounding countries whose only common language would have been Hebrew. They were there to celebrate the festival of the first wheat harvest and the celebrate the gift of the Law given to Moses on Mt. Sinai. Suddenly in their midst they heard the wind and saw the fire and heard the message the disciples spoke, not only in Hebrew but in their own languages. It was certainly dramatic and got their attention. Peter then called the crowd together and told them what they saw and heard was the fulfillment of the text from the prophet Joel. As they began to understand, they realized that the only way to be saved from all of the terrible things to happen at the end of time was to call on the Lord’s name. And so they did and thousands were baptized and the Christian church, powered by the Spirit, was born. The disciples were sent out to all corners of the known world to tell others the amazing story of God’s saving love shown in Christ that was available to everyone who called upon the name of the Lord. Before this, the disciples were hiding out in Jerusalem, fearful that the Jewish leaders who had Jesus put to death would come for them next. They kept to themselves and prayed, waiting and wondering what would happen when the Spirit came upon them as Jesus promised at his Ascension.When the Spirit did blow into them, they received the power that they needed to go out and tell everyone who Jesus was. They weren’t always met with outstretched arms and requests to be baptized. They ended up jailed and beaten and thrown out of the cities and towns.But the Spirit’s power to speak through them continued to grow. Continued to let listeners and witnesses know that death is not the end, that peace in Christ is possible, even for us here and now. City and state leaders are calling for peace in the cities that are fueled by fear and anger over George Floyd’s death. The power of the Spirit can work through these leaders to guide the process of investigating what happened. We hope and pray that just as it did with the Ugandan martyrs, it can happen that God will use the power of the Spirit to work good from the evil of the murders, the fires that have been set in the cities by those who are angry and fearful.Injustice needs to be challenged by justice and liberty for all people. Oppression needs to be overcome with freedom and laws that are fair for all people. It is not right for people of any culture to fear for their lives when they go about their daily routines, whether they are inside or outside of their own homes. It is not right for law enforcement to fear the people they have vowed to protect. It is not right for anyone to riot and burn and threatened the lives and livelihood of anyone. It was not right that George Floyd’s breath was cut off. We don’t know what happened prior to his arrest. He can no longer explain himself. The stories I’ve read about it so far are conflicting. But the violence has to stop. I’m not saying that he’s a martyr—that is for God to judge. But we know that he was a victim. We can judge that from what we have seen, his death was uncalled for and we can call for peace and justice. Our acting in violence does not honor his memory.God is in control and God can use us all to help to bring peace through the power of the Spirit. Look for where the Spirit blows you, where God calls you and see what it is that God asks of you to make this happen. Then call upon the Spirit for the strength and courage to be peacemakers and witnesses to God. AMENHYMN OF THE DAY- Open My EyesThis hymn is dedicated to the memory of Mrs. Ruth Russell, who served as the organist at Charles’ church in Pittsburgh for over 25 years. This was one of her favorite hymns.1.Open my eyes, that I may see Glimpses of truth thou hast for me;Place in my hands the wonderful key That shall unclasp and set me free.Silently now I wait for thee, Ready, my God, thy will to see.Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!2.Open my ears, that I may hear Voices of truth thou sendest clear;And while the wave notes fall on my ear, Everything false will disappear.Silently now I wait for thee, Ready, my God, thy will to see.Open my ears, illumine me, Spirit divine!3.Open my mouth, and let me bear Gladly the warm truth everywhere;Open my heart and let me prepare Love with thy children thus to share.Silently now I wait for thee, Ready, my God, thy will to see.Open my heart, illumine me, Spirit divine!Nicene CREEDLet us together as one body in Christ, proclaim our faith using the words of the Nicene Creed.We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father,God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made,of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made.For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven,was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary and became truly human.For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried.On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures;he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son,who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.PRAYERS OF INTERCESSIONUplifted by the promised hope of healing and resurrection, we join the people of God in all times and places in praying for the church, the world, and all who are in need.We call on your spirit of unity, giving thanks for our different vocations. Activate and utilize the diverse gifts present in your church, that they reveal your love for all. