LeSSon 30 Come, HoLy SpiriT: THe HoLy SpiriT aT penTeCoSTchristianformation.weebly.com/uploads/1/...lesson30... · gather to celebrate the Jewish feast of Pentecost, they receive

Summary of Today’S SToryOn the Jewish day of Pentecost, followers of Jesus, who were from Galilee, were gathered together. Suddenly, a noise came from the sky like a strong wind blowing, and tongues of fire touched each person there. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to talk in other languages so that people from every country in the world could understand them, each in their own native language.

All of those present were amazed that they could, in the hearers’ languages, hear the Galileans talk about what God has done.

Key ConCepTS ■ Holy Spirit ■ Pentecost ■ Understanding

LeSSon 30 Come, HoLy SpiriT:

THe HoLy SpiriT aT penTeCoST

© 2012 by Doris Ash. Published by Morehouse Education Resources, www.MorehouseEducation.org. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this page for use in the purchasing congregation only.

WHere you’LL find Today’S SToryin the BibleWe recommend the New Revised Standard Version Bible.

Acts 2:1-11

in our Sunday LectionaryToday’s story is told in church on the following Sundays:

Year A: Day of PentecostYear B: Day of PentecostYear C: Day of Pentecost

2 | LeSSon 30 | Come, HoLy SpiriT: THe HoLy SpiriT aT penTeCoST | Weaving our faiTH, year 1


Weaving our STory WiTH THe BiBLiCaL SToryWe finally can hear God speaking to us. This event, the coming of the Holy Spirit, is the reversal of

what happened at the Tower of Babel. There our languages became confused so that we could no longer understand one another, not only spoiling our attempt to reach heaven by our own efforts and pride, but also alienating us from each other and God.

Now, God has sent God’s Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ, to bring us back to God. As the apostles gather to celebrate the Jewish feast of Pentecost, they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Here at this Jewish celebration, God’s promise to Israel made at Mount Sinai—as recorded in the story of the people receiving the Ten Commandments—is fulfilled. With the coming of the Holy Spirit as told in Acts, all peoples of the earth are offered the new covenant and the gift of God’s grace.

At Sinai, God appeared in the form of fire and smoke. Here at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit appears in the shape of tongues of fire.

This event is celebrated in the church as the birth of the Church, the beginning of the preaching that will carry the Good News of God in Christ to all nations of the earth. This preaching will untangle the confusion of languages that began at the Tower of Babel. God has now reversed that alienation.

Note: As the teacher, it would be a good idea for you to read the rest of chapter 2 in Acts to find out what the followers of Jesus were saying in these “foreign tongues.” After the coming of the Holy Spirit, Peter—the bumbling fisherman—stood up and witnessed for Jesus just as Jesus had commanded the disciples to do. Peter’s preaching

was amazing and “many of them believed his message and were baptized, and about three thousand people were added to the group that day” (Acts 2:41).

THe epiSCopaL THreadThe Day of Pentecost is one of the Principal Feasts in the Church and always takes place on a Sunday. Often in the Episcopal Church, this day is

celebrated with a church service filled with symbols of the Holy Spirit. Adorned with red balloons, red roses, flying kites and banners, even real doves, the church takes on a festive and joyful air. The lesson from Acts is sometimes read in a foreign language, bringing to life the experience of the disciples and people in the passage.

As a Trinitarian church, the Episcopal Church sees the Holy Spirit daily in the presence of God that sustains us. The Holy Spirit is invoked at baptism: “You are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism…” (BCP, p. 308); at confirmation: “…and daily increase in your Holy Spirit more and more…” (BCP, p. 418); in the consecration of bread and wine at Eucharist and of oil for chrism and for anointing; in the anointing for healing; and in the ordination of a deacon, priest and bishop.



gaTHeringCheck-inInvite group members to sit comfortably, giving them an opportunity to visit with each

other, establish friendships and build community. Relationships are an important dimension of Christian formation, so a few minutes of visiting will enrich their spiritual development. This is also the perfect time to “check in” with your group members by asking them to share how they are feeling at the time or what kind of a week they had.

prayermaterials:

■ small table with cloth to cover it ■ taper candle or one pillar candle

■ matches ■ cross

After all group members have a few minutes of fellowship time, gather them together for a simple opening prayer. Ask one of the members to light the candle while saying these words from Psalm 119:105: ■ Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto

my path.

Explain that you are inviting the light of God to be with all of you. (You might consider posting this verse from Psalm 119 in the meeting room).

Invite the member who lit the candle to read this prayer: ■ We thank you, God, for bringing us together

today, to learn about how you love us and are with us each day. Help us to learn to know you and to do as you command, to be witnesses for you always. We ask this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

TeLLing THe STorySet the scene: Wear red to church that day, and if possible, remind all your group

members to do the same. Place some red flowers or balloons in your room to get the group thinking about the day as a celebration!

The story of the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost is a great story to tell around a “campfire.” Read aloud the story from a Bible or, better yet, tell the story in your own words. Tell it in the present tense to make the story come alive. For other ways to enhance the story, see pages 2-3 in the Appendix, also available to download.

