A Gathering in Worship Offered by the People of the Church of Christ, Union
May 24, 2026 10:30 am Pentecost Sunday
Meditation “If you talk to a person in a language they understand, that goes to their head. If you talk to them in their language, that goes to their heart.” ~ Nelson Mandela
From There to Here: We Gather
Prelude
¨ Sung Call to Worship Come, Holy Spirit Foreman, Schrader Union Church Choir
Come, Holy Spirit, hear us calling to You.
¨ Call to Worship Jeff Pool, Reader
One: Jesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.”
One: Come, Holy spirit, come: (Sune Frederiksen, Danish)
One: Enter our lives. Free us from all fear.
Give us strength to carry on.
Give us hope and joy sufficient for each day.
All: Edify your church.
One: Come, Holy spirit, come: (Jean Boyce, French)
One: Give us power to be the church.
Share your many gifts to our members, that we may be the body of Christ’s presence in the world.
Renew our life together.
All: Give your gifts.
One: Come, Holy spirit, come: (Debbonnaire Kovacs, Hungarian)
One: Bind us close together
May we rejoice with one another’s joys and weep with one another’s sorrows.
Bind us together,
All of your people
Around this city and world.
Heal the pride, prejudice, and self-righteousness which separates us from one another.
All: Bring your truth.
One: Come, Holy spirit, come: (Rina Tanaka, Japanese)
One: That all may be one in Christ,
The source of all true unity, who is with us today and always.
All: Be our guide.
One: As your people, from many languages but one voice we pray.
¨ Invocation Thomas Ahrens (German)
God of every tongue,
We are grateful that in the presence of the Spirit, we are not asked to forget ourselves but to remember. To remember where we came from, to recall the sound of our own cultures and languages. Help us to heal from those spaces that have demanded assimilation from us under the guise of unity. To belong, we are told we must exalt commonality over particularity. Teach us the kind of belonging that it is not threatened by those things that make us different but comes alive at the site of inclusion.
Protect us from communities who only welcome our cultures as a theatrical symbol of their own benevolence. Lead us into spaces where our presence is longed for not as a mark of achievement but out of the deep recognition that hope cannot survive on one tongue alone. Amen.
¨ Hymn #286 Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness Spirit
Refrain: Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow through the wilderness calling and free, Spirit, Spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness, wind, wind on the sea.
1. You moved on the waters, you called to the deep, then you coaxed up the mountains from the valleys of sleep; and over the eons you called to each thing: “Awake from your slumbers and rise on your wings.”
2. You swept through the desert, you stung with the sand, and you goaded your people with a law and a land; when they were confounded by their idols and lies, then you spoke through your prophets to open their eyes.
3. You sang in a stable, you cried from a hill, then you whispered in silence when the whole world was still; and down in the city you called once again, when you blew through your people on the rush of the wind.
4. You call from tomorrow, you break ancient schemes from the bondage of sorrow the captives dream dreams; our women see visions, our men clear their eyes. With bold new decisions your people arise.
¨ Passing the Peace
All who come to this sanctuary are welcome companions on the journey of faith. Please turn to those nearest you and greet them with words of peace.
¨ Prayer of Approach & Confession Box Breath Prayer (3x)
As we pray, we slow our breathing and our lives in order to attend to God. The leader will guide this meditation three times, and you are invited to pattern your breath with each phrase as indicated below.
Inhale: Come, Holy Spirit.
Hold: Come bring your truth.
Exhale: Come be our guide.
Hold: Hear us calling to you.
¨ Words of Assurance
One: The world may feel suffocating, but the breath of the Almighty gives life. As long as we are breathing, we are not defeated.
All: Our soul breathes and our hearts sing for we have seen the Lord at work! Amen!
Word and Worship
Anthem Come, Holy SpiritForeman, Schrader Union Church Choir
Come, Holy Spirit, hear us calling to You. Come, give your gift, edify your church, come bring your truth; glorify our Lord, come, be our guide, point the way, come walk beside.
Spirit of God, descend upon my heart; wean it from earth, through all its pulses move; stoop to my weakness, mighty as though art, and make me love thee as I ought to love.
Scripture Reading 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 Jeff Pool
No one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit. Now there are varieties of gifts but the same Spirit, and there are varieties of services but the same Lord, and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of power deeds, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses. 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. 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.
Genesis 11:1-9 Jean Boyce (French)
Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. And as they migrated from the east, they came upon a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. And they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks and fire them thoroughly.” And they had brick for stone and bitumen for mortar. Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves; otherwise we shall be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.”
The Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which mortals had built. And the Lord said, “Look, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do; nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and confuse their language there, so that they will not understand one another’s speech.” So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. Therefore it was called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth, and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth.
~ New Revised Standard Version, updated
Children’s Moment
Hymn #327 Jesus Loves Me Jesus Loves Me
1. Jesus loves me, this I know,
for the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong;
they are weak, but he is strong.
Refrain: Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.
2. Jesus loves me, this I know,
as he loved so long ago,
taking children on his knee,
saying, “Let them come to me.” Refrain.
3. Jesus love me!
Still today, walking with me on my way,
Wanting as a friend to give
Light and live to all who live. Refrain.
Scripture Reading Acts 2:1-21
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and 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 people under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each.
Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs–in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.”
All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.” But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Fellow Jews and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: ‘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. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’“
~ New Revised Standard Version, updated
Sermon Hear Us Calling Rev. Christina Ryan Perkins
Video Reflection Samuel’s Kids, Uganda
Living Prayer
Call to Prayer Henny Hare, Ally Nurre’s sister (Welsh)
One: O Spirit at work among us, we give thanks for the many ways to communicate our praise to you. We lift our voices to sing your praise and flex our hands to do your work. We proclaim your wonderful deeds through science, poetry, and everyday discussions. We witness through our faith and our finances. We use electronic technology and computers to share your word. These are just some of the “tongues” you give us to spread your good news to the world.
Bless these gifts that we bring and multiply them in your purpose. Amen.
Each week, we join millions of Christians who pray for one another through the ecumenical prayer cycle and, locally, the Berea Ministerial Association’s prayer cycle. Next week, let us hold the people of the Indian Ocean Islands: Comoros, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles; and our siblings at Dixie Park Cornerstone Baptist Church in our hearts, and pray for them today and throughout the week.
Ringing the Peace Bell
The Union Church Peace Bell was created by Jeff Enge in honor of Union Church member Carl Eschbach (1904-1998). A twin bell hangs in Berea’s sister province in Japan and is also rung in the hope of peace for all nations.
Embodied Prayer
You are invited to reflect and pray at the candle table. You may also choose to source the essential ingredient of solitude and private prayer, remaining with your own thoughts in your pew.
Christ Breathes Peace-Do We?
So-called “Box Breathing” is an ancient prayer practice now credited with deep neurological benefits. Slowing your breathing settles nerve responses and increases oxygen uptake. More oxygen feeds and frees the brain. It lowers blood pressure. It resets the vagus nerve stem. With our thoughts clear, our heart settles, and the space opens to receive what God is offering in each moment. Here is prayer meditation to center and ground you for this week:
Breath Prayer for The Week:
Inhale (count of 3): Come, Holy Spirit.
Hold (count of 3): Come bring your truth.
Exhale (count of 3): Come be our guide.
Hold (count of 3): Hear us calling to you.
Repeat the pattern until you are deeply at peace. Ten times is a good start, but do more if you need or have time. Do this anytime you find your anxieties on the rise, or you need the spiritual support of Christ’s love.
Christ Lifts Our Hearts…
Easter is the sure sign that joy is part of God’s plan. Far from condemnation and guilt, Christ seeks to lift the hearts of everyone he touches. What would lift your heart? What makes it sing? Stopped because what you want or need feels preposterous? Well, is it more preposterous than a risen Christ appearing in a locked room… TWICE? Even if only in this prayer relax your judgement and offer up what would free your heartsong. Hold the vision and allow Christ to breathe peace over it. Pray for what you need to lift your heart.
Offertory
A Chance for Generosity: easytithe.com/union
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Your contribution is love made visible. Thank you!
¨ Doxology Old Hundredth
To God all glorious heavenly Light,
To Christ revealed in earthly night,
To God the Spirit now we raise
Our joyful songs of thankful praise. Amen.
Silent Prayer and Prayers of the Community Jeff Pool, Reader
One: Lead us out of Babel, where we claim our own languages and cast out others, where we label family by our money status, and shirt colors define our brothers;
where we care for our own and make war with other tribes;
where we create borders we call protection and shun those we say don’t belong inside;
where we earn all we can, spend all we can – and look at others confused
when they ask us to give all we can while we sit in our own addictions-high;
where we choose our houses so that we match our neighbors’ skin;
where we even choose our churches so that our hues all blend;
where our differences create fear and matter more than the promises you made that we were all adopted into your glory when Christ defeated the grave. Lead us out of Babel where we speak a language of us, ours and mine.
