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Today's guest speaker is Rev. Dave Mason.
PENTECOST SUNDAY
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND May 28, 2023 +Rev. Dave Mason 11:00 a.m. Gathering Around the Word Prelude Announcements: Choir Call to Worship: We have gathered to rejoice in our oneness in Jesus Christ! Each of us experiences faith and life in a unique Way. Yet we have one God, one faith and one baptism, and One Spirit who unites us all. Let us lift our hearts as one, in songs of praise, in prayer, and in listening for God’s Word. Even when we leave this place, let us be joined in Common concern for humanity, like that shown by Jesus Christ. Amen. INVOCATION
*HYMN God of the Ages # 331
*Prayer of Confession: Unison Jesus, we want to live like You. We cannot do that on our own. We need Your mercy and grace day after day after day. We confess our weakness; we continually give into temptation But rather than throw up our hands in failure, we choose to admit our constant need for You. Demonstrate Your power through our weakness. You have defeated our sin by Your death on the cross. Let us live in the truth of who we are in You, not who we were before. Make us holy; make us like You. Amen. *Time of Silent Prayer: *Assurance of Pardon *Response – Gloria Patri *The peace of the Lord, Jesus Christ be with You. And also with you. *Passing the peace Children’s chat Prayer of Illumination Scripture reading Psalm 104: 24 – 35 Debbie Durila 1 Corinthians 12: 3 – 13 Sermon “E PLURIBUS UNUM” *HYMN Come Holy Spirit # 280 Apostles Creed Presentation of tithes and offering Offertory * Doxology Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the people The Lord’s Prayer INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE Let Us Break Bread Together # 525 Communion Alleluia INVOCATION A Hymn of Joy We Sing ( see insert) *Hymn Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory # 354 *Benediction *Choir Postlude
BIRTHDAYS: Tammy Rodgers, Blake Lindley, Adam Gill
ANNIVERSARYS: Bob & Betty Fisher SYMPATHY: To the Family Shawn Durila Nephew of Debbie Durila To the Family of Kevin Patterson Brother of Amy Molinaro To the Family of Grace Baker in England Sister of Frank Baker ANNOUNCEMENTS: Nellie Baker has requested prayers for her cousin, Don Oatman. He is having surgery for foot removal. Remember our food Collection. And Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.” Please let Betty Fisher know of anyone within the Community that may be in need at this time. After several people stated to me that they would like to have the Joys and Concerns back in the bulletin, here they are again. Thank you for the feed back. Prayer list will also be on the back of the Joys and Concerns again.
Continuing Prayer List
Chuck Dicks, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Elaine Belcastro, Sandy Stone, Matt Petrola, Sarah Wilson, Carl Weber, Jimmy Svetz, Haley Diedier Bedillion, Fred Wilkinson, Evelyn Wood, Ricci Amos, Tiffany Cipoletti, Diane Anderson, Tim Taylor, Suzy Smith, Helen Provenzano, Richard Ward, Donna West, Judy Donaldson, Marlene McFeely, Chuck Harton, Robert Paxton, Wiley Myers, Keith McGill, Billie Wilson, Frank and Nellie Baker, Don Oatman
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Good morning!
We're so glad you chose to join us for Pentecost!
When we meet together in person, we take time to share our joys and concerns. Consider your last week, and any prayer requests you might have. If you would like, you can share prayer requests as a comment on this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Dear Heavenly Father, on this day, 2000 years ago, you inaugurated the church by having the Holy Spirit indwell in your believers. We rejoice that you have allowed us, men and women, Jew and Gentile, to experience new life. Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit, our comforter, our convictor, our guide, and so many other things. And may we continue to celebrate this day until you return again. Amen.
Today's lesson is on Acts 9:9-17.
Paul was a dedicated Pharisee. His teacher, Gamaliel, was probably one of the greatest teachers at the time. Paul was determined to keep their religion pure. He hunted Christians and put them in jail! Paul grew up knowing about God, but he didn’t believe Jesus was the Messiah.
One day, while traveling to the town of Damascus, Jesus spoke to Paul in a blinding light! Paul was knocked off his horse and struck blind. Paul’s response: “Who are you Lord” (Acts 9:5 a previous verse.) That encounter convinced Paul that Jesus was the Messiah. Paul dedicated his life to telling others about Him. So what can we learn from Paul? 