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.We call on your spirit of life, present in air, wind, humidity, storms, and oxygen in our atmosphere, breathing energy into all things. Heal with your breath the whole creation, especially those who struggle to breathe due to air pollution. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.We call on your spirit of righteousness. Wherever we as a people are divided, unite us. Wherever we are prideful, humble us. Give each one of us a heart for justice and empathy. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.We call on your spirit of healing. Bless nurses, doctors, midwives, chaplains, counselors, and hospice workers as they care for those in need. We pray for all who long for comfort (especially). Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.We call on your spirit of friendship. As Elizabeth welcomed Mary to her home, give us a spirit of welcome to those whom we meet in this congregation and outside these doors. Surprise us daily with unexpected grace, that we rejoice in every blessing you send. Lord, in your mercy,hear our prayer.We pray for our bishops Herman and Elizabeth and our companion synods of Colombia, Japan and Tanzania. We pray for our prayer partner today, The Rev Mark Buchan, pastor of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Columbia, SC. We pray as well for our parish partners in the Dutch Fork Cluster. May your Spirit be present and continue to guide all of their ministries. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. We pray for all who serve on the front lines of our communities who provide for us and protect us in this pandemic that they themselves be kept in safety. We pray for all who are afflicted and all who are recovering might receive your healing touch. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.Raise all your saints to eternal life. Until that day, we give you thanks for the faithful examples of those who have listened to your voice and now rest in you. We especially pray for those whom we commemorate this week, Mary and Elizabeth, Justin, martyr at Rome, The Martyrs of Uganda, Pope John the 23rd, and Boniface, Bishop of Mainz. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.We call on your spirit of hope. As you have led your saints in all times and places, stir in us the desire to follow their example, leading us from death to new life in you. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.With bold confidence in your love, almighty God, we place all for whom we pray into your eternal care; through Christ our Lord. Amen.PEACE?May the peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. Please share the gift of Christ’s peace with those you are worshiping with today, and if you are by yourself, please name out loud some of those people that you would like to give a measure of God’s peace.THE OFFERINGWe give back to God what the Lord has first given to us, our time, our resources and our talents, that God will continue to provide us what we need to live out the promise of our baptism. Let us also remember that as we are asked to stay at home or stay at work and are not worshipping in our churches at this time, the work of the church is ongoing and we have financial obligations to meet. I ask that those of you who are members of the Peak Springhill Parish continue to send your offerings in, either to Bob Ariail at Mt Hermon or to Linda Branham at Mt Olivet.Those of you who are active in other churches or communities are invited to send your contributions to your home church or to an organization that helps the members of your community or the wider world.Let us pray:Merciful God, our ordinary gifts seem small for such a celebration,but you make of them an abundance, just as you do with our lives.Feed us again at this table for service in your name, in the strength of the risen Christ.Amen.The Great ThanksgivingThe Lord be with you. And also with you.Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.In the night in which he was betrayed,our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks;broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:Take and eat; this is my body, given for you.Do this for the remembrance of me.Again, after supper, he took the cup,gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying:This cup is the new covenant in my blood,shed for you and for all peoplefor the forgiveness of sin.Do this for the remembrance of me.O God, you are Breath: send your Spirit on this meal.O God, you are Bread: feed us with yourself.O God, you are Wine: warm our hearts and make us one.O God, you are Fire: transform us with hope.O God most majestic, O God most motherly,O God our strength and our song,you show us a vision of a tree of lifewith fruits for all and leaves that heal the nations.Amen.LORD’S PRAYER?Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us;and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.Invitation to the tableCome to the banquet. Behold the risen Christ.Please take a piece of the bread/ cracker. This is the body of Christ, given for you. Now you may eat the bread/ cracker. If there are others with you, please share that bread/ cracker with the others, telling each person, This is the body of Christ, given for you. The reply is AmenNow pour out the wine or juice so that each person worshipping with you has a filled cup. As you hand out the cups, please say: This is the blood of Christ, shed for you. Now you may drink the wine/ juice. The reply is AmenPrayer after CommunionLet us pray: Life-giving God, you have fed us with your word, and our hearts burn within us. Through this meal you have opened us to your presence. Now send us forth to share the gifts of Easter with all in need; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.BLESSING?May the One who brought forth Jesus from the dead raise you to new life, fill you with hope, and turn your mourning into dancing.Almighty God, Father,???Son, and Holy Spirit,bless you now and forever.Amen.SENDING HYMN: Holy Spirit Truth Divine1. Holy Spirit, truth divine, dawn upon this soul of mine.Voice of God and inward light, wake my spirit, clear my sight.2. Holy Spirit, love divine, glow within this heart of mine.Kindle every high desire, purify me with your fire.3. Holy Spirit, power divine, fill and nerve this will of mine.Boldly may I always live, bravely serve, and gladly give.4. Holy Spirit, law divine, reign within this soul of mine.Be my law, and I shall be firmly bound, forever free.5. Holy Spirit, peace divine, still this restless heart of mine.Speak to calm this tossing sea, grant me your tranquility.6. Holy Spirit, joy divine, gladden now this heart of mine.In the desert ways I sing– spring, O Living Water, spring!DISMISSALChrist is risen, just as he said.Go in peace. Share the good news. Alleluia!Thanks be to God. Alleluia!Now our service is ended.Go in peace. Share the good news.Thanks be to God. Alleluia, AmenThank you for worshipping with us today, and please join us again next week for Holy Trinity Sunday.__________________________________________________________________From Sundays and . Copyright 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS004189. New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Portions reprinted under OneLicense #A-707858. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Bulletin Announcements for Pentecost A: May 31, 2020Mt. Hermon and Mt. Olivet will continue to use virtual worship for the foreseeable future.Depending on the number of Covid- 19 cases in June, we hope to be worshipping in our church starting on June 21, 2020. We will be flexible from that point on, depending on the cases in SC.LET US PRAY FOR ALL WHO ARE IN NEED OF GOD’S HEALING POWERS:Those in our Parish, especially:Albert AmickBetty AmickGlenn AmickLester AmickPeggy AmickPastor BeverlyRobin BartschPaul BatesBonnie BatesGene BolandEddie BoozerFrank BranhamLinda BranhamJack CanonHazel CaudleJudy ChastainLeon ChastainAlice EargleIrma EdwardsMarcia EllermanEvelyn FrickLonnie EllisorOla Mae EllisorFaye HaltiwangerSandra KrollMaggie MalikJesse OchoaMike PowersCalvin ShealyDon ShealyDot ShealyFrankie ShealyMonroe ShealyDr. Joe SmithJoe ZeiglerMargaret ZeiglerFamily and Friends in need of healing, especially: Judy Watson’s son, Rodney WatsonFaye Haltiwanger’s friend, Steve MeetzeKim Summer’s mother, Susie Gorsage Cluster Pastor, Pr John DerrickLinda Amick’s brother, Bubba MunnFACES friend, Betty WessingerLinda Amick’s friend, Bennie ReevesAnnie Laura Summer’s friend, Dawkins JasinskiLinda Amick’s friend, Nell BoozerAnnie Laura Summer’s sister, MaryLinda Amick’s friend, Krista HartleyMary Garrett’s sister, DorisAlbert Amick’s sister, Nellie Amick MorrisMary Garrett’s cousin, DouglasAlbert Amick’s sister, Jeannette Hipp AyersMaggie Malik & Eddie Boozer’s friend, Hank PadgetAlbert Amick’s niece, Jenny PowellGene Boland’s friend, Tommy BrownBetty Jo Amick’s cousin, Landon DerrickDavid Price’s sister, Jeannie GreshamMt. Olivet neighbor, Scarlet KasperbauerKristie Benton’s Sister-in-Law, Eileen GriffinWanda Edward’s mother, Betty MooreFrankie Shealy’s sister, Jolene HaiglerPr Beverly’s mother, Carol Robbins Shelia Goin’s grandson, DakotaGretchen Boland’s mother, Clara GencyRobert & Shirley’s friend, Don DicusLinda Branham’s mother, Georgia CannonLaura Rogers’ church, Hope Lutheran in Hampton, VA