Welcome to
Saint Francis by the Sea
Episcopal Church

May 24, 2026

The Day of Pentecost


Saint Francis by the Sea
Episcopal Church

The Day of Pentecost
May 24, 2026

“I will pour out my Spirit on all people.” - Acts 2:17

The Prelude   Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
arr. Rick Hirsch

Jackie Shertzer, David Stroud, Carrie Stroud, Jackson Wright – saxophone

The Choral Introit “Praise to the Spirit”

Henry Purcell, arr. Hal Hopson

Praise to the Spirit, Spirit of Fire; praise to the Spirit, Spirit of Fire.
God is with us, our hearts to inspire. Sing alleluia, alleluia. Come and sing, rejoice!

The Processional Hymn 516 “Come down, O Love divine”

Down Ampney

[Image: Sheet music for "Come down, O Love divine"]


The Word of God

Celebrant: ALLELUIA. Christ is risen.
People: The Lord is risen indeed. ALLELUIA!

The Gloria S278 “Glory to God in the highest”

William Mathias

[Image: Sheet music for "Glory to God in the highest"]

The Collect of the Day

Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Let us pray.

ALMIGHTY GOD, on this day you opened the way of eternal life to every race and nation by the promised gift of your Holy Spirit: Shed abroad this gift throughout the world by the preaching of the Gospel, that it may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The First Reading

Numbers 11:24-30

24So Moses went out and told the people the words of the Lord; and he gathered seventy elders of the people, and placed them all around the tent. 25Then the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and took some of the spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders; and when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied. But they did not do so again. 26Two men remained in the camp, one named Eldad, and the other named Medad, and the spirit rested on them; they were among those registered, but they had not gone out to the tent, and so they prophesied in the camp. 27And a young man ran and told Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.” 28And Joshua son of Nun, the assistant of Moses, one of his chosen men, said, “My lord Moses, stop them!” 29But Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit on them!” 30And Moses and the elders of Israel returned to the camp.

Reader: The Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.

The Psalm

Psalm 104:25-35, 37

25 O Lord, how manifold are your works! *

in wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.

26 Yonder is the great and wide sea with its living things too many to number, *

creatures both small and great.

27 There move the ships, and there is that Leviathan, *

which you have made for the sport of it.

28 All of them look to you *

to give them their food in due season.

29 You give it to them; they gather it; *

you open your hand, and they are filled with good things.

30 You hide your face, and they are terrified; *

you take away their breath, and they die and return to their dust.

31 You send forth your Spirit, and they are created; *

and so you renew the face of the earth.

32 May the glory of the Lord endure for ever; *

may the Lord rejoice in all his works.

33 He looks at the earth and it trembles; *

he touches the mountains and they smoke.

34 I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; *

I will praise my God while I have my being.

35 May these words of mine please him; *

I will rejoice in the Lord.

37 Bless the Lord, O my soul. *

Hallelujah!

The Second Reading

Acts 2:1-21

1When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

5Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. 6And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. 7Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? 9Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.” 12All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.”

14But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. 15Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. 16No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:
17‘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. 18Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. 19And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. 20The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day.
21Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ ”

Reader: The Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.

The Sequence Hymn WLP 751 “Ev'ry time I feel the spirit”

Spiritual

[Image: Sheet music for "Ev'ry time I feel the spirit"]

The Gospel

John 20:19-23

Deacon: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

19When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 20After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

Deacon: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.

The Sermon

The Reverend Mary Kay Brown

The Renewal of Baptism Vows

Please stand, if able.
Celebrant:
Do you believe in God the Father?
People:
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Celebrant:
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
People:
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Celebrant:
Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
People:
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Celebrant:
Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
People:
I will, with God's help.
Celebrant:
Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
People:
I will, with God's help.
Celebrant:
Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
People:
I will, with God's help.
Celebrant:
Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
People:
I will, with God's help.
Celebrant:
Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
People:
I will, with God's help.

The Celebrant concludes the Renewal of Vows as follows

MAY ALMIGHTY GOD, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and bestowed upon us the forgiveness of sins, keep us in eternal life by his grace, in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

The Prayers of the People

from “Hear our Prayer” by Jon White and Lisa Graves

The Deacon says: IN PEACE, we pray to you, Lord God.

On this day we give thanks for the power of the HOLY SPIRIT that moves through our lives and leads us further along the way of Christ. Hear and answer the prayers of your people as we say, Lord through your spirit, hear our prayer.

Grant us a SPIRIT of reverence for your glory and bless your church that it may always follow you into the world without fear to share your Good News. Lord through your spirit, hear our prayer.

