These Bones Will Live!

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• Sun of My Soul by Gesangbuch

Leader: Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love.
People: Send forth your Spirit, O Lord, and we shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth.
Leader: Today, we gather to witness the power of God’s Spirit transforming our lives and our communities.
People: Just as the Spirit breathed life into dry bones, breathe new life into us, O God.
Leader: Let us open our hearts to the movement of the Holy Spirit, ready to be transformed and renewed.
People: We are here, O Lord, to be filled with your Spirit and to proclaim your mighty works.
All: Come, Holy Spirit, and lead us in worship. Amen.

The God of Abraham Praise – No. 116

We do not stop enough to listen to the still-speaking God. And like the people of Jerusalem long ago, we often misunderstand the Spirit’s movement among us. In the silence and stillness of this moment, let us draw near to God and listen.

[silence]

Let us confess together:

We confess to you, Renewing Spirit, that we confuse unity with uniformity and diversity with divisiveness. We speak and behave as if being a part of your family means assimilating others to our way of living. We deny and destroy the beauty you created in each person. We long to change these patterns, O Creator, but we do not know how. Teach us to value challenge. Help us to see strength in difference. And empower us to build your kingdom in creativity and love. Amen.

Hear the good news! God’s Spirit has been poured out upon all flesh, and we have been made one. We are no longer scattered or divided but gathered together to build up the kingdom on this earth. Thanks be to God!

Prayer of Confession written by Rev. Mary Nelson Abbott in Come, Let Us Build. Posted on the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways Archive, http://www.ucc.org/worship/worship-ways/year-c/p/pentecost-sunday.html. Re-posted on the re: Worship blog at https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2013/04/pentecost-confession.html.

Come Down, O Love Divine – No. 475
Dennis Pruitt, Tenor

Heavenly Father, as we gather on this Pentecost Sunday, we are reminded of the transformative power of your Spirit, breathing life into dry bones and igniting the hearts of your people. Just as you enlivened the early church with the wind and fire of your presence, empower us to prophesy life into the brokenness of our world. May our offerings today be a testament to our faith in your promise of renewal and restoration. Amen.  (Ezekiel 37:1-14) 

Jesus, The Very Thought of Thee – John B. Dykes

O Jesus, I Have Promised – No. 396

Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us as we open your Word today. Illuminate our hearts and minds so we may understand Your message and apply it to our lives. Guide us in Your truth and fill us with Your wisdom, that we may walk in Your ways and be transformed by Your love. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

• Old Testament Lesson: Ezekiel 37:1-14
• Epistle Lesson: Romans 8:22-27
• New Testament Lesson: Acts 2:1-21

Good morning, beloved! Today, as we gather on this sacred Pentecost Sunday, we find ourselves amidst a tapestry of chaos and transformation. Can anyone else relate? The juxtaposition of Acts 2 and Ezekiel 37 invites us to explore the dynamic and ever-unfolding work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and communities. As we delve deeper into these passages, may we open our hearts and minds to the hope that Pentecost offers us.

Exploration of Chaos and Transformation

In Acts 2, we witness the dramatic outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the early disciples, manifested in tongues of fire and the rush of wind. This scene is chaotic, unpredictable, and yet undeniably transformative. It signifies a rebirth, a moment when the fledgling church is infused with divine power and purpose.

Likewise, in Ezekiel 37, we encounter the haunting imagery of dry bones scattered across a valley. Yet, through the prophet’s obedience and the breath of God, these lifeless bones are resurrected, forming a vast army. It’s a picture of resurrection, of new life emerging from the depths of despair and desolation.

Pentecost, therefore, is more than just a historical event relegated to the annals of time. It is a continual experience of the Spirit’s work in our lives and communities. It is an invitation to embrace the chaos of transformation, to recognize that even in our darkest moments, the Spirit is at work, breathing life into dry places and empowering us to prophesy hope and renewal.

Acknowledging Struggles and Celebrating Lament

Yet, amidst this celebration of the Spirit’s transformative power, we must also acknowledge the reality of our struggles and challenges. Pentecost embraces celebration and lament, inviting us to bring our authentic and honest selves before God. Just as Ezekiel questioned, “Will these bones live?” we too may wonder if our institutions and communities can experience renewal and vitality.

Drawing Parallels to Our Contemporary Context

Our world today is marked by its valleys of dry bones, where despair and hopelessness seem to reign. We see it in the faces of those affected by economic instability, those struggling to make ends meet, and those whose communities have been fractured by conflict and division. We witness it in the pervasive sense of anxiety that seems to touch every corner of our society. We feel it in our struggles—times when we feel disconnected, overwhelmed, and uncertain about the future.

Amid these challenges, the question echoes through the ages: “Will these bones live?” It’s a question that resonates deeply with our contemporary context, inviting us to ponder whether our institutions and communities can experience the revitalization they so desperately need.

