| ©2018 St. Blasius Old Parish Church, Shanklin

Heavenly Father, be with us now as we come to worship you. Surround us with your love, fill us with your Spirit, and unite us in love and service. Amen. Come Holy Spirit. And kindle in us the fire of your love. Hymn: Come down, O Love Divine
SPIRITUAL COMMUNION SPIRITUAL COMMUNION St Blasius Home Page St Blasius Home Page St John’s Home Page St John’s Home Page
Hymn: There’s a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place
Acknowledging our need of Forgiveness 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 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Affirming God’s Forgiveness May the God of love and power forgive us and free us from our sins, heal and strengthen us by his Spirit, and raise us to new life in Christ our Lord. Amen. Collect Prayer Faithful God, who fulfilled the promise of Easter by the giving of your Holy Spirit. Pour out your Spirit upon us, so that we may be empowered to share in the work of building your Kingdom. Amen.
Bible Readings Acts 2: 1-21 2When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4All 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. 6And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. 7Amazed and astonished, they asked, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? 9Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.’ 12All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’ 13But others sneered and said, ‘They are filled with new wine.’ 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. 15Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. 16No, 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.”
Reflections By Karen Crowhurst Today is Pentecost Sunday. Traditionally the church has referred to the celebration as 'Whitsun', or 'Whit Sunday'. It is believed that the name comes from Pentecost being a day for baptisms, when participants would dress in white. In Biblical times, there were three great festivals which every Jewish male living within twenty miles of Jerusalem was legally bound to come: Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles. The name ‘Pentecost’ means ‘The Fiftieth’, and Pentecost was also known as ‘The Feast of Weeks’. It was so called because it fell on the fiftieth day, a week of weeks, after Passover. The Jews celebrated Pentecost in early June, when travelling conditions were at their best and so people travelled to Jerusalem to celebrate the festival from many different countries in the region. Our reading from Acts (2:5) describes this international crowd. We are told that when the Holy Spirit falls upon the disciples, the Spirit enables them to speak in other languages and that all of these international visitors: Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt, Libya, Cretans, Arabs and even people from Rome, are amazed to hear these Galilean men speak in their own native tongues….and some of those present think the disciples have had a bit too much wine! A minister on a trip to Kenya attended an African Pentecostal church where he was invited to speak at a big event. The congregation listened politely to what he had to say with the aid of a translator, but he didn't really engage with them. However, when the next speaker started to talk in their local language the rapport was immense as she spoke out of the shared knowledge of their culture, and they lapped up her words. The message was embodied in her, and it spoke to them. It was truly the work of the Spirit. And of course, when King Charles spoke German when addressing the German parliament, he received a standing ovation. Those present showed great appreciation for the fact that he addressed the parliament in their native tongue – he was also the first British monarch to address the Bundestag. Up to this point, Christianity had really been no more than a Jewish sect centred around the person of Jesus, but things are about to change. In last week’s reading from the book of Acts the risen Jesus appeared to the disciples and said these words: ‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ (Acts 1:8). Our reading today is really the launch party for the gradual spread of Christianity across the globe. On this day of Pentecost, a crowd drawn from folk from a whole host of communities heard God speaking to them in their own mother tongue. The Gospel message wasn’t just for Jews, otherwise the Spirit of God would just speak in Hebrew, Aramaic or Greek. The events of Pentecost show that Christianity is a global faith and not just for one culture or ethnic group. Those who heard the believers speaking in ‘other languages’ were from every part of the known world of the time. It was a clear sign of the Holy Spirit’s unifying power – bringing together people from different backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities. We often describe ourselves as a church ‘family’, and that is a lovely expression. But, of course, we are all part of a universal, as well as a local ‘church family’. Like ordinary human families, there will be some people that we get on with better with whom we feel we have more in common, but it is important never to lose sight of that fact. Christians in Mongolia are as much members of our church family as Christians living in Ventnor. We are bound together by our common faith in Jesus Christ. But the events described at this special Pentecost celebration were more than just a sign that the gospel of Jesus