Conclusion
(source: gotquestions.org) 1. Paul's life teaches us that we’re never too bad to be rescued and used by God! Paul had been an enemy of Jesus, but became a new man by accepting Jesus as Savior. Paul proves that we don’t have to have perfect lives for Jesus to love us and save us. 2. We also learn that you can't know enough for God to accept you. Paul grew up learning all about the Scriptures and Jewish law, and yet he didn't believe that Jesus was the Messiah until Jesus showed up face to face. Knowing about God isn't enough. We must know His Son Jesus to know Him. 3. Paul teaches us that loving Jesus means sharing Jesus. Paul didn't accept the forgiveness of Jesus and keep it to himself. Even though Paul was insulted, beaten, and even thrown in jail, he never stopped telling people that Jesus is the Savior of the world. 4. The amazing things Paul did were actually amazing things that God did through him. Paul reminds us that when we remember that God works through us, that's when we are strongest!
Prayer
Heavenly Father it is sobering to think how well you know us. Thank you for the inspiring stories of your zealous ones! Empower and guide us to have similar zeal in doing great things for you. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Thought to Remember Christ calls us not only to him but also for him.
Benediction
This week's benediction is from the Psalter. 
Next week, we will be starting the summer quarter, The Righteous Reign of God. The first lesson of the quarter will be on Isaiah 52:7-12.
Today's guest speaker is Rev. Renny Domske.
Gathering Around the Word
Prelude ANNOUNCEMENTS Choir CALL TO WORSHIP from Psalm 31 In You, O Lord, I have taken refuge; deliver me. Let me never be put to shame. Turn Your ear to me and come quickly to my rescue. Be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. For the sake of Your Name lead and guide me. Free me from the trap that is set for me. Into Your hands I commit my spirit. I will be glad and rejoice in Your love. Let Your face shine on Your faithful servant; Save me in Your unfailing love. How great is Your goodness, O Loving God; Which You have stored up for those who fear You.
INVOCATION
* HYMN “Crown Him With Many Crowns” # 268 * PRAYER OF CONFESSION unision Most Merciful God, here I am again, I have sinned. I have failed You. I have put myself before others. I have put myself before You. I have ignored loving My neighbor as myself—I have only loved myself. Forgive me. Wash me white as snow from my sins. Help me in the times I do not believe. Help me be a new creation in you. I long to love myself less and You more. I always love You that You hear me. In Your precious Name I pray. * Time of silent prayer *Assurance of Pardon *Response – Gloria Patri The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. And also, with you. * passing of the pece Children’s Chat Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading Matthew 25: 1-13 II Corinthians 4 5-14 The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God! Sermon: “We’re On A Mission from God” *HYMN “Rejoice, the Lord is King!” # 363 *Apostles Creed Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People The Lord’s Prayer *HYMN “Lead On, O King Eternal” # 269 *Benediction Choir Postlude
BIRTHDAYS: Cindy Ward
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Remember our food Collection. And Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.” Please let Betty Fisher know of anyone within the Community that may be in need at this time. Keith McGill has moved back to Southmont. Prayers for his comfort. Women on Wednesday meeting the 24th 10:30. We are on a mission this week!! Remember if you have any joys or concerns, please let Diana know by Saturday. I have moved by deadline since I do not print it out for the bulletin. It is read with the announcements at the beginning of the service. Thank You for all your help on the messages.
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet together in person, we take time to share our joys and concerns. Consider your last week, and any prayer requests you might have. If you would like, you can share prayer requests as a comment on this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Thank You, Father, that I am born again and that You have saved me form sin and death, through Christ Jesus my Lord, that I have been born from above in spirit and truth.