Pour out your Holy Spirit upon all flesh, Lord, and make your children wholly thine as we lift our many voices as one…
~Ciona D. Rouse, The Africana Worship Book, Year C, edited by Valerie Bridgeman Davis and Safiyah Fosua, Discipleship Resources, 2008, 41.
Our Lord’s Prayer
Our Maker, Our Mother, and 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 sins as we forgive those who sin against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
Community Connections
Announcements
We share opportunities for Beloved Community and ways to serve. Please see the listing of church & community events, prayers, and notices in the pages following the service.
Lighting the Justice Candle to Lead us Forth
Today on Pentecost, let us honor the historian, Dr. Heather Cox Richardson who is a historian known for making complex political history accessible to a wide audience. Through her widely read newsletter, “Letters From an American”, she connects current events to their historical roots, helping readers understand how past decisions shape modern democracy.
Her work emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and informed citizenship. By blending scholarship with clear, engaging prose, Richardson has become a trusted voice for those seeking context in an often confusing political landscape.
¨ Hymn #42 O for a Thousand Tongues Azmon
1. O for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer’s praise, the glories ever echoing the triumphs of God’s grace!
2. My gracious Savior and my God, assist me to proclaim, to spread through all the earth abroad the honors of your name.
3. Jesus! the name that charms our fears, that bids our sorrows cease, is music in the sinner’s ears, is life and health and peace.
4. Glory to God, and love and praise be ever, ever given by all the saints in every age, the church in earth and heaven.
From Here to There
¨ Benediction for Pentecost
One: Come, Holy Spirit, Come. (Thomas Ahrens, German)
One: Pentecost was not an ending. It was a beginning.
One: Come, Holy Spirit, Come. (Bernardo Scarambone, Portuguese)
One: Do you hear the rushing wind?
One: Come, Holy Spirit, Come. (Jenny Bromley, Spanish)
One: Do you see the tongues of fire?
One: Come, Holy Spirit, Come. (Jean Boyce, French)
One: The flame of Pentecost is in your heart.
One: Come, Holy Spirit, Come. (Rina Tanaka, Japanese)
One: The Holy Spirit has come and the world has changed.
One: Come, Holy Spirit, Come. God is with us, in us. (Cadence Perman, ASL)
One: Come, Holy Spirit, Come. (Henny Hare, Welsh)
One: You are the body of Jesus in the world.
One: Come, Holy Spirit, Come. (Sune Frederiksen, Danish)
One: The curtain has torn and the glory dwells within you.
All: Come, Holy Spirit, Come. (All languages)
One: God calls to you in the wind.
All: Come, Holy Spirit, Come. (All languages)
One: Take it with you into the world.
All: Come, Holy Spirit, Come. (All languages)
~ Cadence Perman, ASL Interpreter throughout liturgy
Our Prayers for Others
¨ All the people of Ukraine for their safety and sovereignty. Prayers also that the government of Russia will turn to reason & respect for their own peoples’ lives as well as for Ukrainian families.
¨ Those in mortal danger in the war in Iran. For the leaders of nations to set aside assassination and warfare in favor of just, diplomatic solutions to conflict.
¨ We pray for our country, and those who are directly affected by the actions and inaction of our government to address the needs of its people and the world.
¨ Our neighbors experiencing housing insecurity, homelessness and food insecurity.
¨ Rhonda Edwards’ daughter, Erin Bailey, awaiting biopsy results.
¨ Katie Baltisberger, at the death of her mother, Julie Duckart. Julie was on the faculty at Eastern and led a Girl Scout here at Union Church for many years (pre-Covid). Her life will be celebrated at a service here at Union on June 1, 1 pm.
¨ Hillary White, Paula White’s daughter-in-law, hospitalized with a severe infection.
¨ JoAnn Russell, Reda Hutton’s aunt, facing several medical challenges.
¨ Our church family members in nursing homes or who are homebound: Dorie Hubbard, Susan Kramer, Hattie Parks, Alva Peloquin, Laura Robie, Theresa Scherf.
¨ Celebrations with Prayers of Joy!
Birthdays: May 25 – Al White; 26 – Carter Brownrobie; 28 – Hazel Morris, Leslie Campbell; 29 – Maggie Park; 30 – David Vaughn ; June 1 – Dottie Lovell, Reid Livingston
Anniversaries: June 1: Angela Anderson & Matt Salderholm
If we haven’t got your important dates, let us know. We’ll help you get connected in FellowshipOne Go!
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