Christ was for all people everywhere. The disciples’ experience of being empowered by the Spirit was like being caught up in an engulfing fire or being whirled around by breathtaking gales. It must have been terrifying! But as the tongues of fire rested upon the disciples, something incredible happened – they were filled with the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit would give the disciples the strength and gifts they needed to go out and spread the gospel: to perform ‘signs and wonders’ as Jesus did, to preach the word of God boldly, to find courage in the face of threats, even to become martyrs for the Lord, as Stephen did (see Acts 7). In our worship we often refer to the Trinity – ‘in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit’, but how is the Holy Spirit relevant to us today? Scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit was God’s gift not just to the disciples on that special day of Pentecost, but a gift to all Christians down the ages, including ourselves. God did not create the world and then step away from it. The Holy Spirit is not a vague, supernatural force, floating away somewhere in heaven, but a person, the third person of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit is ‘God with us now’, the life-giving spirit of God, who helps us to understand scripture, who helps us to change our lives to become more Christlike, who makes a home in our hearts. It is the Holy Spirit who comforts us and helps us to pray, particularly when we don’t have the words to say. It is the Holy Spirit who gives us particular spiritual gifts to help us to serve Christ’s body, the church. The Holy Spirit is also at work as we celebrate the sacraments. In the Anglican church we believe that when people are baptised, the Holy Spirit comes upon them and they become part of God’s family and begin their journey of Christian discipleship. And we believe that the Holy Spirit is at work when we celebrate the Eucharist, and that the Eucharist is food for our Christian journey and takes us closer to God. Bishop George Moberley was for a while Rector of St. Mary's Church, Brighstone. The following words come from one of his sermons: When the Holy Spirit is among men, Christ is there. When the Holy Spirit is in the heart of men, Christ is there. When the Holy Spirit moves the worshippers to meet and offer prayers in spirit and in truth, Christ is in the midst of them. Be sure of this: If any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. But if any man hath the Spirit of Christ, Christ is with him. Not indeed in the flesh, as of old when He was with the disciples in Judea, But very truly, very really and very near. For with the presence of the Spirit, Christ too comes, yea, and the Father; And they make their abode in the heart which the sanctifying Spirit maketh fit for such holy inmates. Amen. Taize Song: Holy Spirit, come to us
God’s Blessing May the Spirit of God, lead us always in the ways of truth and peace; and the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with us now and remain with us always. Amen.
We gather together all our prayers and praises in the words that Jesus taught us… The Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Prayers The Thy Kingdom Come Prayer Almighty God, your ascended Son has sent us into the world to preach the good news of your kingdom: inspire us with your Spirit and fill our hearts with the fire of your love, that all who hear your Word may be drawn to you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Generous God, we thank you for the power of your Holy Spirit. We ask that we and all your Church may be strengthened to serve you better. Come now, O Holy Spirit, and fill our hearts afresh. We thank you for the wisdom of your Holy Spirit. Guide the leaders of the Nations and all those in authority, that they may respect the needs of all peoples and build a safer and more just world. Come now, O Holy Spirit and guide the world in wisdom. We thank you for the peace of your Holy Spirit. Break down the barriers which divide us, and open the path to peace and reconciliation in every place of conflict. Come now, O Holy Spirit and bring your peace on earth. We thank you for the healing of your Holy Spirit. We ask you to bring healing and wholeness where there is pain and suffering, sickness and sorrow. Come now, O Holy Spirit and make your healing love known. We thank you for the gifts of your Holy Spirit. We ask you to equip us for the work which you have given us, and help us to build a loving and caring community in which every member is respected and valued. Come now, O Holy Spirit and strengthen us in service. We thank you for the breath of your Holy Spirit, given us by the risen Lord. Remembering those who have shared this earthly life with us, but now have journeyed on into your presence, we ask you to keep the whole Church, living and departed, in the joy of eternal life. Come now, O Holy Spirit, breath of life eternal. We thank you for the fruit of your Holy Spirit. We ask you to reveal in our lives the love of Jesus. Come now, O Holy Spirit and fill our heats afresh.
PENTECOST Worship and Prayer
John 20: 19-23 John 20.19-23 19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’
1 Corinthians 12: 3b-13 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 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. One Body with Many Members 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.