Let the group know that we celebrate Pentecost not only as the coming of the Holy Spirit but also as “the birth of the Church.”

At this time you do not need to explain or discuss the story. This is the time for the youth to hear the story. For now, simply let them absorb it in their minds and in their hearts. Later, use the discussion or arts time to help the group members draw appropriate and meaningful connections between the story and their own lives.



aCTiviTieS: arTS, CrafTS, gameS, drama, eTC.Select one or more activities

to supplement and enhance today’s story. For each lesson, there are five suggested activities, one from each of the REACT categories. For a detailed explanation of REACT, see page 10 of the Introduction. All activities are meant to reinforce the concepts that were central to the day’s lesson.

Additional activity ideas can be found on pages 2-6 in the Appendix where we’ve provided suggestions and directions for a variety of general activities that can be adapted to any lesson. Also included are outreach and service projects that can be done at any time.

aCTiviTieS for THiS WeeK’S SeSSion



Weaving our faiTHLesson Box Materials:

■ 1 3" x 5" index card for the day’s scribe

■ pen or pencil ■ a file box in which to store the cards

Ask for a volunteer or assign a group member to act as scribe. Then, ask the group to articulate the most important lesson gleaned from the day’s reading. As a prompt, you might ask: ■ Who or what inspires you? ■ How does it feel to be inspired?

Once the group has agreed on its wording, ask the scribe to write the lesson on the card, date it and file it in the box. By the end of the year, you will have a wonderful and thorough summation of the lessons covered in the participant’s own words.

CLoSing prayerBefore the group leaves, say a closing prayer to send them into the church worship service or

back to their homes with God’s love and blessing. The prayer can be very simple, it can be a prayer that you and the group make up on the spot. The following prayer is said to come from Indonesia and is especially fitting for today’s lesson: ■ In the depth of silence

No words are needed,No language required.In the depth of silenceI am called to listen.Listen to the beating of your heart,Listen to the blowing of the wind,The movement of the Spirit.Be silent, said the Lord,And know that I am God.Amen.

End the lesson with a dismissal that is used in church, such as: ■ Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the

power of the Spirit.

The participants respond: ■ Thanks be to God.


6 | LeSSon 30 | Come, HoLy SpiriT: THe HoLy SpiriT aT penTeCoST | Weaving our faiTH, year 1 | aCTiviTy

maKing SenSe of THe TriniTyThe concept of the Holy Trinity is not an easy one to grasp. Therefore, it is important, especially in light of today’s lesson about the appearance of the Holy Spirit, to talk with your group about what the Trinity means to them. With original artwork, participants express how they envision and understand the Holy Trinity.

materials:copies of the “Trinity Symbols” (p. 7) clay (regular or polymer)drawing papercolored pencils and markerspens and pencilsbeads and wirewire cutterscissorsglueoptional: digital cameras and printer, with photo paper

preparation:As is evident by the materials list, group members will be able to work in any art medium. However, if your supplies are limited, use whatever you have on hand to provide a variety of materials.

directions:1. Before group members begin working, ask a few leading questions:

— What does the word trinity mean (with a small “t”)? — What does the word Trinity mean (with a capital “T”)? — How do you see God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit? — What is each one’s purpose?

2. Display the pictures of the Trinity symbols. Ask: — What do these pictures have in common?

3. Ask group members to decide on how best to express their vision of the Holy Trinity. They may choose to write a poem or a song, make a sculpture, draw or paint a picture, or even make a beaded creation. Whatever the choice, the piece of art is to represent the Holy Trinity.

4. When group members have finished their artwork, display the pieces with a brief explanation of the project for the entire congregation to enjoy.



7 | LeSSon 30 | Come, HoLy SpiriT: THe HoLy SpiriT aT penTeCoST | Weaving our faiTH, year 1 | aCTiviTy ConTinued

Working with digital Cameras1. Take the group outdoors to look around for items in nature or in the neighborhood that remind them of the

Holy Trinity.

2. When you return, ask each group member to choose his or her two favorite pictures.

3. Download and print the pictures.

4. Ask each member to write a short explanation of his/her choices. Post them on a bulletin board.

Note: This activity will likely take two sessions.



ConneCTing WiTH THe SpiriT in youParticipants learn about the disciplines of Tai-Chi and Yoga and how their devotees use these exercise forms not only to strengthen their bodies but also to tune into their spirits.

Note: This is a great intergenerational activity; invite older members of the congregation to join you!

materials:thin mats (for example, yoga mats), blankets or small rugs, 1 per participantCD player (if needed by an instructor)CD of relaxing nature sounds or quiet, soothing music

preparation:At least one week before your group is to meet, invite a yoga and/or a tai chi instructor (it could be the same person) to attend your session. Explain the nature of the lesson, making sure to stress the importance of getting in touch with spirit.

Let your group members know what to expect, and tell them to dress comfortably. If possible, they should each bring something soft (but not thick) to sit on.

directions:1. The purpose of this activity is to explore Eastern practices of caring for the mind, body and spirit.