Lord, I just want to thank You for the wonderful things that took place the moment that I trusted in Jesus as Saviour. Thank You, that You transferred me from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of Your dear Son. Thank You, that I am accepted in Christ Jesus, Your beloved Son and have been clothed in His righteousness – Thank You that I have become a child of God and been made a joint-heir with Jesus. Thank You that in Him I am seated in heavenly places and that I have become eternally secure, having been given eternal life, by faith in Jesus Christ my Saviour. Thank You also for the understanding that the moment that I was born again, Your Holy Spirit baptised me, once and forever, into the body of Christ, that He placed me eternally into that body of believers that is called the Church. Thank You for this precious baptism into Christ and may I learn to grow in grace and in a knowledge Him Who loved me and gave Himself for me. Fill me day by day with Your Spirit. Lead and guide me in the days that lie ahead and thank You that in Christ I am saved by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone and that He did it all and it is finished. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Today's lesson is on Acts 8:29-39.
A central figure in today’s lesson is referred to as “Phillip the evangelist, one of the seven” Like his colleague Stephen, Phillip moved from a ministry of feeding widows to preaching the gospel. Phillip was the first to take the gospel to the Samaritans in fulfillment of Jesus’ directions in Act 1:8. “But ye shall receive power, after the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." This happened as a result of persecution In Jerusalem. During a highly productive ministry in Samaria, an angel of the Lord directed that Phillip “Go South to the road- the desert road- that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.”
Acts 8 : 27-28 reveals several facts regarding the man Philip encountered in today’s text. First he was from Ethiopia, a kingdom in Africa that is south of Egypt. Second, he was a eunuch, a castrated man. Eunuchs were found in royal courts throughout the ancient world. Some rulers thought they were more reliable in general and trustworthy around woman in particular. Third, he was a servant to royalty. In particular, he served the queen of the Ethiopians as one having charge over the treasury. He was indeed a person of influence and wealth. He would have to be wealthy to purchase a copy of Isaiah. The Great Isaiah Scroll measures about 9 inches in height and 24 feet in length. Philip might have been intimidated by the splendor of the eunuch’s chariot and thought any approach would be scorned. God’s Spirit, though, knew the heart of the man in the chariot had been prepared by his reading of Isaiah and so prompted Philip to approach. One opinion why he was reading Isaiah is that being a Eunuch he was forbidden by the law of Moses to worship or to be converted to Judaism. He would have been a God-feared. In Isaiah 56:3-5, it reads, “Let no Foreigner who is bound to the Lord say, 'The Lord will surely exclude me from his people.' And let no eunuch complain, 'I am only a dry tree.' For this is what the Lord says: 'To the eunuchs who keep the Sabbaths, who choose what pleases me and hold fast to my covenant-to the I will give within my temple and its walls a memorial and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that will endure forever.'" Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. Philip trusting the Holy Spirit, interrupted the man and asked if he understood what he was reading. "How can I unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. The man was reading the passage of Scripture, "He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its Shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth." This passage presents one to the clearest prophetic visions of the coming Messiah. This is part of the Servant Song. That text presents the Messiah as one who would suffer in accordance with God’s will rather than serve as a military leader who would fight for the political independence of Israel as many Jews expected. The imagery of sheep and lamb depicts the suffering servant as one who would not fight or protest while on the way to his death. Luke’s account of Jesus’ trials presents him like this silent sheep, especially when he appeared before Herod. "In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak to his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth." The key to this passage from Isaiah is the word humiliation which describes the horrendous treatment that Jesus would undergo during his trials and crucifixion. Jesus was denied justice. Even though the Roman Governor, Pilate, declared that there was no valid charge against Jesus, Pilate still consented to the execution. That made it a case of judicial murder. Jesus, as the suffering servant of Isaiah’s prophecy, seemingly had no hope of being the father of future descendants. The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?" Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news of Jesus. The eunuch wanted baptized. The story of Jesus’ death and resurrection leads to a call for belief in him, repentance from sins and the cleansing of sins in baptism. The believer can rest assured that his or her sins are forgiven and that the presence of the Holy Spirit will be given. The eunuch stated that he believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.This was indeed the man’s confession of faith, the belief that Jesus was God in flesh and that his atoning death was the proper mission of the Messiah as prophesied by Isaiah The man gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea. Life changing conversations can happen in a carriages. He and Philip discussed the Scriptures in depth. They talked about Jesus. As a result of their conversation, the Ethiopian believed and was baptized -- one life changed for eternity. Or was it more than one life changed, as the Ethiopian returned home to spread this message? 