Opening our hearts to God 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 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Anthem: Come Holy Ghost, our souls inspire
Hymn: Spirit of God, unseen as the wind
I will sing with the Spirit John Rutter

| ©2018 St. Blasius Old Parish Church, Shanklin

Heavenly Father, be with us now as we come to worship you. Surround us with your love, fill us with your Spirit, and unite us in love and service. Amen. Come Holy Spirit. And kindle in us the fire of your love. Hymn: Come down, O Love Divine
SPIRITUAL COMMUNION SPIRITUAL COMMUNION St Blasius Home Page St Blasius Home Page St John’s Home Page St John’s Home Page
Hymn: There’s a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place
Acknowledging our need of Forgiveness 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 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Affirming God’s Forgiveness May the God of love and power forgive us and free us from our sins, heal and strengthen us by his Spirit, and raise us to new life in Christ our Lord. Amen. Collect Prayer Faithful God, who fulfilled the promise of Easter by the giving of your Holy Spirit. Pour out your Spirit upon us, so that we may be empowered to share in the work of building your Kingdom. Amen.
Bible Readings Acts 2: 1-21 2When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4All 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. 6And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. 7Amazed and astonished, they asked, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? 9Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.’ 12All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’ 13But others sneered and said, ‘They are filled with new wine.’ 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. 15Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. 16No, 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.”
Reflections By Karen Crowhurst Today is Pentecost Sunday. Traditionally the church has referred to the celebration as 'Whitsun', or 'Whit Sunday'. It is believed that the name comes from Pentecost being a day for baptisms, when participants would dress in white. In Biblical times, there were three great festivals which every Jewish male living within twenty miles of Jerusalem was legally bound to come: Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles. The name ‘Pentecost’ means ‘The Fiftieth’, and Pentecost was also known as ‘The Feast of Weeks’. It was so called because it fell on the fiftieth day, a week of weeks, after Passover. The Jews celebrated Pentecost in early June, when travelling conditions were at their best and so people travelled to Jerusalem to celebrate the festival from many different countries in the region. Our reading from Acts (2:5) describes this international crowd. We are told that when the Holy Spirit falls upon the disciples, the Spirit enables them to speak in other languages and that all of these international visitors: Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt, Libya, Cretans, Arabs and even people from Rome, are amazed to hear these Galilean men speak in their own native tongues….and some of those present think the disciples have had a bit too much wine! A minister on a trip to Kenya attended an African Pentecostal church where he was invited to speak at a big event. The congregation listened politely to what he had to say with the aid of a translator, but he didn't really engage with them. However, when the next speaker started to talk in their local language the rapport was immense as she spoke out of the shared knowledge of their culture, and they lapped up her words. The message was embodied in her, and it spoke to them. It was truly the work of the Spirit. And of course, when King Charles spoke German when addressing the German parliament, he received a standing ovation. Those present showed great appreciation for the fact that he addressed the parliament in their native tongue – he was also the first British monarch to address the Bundestag. Up to this point, Christianity had really been no more than a Jewish sect centred around the person of Jesus, but things are about to change. In last week’s reading from the book of Acts the risen Jesus appeared to the disciples and said these words: ‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ (Acts 1:8). Our reading today is really the launch party for the gradual spread of Christianity across the globe. On this day of Pentecost, a crowd drawn from folk from a whole host of communities heard God speaking to them in their own mother tongue. The Gospel message wasn’t just for Jews, otherwise the Spirit of God would just speak in Hebrew, Aramaic or Greek. The events of Pentecost show that Christianity is a global faith and not just for one culture or ethnic group. Those who heard the believers speaking in ‘other languages’ were from every part of the known world of the time. It was a clear sign of the Holy Spirit’s unifying power – bringing together people from different backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities. We often describe ourselves as a church ‘family’, and that is a lovely expression. But, of course, we are all part of a universal, as well as a local ‘church family’. Like ordinary human families, there will be some people that we get on with better with whom we feel we have more in common, but it is important never to lose sight of that fact. Christians in Mongolia are as much members of our church family as Christians living in Ventnor. We are bound together by our common faith in