Trinity Sunday
Worship
Lectionary Worship Workbook
Series II, Cycle C Gospel Texts
Liturgical Color: White
Gospel: John 16:12-15
Theme: Jesus Identifies the Spirit of Truth. Is the Trinity only a concept, albeit a non-understandable concept, in our head; or a passion, despite our inability to understand it in our lives?
Celebrating The Triune God
Music for Preparation
Medley of Trinity hymns. Put the pages of the hymns in the bulletin, and encourage the people to read the words and hum the tunes as they prepare for worship.
Choral Invitation
"Holy, Holy," Jimmy Owens, 1972. (Have the choirs sing this; ask the congregation to follow the words, and hum the tune. Reminder: Use all of the musicians, including the congregation's homemade instruments.)
Pastoral Invitation
Pastor and Ministers
In the name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, welcome to Trinity Sunday. How many of you have attended worship on Trinity Sunday previously? (Raise hands.) Despite our confusions and debates about what you have heard, and even what you believe, be open to some new insights and awarenesses. I invite us to celebrate the presence, power, patience, perseverance of God who comes to us in a multitude of ways. As we proceed, begin to think of ways that God has come to us as persons, as the church. Write them down as we continue.
P: In the name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
M: We celebrate your presence, power, patience, perseverance.
P: The Lord be with each of you.
M: And with you too, pastor.
P: Praise the Triune God!
M: The Triune God's name be praised and obeyed!
Hymn of Praise
"God Is One, Unique and Holy," Brian Wren, 1983; Peter Cutts, 1983.
Prayer of Praise
God the Father who loved and loves the world; God the Son obedient out of love; God the Holy Spirit, keep on encircling us with your active love; teach us that our hearts will respond to your love, that our eyes may see your love; that our lives will reflect and refract your love; that our love will be pure and holy, for your sake, and the world's.
Response
"Gloria Patri." Use a version your congregation has never used before. Have the Choir sing it a couple of times before the congregation sings it.
Awareness Of Who We Are And Who We Can Become With The Trinity
Introduction to the Act of Recognizing Our Confusion
Spend some time with the Trinitarian aspect of the Apostles' Creed. Many have recited the creed for years with little understanding of what they have recited. Some even feel guilty about parts they "do not believe," because no one has ever discussed it, in class or in worship. Granted, they could have found out if they had taken the time. Some are confused about what they are "supposed" to believe. Some stand mute during the creed. It is the pastor's responsibility to talk about what it means. Give them time to ask questions and to clarify. (Traditionally, the Athanasian Creed is used on this Sunday. The courageous may want to use it.)
Act of Confession
Triune God, as the fellowship of your people, we confess our confusion and our laziness in refusing to unconfuse ourselves. We have preoccupied ourselves with the world's standards of success and security. We say that we believe in you, and that our only hope is your love. Yet we prefer to strive and strain for the world's approval, rather than yours. We have failed to put Christ first, because we prefer to be first ourselves. We have paid allegiance to human structures as if they could give ultimate meaning to life. Humility is a stranger to us, and subtle pride is our constant companion. Under the banner of service and mission, we have paraded our own causes and satisfied our own need for recognition and importance. Sovereign God, without whom we are nothing, and all that we have or cherish is empty, keep us free from the tyranny of affluence or influence, accommodation or accumulation, which fails to find its perspective in you. May we die to self, in order that Christ, the true self, will live and serve in, and through, and with us, in the name of the Father, Son, Spirit.
Response
"Creator God, Creating Still," Jane Parker Huber; ascribed to William Croft, Supplement to the New Version, 1708.
Introduction to the Act of Receiving New Life
Pastor and Ministers
P: No matter what we believe about the Trinity, the real issue is this: Do we not only believe that God has forgiven us, but do we take action on the basis of that belief? We are forgiven for every single second up to this moment. If we accept that belief, then we no longer need keep dragging up the past. We are forgiven, no "ifs, ands, or buts" about it. Rejoice!
M: What a relief! Thank you, God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit! Keep on convincing us that we are forgiven.
Response
"Glory Be to God on High," sung to the tune of "Michael Row the Boat Ashore." Sing stanza 2 only: "Praise the Father, praise the Son, Praise the Spirit, Three in One. Alleluia." "Alleluia" also follows "Son." Sing this as a round, or with other variations. At the end, say, "And all the people say ..."
Instructions About The Trinity
Message with the Children of All Ages
Okay, you children of all ages, tell us what the Trinity means. (Wait.) Let's see if I can give you a clue. (Use this even if you've used it before.) Let's take your dad, for example. Some of your dads are a trinity. Your dad is a father, a son, and a brother. No, he is not three persons; he relates to different people in different ways. So does God. Sometimes, God is revealed as a Father, who cares for his children; sometimes as a Son who is our friend; sometimes as a Spirit giving us strength and courage. Does that make any sense? (Offer a prayer which includes each of those qualities of God.)
Response
Sing, once again, "Praise the Father ... Son ... Spirit. Alleluia."