Consider our church, for instance. Our church and many other congregations are grappling with declining attendance, financial pressures, and an increasing sense of irrelevance in a rapidly changing world. It’s easy to feel like we are staring at a valley of dry bones, wondering if there is any hope for renewal. But just as Ezekiel was called to prophesy to the bones, we too are called to speak life into our faith communities, trusting that the Spirit can and will breathe new life into them.

Our societal institutions also reflect this valley of dry bones. From educational systems struggling to adapt to new challenges to healthcare systems overwhelmed by the demands of the pandemic to political systems marked by polarization and gridlock—the question “Will these bones live?” takes on a profound significance. These systems, vital to our collective well-being, seem to be gasping for breath, desperate for the Holy Spirit’s revitalizing power.

Even in our personal lives, we encounter moments where hope seems distant and renewal feels impossible. Relationships strained by misunderstanding, careers stalled by unforeseen obstacles, and dreams deferred by relentless hardships are our personal valleys of dry bones. Yet, Pentecost reminds us that the Spirit is at work even in these moments, breathing life into our deepest sorrows and infusing us with the hope and strength to move forward.

The question, “Will these bones live?” is not just a rhetorical one—it’s a call to action. It invites us to participate in the work of the Holy Spirit, to be agents of transformation in a world that desperately needs it. We are called to look at the dry bones around us, prophesy life, envision renewal, and trust the Spirit’s power to bring about change.

In our communities, this might mean engaging in acts of service and compassion, standing up for justice, and working towards reconciliation. In our churches, it might involve reimagining how we do ministry, creating spaces where people feel welcomed and valued, and fostering deep spiritual growth. In our personal lives, it might mean seeking healing in our relationships, pursuing new opportunities with courage, and nurturing our faith through prayer and reflection.

Ultimately, the question, “Will these bones live?” challenges us to hold onto hope, even in the face of overwhelming odds. It encourages us to believe in the possibility of resurrection and renewal, to trust that no matter how dry the bones may seem, the Spirit can breathe new life into them. As we reflect on this question, let us be bold in our hope, steadfast in our faith, and relentless in our commitment to be vessels of God’s transformative power in the world.

How can we Embrace Our Prophetic Role?

In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, we are called to embrace our prophetic role as bearers of hope and agents of transformation. The world desperately needs voices to speak truth to power, proclaim hope amid despair, and point toward a future shaped by God’s redeeming love. This is not just a calling for a select few but for each and every one of us who follow Christ.

The early church’s boldness in proclaiming the gospel is a powerful example for us today. In Acts 2, we see the apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, stepping out into Jerusalem’s streets to declare God’s mighty works. They spoke in languages they had never learned, reaching people from every nation under heaven. This wasn’t just about the gift of tongues but about the courage to proclaim a transformative message in the face of uncertainty and potential opposition.

Like them, we are called to speak life into the world around us, trusting in the Spirit’s guidance and provision. But what does it mean to embrace our prophetic role in today’s context?

It means being attentive to the Spirit’s leading. Just as the early apostles were guided by the Holy Spirit, we, too, must be open to the Spirit’s direction in our lives. This requires prayer, discernment, and a willingness to step out in faith even when the path is unclear. The Spirit might lead us to unexpected places and prompt us to speak words challenging the status quo, but we must trust that God is working through us.

For me, this meant taking a leap of faith and moving to Lynchburg, where I didn’t know anyone. I moved into my apartment, and a few days later, I got turned around on my way back from the grocery store to discover Court Street! I’m Methodist, and look, here’s a Methodist Church 5 blocks from my apartment. And over the last 2.5 years, I have diligently walked on the path God has set before me. Serving our community and being available to share my gifts and graces. Which led to my joining our music ministry. Then, the opportunity opened for me to take on the role of church administrator. Through the nudging of the Holy Spirit and through counsel and collaboration with Pastor Steve, I leaned into my call to write our prayers for our bulletins to coordinate and connect our services. I don’t always write all the prayers myself; sometimes, I use prayers from Discipleship. Other Methodists are also all praying the same Sunday, but I pour my heart and my gift into trying to shape our prayers to support the message of our Pastor. The more I learn, the more I delight in the Lord and the ability to serve Him, our church, and our community. Pastor Steve encouraged me and gave me the opportunity to share my witness at Worship Night and then to preach last December, and through that process, I had more clarity of God’s calling for my life. To be a pastor. I am so grateful to be beautifully supported and affirmed in following my calling. Where is the Holy Spirit leading you? Where is it leading us here at Court Street?

Embracing our prophetic role means speaking truth with love. In a world often characterized by division and hostility, our words should build bridges, not walls. We must proclaim the truth of the gospel—calling out injustice, advocating for the marginalized, and promoting peace—while embodying the love and grace of Christ. Our witness should be marked by compassion, humility, and a deep commitment to the well-being of others.

