Join us for Pentecost at 915am (in-person only – no live stream available)
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“We’ve Got the Spirit”
Thank you for worshiping online with us. We are so glad that you are spending part of your day with us!
Order of Service
Worship Service Participants
- Rev. Scott Siefert
- Organist: Penny Rolf
- Choir: YOU!
Ringing of the Church Bell
Announcements
Greeting
One: In the last days, says God, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters shall prophecy. Your young people shall see visions, and your old people shall dream dreams. People of God, we have been baptized into one Spirit and one body through Jesus Christ. Let us worship God with joy.
Call to Worship
One: The Spirit descends like a dove, bringing peace to unite the world in a just and caring community.
All: The Spirit comes like a breath, bringing life to renew the people of God.
One: The Spirit spreads like a fire, bringing energy for witnessing to the love of God.
All: Spirit of the living God, come to us and transform our lives by your power.
One: Jesus said, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
*Opening Hymn: A Cappella Hymn Sing – Congregation’s Choice
Prayer of Invocation
One: We thank you, compassionate God, that you sent your Spirit to encourage those whom Jesus left behind that they might not be alone. Through the comfort of your presence, you empowered them to witness your love. Today we seek the encouragement of your presence. Do not leave us alone, O God.
All: Send your Spirit to us that we may worship and serve you with joy. Through Jesus our crucified and risen Savior. AMEN.
Prayer of Confession
One: Jesus said: You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, but we fear the Spirit’s power. Let us confess our slowness to embrace the new life of the Spirit. We admit to you, God of our life, that our celebration of the coming of your Spirit is often an empty ritual. Through the Spirit you offer us life, but we cling to the ways of death. Through the Spirit you offer us freedom, but we cling to our chains. Through the Spirit you offer us unity, but we continue building walls between ourselves and others. Through the Spirit you offer us power, but we shrink away in fear and doubt.
All: Forgive us, O God, that we refuse the gifts you offer. Allow us to touch the risen Christ that our doubt may be overcome. Let us sing and dance with joy, truly celebrating your presence. Let us move with courage into the world with the word of Your love. We pray in the powerful name of Jesus. AMEN.
–Time of Silent Confession-
Assurance of Grace
One: People of God, leap up, dance! The Spirit is here in healing power. Your sins are forgiven. Rise up in the new life of the Spirit. AMEN.
Scripture Readings
Acts 2:1-21 and John 7:37-39
Pastoral Meditation “Tongues on Fire”
Hymn of Response: A Cappella Hymn Sing – Congregation’s Choice
Prayers and Concerns
Joys – Concerns – Blessings
Please share any special concerns, joys, and blessings.
Silent Prayer – Pastoral Prayer – Lord’s Prayer
ALL: 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. AMEN.
Collection and Presentation of the Offering
Invitation to the Offering
One: At the birth of the church, all that believed were together and had all things in common. The work of the Holy Spirit flows like living water from the hearts of believers. Shall our confidence in the mission and life of our congregation and the wider church also overflow freely with the generosity of the faithful? May each of us give without measure so that we, together, may be a vessel of good news to the world.
*Hymn: “Praise God from Whom All Blessing Flow” (The Hymnal #551)
*Prayer of Dedication
All: Heavenly God, we come to You with our gifts. May they support the ministry of our congregation as well as the larger Body of Christ. Give us the gifts of discernment for the widest possible use of these resources which we dedicate to You today. Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto You. AMEN.
Closing and Blessing
*Closing Hymn: A Cappella Hymn Sing – Congregation’s Choice
Benediction and Blessing
Ringing of the Church Bell
Upcoming Events & Announcements
- Thursdays – Bible Fellowship – 6pm – Fellowship Hall and ZOOM
- TODAY – Coffee & Fellowship hosted by Pastor Scott
- May 29th – Memorial Day Cemetery service – 820am
- Jun 4th – Consistory Team meeting following Worship
- Jun 5th – Faith And Service Team meeting on Zoom – 6pm
- Jun 7th – Bongards Farmers Market Opening Day – 3pm to 6pm
- Jun 9th-10th – MN UCC Conference – Delegates wanted!
- Jun 12th – Women’s Guild Meeting – 6pm – Fellowship Hall
- Jun 18th – Father’s Day – 915am
- Jun 18th – Worship & Gather Team Meeting following Worship
- Jul 2nd – Vacation Sunday – No worship service
- July 30th – UCC Community Worship in the ‘Son’shine outdoor service and potluck picnic – 1030am – Baylor Park
- Aug 6th – St. John’s Got Talent – 915am followed by Ice Cream Social
- Aug 27th – Worship at Stiftungsfest – 9am – Under the Big Tent
Fruit of the Spirit. May focuses on Christian Education and Literary with donations to benefit St. John’s Summer Literacy Library at the Farmers Market. A special collection vessel is at the entrance of the sanctuary.
God uses everyone’s talents. Check out this month’s Team Up flier for ways to share your time and talents to inspire and uplift our community.
Live Streaming. We want to train others on live-streaming and recording services. If you can make a post on Facebook from your computer, you can do this. Contact Michelle Bachmann if you’re interested.
Looking for a church community? If you have been led to St. John’s looking to be more than a visitor, we welcome you openly and would love an opportunity to chat. Contact Pastor Scott at 804-350-0826 or email pastorsjuccbongards@gmail.com.
The Word To Go: Find Sunday morning worship services on our Facebook Page, St. John’s UCC of Bongards. Worship will also be live-streamed on Facebook, when available.
Bongards Buzz: Submit items for the newsletter by the 1st of each month to Michelle Bachmann or sjuccbongards@gmail.com. Catch up online with the Buzz here.
For Pastoral Care. Please contact Pastor Scott at 804-350-0826 or email pastorsjuccbongards@gmail.com.
We’ve partnered with easyTithe so you can use your bank account for a direct ACH, debit card, or a credit card to make a secure one time or reoccurring gift.
St. John's United Church of Christ 
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