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ON THE FEAST OF PENTECOST

Pentecost (from the Greek pentekoste, ‘fiftieth’ of fifty days of celebration) has its roots in the Jewish Feast of Weeks, which was completed on the fiftieth day after Passover. On the fiftieth day of Easter, God sends his Holy Spirit to empower the Church to perform the mission which the risen Christ has entrusted to it; and he inaugurates the messianic community of perfect communication.

Pentecost celebrates both the Holy Spirit and the Christian Church. It was originally the crown and completion of the Easter season; only later, in the medieval West, did it become a new festival season of its own. After the Easter Vigil, the time of Pentecost was a preferred occasion for baptism in early Christian centuries, and the services of Pentecost also reflect this baptismal theme. Christ’s disciples are born again of water and the spirit.

There is some evidence that the ascension was first celebrated on the fiftieth day of Easter, but it was soon moved to the fortieth day in faithfulness to Luke’s chronology. Ascension and Pentecost are closely linked. The risen Lord is no longer present to the Church in the body of his flesh; the Church is now to be the new body of Christ, filled with his life through the gift of the Spirit.

Veni Sancte Spiritus (Come Holy Spirit),Veni Sancte Spiritus, sometimes called the “Golden Sequence,” has Latin lyrics going back at least to the 1500s.

The version we will hear this morning in our Pentecost Liturgy is a multilingual version by Jacques Berthier of the Taizé community, circa 1978.

Come, Holy Spirit, from heaven shine forth with your glorious light.Veni Sancte Spiritus

Come, Father of the poor, come,generous Spirit, come, light of our hearts.Veni Sancte Spiritus

Come from the four winds, O Spirit, come breath of God; disperse the shadows over us, renew andstrengthen your people.Veni Sancte Spiritus

Most kindly warming light!Enter the inmost depths of our hearts, for we are faithful to you.Without your presence we have nothing worthy, nothing pure.Veni Sancte Spiritus

You are only comforter, Peace of the soul.In the heat you shade us; in our labour you refresh us,and in trouble you are our strength.Veni Sancte Spiritus

On all who put their trust in you and receive you in faith,shower all your gifts.Grant that they may grow in you and persevere to the end.Give them lasting joy!Veni Sancte Spiritus

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GATHERING IN GOD'S NAME

† In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Christ is risen! Alleluia! Alleluia! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Jesus Christ, whom we worship, is our crucified, risen and ascended Lord and we have walked with him through his journey of love. We have faced the agony of his suffering and death on a cross. We have rejoiced at his bursting free from the bonds of death. We have celebrated his risen presence with us and his revelation of himself through the breaking of bread. We have seen his return to the Father and confessed that indeed this Jesus is Lord! And now, with the followers of his own time, we await the coming of the promised Holy Spirit, his gift to his people, through whom we make Christ known to the world.

As we wait in silence, fill us with your Spirit.

As we listen to your word, fill us with your Spirit.

As we worship you in majesty, fill us with your Spirit.

As we long for your refreshing, fill us with your Spirit.

As we long for your renewing,

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fill us with your Spirit.

As we long for your equipping, fill us with your Spirit.

As we long for your empowering, fill us with your Spirit.

Pause ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me,’ says the Lord; ‘and let the one who believes in me drink. For out of your heart shall flow rivers of living water.’ John 7.38

Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

PENITENTIAL RITE

Spirit of truth, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds.

Silence is kept

You raise the dead to life in the Spirit. Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. You bring pardon and peace to the broken in heart. Christ, have mercy. Christ have mercy.

You make the torn and divided one by your Spirit. Lord, have mercy. Lord have mercy.

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† The God of love forgive you and free you from your sins, heal and strengthen you by his Spirit, and raise you to new life in Christ our Lord. Amen.

Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God's people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

THE COLLECT Let us pray. The community may pray silently.

Holy Spirit, sent by the Father, ignite in us your holy fire; strengthen your children with the gift of faith, revive your Church with the breath of love, and renew the face of the earth, through Jesus Christ our Lord;

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who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD Acts 2.1-21

1 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 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. 3 Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. 5 Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. 6 And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. 7 Amazed and astonished, they asked, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.’ 12 All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’ 13 But others sneered and said, ‘They are filled with new wine.’

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14 But 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. 15 Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. 16 No, 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. 18 Even upon my slaves, both men and women,

in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. 19 And I will show portents in the heaven above

and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist.

20 The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood,

before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day. 21 Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Hear the word of the Lord, Thanks be to God. Silence may follow each reading.

