EPISTLE Romans 8:11-16 Even upon my slaves, both men and women,


Quote for Reflection: When God lives and breathes in you (as surely as God did in in those days I will pour out my Spirit,

Geese appear high over us, pass, and the sky closes. Jesus), you are delivered from that dead life. With God’s Spirit and they shall prophesy.

Abandon, as in love or sleep, living in you, your body will be as alive as Christ’s! And I will show portents in the heaven above

holds them to their way, clear in the ancient faith: and signs on the earth below:

what we need is here. So don’t you see that we don’t owe this old do-it-yourself life blood, and fire, and smoky mist.

And we pray, not for new earth or heaven, one red cent? There’s nothing in it for us, nothing at all. The best The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood,

but to be quiet in heart, and in eye, clear. thing to do is give it a decent burial and get on with your new life.
What we need is here. before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day.

God’s Spirit beckons. There are things to do and places to go! Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved
Wendell Berry
This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, .
grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with
We Gather as God’s People a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits
and confirms who we really are. We know who God is, and we We Respond to God’s Word
HYMN Spirit of God, Bright Wind FWS 2117 know who we are: Parent and children.
REFLECTION Beyond “Spiritual but Not Religious”

CALL TO WORSHIP Nancy Townley ACTS LESSON Acts 2:1-21

Come, Holy Spirit of God!
Bring your mighty power into our lives.
Rush through our spirits, inspiring us to witness
to the great love of God.
Come, Holy Spirit of God!
Burn light bright flames in our hearts.
Emblazon us with the confident spirit of faith
that our lives will show your love.
Come, Holy Spirit of God!
Be with us today in our thoughts and our prayers.
Come, Holy Spirit of God!
Be with us in our words and our deeds. Amen
SPIRITUALS Every Time I Feel the Spirit
I’m Goin’a Sing
PASSING THE PEACE
HYMN Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness
(sing vs. 1, then hum tune for 3 verses)
OPENING TO GOD
We Listen for God’s Word
PSALTER Psalm 104:24-35
GLORIA PATRI
HYMN As a Fire Is Meant for Burning FWS 2237
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in
one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER
rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they
were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and
OFFERING & DOXOLOGY
a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the
Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit
gave them ability.
Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven We Are Sent Into God’s World
living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was
bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native ANNOUNCEMENTS
language of each.
BENEDICTION
Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are Come, Holy Spirit, Come! Renew the face of the earth.
speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our Come, Holy Spirit, Come! Renew our lives, inside and out.
own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of
Challenge us, comfort us, stir us up, calm us down.
Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and
Come Holy Spirit, Come! Renew our lives, inside and out.
Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and
UMH 404 visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs— With fire and wind, come to this place;
UMH 333 in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of gather us up, and send us out;
power.” All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, Send us out, Holy Spirit, Send us!
“What does this mean?” But others sneered and said, “They are Make our legs stronger, our hands firmer,
filled with new wine.” our arms and our hearts wider in love.
FWS 2120 Send us out, Holy Spirit, Send us!
But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and
addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let
(on insert) this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not RESPONSE Shalom Chaverim UMH 667
drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the Shalom chaverim, shalom chaverim, Shalom, shalom.
morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: Lehitraot, lehitraot, shalom, shalom.
‘In the last days it will be, God declares,
 Farewell, dear friends, stay safe, dear friends,
that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,
 have peace, have peace.
UMH 826 and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
 We’ll see you again, we’ll see you again,
and your young men shall see visions,

Have peace, have peace.
UMH 70 and your old men shall dream dreams.

 Essex Eats Out Schedule Here are people, places, & concerns folk have recently lifted
up. Please keep them in your prayers at home.
May 25-EUMC June 1 - 1st Cong. June 8 - Holy Family Please call or email the church office to add to the prayer list.
June 15 - St James June 22 - EUMC June 29 - St. Pius X
Ongoing Prayers Ongoing Prayers, cont.
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Tim Greg
May 20 - June & Sandy Packard, anniversary
Lenore Paula DeMichele
Michael Parker Don Strickland
Keenan Ellie Uckele
Calendar Arlitha Cole
Every Tuesday: Pastor is In- The Nest Coffee Shop 10am - 12 Callie
Grace Naylor Lifted Up Last Sunday
Church Office noon-2:00pm
Anne Kennison David - Suzanne Dunbar, colleague,
Mansfield Place Bible Study 2:00pm Gloria McKeen mom passed away
Mary Willard Liz - gift of all mothers
Every Thursday: Church Office noon-2 pm Liz - Gayle, friend, in final days
Norma Strickland
Mon, 21 May: Monday Companions at Eve’s Judy & Diezela Elissa - all moms in the congregation
Matthew C. Elissa - all those who work in the nursery
Tues, 22 May: PPR, 7:00 pm & Sunday School & behind scenes
Elissa & Leif
Fri, 25 May: Essex Eats Out at ECUMC