Lodge the SPIRIT of justice in our hearts and in the hearts of all who hold authority over others in the world, that we may all strive for a more perfect human society. Lord through your spirit, hear our prayer.

Grant us a SPIRIT of commitment that we might give ourselves wholly to Christ’s invitation to walk his way and continue his mission of healing and reconciliation. Lord through your spirit, hear our prayer.

Grow in us a SPIRIT of wisdom that we might be effective stewards of your creation, ensuring the abundance and diversity of the natural world for generations to come. Lord through your spirit, hear our prayer.

May the SPIRIT of merciful generosity be ours to embolden and encourage us to respond to the needs of our neighbors and to build a community where every person has the opportunity to thrive. Lord through your spirit, hear our prayer.

In the SPIRIT of prayer for our Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we pray for St. Francis by the Sea, Salter Path, and for Holy Trinity Church, Hampstead. We also pray for Bishop Sarah as she begins her ministry in our diocese. In our Ecumenical Cycle of Prayer, we give thanks for the Crystal Coast Worship Center, Salter Path, and the Cstone Church in Morehead City. Lord through your spirit, hear our prayer.

Believing in the SPIRIT of prayer, send forth your healing spirit to all who suffer or are in distress. Especially we pray for [today’s petitions]. Lord through your spirit, hear our prayer.

And we ask that your SPIRIT of forgiveness and love be extended to all who have died, that they and we may someday rise in your new kingdom. We pray for those who have died, that they may rest in peace and rise in glory in your promised new age. Today, we remember [today’s petitions]. Lord through your spirit, hear our prayer.

In your SPIRIT we give thanks for all our blessings in life Lord, only made possible by You including [today’s petitions]. Lord through your spirit, hear our prayer.

The Celebrant concludes with this collect:

ALMIGHTY GOD, by your HOLY SPIRIT you have made us one with your saints in heaven and on earth: Grant that in our earthly pilgrimage we may always be supported by this fellowship of love and prayer, and know ourselves to be surrounded by their witness to your power and mercy. We ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ, in whom all our intercessions are acceptable through the Spirit, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

The Confession of Sin and Absolution

The Deacon says: Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor:
People:

HAVE MERCY UPON US, most merciful Father; in your compassion forgive us our sins, known and unknown, things done and left undone; and so uphold us by your Spirit that we may live and serve you in newness of life, to the honor and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Celebrant stands and says…

ALMIGHTY GOD have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

The Peace

Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: WALK IN LOVE, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God.

The Choral Anthem “Resurrection Alleluias”

Mark Hayes

Alleluia. Christ is risen, alleluia.

Alleluia, Christ is risen! Heart and voice to heaven raise.
Sing to God a hymn of gladness; sing to God a hymn of praise.
He, who on the cross a victim, for the world’s salvation bled:
Jesus Christ, the King of glory, now is risen from the dead.

Now the iron bars are broken; Christ from death to life is born,
glorious life, and life immortal, on the holy Easter morn.
Christ has triumphed, and we conquer by his mighty enterprise.
We with Him to life eternal by his resurrection rise. We will rise!

Christ is risen, we are risen! Shed upon us heavenly grace,
rain and dew and gleams of glory from the brightness of Thy face;
that, with hearts in heaven dwelling, we on earth may fruitful be,
and by angel hands be gathered, and be ever, Lord, with Thee.

Alleluia. Christ is risen, alleluia.

An Easter Doxology

Lasst un erfreuen

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow, Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Alleluia, alleluia!

Praise Him above ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, Alleluia!

The Eucharistic Prayer

Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give God thanks and praise.

Then, facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds:

ALL THANKS AND PRAISE are yours at all times and in all places, our true and loving God; through Jesus Christ, your eternal Word, the Wisdom from on high by whom you created all things. You laid the foundations of the world and enclosed the sea when it burst out from the womb; You brought forth all creatures of the earth and gave breath to humankind. Wondrous are you, Holy One of Blessing, all you create is a sign of hope for our journey; And so as the morning stars sing your praises we join the heavenly beings and all creation as we shout with joy:

The Sanctus S125 “Holy, Holy, Holy Lord”

Richard Proulx

[Image: Sheet music for "Holy, Holy, Holy Lord"]

The Celebrant continues:

GLORY AND HONOR are yours, Creator of all, your Word has never been silent; you called a people to yourself, as a light to the nations, you delivered them from bondage and led them to a land of promise. Of your grace, you gave Jesus to be human, to share our life, to proclaim the coming of your holy reign and give himself for us, a fragrant offering. Through Jesus Christ our Redeemer, you have freed us from sin, brought us into your life, reconciled us to you, and restored us to the glory you intend for us.