Psalm 104.26-37 (p.331 APBA) 26 Lord, how various are your works: in wisdom you have made them all, and the earth is full of your creatures. 27 There is the wide, immeasurable sea:

there move living things without number, great and small;

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28 There go the ships, to and fro: and there is that Leviathan whom you formed to sport in the deep.

29 These all look to you: to give them their food in due season.

30 When you give it to them, they gather it: when you open your hand they are satisfied with good things.

31 When you hide your face, they are troubled: when you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust.

32 When you send forth your spirit they are created: and you renew the face of the earth.

33 May the glory of the Lord endure for ever: may the Lord rejoice in his works.

34 If he look upon the earth, it shall tremble: if he but touch the mountains, they shall smoke.

35 I will sing to the Lord as long as I live: I will praise my God while I have any being.

36 May my meditation be pleasing to him: for my joy shall be in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 12.1-13 1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans, you were enticed and led astray to idols that could not speak. 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says ‘Let Jesus be cursed!’ and no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except by the Holy Spirit. 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of services, but the same

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Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to 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. 11 All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses. 12 For 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. 13 For 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.

Hear the word of the Lord, thanks be to God. Silence may follow each reading.

Gospel Reading

The Lord be with you. And also with you. The reader says The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John (7.37-52) Glory to you Lord Jesus Christ.

The gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John (7.37-52) Glory to you Lord Jesus Christ.

37 On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to

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me, 38 and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, “Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.” ’ 39 Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified. 40 When they heard these words, some in the crowd said, ‘This is really the prophet.’ 41 Others said, ‘This is the Messiah.’ But some asked, ‘Surely the Messiah does not come from Galilee, does he? 42 Has not the scripture said that the Messiah is descended from David and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?’ 43 So there was a division in the crowd because of him. 44 Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him. 45 Then the temple police went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, ‘Why did you not arrest him?’ 46 The police answered, ‘Never has anyone spoken like this!’ 47 Then the Pharisees replied, ‘Surely you have not been deceived too, have you? 48 Has any one of the authorities or of the Pharisees believed in him? 49 But this crowd, which does not know the law—they are accursed.’ 50 Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus before, and who was one of them, asked, 51 ‘Our law does not judge people without first giving them a hearing to find out what they are doing, does it?’ 52 They replied, ‘Surely you are not also from Galilee, are you? Search and you will see that no prophet is to arise from Galilee.’

(Pause) This is the Gospel of the Lord, praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

Sermon Silence may follow.

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Let us stand and affirm the faith of the Church.

Do you believe in God the Father?

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

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Do you believe in God the Son?

I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again; He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father, and He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, † and the life everlasting. Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Come Holy Spirit, inflame our waiting hearts, as we pray, ‘Lord bless us, and fill us with your Spirit.’

Silence is kept

Spirit of the living God, we pray for the world, its people and the creation entrusted to our care, that all you have created may be renewed by your Spirit. Lord bless us, and fill us with your Spirit.

Give us wisdom and right judgement in the use of the world’s resources that all may share in your generous bounty. Lord bless us, and fill us with your Spirit.

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We remember those who live in places of war, violence, and oppression. Spirit of peace, come as holy truth and bring reconciliation and wholeness to your world. Lord bless us, and fill us with your Spirit.

Baptise with fire your whole Church that we may stand as a pillar of light in the world. Lord bless us, and fill us with your Spirit.

Increase in us the fruits of your Spirit: love for all, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, generosity. Lord bless us, and fill us with your Spirit.

Come and bless all who live and work in this community, that we may be filled by your spirit of love. Lord bless us, and fill us with your Spirit.

Send the Comforter to those who are passing through adversity and bring healing where there is sickness and sorrow, remembering especially all affected by the COVID-19 virus. Lord bless us, and fill us with your Spirit.

We remember all whose lives have honoured Christ, who hearts have blazed with love for you. May we with them live for ever in your presence. Lord bless us, and fill us with your Spirit.

Holy God, you sent your Spirit upon your Messiah at the river Jordan, and the disciples in the upper room: fill us now with your Spirit and make us one in heart and mind to serve you with joy for ever. Lord bless us, and fill us with your Spirit. Almighty God, you have promised to hear our prayers.

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Grant that what we have asked in faith we may by your grace receive, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Jesus said I am the bread of life. Who ever comes to me will never be hungry, and who ever believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6.35

THE GREETING OF PEACE We are the body of Christ. His Spirit is with us. Peace The priest says The peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you. All may exchange a sign of peace.