2. Explain to participants that God sent the Holy Spirit to be a constant reminder of God’s presence and help in our lives. Our spirits need to be nourished and fulfilled, through contemplation, through meditation, through prayer. When we are in touch with our spirits, we are more open to receiving God’s messages.

3. Ask the instructors to briefly explain the background of their disciplines and then to lead the group through some basic exercises.

4. When the session is done, ask the group members what they thought of the experience and how they feel.

Visit these websites for more information: — http://www.lightandlife.com/new/past_issues/mind_body_spirit — http://www.ehow.com/way_5385464_basic-yoga-moves-beginners


9 | LeSSon 30 | Come, HoLy SpiriT: THe HoLy SpiriT aT penTeCoST | Weaving our faiTH, year 1 | CrafT

WHaT inSpireS you?The words spirit and inspire both come from the Latin root spirare, which means “to breathe.” Think of hymn #508 in The Hymnal 1982 (New York, NY: Church Pension Fund, 1985), “Breathe on Me, Breath of God.” Through the Holy Spirit, we hear God speaking to us. Now, with the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we can understand that still, small voice that guides us.

In this activity, group members poll the congregation (and each other) about the things—and people—that inspire them most.

materials:3" x 5" index cardspens or pencilscard stock in assorted colorsfine-point felt markersscissorstape or poster puttymultiple copies of the “Dove Pattern” (p. 10)glue or glue sticks

preparation:Before this session, arrange with the rector to have the group members poll the congregation. The question can be posted in the day’s bulletin, or one of your members could (with the rector’s permission), make an announcement before or during the service.

The question to be asked: What or who inspires you, and how?

directions:1. You will need volunteers to do the following:

— Distribute and collect the index cards and pencils to and from church members as they enter the service. — Copy and cut out doves on which to post the responses. — One member to explain the activity to the congregation. — Two to four members to post the doves in a space where the congregation can see them.

2. Once the cards are collected, glue each card onto a dove outline or copy the response directly onto its own dove. Be sure to write the names of the respondents on the doves as well.

3. Post the doves where all can enjoy.


10 | LeSSon 30 | Come, HoLy SpiriT: THe HoLy SpiriT aT penTeCoST | Weaving our faiTH, year 1 | CrafT ConTinued

DOVE PATTERN




a univerSaL Language: muSiCWith the coming of the Holy Spirit came a clear understanding of God’s word. One “language” that all people understand is music. Music can break down barriers, bring people together, foster understanding, create joy, and sometimes even bring about peace. Music has been used to inspire people to do good deeds and to unite for worthy causes. It is a language that speaks to us all.

Note: As group leader, you may choose to have the youth in your group play their inspirational songs and explain what they mean to them.

materials:CD playercomputer with MP3 software (for example, iTunes or Windows Media Player)notepaperpens or pencils

preparation:During the week before the group meets, contact your group members and ask them to bring in a song that inspires them in some way. These can be brought in either on CD or as an MP3 file on a flash drive or memory card.

Make sure you bring in at least one piece of music that does the same for you!

directions:1. Before you start playing the individual songs, ask group members what the word inspire means to them. For

example, inspirational music can make you feel better, can motivate you to do something positive, can relieve stress, etc.

2. Explain that there will probably be a wide variety of music played, but no one is to be judged for his/her choice of music.

3. Begin by playing your song choice (or a representative portion of it) and explaining briefly what it means to you.

4. Then, ask volunteers to play their music and do the same. You should have no problem getting the youth to play favorite songs!

5. When all songs have been played or at least sampled, make a list of the songs, following each with a sentence about what makes that song special and inspirational. The group could then make this available to the congregation in the church newsletter or on its website.



in THe red! CeLeBraTing penTeCoSTGroup members plan for and serve red-themed goodies after Pentecost Sunday service.

materials:paper plates, napkins, cupsvariety of red foods, brought in by all members of the group, for example: cherries, strawberries, apples,

tomatoes, chips and salsa, red licorice, red velvet cake, frosted or colored cookies, red fruit juice, red Jello®, watermelon, red beans and rice, etc.

other appropriate red decorations, such as balloons, red flowers, streamersfliers asking church members to bring in red foods for a local food pantry

preparation:Many churches celebrate Pentecost every year. In the week or two before the group meets, speak with the person in charge of coffee time and find out how your group can participate on Pentecost Sunday.

Ask for parent volunteers to donate some of the “red treats” to be served on that day.

directions: 1. You will need volunteers for the following tasks:

— set up the coffee room with red streamers, balloons, and flowers — set out the food and drinks — serve the food and drinks — clean up — making a large sign to read Welcome, Holy Spirit!

2. Hand out fliers to all who enter asking them to bring in red foods for your local food bank. Let them know that you will be collecting them over the course of the next one or two Sunday’s.

If you choose, you may want to read up on Bono’s charity to fight AIDS/HIV, “Project Red.” Go to www.joinred.com/red for more information. The group may decide to take up a collection for that charity or give it to a local organization involved in that cause.

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LeSSon 30 Come, HoLy SpiriT: THe HoLy SpiriT aT penTeCoSTchristianformation.weebly.com/uploads/1/...lesson30... · gather to celebrate the Jewish feast of Pentecost, they receive