Tue, 29 May: Pastor-Parish Relations, 7:00 pm

Sun, 10 June: Kids’ Sunday, 10 am.

All-Church Meeting, after worship
Wed, 13 June-Sat, 16 June: New England Annual Conference
of the United Methodist Church, Manchester, NH

Announcements
Parking. Our parking lot can get quite busy; please consider
parking across the street for Sunday Service. This will allow
those with small children and those that can’t walk as far to park
close by the church.

Usher & Greeter Schedules for May & June are in the narthex
Essex Center United Methodist Church
Food Shelf Needs: Spaghetti Sauce, Peanut Butter, Mac & essex_umc@comcast.net tel. 878-8304
www.essexumc.com
Cheese, Canned Fruit Ministers: the entire congregation Lay Leader: Joshua Knox
Equipping Pastor: Rev. V. Mitchell Hay
Prayer Cards on the narthex table; let someone know we are
thinking and praying for them.
cell tel. 881-3268 (feel free to call) mitchellhay@comcast.net
Office Manager: Heidi Evans Essex Center
Organ: Kathryn Parker Piano: June Packard
Cards & Calls: The following church members, who can no
longer get out, would appreciate a card or a call - Grace Naylor,
Song Leader: Dana Thomas Projection: Sam Evans United Methodist Church
Greeters: Ron & Linda Deming
Anne Kennison, Gloria McKeen, Mary Willard, Norma
Strickland, Nancy Bartlett.
Ushers: John & Patty Mitchell, Fred Hodgdon 20 May 2018 Pentecost Sunday
 Pentecost Litany
Reader 1: From the very instant of creation, your Holy Spirit
moved on the waters of creation, bringing to life the creative
love that is God.
Reader 2: Even when the people were forgetful and stubborn,
your Holy Spirit called to them to be unafraid, to follow. It led
them through the desert to a land of sweet dwelling.
Reader 1: During all the times of fear and tumult, you sang
the song of hope through the prophets, who called people back
to you with tender forgiveness.
Reader 2: On a dark winter night you sang your sweetest
song and birthed a Savior who came to being us life and
witness to your love and power.
Reader 1: At the lakeshore you called to the simple people,
the fishermen, to come and follow you. They witnessed your
miracles of healing and forgiving love.
Reader 2: When the night seemed to be the darkest, even
though it was mid-day - you gave your Son to be a witness to
your love. From his cross He forgave those who crucified Him
and reminded a thief that paradise would be his home.
Reader 1: On the early morning, the women were startled
with the news of His resurrection. Could it be that all he had
said was true?
Reader 2: The disciples hid in fear of what others might say,
think or do. They were astonished at his presence to them.
Reader 1: Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness, help us to dream
dreams and see visions of all that is possible for the healing
and hope for this world.
Reader 2: Help us cross lines which divide and unite to
proclaim boldly that you are the Spirit of Absolute Love and
Peace. Set ablaze our spirits. Make bold our voices. Give joy
to our hearts, for we have been called to be witnesses, even to
the ends of the world. AMEN.
Nancy Townley
Pentecost Litany
Reader 1: From the very instant of creation, your Holy Spirit
moved on the waters of creation, bringing to life the creative
love that is God.
Reader 2: Even when the people were forgetful and stubborn,
your Holy Spirit called to them to be unafraid, to follow. It led
them through the desert to a land of sweet dwelling.
Reader 1: During all the times of fear and tumult, you sang the
song of hope through the prophets, who called people back to
you with tender forgiveness.
Reader 2: On a dark winter night you sang your sweetest song
and birthed a Savior who came to being us life and witness to
your love and power.
Reader 1: At the lakeshore you called to the simple people, the
fishermen, to come and follow you. They witnessed your
miracles of healing and forgiving love.
Reader 2: When the night seemed to be the darkest, even
though it was mid-day - you gave your Son to be a witness to
your love. From his cross He forgave those who crucified Him
and reminded a thief that paradise would be his home.
Reader 1: On the early morning, the women were startled with
the news of His resurrection. Could it be that all he had said
was true?
Reader 2: The disciples hid in fear of what others might say,