Gerald & Wanda Edwards’ nephews, Brett & Jacob RhoadFaye Haltiwanger’s dtr-in-law, Mary Anne Taylor-HaltiwangerTony Ard’s Aunt BarbaraMarcia Ellerman’s husband, Bill EllermanTony Ard’s brother, Buddy ArdDot & Don Shealy’s daughter, DanettePr Beverly’s friends with cancer, Marilyn Schroer, Nancy Warren, Elyse Thaler, Cathi Braasch, Sandy SmithOthers: Delois Oliver, Chris Powers, Lisa Rowland, Shirley Gossett, Baby Girl E, young boy SMembers and family who are shut-ins at Home and in Residential care facilities, especially:Faye Amick, Mt. Olivet (Lowman)Alice Eargle, Mt. Olivet (home)Betty Amick, Mt. Olivet- (Home)Dot Shealy, Mt. Olivet (Home)Robin Bartsch, Mt. Olivet (Home)Don Shealy, Mt. Olivet (National Care Home)Madge Bartsch, Irma Edward’s sister, Mt. O (Gen.)Mrs Frankie Shealy, Mt Olivet, (Home)Sylvia Drummond, Mt. Hermon (Brian Center)Mr. Monroe Shealy, (Mt. Oliver, (Home)Irma Edwards, Mt. Oivet (Lowman)Joe Zeigler, Mt. Olivet (home)Members & Family Members Serving in the military or law enforcement, especially:Brandon Blackman, Army (Marry Garrett’s grandson, Mt O) John Gorsage, Army (Kim Summer’s brother, Mt H) Devin Brewer, Marine, (Mary Garrett’s nephew, Mt O) Laine Dowdy, Marine (Mary Garrett’s grandson, Mt O)Joe Blackman, Police (Mary Garrett’s grandson, Mt O) Shane Kitchen, Law Enforcement (Mt. H) Safety for those in our parish who are traveling for business and pleasure. May God keep them safe.Confidence and patience for those who are studying at institutions of higher education: Joanna Dyches (USC), Brook Ellisor (Tech), Ashelyn Ariail (College of Charleston), Tred Dixon (Tri-County Tech, and then to Clemson), Georgia Summer (Anderson) and Shane Kitchen (Newberry College). Emily Sellers (University of WI) May they know God’s wisdom as they learn new information and skills.Congratulations to our graduates! Breanna Amick is graduating from Chapin High School. We ask God’s blessing upon her as she moves into the next phase of her life.Emily Sellers graduated Cum Laude with her BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from USC and this fall she is beginning a 5 year PhD program of Environmental Chemistry and Technology at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. She is already in Madison for a research project this summer. She’d love to hear from her church family. You can reach her at: Emily Sellers8460 Market StMiddleton, WI 53562Several people have asked for Shelia Goin’s address. It is; Shelia Goins2038 Asheville HwyGreeneville TN 37743All those who are hungry, and all those who help provide nourishing meals for them, especially for the work of We Care, and for the volunteers who help to provide and serve healthy meals at Finlay Park every Sunday. May they know compassion and be fed.Those suffering from loss: The families and friends of those killed in our country and around the world from violence including those wounded and the families of those who died; those experiencing terrorism, war, illness, neglect, abuse, hunger, homelessness, disasters and oppression; those who are victims of hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes flooding, drought, famine as well other major storms and natural disasters in so many parts of the world, for refugees seeking shelter and a homeland; for all those who have lost their jobs and are searching for employment. May they be comforted by God’s healing presence.Those who were hospitalized/in rehab, and all who have had surgical procedures: Don Shealy is at National Health Care; Mrs. Irma Edwards was hospitalized briefly this past week and is now back at Lowman. May they be strengthened and made whole through Gods care.For those who are suffering from covid 19, those who are in quarantine, those medical personnel who care for them. For all those whose plans are interrupted by the pandemic; for those who are in positions of leadership throughout the world that the plans made to prevent treat it and keep as many as possible safe from getting it, that they might be filled with your wisdom and compassion. May God guard and guide them and when it is time, may God receive them home.For those impacted by covid 19, those now working at home, for those unexpectedly home schooling their children, trying to work at home with small children, for those in nursing care facilities and their families who are unable to be with them in person, for those who are following stay at home guidelines who are lonely, for all who have lost jobs and paychecks from employers who have had to cut staff, close the business and more. For those who work in medical facilities, those who work in law enforcement, those who deliver supplies and mail, those who work in grocery stores. May God give them hope and patience.Those who are grieving. The Family of Shelia Goins on her husband Dexter’s death on May 11 at their home in TN. He was buried on May 14. The Family of Mildred Meetze Ganus, aunt to Jerry Derrick and Vicki