OFFERTORY The gifts of the people are brought to the Lord's Table. They may be presented in silence or a suitable prayer. Hymn Come down, O Love divine

Come down, O Love divine, seek now this soul of mine, and visit it with your own ardour glowing; O Comforter, draw near, within my heart appear and kindle it, your holy flame bestowing.

There let it freely burn, till earthly passions turn to dust and ashes, in its heat consuming;

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and let your glorious light shine ever on my sight and clothe me round, the while my path illuming.

Let holy charity my outer garment be, and lowliness become my inner clothing: true lowliness of heart, which takes the humbler part and for its own shortcomings weeps with loathing.

And so the yearning strong with which the soul will long shall far outpass the power of human telling; for none can guess its grace till we become the place in which the Holy Spirit makes his dwelling.

Tune: DOWN AMPNEY - Author: Bianco da Siena; Trans: Richard Littledale

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING The 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. All glory and honour be yours always and everywhere, mighty Creator, everliving God. We give you thanks and praise for your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, who by the power of your Spirit was born of Mary

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and lived as one of us. By his death on the cross and rising to new life, he offered the one true sacrifice for sin and obtained an eternal deliverance for his people. Today we give you thanks that in fulfilment of your promise you pour forth your Spirit upon us, filling us with gifts and leading us into all truth. You give us power to proclaim your gospel to all nations and to serve you as a royal priesthood. Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we proclaim your great and glorious name, for ever praising you and saying: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Merciful God, we thank you for these gifts of your creation, this bread and wine, and we pray that by your Word and Holy Spirit, we who eat and drink them may be partakers of Christ's body and blood. On the night he was betrayed Jesus took bread; and when he had given you thanks he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, 'Take, eat. This is my body given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.'

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After supper, he took the cup, and again giving you thanks he gave it to his disciples, saying, 'Drink from this, all of you. This is my blood of the new covenant shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.' Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. Therefore we do as our Saviour has commanded: proclaiming his offering of himself made once for all upon the cross, his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension, and looking for his coming again, we celebrate, with this bread and this cup, his one perfect and sufficient sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. Renew us by your Holy Spirit, unite us in the body of your Son and bring us with all your people into the joy of your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, with whom, and in whom, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, we worship you, Father, in songs of never-ending praise: Blessing and honour and glory and power are yours for ever and ever. Amen.

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THE LORD'S PRAYER 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. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD AND THE COMMUNION

We break this bread to share in the body of Christ. We who are many are one body,

for we all share in the one bread.

Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to his supper.

Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word, and I shall be healed.

HOLY COMMUNION

Giver of life and love, we thank you that in this heavenly banquet you invigorate and renew us. Living in the unity of the

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Spirit, may we boldly use your gifts to continue your work in the world.

Most loving God, you send us into the world you love. Give us grace to go thankfully and with courage in the power of your Spirit.

COMMISSIONING OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD Come Holy Spirit

Come Holy Spirit, our souls inspire and lighten with your heavenly fire: you the anointing Spirit are, on us your sevenfold gifts you pour.

Your blessed unction from above is comfort, life, and fire of love; enable with perpetual light the dullness of our blinded sight.

Anoint and cheer our mortal face with the abundance of Your grace; keep far our foes; give peace at home; where you are guide no ill can come.

Teach us to know the Father, Son, and you with both to be but one, that through the ages all along this may be our endless song:

Praise to your eternal merit, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Tune: VESPERALE ROMANUM – TIS 396 Attributed t0: Rabanus Maurus

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Dear sisters and brothers in Christ, for fifty days we have celebrated the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ over the powers of sin and death. We have proclaimed God’s mighty acts and have prayed that the power that was at work when God raised Jesus from the dead might be at work in us.

As part of God’s Church, I call upon you to live out what you proclaim.

Do you renew your commitment to Christ and his Church? We do.

Will you follow his way, trusting him to be your guide? We will.

Will you seek to know and love God and be constant in prayer, worship, reflection and study? We will.

Will you work together in this place in the mission to which Christ calls you? We will.

Will you strive for unity in faith, in witness, and in service? We will.

Will you bear one another's burdens and love your neighbour as yourself? We will.

Will you watch and care and pray for those in need and give of your own for their good? We will.

Will you love this world as God loves it and work to replenish the earth, in a spirit of reverence for all living things. We will.

Holy Spirit, sent by the Father,

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ignite in us your holy fire; strengthen your children with the gift of faith, revive your Church with the breath of love, and renew the face of the earth, through Jesus Christ our Lord; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen! Amen!

DISMISSAL Go in peace to love and serve the Lord: In the name of Christ. Amen