31 May 2020_Day of Pentecost_Youth Full Worship

26 May 2020 by Seungjae Yeon in: Worship Online

DAPHNE

Daphne needs morning sun and protection from cold wind.

It also likes moist, cool soil that is well drained and slightly acidic.

Susceptible to viruses, however.

It's a good idea to water with Yates Anti Rot.

(From website "12 Best Winter Flowers")

Preparing for Worship

THIS WEEK, we celebrate the Day of Pentecost. Fifty days after Easter we remember Christ's gift of the Holy Spirit to his followers. Today Jesus gives us peace and the Holy Spirit to carry out God's work in the surreal era of human history. These gifts of peace and the Holy Spirit are always with us to comfort us, to give us the truth, and to give us courage to live our lives in the love of God. Let yourself be humble to receive the coming of the Holy Spirit, joining in God’s love and peace.

Acknowledgement for the First Peoples

We would like to acknowledge and pay respect to the traditional owners of this land and home on which we continue to respond to God’s calling in ministry and life. Also, we want to be part of this year’s National Reconciliation Week by giving honour and thanks to the First Peoples.

Greeting to Members

We greet each other in our congregation, especially those in our hearts who we really want to see face to face as gathered people. As celebrating the Day of Pentecost, pass your blessings and wishes to each and every member of the congregation, particularly our young people and the youth group friends in spirit and your prayers. We believe that we are now gathered in the peace and love of the Holy Spirit.

Call to Worship

Please join together in Call to Worship and Opening Prayer by taking a deep breath in and out. This is called Breath Prayer which is a heritage from ancient Christian communities. Simply we would repeat to the rhythm of our breath with the phrase, “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy” or “Jesus, mercy.”

Instruction

(One) Close your eyes and recall the line “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Be still, calm, peaceful, open to the presence of God.

(Two) With your eyes closed, imagine that God is calling you by name. Imagine that God is actually asking, “(Your name) what do you want? Like the blind man on the road to Jericho, Jesus kindly looks you in the eyes and asks, “What do you want from me?”

(Three) Breathe in the first phrase “be still and know that I am God” and breathe out the second phrase “Lord, have mercy”.

Brothers and sisters in Christ,

especially today dear my young friends

in Jesus Christ, our Saviour,

let us worship God.

Assembly Song 1 – Holy Spirit Go Before Us (420)

Sing the hymn that affirms that we are God’s people who dwell in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

Holy Spirit, go before us,

every mind and heart prepare

for good news of life in Jesus,

for the joyful hope we share.

Gently lead the lost to safety,

gently teach them Wisdom’s way,

till they come to seek you gladly,

till we find the words to say.

Holy Spirit, come and help us,

give us words to speak of Christ.

Teach us how to tell all people:

deepest darkness can be light!

Help us tell how faithful God is,

and how Jesus sets us free;

take our words, and make them gospel,

so that many may believe.

Holy Spirit, stay to show us

how to serve as Christ served us.

May our words of love be grounded

in love’s actions, first and last.

Your good news is news of justice,

and the strong befriend the weak

in your service, till compassion

builds the peace the nations seek.

Words © E. J. Smith

Music: Hal H. Hopson

CCLI #260394

Opening Prayer: Hearts Ablaze (Stephen Davies)

Let us pray:

Beautiful Lord,

may we say “yes” to you

so that the Spirit in our hearts

will once again be set ablaze.

Spirit of Wisdom,

guide our actions so they tell of God’s love.

Spirit of Truth,

open our eyes to see the world as it really is.

Spirit of Power,

enthuse us to work for justice throughout the world.

Spirit of Love,

inspire us to respect the dignity of each person.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill our hearts.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill us.

Come, Holy Spirit.

Come.

The Peace

The peace of our God be with you.

And also with you.

Jesus grants us peace and breathes the breath of life upon us. This breath of love that was present at the Creation of the world is with us today. This Holy Spirit sweeps in and around us giving us the courage, the strength, and the peace to walk in God’s love. These are Jesus’ gifts to us and to all people, today and for all time.

Scripture Readings Acts 2:1-4, John 20:19-23

Click/tab to read other versions of the passages. You may choose your mother tongue to read the passages.

First reading comes from the Acts of the Apostles 2:1-4.

The Holy Spirit Comes

2 On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place.²Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. ³Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. ⁴And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.

The Gospel reading today comes from John 20:19-23.

Jesus Appears to His Disciples

¹⁹That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said. ²⁰As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord! ²¹Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” ²²Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

This is the Word of the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God.

For those Young at Heart Talk

This is the story written in the Acts of the Apostles that tells us about the Holy Spirit who came dwell amongst the early Christ’ community. Click/Tab to watch

Find more Kid's Sunday resources at the end of this page

Assembly Song 2 – Forever (We Sing Hallelujah)

The moon and stars they wept

The morning sun was dead

The Saviour of the world was fallen

His body on the cross

His blood poured out for us

The weight of every curse upon Him

One final breath He gave

As heaven looked away

The Son of God was laid in darkness

A battle in the grave

The war on death was waged

The power of hell forever broken

The ground began to shake

The stone was rolled away

His love could not be overcome

Now death where is your sting

Our resurrected King has rendered you defeated

Chorus

Now forever He is glorified

Forever He is lifted high

And forever He is risen

He is alive and He is alive

(REPEAT)

We sing hallelujah we sing hallelujah

We sing hallelujah the Lamb has overcome

(REPEAT)

We sing hallelujah we sing hallelujah

We sing hallelujah

And now death where is your sting

Our resurrected King

He’s overcome

Reflection on the Scripture Seung Jae Yeon

We are gathered in the move of the Holy Spirit

Lord Jesus Christ,

by your Holy Spirit

be present with us now.

