Pentecost/Communion

Pentecost Thoughts

Pentecost is the birth of the church.

It is the start of God’s Kingdom breaking into the world. We celebrate this day as the day the church was empowered by God’s Spirit to proclaim the good news and continue God’s work in the world.

Rebirth of the Church- As we sang in the song fall afresh- we ask God’s Spirit to descend on his people once again to fill us up once again!

Pentecost is the Revesal of Babel

Its a time where God made it possible for men and women of different languages to be able to understand each other and proclaim the wonders of God

We have that same opportunity today to declare the wonders of God throughout all nations and people groups.

Unity in the Spirit

The one thing that holds all things together is God’s Spirit- we learned that in the video! Scripture tells us that we are all vesels for God’s spirit.

As we reflect on this day, it is easy for us to think about what has divided us over the past year especially, but this is not a day to focus on division, but on unity! We are one in the Spirit connected by the Spirit, empowered by the Spirit. The Spirit is proof that the Church still alive and well, that we Diller Church family are alive and well!

Let us in the same Spirit and with one voice continue to proclaim the wonders of the Lord as we continue worship through song!

Communion

What is Communion? (Slide)

Communion is a special tradition in the church that dates back to the Last Supper before Jesus’ death. It has become a sacrament in the universal church by which we reflect on Jesus’ death and resurrection. At its core Communion is a physical symbol of what Jesus has already done for us in giving his Body and Blood so we might have new life.

Why we celebrate Communion? (Slide)

Today as we participate in this communion service, I want us to focus on our Unity. All around the world churches are celebrating the Lord’s supper. We are unified as one body in the celebration of communion. Communion is a symbol that reflects a spiritual oneness not only with Christ, but with believers all over the world.

Recognition, Confession, and Forgiveness

A. Unity in Sin: We must recognize that we are unified in our sin. We have all sinned. The bible says to sin is to miss the mark. Our target is being like Jesus. We have all failed to Love God and Love like Him.

· Invite the Holy Spirit into our hearts and bring to mind the places we have yet to let God’s Love illuminate, heal, and restore!

· Moment of silence

D. The Table: This communion table is set by Christ. Christ came not to alienate, but to unify. Therefore, if you are a follower of Christ and desire to renew your commitment to Him, you are welcome to at this table.

E. Unity in Forgiveness: We will now take communion together. We will come up as you feel led and return to your seats. As you wait for everyone to get their individual cups and wafers please reflect on the following:

· We now have unity in forgiveness in Christ. Take this time to reflect on the power of forgiveness and how as we take communion in a few moments together, it not only binds us with Christ, but to one another.

· Take Communion: Pull the clear top film off first, take bread, then pull the bottom part.

Prayer for Unity

One only Holy Spirit of Father and son in whom all are baptized, one giver of many gifts, one tree of many fruits one speaker of every tongue, renew in our day the wonders of Pentecost, grant that people of every race and nation may understand one another, and as one, proclaim the praises of God. Grant that all may be one as you, Spirit, with the Father and the Son are one God, one Lord. Grant unity to the Body of Christ; grant unity to the human family. Sole breath of every living thing, may all be one who, in you, live and move and have their being.

- Carl K. Moeddel

For the remainder of the service we will break out into discussion groups and continue our conversation on Hebrews 12 from two weeks ago. Slides up with Group Lists. If your group finished all the questions share one thing that God is currently teaching you or reflect on pentecost together. (Slides)