think or do. They were astonished at his presence to them.
Reader 1: Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness, help us to dream dreams
and see visions of all that is possible for the healing and hope
for this world.
Reader 2: Help us cross lines which divide and unite to
proclaim boldly that you are the Spirit of Absolute Love and
Peace. Set ablaze our spirits. Make bold our voices. Give joy to
our hearts, for we have been called to be witnesses, even to the
ends of the world. AMEN.
Nancy Townley
Pentecost Litany
Reader 1: From the very instant of creation, your Holy Spirit
moved on the waters of creation, bringing to life the creative
love that is God.
Reader 2: Even when the people were forgetful and stubborn,
your Holy Spirit called to them to be unafraid, to follow. It led
them through the desert to a land of sweet dwelling.
Reader 1: During all the times of fear and tumult, you sang the
song of hope through the prophets, who called people back to
you with tender forgiveness.
Reader 2: On a dark winter night you sang your sweetest song
and birthed a Savior who came to being us life and witness to
your love and power.
Reader 1: At the lakeshore you called to the simple people, the
fishermen, to come and follow you. They witnessed your
miracles of healing and forgiving love.
Reader 2: When the night seemed to be the darkest, even
though it was mid-day - you gave your Son to be a witness to
your love. From his cross He forgave those who crucified Him
and reminded a thief that paradise would be his home.
Reader 1: On the early morning, the women were startled with
the news of His resurrection. Could it be that all he had said
was true?
Reader 2: The disciples hid in fear of what others might say,
think or do. They were astonished at his presence to them.
Reader 1: Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness, help us to dream dreams
and see visions of all that is possible for the healing and hope
for this world.
Reader 2: Help us cross lines which divide and unite to
proclaim boldly that you are the Spirit of Absolute Love and
Peace. Set ablaze our spirits. Make bold our voices. Give joy to
our hearts, for we have been called to be witnesses, even to the
ends of the world. AMEN.
Nancy Townley
 Practicing Breath Prayer
In Hebrew the word ruach means both spirit and breath, and
the ancient practice of breath prayer is a way to remind us
that God is as near to us as our every breath.
Originally, breath prayers used short phrases or verses from
the psalms like “Lord, in you I trust.” (Psalm 25:2) Later,
personal petitions began to be used as well, petitions arising
out of heart- felt needs or desires like “Shepherd, guide me”
or “Healer, make me whole” or “Lord, grant me peace.” Here
are some simple steps to follow when practicing a breath prayer:
1 Decide upon a simple prayer petition. It can be either a
brief phrase or verse of scripture, or a petition
expressing some personal need or desire.
2 Find a quiet place and a few moments of quiet time.
Settle into a comfortable position. Close your eyes, and
begin to notice your breathing. Try to breath slowly and
naturally, remembering that God is as near to you as
your every breath.
3 Then begin to offer your prayer petition to God. You
may want to do part of the petition on the in-breath
“Healer” and part on the out-breath “make me whole”.
Or you may do a full breath with each word, breathing
in and out “Lord,” breathing in and out “grant,”
breathing in and out “me,” breathing in and out
“peace.” Experiment. There is no one, right way.
4 As you bring your prayer time to an end, notice again
your breathing. Offer a simple “Thank you, God” or and
“Amen.” Then slowly open your eyes.
5 As you go about the rest of your day, try to bring the
spirit of your prayer petition to all that you say and do.
Sample Breath Prayers
• Jesus, let me feel your love.
• O Lord Show me your way.
• Holy one, heal me.
• Jesus Alleluia, have mercy.
• Holy Wisdom, Guide me.
• Father/Mother (Abba/Amma), let me feel your
presence.
• Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening (1 Samuel
3:10)
• The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want
• God, have mercy on me a sinner (Luke 18:13)
• Abba, I belong to you (cf. Romans 8:15)
• Come, Lord Jesus, come (Revelation 22:20)
• Create in me a clean heart, O God,
 •