Jesus Christ. But the events described at this special Pentecost celebration were more than just a sign that the gospel of Jesus Christ was for all people everywhere. The disciples’ experience of being empowered by the Spirit was like being caught up in an engulfing fire or being whirled around by breathtaking gales. It must have been terrifying! But as the tongues of fire rested upon the disciples, something incredible happened – they were filled with the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit would give the disciples the strength and gifts they needed to go out and spread the gospel: to perform ‘signs and wonders’ as Jesus did, to preach the word of God boldly, to find courage in the face of threats, even to become martyrs for the Lord, as Stephen did (see Acts 7). In our worship we often refer to the Trinity – ‘in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit’, but how is the Holy Spirit relevant to us today? Scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit was God’s gift not just to the disciples on that special day of Pentecost, but a gift to all Christians down the ages, including ourselves. God did not create the world and then step away from it. The Holy Spirit is not a vague, supernatural force, floating away somewhere in heaven, but a person, the third person of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit is ‘God with us now’, the life-giving spirit of God, who helps us to understand scripture, who helps us to change our lives to become more Christlike, who makes a home in our hearts. It is the Holy Spirit who comforts us and helps us to pray, particularly when we don’t have the words to say. It is the Holy Spirit who gives us particular spiritual gifts to help us to serve Christ’s body, the church. The Holy Spirit is also at work as we celebrate the sacraments. In the Anglican church we believe that when people are baptised, the Holy Spirit comes upon them and they become part of God’s family and begin their journey of Christian discipleship. And we believe that the Holy Spirit is at work when we celebrate the Eucharist, and that the Eucharist is food for our Christian journey and takes us closer to God. Bishop George Moberley was for a while Rector of St. Mary's Church, Brighstone. The following words come from one of his sermons: When the Holy Spirit is among men, Christ is there. When the Holy Spirit is in the heart of men, Christ is there. When the Holy Spirit moves the worshippers to meet and offer prayers in spirit and in truth, Christ is in the midst of them. Be sure of this: If any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. But if any man hath the Spirit of Christ, Christ is with him. Not indeed in the flesh, as of old when He was with the disciples in Judea, But very truly, very really and very near. For with the presence of the Spirit, Christ too comes, yea, and the Father; And they make their abode in the heart which the sanctifying Spirit maketh fit for such holy inmates. Amen. Taize Song: Holy Spirit, come to us
God’s Blessing May the Spirit of God, lead us always in the ways of truth and peace; and the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with us now and remain with us always. Amen.
We gather together all our prayers and praises in the words that Jesus taught us… The Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Prayers The Thy Kingdom Come Prayer Almighty God, your ascended Son has sent us into the world to preach the good news of your kingdom: inspire us with your Spirit and fill our hearts with the fire of your love, that all who hear your Word may be drawn to you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Generous God, we thank you for the power of your Holy Spirit. We ask that we and all your Church may be strengthened to serve you better. Come now, O Holy Spirit, and fill our hearts afresh. We thank you for the wisdom of your Holy Spirit. Guide the leaders of the Nations and all those in authority, that they may respect the needs of all peoples and build a safer and more just world. Come now, O Holy Spirit and guide the world in wisdom. We thank you for the peace of your Holy Spirit. Break down the barriers which divide us, and open the path to peace and reconciliation in every place of conflict. Come now, O Holy Spirit and bring your peace on earth. We thank you for the healing of your Holy Spirit. We ask you to bring healing and wholeness where there is pain and suffering, sickness and sorrow. Come now, O Holy Spirit and make your healing love known. We thank you for the gifts of your Holy Spirit. We ask you to equip us for the work which you have given us, and help us to build a loving and caring community in which every member is respected and valued. Come now, O Holy Spirit and strengthen us in service. We thank you for the breath of your Holy Spirit, given us by the risen Lord. Remembering those who have shared this earthly life with us, but now have journeyed on into your presence, we ask you to keep the whole Church, living and departed, in the joy of eternal life. Come now, O Holy Spirit, breath of life eternal. We thank you for the fruit of your Holy Spirit. We ask you to reveal in our lives the love of Jesus. Come now, O Holy Spirit and fill our heats afresh.
PENTECOST Worship and Prayer
John 20: 19-23 John 20.19-23 19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’
1 Corinthians 12: 3b-13 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 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. One Body with Many Members 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.