Wheatley, who died on May 15 and was buried in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery on May 24. May they know God’s promise of the resurrection to life eternal for their loved ones.We are including prayer partners in our Prayers of the Church each week. We are praying for the pastors and parishes in the SC Synod. We send a letter to that person after the service. During this time as we are having virtual worship Pastor Beverly is signing it on behalf of the parish. We send it to the person let them know that we are holding them in prayer this week. Today we are praying for the Congregation of Christ the King Church in Greenville. May they all be filled by the Holy Spirit as they share the message of God’s grace.For all those for whom we pray we ask your mercy and grace, Almighty God. AMENIf you would like to add someone to the prayer list, or would like to take someone off of it, please let Pastor Beverly know by sending an email, text message or by writing it down and handing it to her. Please send any announcements for the bulletin for either church to Pastor Beverly.GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTSBack and Front Porch Visits: Please let Pr Beverly know if you would like her to visit with you outdoors, and bring communion. She will be wearing a mask during the visit, and we would maintain social distancing on your front or back porch, or in your yard.LARGE PRINT BULLETINS: We can provide a large print version of the worship bulletin for anyone who would prefer to use one. Please let Pastor Beverly know if that would be helpful for you, and we will print them out when we are worshipping together at the churches again.Please remember We Care, our area food bank especially during the covid 19 pandemic. The need is great with children out of school. Normally families at risk of food insecurity qualify for breakfast, lunch and possibly a snack at school, which helps the home food budget stretch farther. Let’s make a point of filling the pantry!! Both churches are encouraged to drop off donations in the breezeway of Mt Olivet where they will be picked up and delivered. Please contribute packaged and canned foods as well as cleaning supplies and baby food, diapers and wipes. You may mail a check to Bob Ariail at Mt Hermon or to Linda Branham at Mt Olivet. Please make the check out to Mt Olivet or Mt. Hermon, with a notation on the memo line: We Care. DELAYED: The People’s Picnic always needs donations of paper plates, plastic cups, plastic forks, aluminum foil and grocery bags. Please put your donations in the breezeway at Mt. Olivet, in a bag or box marked for the Peoples’ Picnic. They will be brought to Finlay Park the next time we are scheduled to be there. DELAYED: The Spring Yard Sale is coming—but it will likely be a Fall Yard Sale. You are encouraged to start leaving items in the breezeway of Mt. Olivet’s Fellowship Hall. We will collect your items and we will let you know the new date.CANCELLED: The SC Synod WELCA Assembly will not meet this summer and instead will wait until the summer of 2021.Rescheduled- Relay for Life raises funds for the American Cancer Society for cancer research with the goal of finding a cure for cancer. The Relay, is now scheduled for Sunday afternoon & evening on Sunday September 27 from late afternoon until about 9 pm at Lexington High School, probably with one or two other Relay for Life Units. We need to concentrate on raising funds, so please purchase tee shirts and luminaria, or make contributions. Ask Betty Jo or Albert Amick for more information.Rescheduled- the SC SYNOD ASSEMBLY will now be meeting on Saturday July 25 at St. Stephens in Lexington. Everyone will need to re-register. The main purpose of this assembly will be to elect a new bishop as Bp Yoos is retiring. I don’t believe that the facility will be able to hold all of the rostered leaders and the lay delegates, so I will not be attending, and I am recommending that we do not send any delegates at this time.The HUB and parish VBS have been cancelled following a recommendation by the CDC. If you are sick, please stay home. If you are need of a hot meal, or groceries, toilet paper or paper towels, please contact a neighbor or Pastor Beverly and one of us will drop them off at your front door. Please call Pastor Beverly if you or another member of the parish is sick, moves into a rehab, assisted living or nursing care, is hospitalized, or having surgery. She will add them to our prayer list and she can visit by phone.CHURCH CALENDAR 2020Scheduled activities through June 20 are CANCELLED.Watch for updates as we hope to be back in our churches on June 21 for worship.Please join us for worship online through Facebook LiveJoin us for virtual worship online. Go to either church’s Facebook page.Mt. Hermon Lutheran Church in Peak, SCMt. Olivet Lutheran Church in Spring Hill, SC. ................
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