Conclusion: The Wonder of Fulfilled Prophecy
Many years ago, I heard Mildred Welshmen Phillips speak of her father, P.H. Welshimer. In the first decades of the twentieth century, Welshimer was the minister of the First Christian Church of Canton, Ohio. At its height, this congregation was often recognized as the largest church in the world, with a Sunday school attendance of 6,000 each Sunday. One of Welshimer’s more audacious public acts was to stage a debate with Clarence Darrow, the attorney who had won national recognition as the defender of evolution in the so-called Scopes Monkey Trial. Darrow was seen as the spokesman of a new kind of person in America, a public figure who was openly agnostic/atheists and who saw the Bible as nonsense, the church as a medieval relic and Christian faith as preposterous. The debate was inconclusive, as most of these sorts of things are, with Darrow rarely engaging the arguments of Welshimer. But, remarkably, the two became friendly after it was all over. Darrow confessed that Welshimer presented one argument about the Bible that gave him pause; its record of prophecy and fulfillment. Welshimer was doing nothing more and nothing less that what Philip did with the Ethiopian. The New Testament is loaded with quotations from the Old Testament that point to Jesus. This is not coincidental or accidental. The reader of Matthew cannot help but notice that he punctuates many of his stories of Jesus with the observation that this happened to fulfill Scripture. Presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy requires a high level of Bible Knowledge. But as Welshimer’s encounter with Darrow shows, there are opportunities to make gospel claims that are best framed by presenting of prophecy. When Isaiah 53 is read in light of the events of Jesus’ life, we should be struck by the remarkable fact that there are more than seven centuries between the two records! Those who have an inclination for deep, comprehensive knowledge of Scripture and its connections may be given opportunities to witness to unbelievers today in some manner like the Holy Spirit gave to Philip 2,000 years ago. Every generation of Christians must raise up those who are trained in understanding the Bible - their Philips- so they can explain it effectively and accurately to others. Prayer Our Father, you planned for Jesus to come, teach, heal and to go the cross for our salvation. You planned to raise him from the dead. You even orchestrated the meeting of Philip with one who was eager to hear. We welcome your plans that include using us as ones who are ready to preach Jesus. We pray in his name as we prepare ourselves. Amen. Questions
Benediction
This week's benediction is from the New International Version. 
Next week's lesson will be on Acts 9:9-17. It will be Pentecost.
Today's guest speaker is Dr. Renny Domske.
Gathering Around the Word
Prelude ANNOUNCEMENTS Choir CALL TO WORSHIP from Psalm 30 I will exalt You, Lord, for You lifted me out of the depths. You did not let my enemies gloat over me. Lord my God, I called to You for help, and you healed me. You spared me from going to the depths of hell. Sing the praises of the Lord, you His faithful people. Praise His holy Name everywhere! For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime. Rejoicing comes in the morning. Lord, when You favored me, You made my royal mountain stand firm; but when You hid Your face, I was dismayed. Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me; Lord, be my help. You turned my wailing into dancing; You clothed me with Joy.
INVOCATION
* HYMN “When Morning Gilds the Skies” # 667 * PRAYER OF CONFESSION unison Holy Father, forgive us. We have selfishly let You down. Though You should guide us, we inform ourselves. Though You should fulfill us, we console ourselves. We think Your truth too high, Your will too hard, Your power too remote, Your love too free. But they are not! Heal our confused minds with Your word, our troubled consciences with Your Love, and our anxious hearts with Your presence. Forgive us. We need You every hour. * Time of silent prayer *Assurance of Pardon *Response – Gloria Patri *Passing the Peace The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. And also, with you. Children’s Chat Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading: Exodus 33: 7 – 11 Diana Donaldson Matthew 26: 36 - 46 The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God! Sermon: “Where is Your Gethsemane?” *HYMN “God of Grace and God of Glory” # 307 *Apostles Creed Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People The Lord’s Prayer *HYMN “Precious Lord, Take My Hand # 834 *Benediction Choir Postlude
BIRTHDAYS: Diana Donaldson, Brynn Hathaway
ANNIVERSARYS: None SYMPATHY: To the Family of Reba Flowers ANNOUNCEMENTS: Remember our food Collection. And Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.” Please let Betty Fisher know of anyone within the Community that may be in need at this time. Keith McGill has been moved to UPMC in Pittsburgh. Prayers for his comfort. Ed Horne is back in Presby hospital. Prayers are needed for him also. ‘ HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!