Reading from the Scripture
Have someone with a lapel microphone, or someone who speaks loudly and clearly, stand where he/she is sitting and speak the words of Jesus. You may want to use three people who read three different versions of the passage.
Proclamation of the Good News
You may want to begin with Dorothy Sayers' definition of the Trinity: "The Father incomprehensible, the Son incomprehensible, and the whole thing incomprehensible." That may get their attention. Emphasize the Creeds. You may want to conclude with this story by Kirby Page: A little boy was watching the evening sun set with its crimson and gold and blue. Suddenly he exclaimed, "Oh, Mother, now I know why the sunset is so beautiful; because God has gotten behind it and God is shining through." Despite all of our difficulty with the Trinity, God is behind it, and God, as Father, Son, Spirit, is shining through.
Response
"Creating God, Your Fingers Trace," Jeffery Rowthorn, 1979; Eugene W. Hancock, 1989.
Responding To The Activity Of The Trinity
Stewardship Challenge
No matter how we understand or misunderstand the Trinity, to whom is our primary loyalty? How do we demonstrate that loyalty by, in, and through our stewardship of time, talent, treasure?
Charge to the Congregation
A Serbian proverb reads: "If I have seen your eyes, I know you a little; if I hear your voice, I know you more; if I have seen your action, I know you altogether." Our debate about the Trinity is far less important than our obedience to the Trinity.
Hymn of Obedience
"Come, Great God of All the Ages," Mary Jackson Cathey, 1987; Cyril Vincent Taylor, 1941. Ask one-third of the congregation to sing each of the first three stanzas; everyone sings the last together.
Meditation
God asks not about our ability, or inability, but our availability. How available are we anyway?
Music Possibilities In Addition To Those Already Suggested
Hymn of Praise: "Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!" Reginald Heber (1783-1826); as in Hymns Written and Adapted, 1827. John Bacchus Dykes, 1861; desc. David McKinley Williams.
Response to the Pardon: A choral version of the Apostles' Creed.
Response to the Pastoral Prayer: "Hear Our Prayer, O Lord," George Whelpton, 1897.
Response to the Proclamation: "All Glory Be To God on High," Nikolaus Decius, 1522; trans. F. Bland Tucker, 1977; alt.; harm. Hieronymous Praetorius (1560-1629).
Offertory: Allegretto from "The Prodigal Son," Sullivan.
Hymn of Commitment: "Of the Father's Love Begotten," Aurelius Predentius (348-410), trans. by John Mason Neale, 1851 and Henry W. Baker, 1859; altered 1972.
Music for Dismissal: "My Dearest Jesu," J. S. Bach.
Gospel: John 16:12-15
Theme: Jesus Identifies the Spirit of Truth. Is the Trinity only a concept, albeit a non-understandable concept, in our head; or a passion, despite our inability to understand it in our lives?
Celebrating The Triune God
Music for Preparation
Medley of Trinity hymns. Put the pages of the hymns in the bulletin, and encourage the people to read the words and hum the tunes as they prepare for worship.
Choral Invitation
"Holy, Holy," Jimmy Owens, 1972. (Have the choirs sing this; ask the congregation to follow the words, and hum the tune. Reminder: Use all of the musicians, including the congregation's homemade instruments.)
Pastoral Invitation
Pastor and Ministers
In the name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, welcome to Trinity Sunday. How many of you have attended worship on Trinity Sunday previously? (Raise hands.) Despite our confusions and debates about what you have heard, and even what you believe, be open to some new insights and awarenesses. I invite us to celebrate the presence, power, patience, perseverance of God who comes to us in a multitude of ways. As we proceed, begin to think of ways that God has come to us as persons, as the church. Write them down as we continue.
P: In the name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
M: We celebrate your presence, power, patience, perseverance.
P: The Lord be with each of you.
M: And with you too, pastor.
P: Praise the Triune God!
M: The Triune God's name be praised and obeyed!
Hymn of Praise
"God Is One, Unique and Holy," Brian Wren, 1983; Peter Cutts, 1983.
Prayer of Praise
God the Father who loved and loves the world; God the Son obedient out of love; God the Holy Spirit, keep on encircling us with your active love; teach us that our hearts will respond to your love, that our eyes may see your love; that our lives will reflect and refract your love; that our love will be pure and holy, for your sake, and the world's.
Response
"Gloria Patri." Use a version your congregation has never used before. Have the Choir sing it a couple of times before the congregation sings it.
Awareness Of Who We Are And Who We Can Become With The Trinity
Introduction to the Act of Recognizing Our Confusion
Spend some time with the Trinitarian aspect of the Apostles' Creed. Many have recited the creed for years with little understanding of what they have recited. Some even feel guilty about parts they "do not believe," because no one has ever discussed it, in class or in worship. Granted, they could have found out if they had taken the time. Some are confused about what they are "supposed" to believe. Some stand mute during the creed. It is the pastor's responsibility to talk about what it means. Give them time to ask questions and to clarify. (Traditionally, the Athanasian Creed is used on this Sunday. The courageous may want to use it.)