We thank you that on the night before he died for us Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, gave it to his friends and said: “Take, eat, this is my Body, broken for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” After supper Jesus took the cup of wine, said the blessing, gave it to his friends and said: “Drink this, all of you: this cup is the new Covenant in my Blood, poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.” And so, remembering all that was done for us: the cross, the tomb, the resurrection and ascension, longing for Christ’s coming in glory, and presenting to you these gifts your earth has formed and human hands have made, we acclaim you, O Christ:

Celebrant and People:
Dying, you destroyed our death.
Rising, you restored our life.
Christ Jesus, come in glory!

The Celebrant continues

SEND YOUR HOLY SPIRIT upon us and upon these gifts of bread and wine that they may be to us the Body and Blood of your Christ. Grant that we, burning with your Spirit’s power, may be a people of hope, justice and love. Giver of Life, draw us together in the Body of Christ, and in the fullness of time gather us with blessed St. Francis, St. Clare, and all your people into the joy of our true eternal home.

Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, we worship you our God and Creator in voices of unending praise.

Celebrant and People:
Blessed are you now and for ever. Amen.

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to pray,

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name,
your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours,
now and for ever. Amen.

The Breaking of the Bread

a period of silence is kept

The Fraction Anthem S163 “Lamb of God”

Robert Powell

[Image: Sheet music for "Lamb of God"]

Celebrant continues: THE GIFTS OF GOD for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith with thanksgiving.

WE INVITE ALL to join us and receive the Body and Blood of Christ at his table. If you desire to receive a blessing, please come to the altar with hands crossed over your chest. Gluten-free communion wafers and chalice are available upon request.

The Communion Response “Prayer of St. Francis”

Sebastian Temple

Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there is hatred; let me bring your love,
where there is injury, your pardon, Lord,
and where there’s doubt, true faith in you.

Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there’s despair in life, let me bring hope,
where there is darkness only light,
and where there’s sadness ever joy.

Oh, Master, grant that I may never seek
so much to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved, as to love, with all my soul.

Make me a channel of your peace.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
in giving of ourselves that we receive,
and in dying that we are born to eternal life.

After Communion, the Celebrant says: All stand. Let us pray together:
Celebrant and People:

GOD OF ABUNDANCE, you have fed us with the bread of life and cup of salvation; you have united us with Christ and one another; and you have made us one with all your people in heaven and on earth. Now send us forth in the power of your Spirit, that we may proclaim your redeeming love to the world and continue for ever in the risen life of Christ our Savior. Amen.

The Blessing

The Recessional Hymn 511 “Holy Spirit, ever living”

Abbot’s Leigh

[Image: Sheet music for "Holy Spirit, ever living"]

The Dismissal

Deacon: Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
People: Thanks be to God.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

The Postlude

Reprint/podcast/streamed with permission
under One License #A-730274 and RitePlanning.
All rights reserved.


St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church Welcomes You

Happy Birthday: Wilton Burns (25th), Jolene McCann (27th).

Welcome! If you are new to St. Francis or visiting for the first time, we especially welcome you to our community of faith. We ask that you sign our guest register located at the back of the church.

Special Thanks to our very own “in-house” musicians today for the spirited saxophone quartet music on this Pentecost Sunday!

Worship Leaders

Rector: The Rev. Mary Kay Brown
Priest in Residence: The Rev. Chris Carlin
Deacon: The Rev. Deacon Robin Smith
Lector: Jami Turner
Prayers for the People: Marion Morris
Torchbearers: Sarah Criddle, Donald Johnson
Altar Guild: Elizabeth Sheeks
Coffee Hour: Wayne/Sue Perry
Music Director: Craig Everett
Bells: Libba Shelton
Audio: Larry Castle
Videographer: Skip Kemp
Chalice: Libba Shelton, Scott Shelton
Crucifer: Kelly Sheeks
Vestry of the Day: Terry Smith
Sunday School: George Grigg, Laura Leslie

Vestry Members

Vestry Class of 2026

Pam Ball, Senior Warden
Sharon Birmingham
Terry Smith

Vestry Class of 2027

John Clarke, Junior Warden
Laura Leslie
Terry Parrish

Vestry Class of 2028

Kathy Driver
Bruce Jobe
Mary Kurek