Good morning!
We're so glad you chose to join us today!
When we meet in person, we share our joys and concerns with each other. If you have prayer requests to share, you can add them to the comments on this post. When you are ready, use this prayer to get started.
Heavenly Father, we are Christ’s disciples and apostles, people who have learned about you, who follow you, and who are sent out to spread the good news. But each of us is also a beggar, a person whose life has been diminished by trauma and circumstance but who has been freed to live more fully through the power of Jesus Christ.
Help us to be a living witnesses to the life that Christ offers all who are willing to trust him. And so, as we begin our time together this morning, we bring you the names of all who need your healing power. And in his name, we bid them to walk into a future filled with hope and joy. For we ask it in Christ’s name. Amen.
Today's lesson is on Acts 3:1-11.
Lesson context
Following the outpouring the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, the early church followed Jesus in his example of healing the sick and handicapped and caring for the poor and outcast. Not only did the healing and care provide relief for the beneficiaries on a physical level, but it also validated the truth of the gospel and Christianity in general, making people more open to hearing and adopting the gospel as the centerpiece of their lives.
The setting (Acts 3:1-2)
Peter and John were on their way to the temple to pray. Prayer was primarily at three times each day — at early morning, in the middle of the afternoon and at sunset. This was the second of those times. Christians saw themselves as the new direction of Judaism in the years following Christ’s death and resurrection. Therefore, Peter and James were simply following the Jewish customs they had known from birth. As they approached one of the temple gates, the gate called Beautiful, they encountered a lame man who was being carried to the gate, where he would beg for alms, just so he could eke out his survival. We’re told that the man had been lame since birth. Each day, his friends or family carried him to the gate, where he would encounter devout Jews who would likely be more willing to give him a small donation. As he saw the pair approaching the gate, he asked them for money. Peter responded that they had no money to give him. This is a situation that most people have experienced even today, especially when we are on crowded streets in major cities. People approached by beggars today often either ignore them completely or simply say no to their requests, even if they have enough to give. Their thinking often is that the beggar is lazy, that modern welfare programs should be enough to meet the person’s needs. or that it is simply not their responsibility to take care of every poor person on the street. However, for devout Jews in the first century, it was seen as their religious duty to care for the poor.
The expectations (3:3-6a)
Although Peter does not have money to give, he offers the beggar something more. Through the healing power of the Holy Spirit, in the name of the healer Jesus Christ of Nazareth, he invites the man to walk. Peter took the man —who had not walked his entire life — by the right hand and helped him to his feet. Immediately his ankles became strong. The man does not simply walk falteringly, but he jumps. He also praises God for the new life he has received. Jumping and praising are signs not only of the miraculous healing that has taken place but also of the joy the man experiences. He now has new life with new possibilities for independence and self-determination.
The wonder (3:6b-11)
The miraculous healing changed the man’s life. But it did more than that. To all who had known him or seen him at the temple, it was a testimony without words to the healing and saving power of Christ. Theology at that time often saw physical problems such as disability or sickness as resulting from moral failures by that person or their parents. For that reason, disability was grounds for exclusion from the community and the temple. Some believe, therefore, that this beggar would not have been permitted in the temple courts. If that is true, then this would have been the first time the man had ever entered the inner courts. Instead of being consigned to begging at the temple gate, he goes into the Court of the Gentiles, into a covered open-air area known as Solomon’s Colonnade. The healing story concludes with a man who has been freed, who now has access to work and community outside the temple and to fellowship with God and other worshippers inside the temple. His life, like all who encounter the risen Christ, has become a living witness to the power and grace of God through Jesus Christ. 
