Opening Responses | ||
Reader |
In the beginning, earth was a formless
void |
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ALL |
COME HOLY SPIRIT, |
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Reader |
Jesus said, When the Spirit of truth
comes, |
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ALL |
COME HOLY SPIRIT, |
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Reader |
God said, I have put my spirit upon my
chosen one: |
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ALL |
COME HOLY SPIRIT, |
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Scripture Reading - from Acts 2: 14-42 | ||
Music response | ||
Reflection - suggested outline: | ||
We have come together on this Feast of Pentecost an unusual day to gather for a service expressing penitence and sorrow. This is the culmination of the Easter Season fifty days in which we have celebrated the Resurrection but the reality is that many people are still on Calvary still suffering still crucified by things that happened to them unable to live life to the fullness God desires for them the fullness promised by Jesus. When Peter addressed the crowd on the first Pentecost, he was not speaking to the people who had condemned Jesus or who had taken part in his torture or death. And yet, Luke tells us that they were cut to the heart and asked what they should do. Almost all of us would have had nothing to do with the abuse of children young people or other vulnerable people Nor would we have taken part in covering up abuse that we knew about. But we are cut to the heart and wonder what we can do. We cannot do what most of us would wish to do and put the clock back so that the abuse never happened. We have to face the truth that our Church has not been the place of love and healing Jesus established it to be. Some have walked away but we are here because we believe in the Resurrection that somehow, the Holy Spirit can work to bring repentance from denial light from darkness hope from despair love from hate and forgiveness that leads to wholeness and healing. We believe that we can be in solidarity with those who have suffered our hearts aching for them, though we cannot necessarily ease their pain. We believe that hearts can be broken by remorse for sin committed and that new beginnings are possible. We believe that this could be a moment of grace for our Church and pray that the breath of the Spirit will blow aside all that strives to keep sin hidden that the purifying fire of the Spirit will burn and cleanse. Cut to the heart, we ask God what should we do Cut to the heart, we pray for the coming, the gift of the Holy Spirit into our hearts our Church our world. As we pray the Litany of the Spirit, you are invited to come and light a candle a tongue of flame calling anew on the Spirit to come to kindle within us the fire of Gods love to come again and to renew the face of the earth.
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Litany of the Spirit The following is an extract from the Litany of the Spirit, the full version is here. During the Litany
and lighting of candles, one or more Taizι chants could be played Veni
Sancte Spiritus, Veni Sancte Spiritus, etc. Alternatively, use the
simple response. |
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God of all beginnings God of endings Eternal light of God Warm breath of God Melting touch of God Healing hand of God Creative love of God Life-loving Spirit
Spirit of Justice Spirit of Righteousness Spirit of Power Spirit of Integrity Spirit of Mercy Spirit of Compassion Spirit of mercy Spirit of hope without horizon
Light of our lives Supporter in our trials Strength in weakness Consolation in grief Healer of wounds Renewer of strength Quencher of thirst Shelter in storms Tenderness in distress Safe sheltering of God Strong guarding of God Soft enfolding of God Liberating challenge of God
Giver of Joy Giver of Comfort Giver of Peace Giver of Wisdom Giver of Right Judgement Giver of Good Counsel Giver of Strength Giver of Awe and Wonder Giver of Love
Spirit of peace-making Witness to Justice Breaker-down of walls of division Builder of bridges Loosener of chains Opener of new pathways
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COME UPON US | |
Closing Responses | ||
Reader |
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love. |
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ALL |
SEND FORTH YOUR SPRIT, AND THEY SHALL BE CREATED AND YOU WILL RENEW THE FACE OF THE EARTH.
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Reader |
Jesus said, You did not choose me, I
chose you, |
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ALL |
COME HOLY SPIRIT AND BEAR YOUR FRUIT WITHIN US WITHIN OUR CHURCH
WITHIN OUR WORLD. |
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Reader |
And may Gods blessing be upon all who have suffered all in need of repentance all who seek to redress the wrongs and ensure that our Church is a place of grace and sanctuary for all. |
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ALL |
THE FATHER, THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT. |
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Reader | And on this day and on all days, | |
ALL |
MAY GOD HOLD US AND THOSE WE HAVE PRAYED FOR IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND. AMEN.
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