We are called to be agents of transformation in our church and our communities. The early church didn’t just preach; they lived out the gospel through acts of love and service. They shared their resources, cared for the poor, and created a community where everyone was valued and included. This is what it means to be missional. Each and every one of us here loves Court Street UMC. We love the fellowship. We love worshipping in our magnificent sanctuary, but how can we live in love and service outside our walls?

Embracing our prophetic role requires having the courage to hope. In times of despair and uncertainty, we are called to be bearers of hope, reminding the world that God is at work even in the darkest times. This hope is not naïve optimism but a deep, abiding trust in God’s promises. It is the confidence that, no matter how dire the circumstances, God’s love and justice will ultimately prevail. Are you abiding in hope? Or are you letting fear creep in and cloud your thoughts?

Finally, it means equipping others to join in this prophetic ministry. Just as the apostles empowered others to share in their mission, we, too, must encourage and equip those around us to take up their prophetic calling. This involves mentoring, teaching, and creating opportunities for others to use their gifts for God’s glory. I am grateful to each of you for affirming my calling and allowing me to preach, write our prayers, share my voice, and continue to become a licensed local pastor. As summer approaches, I look forward to growing the Voices at Court Street and building our Music Ministry in the next few months to help create and develop more opportunities to equip others to follow their calling. How else can we equip and encourage others around us? 

As we reflect on the early church’s boldness, let us be inspired to embrace our role with the same courage and conviction. Let us speak life into the dry bones around us, trusting that the Spirit will guide and provide for us. We can speak life into the dry bones of our church and say These Bones Will Live! And let us commit to being agents of transformation, bringing hope and healing to a world in desperate need of God’s redeeming love.

May we be bold in our proclamation, steadfast in our hope, and relentless in our pursuit of justice and peace. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, may we be the prophetic people God has called us to be.

Closing with Hope and Expectation

As we journey from this sacred space, may we carry a message of hope and expectation. Pentecost reminds us that our circumstances or limitations do not limit God’s work. The Spirit continues to move and empower us to participate in God’s redemptive purposes, both individually and collectively.

Gracious and Loving God,

We come before You today with hearts full of gratitude and anticipation. As we celebrate this Pentecost Sunday, we thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, poured out upon us to guide, empower, and transform. We are in awe of Your mighty works and how You continue to breathe life into us.

Lord, we lift up our church to You. In these times of excitement and change, we seek Your revitalizing power. Fill us with the energy, enthusiasm, and stamina to breathe life into the dry bones of our beloved church. Help us to be a beacon of hope and love in our community, drawing others to You through our words and actions. Grant us wisdom and courage to embrace our prophetic role, proclaiming Your truth and grace boldly and lovingly.

We pray for our community, Lord. May those who are struggling with despair and hopelessness feel Your comforting presence. For those seeking a church or a community eager to love them, guide them to us or to places where they can find belonging. May we be a welcoming and loving family, reflecting Your boundless love to all who come through our doors.

We also lift up those who are not with us this week. Whether traveling, ill, or facing other challenges, surround them with Your peace and protection. Let them feel connected to us in spirit, even when we are apart. Bring healing to those who are sick, comfort to those who are grieving, and hope to those in difficult situations.

Lord, we are grateful for the outpouring of Your Spirit on Pentecost, and we recognize that this same Spirit continues to move among us today. Thank You for the gifts and guidance of the Holy Spirit, which empower us to live out our faith with courage and conviction. Help us to remain open to Your leading, attentive to Your voice, and responsive to Your call.

As we go forth into this week, we ask for Your blessings upon each and every person here. Grant us strength for the tasks ahead, patience in our interactions, and joy in our journey. May we be vessels of Your love and grace in all that we do, bringing glory to Your name.

We pray all these things in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Who taught us to pray,

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, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

We believe in God the Father, the Almighty, who breathes life into dry bones and brings forth hope from despair. He is our Creator and Sustainer, ever-present and always faithful.

We believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was sent into the world to bring life and salvation. He walked among us, was crucified, died, and was buried. On the third day, He rose again, conquering death and offering eternal life to all who believe. He ascended to heaven and reigns at the Father’s right hand, interceding for us.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, who was poured out on the day of Pentecost and continues to work in and through us. The Spirit empowers us to prophesy, to serve, and to bear witness to the transforming power of God’s love. The Spirit breathes new life into our communities and guides us in truth and unity.

We are the body of Christ, empowered by the Spirit to proclaim the Good News. We trust in God’s promises and commit ourselves to following where the Spirit leads, embracing our role and being agents of transformation in the world. Amen.

Rejoice in God’s Saints – No. 708

Beloved community, as we depart from this time of worship, may we go forth with hearts aflame with the fire of the Holy Spirit. May we embrace the chaos of transformation, trusting in God’s unfailing love and provision. And may we, as prophetic witnesses, continue to speak life into the world around us, knowing that through the power of the Spirit, all things are possible. Amen.

Farewell Will I Thee Give – Melody: Teschner

We look forward to seeing you at our events and in worship. May you be filled with the Spirit’s transformative power this Pentecost and always.