Conclusion
Over half of Jesus’ miracles recorded in the Gospels involved people who were sick, blind, mute, deaf or otherwise suffering a physical disability. This does not count the summary statements where we are told Jesus “healed many” (See Mark 1:34.). He cared deeply about those with physical disabilities. A word used several times to describe Jesus’ attitude and actions in this regard is “compassion.” (See Matthew 14:14; 15:32; 20:34; and Mark 8:2.) Compassion is also seen in the first century church’s acceptance of responsibility to care for those who were unable to care for themselves fully. (Acts 2:45; 4:32-35: 6:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8-9, etc.) The ministries extended to those whose disabilities caused them to be marginalized or ignored by others. The church of today continues to recognize and respond to such a challenge. It does so in a variety of ways; examples are the establishment of hospitals, the design of buildings that have no physical barriers restricting access, and distribution of food via pantries. Peter and John’s care for the man in today’s test gained the attention of others who were then eager to hear Peter’s gospel message. We must conclude that was the ultimate intended result, the most important part, not the healing in and of itself. Physical disabilities last only for this life; spiritual disabilities are eternal. A church’s care for those who have physical challenges should make the church attractive to unbelievers who become open to hearing the gospel and can thereby gain eternal life. Prayer Heavenly Father, help us to anticipate great results as we minister to those who have unique needs. As we do, remind us that our compassion is not an end in and of itself. Rather, we make our obedience to Jesus complete by sharing the gospel, which leads to the eternal life that is available only through Jesus. We pray in his mighty name. Amen. Questions for discussion * We often are so preoccupied with our own lives that we tend to walk past people in need today. How can you practice being more attentive to people you might be tempted to ignore? * In what ways does Peter’s response set a precedent for believers? In what ways does it not? * How can you practice meeting a person’s physical needs while also not ignoring his or her spiritual needs? * What adjustments can our congregation make to ensure that people with disabilities can easily participate in worship? Who should we recruit to help with an appropriate follow through?
Benediction
This week's benediction is from the Passion Translation. 
Next week's lesson will be on Acts 8:29-39.
Today's guest speaker is Rev. Dave Mason.
Gathering Around the Word
ANNOUNCEMENTS Prelude CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 31) L: Lord God, You are indeed my rock and my fortress; P: For Your name’s sake lead me and guide me. L: Take me out of the net that is hidden for me, for You are my refuge. P: Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God. INVOCATION Rev. Mason
*HYMN “ Rejoice Ye Pure in Heart” # 804
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION (UNISON) Merciful and loving God, Your love for us is unconditional, yet our love for You, for others and for ourselves is often marred. We allow prejudice and pride to blind us; our brokenness remains unhealed; we cling to old stories and hurts which impede the work of reconciliation. Forgive us, we pray, for failing to trust You, for playing it safe instead of following the daring call of Your Spirit, for withholding forgiveness and grace from ourselves and others. Let Your love renews us yet again. Let the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead rekindle creative life within us and restore right relations among us. AMEN *Time of silent prayer. *Assurance of Pardon *Response – Gloria Patri *Passing the Peace L: The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. P: And also, with you. CHILDREN’S CHAT Prayer for Illumination Scripture Reading Psalm 31: 1-5, 15-16 Lois Miller Acts 7: 55-60 L: The Word of the Lord P: Thanks be to God! SERMON “WHEN PASSION BECOMES DEADLY” * HYMN “God of Grace and God of Glory” #307 *Apostles Creed Offertory “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” *Doxology * Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People Rev. Mason The Lord’s Prayer HYMN “ How Firm a Foundation” #463 Benediction Choir Postlude
BIRTHDAYS: Tom Miller, Nellie Baker, Cassandra Clifford, Caleb Cummings, Diana Donaldson
ANNIVERSARYS: Tom & Nancy Molinaro ANNOUNCEMENTS: Remember our food Collection. And Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.” Please let Betty Fisher know of anyone within the Community that may be in need at this time. Our monthly Missionary Meeting is this Tuesday, May 9, at 9:30 am. Please come join us for fellowship. Women on Wednesday (WOW) is having their meeting on May 10, at 9:30 am. Come join in the fun and fellowship. Just a reminder, Linda Rice of Upper Buffalo Church sent an invitation to join them for a CPR and AED class on Tuesday, May 23 at 6:30 p.m. If interested, please call Linda Rice at 724-345-3594. She needs to know a week in advance to let the instructor know how many are coming to the class. The cost of the class is $10.00 a person. You may pay the night of the class. Next Sunday May 14th, is Mother’s Day. Please remember your mom!!