Opening our hearts to God 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 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Anthem: Come Holy Ghost, our souls inspire
Hymn: Spirit of God, unseen as the wind
I will sing with the Spirit John Rutter

| ©2018 St. Blasius Old Parish Church, Shanklin

Heavenly Father, be with us now as we come to worship you. Surround us with your love, fill us with your Spirit, and unite us in love and service. Amen. Come Holy Spirit. And kindle in us the fire of your love. Hymn: Come down, O Love Divine
Acknowledging our need of Forgiveness 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 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Affirming God’s Forgiveness May the God of love and power forgive us and free us from our sins, heal and strengthen us by his Spirit, and raise us to new life in Christ our Lord. Amen. Collect Prayer Faithful God, who fulfilled the promise of Easter by the giving of your Holy Spirit. Pour out your Spirit upon us, so that we may be empowered to share in the work of building your Kingdom. Amen.
Bible Readings Acts 2: 1-21 2When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4All 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. 6And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. 7Amazed and astonished, they asked, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? 9Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.’ 12All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’ 13But others sneered and said, ‘They are filled with new wine.’ 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. 15Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. 16No, 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.”
Prayers The Thy Kingdom Come Prayer Almighty God, your ascended Son has sent us into the world to preach the good news of your kingdom: inspire us with your Spirit and fill our hearts with the fire of your love, that all who hear your Word may be drawn to you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Generous God, we thank you for the power of your Holy Spirit. We ask that we and all your Church may be strengthened to serve you better. Come now, O Holy Spirit, and fill our hearts afresh. We thank you for the wisdom of your Holy Spirit. Guide the leaders of the Nations and all those in authority, that they may respect the needs of all peoples and build a safer and more just world. Come now, O Holy Spirit and guide the world in wisdom. We thank you for the peace of your Holy Spirit. Break down the barriers which divide us, and open the path to peace and reconciliation in every place of conflict. Come now, O Holy Spirit and bring your peace on earth. We thank you for the healing of your Holy Spirit. We ask you to bring healing and wholeness where there is pain and suffering, sickness and sorrow. Come now, O Holy Spirit and make your healing love known. We thank you for the gifts of your Holy Spirit. We ask you to equip us for the work which you have given us, and help us to build a loving and caring community in which every member is respected and valued. Come now, O Holy Spirit and strengthen us in service. We thank you for the breath of your Holy Spirit, given us by the risen Lord. Remembering those who have shared this earthly life with us, but now have journeyed on into your presence, we ask you to keep the whole Church, living and departed, in the joy of eternal life. Come now, O Holy Spirit, breath of life eternal. We thank you for the fruit of your Holy Spirit. We ask you to reveal in our lives the love of Jesus. Come now, O Holy Spirit and fill our heats afresh.
PENTECOST Worship and Prayer
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Reflections By Karen Crowhurst Today is Pentecost Sunday. Traditionally the church has referred to the celebration as 'Whitsun', or 'Whit Sunday'. It is believed that the name comes from Pentecost being a day for baptisms, when participants would dress in white. In Biblical times, there were three great festivals which every Jewish male living within twenty miles of Jerusalem was legally bound to come: Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles. The name ‘Pentecost’ means ‘The Fiftieth’, and Pentecost was also known as ‘The Feast of Weeks’. It was so called because it fell on the fiftieth day, a week of weeks, after Passover. The Jews celebrated Pentecost in early June, when travelling conditions were at their best and so people travelled to Jerusalem to celebrate the festival from many different countries in the region. Our reading from Acts (2:5) describes this international crowd. We are told that when the Holy Spirit falls upon the disciples, the Spirit enables them to speak in other languages and that all of these international visitors: Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt, Libya, Cretans, Arabs and even people from Rome, are amazed to hear these Galilean men speak in their own native tongues….and some of those present think the disciples have had a bit too much wine! A minister on a trip to Kenya attended an African Pentecostal church where he was invited to speak at a big event. The congregation listened politely to what he had to say with the aid of a translator, but he didn't really engage with them. However, when the next speaker started to talk in their local language the rapport was immense as she spoke out of the shared knowledge of their culture, and they lapped up her words. The message was embodied in her, and it spoke to them. It was truly the work of the Spirit. And of course, when King Charles spoke German when addressing the German parliament, he received a standing ovation. Those present showed