June 3 – Trinity Sunday

June 3 – Trinity Sunday

Worship materials for Trinity Sunday through the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost were contributed by Helene Burns, Crossroads P.C.; Ellen Wilson, Ingramport U.C.; Margie van Binsbergen, Annapolis Royal P.C.; and Keltie van Binsbergen, Sambro Jollimore P.C.; all in Nova Scotia.

 

Isaiah 6:1–8

The call of Isaiah.

 

Psalm 29 (VU p. 756)

God’s voice is over the waters.

 

Romans 8:12–17

Adopted by the Spirit as children of God.

 

John 3:1–17

Nicodemus visits Jesus by night.

Spark

Pinwheels can be an effective symbol of wind and the Spirit. Set some outside the church door so people see them as they enter. Attach some to pews in the sanctuary. They could be used during Children’s Time or made during Sunday school.

Theme Engagement Question

When have you felt that push, nudge, call, or clear message that you believe came from God’s Spirit? What made it feel like a nudge from outside your own thoughts?

With Children

Ask the children to name some things in the air that we can see (e.g., smoke, clouds, birds) and then things in the air that we can’t see (e.g., light waves, radio waves, oxygen). The air is also full of the Holy Spirit. We cannot see it, but we feel the effects in our souls. The Holy Spirit encompasses the world like an invisible cloud cover. The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to us: to help us when we are confused or sad, to guide us when we don’t know what to do, and to remind us of God’s love, joy, and peace.

Sermon Starter

Sometimes an idea or a thought will come to us and we get excited and inspired. We feel different; something inside us glows. We feel pushed to do something to follow up on the idea. This is what happened to Nicodemus. He knew that Jesus was like no one else. A spark had been lit inside him that night that later led him to argue before the Council for fair treatment for Jesus (John 7:50–52) and to help prepare Jesus’ body for burial (John 19:38–42). Isaiah also felt a spark being lit in his life when he was called to ministry. We all have moments when God lights a spark in our lives; the challenge is going from glow to action, putting our newly inspired faith into action. Just like us, neither Nicodemus nor Isaiah knew where the Spirit was going to lead him, but they trusted God and kept the glow going.


Hymns

Call to Worship or Introit

VU 582            “There’s a spirit in the air” verse 6

 

Hebrew Scripture

VU 509            “I, the Lord of sea and sky”

 

Gospel

VU 205            “Like the murmur of the dove’s song”

VU 382            “Breathe on me, breath of God”

 

General

VU 96              “Will you come and see the light”

VU 289            “It only takes a spark”

VU 375            “Spirit, Spirit of gentleness”

VU 585            “Jesus bids us shine”