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet together in person, we take time to share our joys and concerns. Consider your last week, and any prayer requests you might have. If you would like, you can share prayer requests as a comment on this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
God of all nations, please break down the barriers that divide us and that blunt the wonderful message of your grace. Pour out your Spirit upon us and convict us of our prejudice and selfishness, and replace it with your transcending love. Forgive us, forgive me, when my own shortsightedness and selfishness interferes with the world seeing a united Church proclaiming Jesus as Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Today's lesson is on Acts 2:1-8, 14-24, 37-40.
Lesson Context
The work of the Holy Spirit can be peaceful, like the descent of the Spirit on Jesus at his baptism (Luke 3:22). However, it is not always pleasant for those affected. We are told Jesus would baptize with both the Holy Spirit and fire (Luke 3:16). We might think of the destruction of God's enemies, and the testing or purification of his people. The Jewish holiday called the Festival of Harvest, the Festival of Weeks, or the day of the firstfruits is celebrated fifty days after Passover. Our Pentecost celebration occurs at roughly the same time -- seven weeks and one day after the Passover Sabbath. For the Jewish people at the time of Christ, both Passover and the Festival of Weeks were pilgrimage festivals. The people would come to Jerusalem and to the temple. Our book says that we might think of Jerusalem as having a tourist economy. The height of the tourist season would be from Passover to Pentecost. Many visitors would stay for the entire fifty day period between those two observances.
The Spirit Comes
The apostles had been instructed to wait in Jerusalem by Jesus. Initially, this would have been the original 11 apostles, but the number of followers grew to about 120. It had been ten days since Jesus' departure. However, the people visiting would start leaving the next day, at the end of the festival. Our book also says that the followers would soon be scattered due to persecution. The followers experienced the sound of a violent wind. Our book points out that this does not mean that there was actually wind. The followers then saw tongues of fire that divided and settled on the followers. There was no burning or injury from the fire. Both the sound and flame were supernatural things from God. Following the sound and flame, the Spirit filled the followers of Jesus. This allowed the followers to be heard in each listener's native language. This was a huge deal! Because the people in Jerusalem were from many different places, they also spoke many different languages. These would have included Greek, Aramaic and Latin, among others. The miracle shown here is that the speakers did not know the other languages. But they were still able to be understood.
The Apostle Preaches
In the verses we skipped, some people doubted, even suggesting that those speaking might be drunk. Peter addresses this idea with the crowd. It is so early in the morning, no one is likely to drunk. Instead, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel in the Old Testament (Joel 2:28-32). The Jewish people had not experienced prophecy for generations. Our book says that, "We understand this to mean that what remain are the events of the end of time: the return of Christ and the final judgment." Everyone would have known of Jesus of Nazareth as a miracle worker. Peter attributes the miraculous ability to God. The people also would have known about Jesus' death on the cross. However, God's plan did not end there. God had raised Jesus to live again.
The Crowd Reacts
In the next set of skipped verses, Peter offered further proof that Jesus was the Messiah. The people's reaction suggests that they believed what Peter had to say. Peter tells them to repent and be baptized. To repent is to turn away from sin and toward God in heart, mind and lifestyle. Baptism is a work of God, when in God's chosen time, regeneration and renewal happen (see Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12, Galatians 3:27, Titus 3:5, 1 Peter 3:21, Ephesians 2:8-9). By doing these things, God will forgive us. We will receive the Holy Spirit. Peter says that this will apply to "you and your children and for all who are far off." Initially, the listeners probably thought of this as applying to all of the Jewish people, who were widely spread out in the Roman Empire. Today, we also believe that this applies to the Gentiles as well. 
Conclusion
Acts 2 presents something fundamental: the Holy Spirit has come, and it has come with power. The long waiting period is over. There is power in the gospel. When this message is preached faithfully , God's Spirit is active in the reception of it. This is true whether preaching from a pulpit or sharing with a friend. Whenever the gospel is communicated, God's Spirit is working with us to convict the hearer of his truth and bring that person to faith in Christ.
Prayer
God, may we never doubt the power of your Holy Spirit to change everything according to your will. May your Spirit work powerfully in our lives, as Jesus promised. We pray in his name. Amen.
Questions for Discussion
Benediction
This week's benediction comes from the New International Readers' Version. 
Next week's lesson will be on Acts 3:1-11.
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