Amen.

In the past weeks, as we practiced self-isolation or keeping social-physical distancing, our family – five big eaters had at least two square meals per day. In the first few weeks we had simple meals such as rice and soup, meat or fish dishes with kimchi and other vegetable dishes. Of course we had noodles with soup or stir-fried. Grace and I kept filling our pantry and fridge but it quickly cried again, saying ‘fill me.’ Also we were so brave to try some special dishes that we had had at our dinner out or been fed by Grace’s or my mother. Joshua and Daniel joined us in experimenting new dishes at home during the time we stayed home.

One day Grace and I talked about preciousness of the time that we, all five members prepare together, cook together, wash dishes together and share our fellowship together over meals. We both agreed that it is time that we would definitely miss so much when just two of us live at home. We encouraged each other that we don’t know when but until the time comes this family time and meals in each other’s presence will be kept and celebrated. This week kids are back to school so that we have had two lunch times only for two of us. We are missing those days we had lunch and dinner together. I am thinking to myself that eating as a social event are very important and especially for us it was a time and space where we might feel something move around us – happiness, gladness, worries, anxiety, dreams, expectations or every move of the Holy Spirit as we were locked in.

Jesus was attended with family, friends and followers in fellowship. He had often sat with them at dining table. His disciples and he were rarely invited to a big feast but usually their meal would have been very simple. When he was away from home, sometimes he sat with those who followed him devoting his attention to eating with them. Jesus with those people sat on a hill, at the seashore or even on the way to villages and cities they wandered. Whenever they were hungry, it was time to eat. Meals that Jesus and his followers had were just hard bread, dried fish, water and wine. His fellowship and community were full of story from their dining table, feasts and where they gathered to eat something together. Even though once the meal was over, everyone went their separate ways. The memories and stories shared with Jesus their Master would have gone with them into their ordinary days. No matter they were gathered or scattered, they commonly held on their friendship, relationships and the ownership of the Kingdom of God.

Sometimes, there was a number of people who was critical on Jesus’ fellowship, particularly on His dining culture. What Jesus did was not a custom for other parties. Jesus usually ate with the marginalised – sinners, tax collectors, the sick, and those who were not welcomed in the Jewish custom. The Law teachers and the Pharisees blamed Him always because they never ate meals with sinners. The value of Jesus’ community and fellowship was openness. There was no first class, no business class or no economic class. There was only one same seat available for anyone who wanted to join the kingdom of God. All are welcomed to sit with Jesus. In his presence, Jesus used powerful images to speak about the kingdom of God: the blind would see, the hungry fed. the prisoners and the lepers welcomed back into the community. That invitation was for all to God’s new and recreation. Through Jesus’ friendship and fellowship, people were able to join in the true community, called ‘the Kingdom of God’. Those who blamed Jesus never realized the importance of the meal and never knew what the Kingdom of God is. His fellowship and community were only open for those who ware at the end of the rope in their life. They gathered around Jesus’ table and they were blessed by Him, the Bread of life and the cup of life. Through His table and its fellowship, the poor and the marginalized returned to the central of the Kingdom of God: That is eternal life!

On the day of Pentecost, the believers were gathered in one place, locking doors not to be found by the Jewish religious order. Suddenly the Holy Spirit came dwell amongst them like their master came in and said, ‘peace be with you’ just after he rose from the grave. The Coming of the Holy Spirit was promised already so that they were not surprised but observed the move of the Holy Spirit where were meeting. The move of the Holy Spirit was a reminder that it echoed his disciples and followers the promise of peace and hope that Jesus had given to them in his time. It was like his greeting that recalled the promise of the Holy Spirit. So in the Acts reading, his disciples were glad at the presence of the Holy Spirit, started speaking in other languages. They would have remembered of their master and his promise. They met their Risen Lord in the move of the Holy Spirit and formed the first Christ’s Church in human history. Then they became the first true believers. The believers and Jesus were all in Life together amongst the Holy Spirit. They were all in the Kingdom of God together. They were in the true relationship with God in the place they gathered together.

Jesus in the Holy Spirit took them all to the central of the God’s message: Life. Jesus filled the upper room, fulfilling the promise that he made them all enter the kingdom as God’s children. He freed them from self-isolation or the fear of persecution due to their faith in Jesus Christ. Also he reminded that how precious and important the life they live together. The passage may give us the same message: no matter where we are, how long we stay away, we are all God’s people being gathered with each other in the move of the Holy Spirit. I would say that it is an only benefit that we have during the COVID19 pandemic. We desperate for each other’s company and presence in our faith journey. No one can tell that it is ok to go this time by myself.

