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Introduction

Rev Sydney Maitland
Good morning! Today we are celebrating the Day of Pentecost, when the personal presence of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, was released on the disciples who still held to Him and were waiting for His promise. The church is always about the disciples of Jesus fulfilling His purposes with the authority that He bestows. In the Holy Spirit, life is always more important than structure.
I hope that the music, readings and reflection in this shared Liturgy of the Word will have a feel of Sunday worship together at All Saints, even if we can’t be together in person or join in the Eucharist. We thank the many people who have contributed to the resources here. In turn I would ask you to share the page with colleagues, friends and loved ones who may be missing the beauty of worship and the nearness of God in these difficult times. We open with hymn number 137 …
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Hymn 137
Come down, O Love divine (words) | Recorded in lockdown by choristers of St Michael’s, Highgate, London
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Collect for Pentecost
Almighty and everliving God, who fulfilled the promises of Easter by sending us your Holy Spirit and opening to every race and nation the way of life eternal: keep us in the unity of your Spirit, that every tongue may tell of your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
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First Reading
Click Bible links on this page to read the text at Bible Gateway. Once there, click to hear the full chapter read by David Suchet.
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Psalm
Psalm 104: 25-35, 37 (words) Praise the Lord, O my soul | Bramdean School Chapel Choir
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Second Reading
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Hymn 138
Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire (words) | Recorded in lockdown by choristers of the Croydon Minster Choral Foundation, directed and led at the organ by Ronny Krippner
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Gospel
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Reflection by Rev Sydney Maitland
If you dare to believe then you can also dare to receive
If you dare to trust that your sins and failures and compromises and the deepest issues of your life can find peace and healing, then they are already there in Jesus Christ.
He speaks of living waters rather than dull routine, an adventure in life rather than a reflection on the regrets of the past. The Holy Spirit was given to the body of believers so that they could live and live more abundantly, in ways that they never imagined let alone expected.
They were there to bring glory to God like lights in a candelabra or the pieces of a mosaic, or the notes of a symphony …
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The Nicene Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one substance with the Father. Through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation hecame down from heaven; by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living andthe dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father. With the Father and the Son, he is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
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Intercessions
• Pray for the world and its people, for those who suffer and those in need …
• Pray for Church and its members, especially Frances A, Jenny M, Douglas N, Catriona M, Kenneth and Brenda M, Claire, Joanna, Elena J, Alan D, Jessie B, Margaret M, Alison D, Christine and Brian C, Isa L …
• Pray for the departed, especially those whose year’s mind falls this month: Amy Fellows, Rosalind Graham, Winifred Newell, Mabel Gray, Iain Anderson, Muriel Whyte, Olivier de Mathan, Maime Campbell, Agnes …
• The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Philippians:
‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.‘
And so let us each bring our own prayers, petitions and thanksgivings to the Lord …
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O God, whose will it is that all should find salvation and come to know the truth: receive the prayers and petitions which we offer in faith and love; through him who gave proof of your purpose, and who sacrificed himself to win freedom for all mankind, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Blessing for Pentecost Sunday
The Spirit of truth lead us into all truth, give us grace to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, and to proclaim the word and works of God; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among us and remain with us always.
Amen.
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Hymn 139
Come, thou Holy Spirit, come (words and music) | Choir of Sheffield Cathedral
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Voluntary
Félix Alexandre Guilmant : Grand Choeur Triomphal in A | Played by B. Andrew Mills at Old St Patrick’s Church, New Orleans
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