great appreciation for the fact that he addressed the parliament in their native tongue – he was also the first British monarch to address the Bundestag. Up to this point, Christianity had really been no more than a Jewish sect centred around the person of Jesus, but things are about to change. In last week’s reading from the book of Acts the risen Jesus appeared to the disciples and said these words: ‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ (Acts 1:8). Our reading today is really the launch party for the gradual spread of Christianity across the globe. On this day of Pentecost, a crowd drawn from folk from a whole host of communities heard God speaking to them in their own mother tongue. The Gospel message wasn’t just for Jews, otherwise the Spirit of God would just speak in Hebrew, Aramaic or Greek. The events of Pentecost show that Christianity is a global faith and not just for one culture or ethnic group. Those who heard the believers speaking in ‘other languages’ were from every part of the known world of the time. It was a clear sign of the Holy Spirit’s unifying power – bringing together people from different backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities. We often describe ourselves as a church ‘family’, and that is a lovely expression. But, of course, we are all part of a universal, as well as a local ‘church family’. Like ordinary human families, there will be some people that we get on with better with whom we feel we have more in common, but it is important never to lose sight of that fact. Christians in Mongolia are as much members of our church family as Christians living in Ventnor. We are bound together by our common faith in Jesus Christ. But the events described at this special Pentecost celebration were more than just a sign that the gospel of Jesus Christ was for all people everywhere. The disciples’ experience of being empowered by the Spirit was like being caught up in an engulfing fire or being whirled around by breathtaking gales. It must have been terrifying! But as the tongues of fire rested upon the disciples, something incredible happened – they were filled with the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit would give the disciples the strength and gifts they needed to go out and spread the gospel: to perform ‘signs and wonders’ as Jesus did, to preach the word of God boldly, to find courage in the face of threats, even to become martyrs for the Lord, as Stephen did (see Acts 7). In our worship we often refer to the Trinity – ‘in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit’, but how is the Holy Spirit relevant to us today? Scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit was God’s gift not just to the disciples on that special day of Pentecost, but a gift to all Christians down the ages, including ourselves. God did not create the world and then step away from it. The Holy Spirit is not a vague, supernatural force, floating away somewhere in heaven, but a person, the third person of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit is ‘God with us now’, the life-giving spirit of God, who helps us to understand scripture, who helps us to change our lives to become more Christlike, who makes a home in our hearts. It is the Holy Spirit who comforts us and helps us to pray, particularly when we don’t have the words to say. It is the Holy Spirit who gives us particular spiritual gifts to help us to serve Christ’s body, the church. The Holy Spirit is also at work as we celebrate the sacraments. In the Anglican church we believe that when people are baptised, the Holy Spirit comes upon them and they become part of God’s family and begin their journey of Christian discipleship. And we believe that the Holy Spirit is at work when we celebrate the Eucharist, and that the Eucharist is food for our Christian journey and takes us closer to God. Bishop George Moberley was for a while Rector of St. Mary's Church, Brighstone. The following words come from one of his sermons: When the Holy Spirit is among men, Christ is there. When the Holy Spirit is in the heart of men, Christ is there. When the Holy Spirit moves the worshippers to meet and offer prayers in spirit and in truth, Christ is in the midst of them. Be sure of this: If any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. But if any man hath the Spirit of Christ, Christ is with him. Not indeed in the flesh, as of old when He was with the disciples in Judea, But very truly, very really and very near. For with the presence of the Spirit, Christ too comes, yea, and the Father; And they make their abode in the heart which the sanctifying Spirit maketh fit for such holy inmates. Amen. Taize Song: Holy Spirit, come to us
John 20: 19-23 John 20.19-23 19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’
1 Corinthians 12: 3b-13 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 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. One Body with Many Members 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.
God’s Blessing May the Spirit of God, lead us always in the ways of truth and peace; and the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with us now and remain with us always. Amen.
We gather together all our prayers and praises in the words that Jesus taught us… The Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Hymn: There’s a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place
Opening our hearts to God 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 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Anthem: Come Holy Ghost, our souls inspire
Hymn: Spirit of God, unseen as the wind
I will sing with the Spirit John Rutter