Act of Confession
Triune God, as the fellowship of your people, we confess our confusion and our laziness in refusing to unconfuse ourselves. We have preoccupied ourselves with the world's standards of success and security. We say that we believe in you, and that our only hope is your love. Yet we prefer to strive and strain for the world's approval, rather than yours. We have failed to put Christ first, because we prefer to be first ourselves. We have paid allegiance to human structures as if they could give ultimate meaning to life. Humility is a stranger to us, and subtle pride is our constant companion. Under the banner of service and mission, we have paraded our own causes and satisfied our own need for recognition and importance. Sovereign God, without whom we are nothing, and all that we have or cherish is empty, keep us free from the tyranny of affluence or influence, accommodation or accumulation, which fails to find its perspective in you. May we die to self, in order that Christ, the true self, will live and serve in, and through, and with us, in the name of the Father, Son, Spirit.
Response
"Creator God, Creating Still," Jane Parker Huber; ascribed to William Croft, Supplement to the New Version, 1708.
Introduction to the Act of Receiving New Life
Pastor and Ministers
P: No matter what we believe about the Trinity, the real issue is this: Do we not only believe that God has forgiven us, but do we take action on the basis of that belief? We are forgiven for every single second up to this moment. If we accept that belief, then we no longer need keep dragging up the past. We are forgiven, no "ifs, ands, or buts" about it. Rejoice!
M: What a relief! Thank you, God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit! Keep on convincing us that we are forgiven.
Response
"Glory Be to God on High," sung to the tune of "Michael Row the Boat Ashore." Sing stanza 2 only: "Praise the Father, praise the Son, Praise the Spirit, Three in One. Alleluia." "Alleluia" also follows "Son." Sing this as a round, or with other variations. At the end, say, "And all the people say ..."
Instructions About The Trinity
Message with the Children of All Ages
Okay, you children of all ages, tell us what the Trinity means. (Wait.) Let's see if I can give you a clue. (Use this even if you've used it before.) Let's take your dad, for example. Some of your dads are a trinity. Your dad is a father, a son, and a brother. No, he is not three persons; he relates to different people in different ways. So does God. Sometimes, God is revealed as a Father, who cares for his children; sometimes as a Son who is our friend; sometimes as a Spirit giving us strength and courage. Does that make any sense? (Offer a prayer which includes each of those qualities of God.)
Response
Sing, once again, "Praise the Father ... Son ... Spirit. Alleluia."
Reading from the Scripture
Have someone with a lapel microphone, or someone who speaks loudly and clearly, stand where he/she is sitting and speak the words of Jesus. You may want to use three people who read three different versions of the passage.
Proclamation of the Good News
You may want to begin with Dorothy Sayers' definition of the Trinity: "The Father incomprehensible, the Son incomprehensible, and the whole thing incomprehensible." That may get their attention. Emphasize the Creeds. You may want to conclude with this story by Kirby Page: A little boy was watching the evening sun set with its crimson and gold and blue. Suddenly he exclaimed, "Oh, Mother, now I know why the sunset is so beautiful; because God has gotten behind it and God is shining through." Despite all of our difficulty with the Trinity, God is behind it, and God, as Father, Son, Spirit, is shining through.
Response
"Creating God, Your Fingers Trace," Jeffery Rowthorn, 1979; Eugene W. Hancock, 1989.
Responding To The Activity Of The Trinity
Stewardship Challenge
No matter how we understand or misunderstand the Trinity, to whom is our primary loyalty? How do we demonstrate that loyalty by, in, and through our stewardship of time, talent, treasure?
Charge to the Congregation
A Serbian proverb reads: "If I have seen your eyes, I know you a little; if I hear your voice, I know you more; if I have seen your action, I know you altogether." Our debate about the Trinity is far less important than our obedience to the Trinity.
Hymn of Obedience
"Come, Great God of All the Ages," Mary Jackson Cathey, 1987; Cyril Vincent Taylor, 1941. Ask one-third of the congregation to sing each of the first three stanzas; everyone sings the last together.
Meditation
God asks not about our ability, or inability, but our availability. How available are we anyway?
Music Possibilities In Addition To Those Already Suggested
Hymn of Praise: "Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!" Reginald Heber (1783-1826); as in Hymns Written and Adapted, 1827. John Bacchus Dykes, 1861; desc. David McKinley Williams.
Response to the Pardon: A choral version of the Apostles' Creed.
Response to the Pastoral Prayer: "Hear Our Prayer, O Lord," George Whelpton, 1897.
Response to the Proclamation: "All Glory Be To God on High," Nikolaus Decius, 1522; trans. F. Bland Tucker, 1977; alt.; harm. Hieronymous Praetorius (1560-1629).
Offertory: Allegretto from "The Prodigal Son," Sullivan.
Hymn of Commitment: "Of the Father's Love Begotten," Aurelius Predentius (348-410), trans. by John Mason Neale, 1851 and Henry W. Baker, 1859; altered 1972.
Music for Dismissal: "My Dearest Jesu," J. S. Bach.