We believe that the Holy Spirit moves around us and shapes us as God’s people. As we learnt, the followers of Jesus received and learnt immediately about the Holy Spirit. Then they were able to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to the world through their ministry and presence in daily life. They were spiritual and faithful for each other and their community and fellowship where their faith in Jesus Christ was totally grounded in the social and practical life of their neighbours near and far. The lesson of the day of Pentecost and what the early Christian community did reminds us that while we are staying away what we are called to do is totally grounded in our ordinary life and the stories of our daily life. The Holy Spirit is not staying away but dwelling amongst ordinary people like you and me.

From this Sunday we will begin the 26 weeks of season of Pentecost which we may go together through the harsh Australian winter as well as the pandemic. Please do not forget that we are all connected by the move of the Holy Spirit who gives us freedom and strength to overcome the surreal times. During the times, I pray that Jesus in the Holy Spirit’s move goes out to reach all of you and give you peace. Please remember that we are gathered around the Holy Spirit in our thoughts and prayers. We, as the body of Christ, will become what we have received and live eternal life together. Let us continue this journey together faithfully until the pandemic will be lifted.

Amen.

Prayers of the People: Life in Christ

Let us pray:

For the people of our world

as they struggle with the global recession,

we pray for the people including Christian population of

Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Swaziland.

All: May we share the fullness of life in Christ.

For the people of our nations

who have lost jobs or homes,

we pray for the neighbourhood of

Boronia Park, Gladesville, Lane Cove, Ryde, Rydalmere,

Epping, Strathfield, Parramatta and Box Hill.

May we share the fullness of life in Christ.

For the people of our world

who go to bed hungry tonight,

we pray especially those who we met and gave Christmas gifts

last Christmas day in CBD.

May we share the fullness of life in Christ.

For those children of the world

who still do not have access to education,

no matter where they are,

we pray for them and think about them.

May we share the fullness of life in Christ.

For all the people of the world caught up in wars and conflicts

which caused them to stray,

we pray for them.

May we share the fullness of life in Christ.

For all those who are victims of torture and

other forms of extreme violence,

particularly during the time

when they were isolated due to the COVID 19 pandemic,

we pray for them.

May we share the fullness of life in Christ.

For our earth and all human beings

who suffer from the COVID 19 pandemic,

we pray for those who have been in harm’s way

to look after patients and

to develop vaccine and medication.

May we share the fullness of life in Christ.

We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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 in the time of trial and deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.

Amen.

Assembly Song 3 – God So Loved

For God so loved the world
That He gave His only Son
That whosoever believes will not perish
They shall have eternal life

I shall hold to the cross
I shall hold to God alone
For His love has salvaged me
For His love has set me free

For God so loved the world
That He gave His only Son
That whosoever believes will not perish
They shall have eternal life

I shall wait upon the Lord
I shall wait upon His Word
And by His grace I am released
By His grace I am redeemed

For God so loved the world
That He gave His only Son
That whosoever believes will not perish
They shall have eternal life

By His precious blood
I have been set free
For the glory of Jesus' Name
I surrender all now to Christ alone
In Jesus I am saved

(Sing twice)

For God so loved the world
That He gave His only Son
That whosoever believes will not perish
They shall have eternal life

Yes they shall have eternal life

CCLI Song # 7102394

Marty Sampson | Matt Crocker

CCLI Licence # 260394

Offering

Let us pray:

Giving and providing God,

we give you thanks for blessing all of us

this moment as worshipping your holy name.

We also give you praise and honour

by fulfiling our stewardship

in offering from what you have provided for us.

Thus, please receive our offering,

heart and soul, mind and body,

time and effort, energy and passion

to your work and your people.

Amen.

The offering will be used for the congregation’s continuing mission and ministry in these changing times. Please make your offering through a Bank Deposit or a personal cheque whichever is convenient to you.

Account Name: Boronia Park Uniting Church

BSB: 634-634

Account: 100023784

Reference: Offering

Please contact Robyn Harvey, Treasurer on 0418 783 290 or robyn.49@bigpond.net.au for more information about how to make Direct Debit.

If you are in a position to help others, Sydney Community Services, where we have donated foods and goods to support the need in our local community, may ask us to donate ANY pasta sauce or chunk soup cans. SCS has passed their appreciation for our donation. If needed to pick up donations from your home, let Robyn or Seung Jae know.

And many thank those who have donated for your sharing love and generosity.

Blessing

The blessing of God almighty,

the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit

be upon us and remain with us always.

Amen.

Assembly Song 4 – Ocean (Where Feet May Fail)

You call me out upon the waters

The great unknown where feet may fail

And there I find You in the mystery

In oceans deep my faith will stand

Chorus

And I will call upon Your name

And keep my eyes above the waves

When oceans rise

My soul will rest in Your embrace

For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters

Your sov'reign hand will be my guide

Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me

You've never failed and You won't start now

Chorus

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever You would call me

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my Saviour

(Sing 3 times)

I will call upon Your name

Keep my eyes above the waves

My soul will rest in Your embrace

I am Yours and You are mine