and renew a right spirit within me. (Ps. 51:11)
Practicing Breath Prayer
In Hebrew the word ruach means both spirit and breath, and
the ancient practice of breath prayer is a way to remind us that
God is as near to us as our every breath.
Originally, breath prayers used short phrases or verses from
the psalms like “Lord, in you I trust.” (Psalm 25:2) Later,
personal petitions began to be used as well, petitions arising
out of heart- felt needs or desires like “Shepherd, guide me” or
“Healer, make me whole” or “Lord, grant me peace.” Here are
some simple steps to follow when practicing a breath prayer:
1 Decide upon a simple prayer petition. It can be either a
brief phrase or verse of scripture, or a petition
expressing some personal need or desire.
2 Find a quiet place and a few moments of quiet time.
Settle into a comfortable position. Close your eyes, and
begin to notice your breathing. Try to breath slowly and
naturally, remembering that God is as near to you as
your every breath.
3 Then begin to offer your prayer petition to God. You
may want to do part of the petition on the in-breath
“Healer” and part on the out-breath “make me whole”.
Or you may do a full breath with each word, breathing
in and out “Lord,” breathing in and out “grant,” breathing
in and out “me,” breathing in and out “peace.”
Experiment. There is no one, right way.
4 As you bring your prayer time to an end, notice again
your breathing. Offer a simple “Thank you, God” or and
“Amen.” Then slowly open your eyes.
5 As you go about the rest of your day, try to bring the
spirit of your prayer petition to all that you say and do.
Sample Breath Prayers
• Jesus, let me feel your love.
• O Lord Show me your way.
• Holy one, heal me.
• Jesus Alleluia, have mercy.
• Holy Wisdom, Guide me.
• Father/Mother (Abba/Amma), let me feel your
presence.
• Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening (1 Samuel
3:10)
• The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want
• God, have mercy on me a sinner (Luke 18:13)
• Abba, I belong to you (cf. Romans 8:15)
• Come, Lord Jesus, come (Revelation 22:20)
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
 •
and renew a right spirit within me. (Ps. 51:11)
Practicing Breath Prayer
In Hebrew the word ruach means both spirit and breath, and
the ancient practice of breath prayer is a way to remind us that
God is as near to us as our every breath.
Originally, breath prayers used short phrases or verses from
the psalms like “Lord, in you I trust.” (Psalm 25:2) Later,
personal petitions began to be used as well, petitions arising
out of heart- felt needs or desires like “Shepherd, guide me” or
“Healer, make me whole” or “Lord, grant me peace.” Here are
some simple steps to follow when practicing a breath prayer:
1 Decide upon a simple prayer petition. It can be either a
brief phrase or verse of scripture, or a petition
expressing some personal need or desire.
2 Find a quiet place and a few moments of quiet time.
Settle into a comfortable position. Close your eyes, and
begin to notice your breathing. Try to breath slowly and
naturally, remembering that God is as near to you as
your every breath.
3 Then begin to offer your prayer petition to God. You
may want to do part of the petition on the in-breath
“Healer” and part on the out-breath “make me whole”.
Or you may do a full breath with each word, breathing
in and out “Lord,” breathing in and out “grant,” breathing
in and out “me,” breathing in and out “peace.”
Experiment. There is no one, right way.
4 As you bring your prayer time to an end, notice again
your breathing. Offer a simple “Thank you, God” or and
“Amen.” Then slowly open your eyes.
5 As you go about the rest of your day, try to bring the
spirit of your prayer petition to all that you say and do.
Sample Breath Prayers
• Jesus, let me feel your love.
• O Lord Show me your way.
• Holy one, heal me.
• Jesus Alleluia, have mercy.
• Holy Wisdom, Guide me.
• Father/Mother (Abba/Amma), let me feel your
presence.
• Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening (1 Samuel
3:10)
• The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want
• God, have mercy on me a sinner (Luke 18:13)
• Abba, I belong to you (cf. Romans 8:15)
• Come, Lord Jesus, come (Revelation 22:20)
Create in me a clean heart, O God,

and renew a right spirit within me. (Ps. 51:11)