On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended with power and clarity, uniting a diverse crowd through the proclamation of God’s Word in many languages. In this sermon from Acts 2, we hear Peter's bold declaration of Jesus’ resurrection and lordship, calling his hearers—and us—to repentance and faith. What began as confusion at the Tower of Babel is reversed as God uses many languages not to divide, but to gather His people around the truth of Christ crucified and risen.
Pastor Engfehr reflects on the enduring relevance of Peter’s message, drawing connections between the corruption of that generation and the brokenness we see in our world today. Yet, in the midst of sin, God’s Word breaks through with the promise of forgiveness and new life. Through powerful stories of modern missions—from rural Guatemala to urban Ghana—we’re reminded that the Spirit is still at work, transforming hearts and communities through the good news of Jesus.
As we reflect on Pentecost, we’re reminded of our own calling. Just as the apostles were sent out, we too are called to be Christ’s witnesses—whether across the globe or right here in our neighborhoods. In Glen Carbon, in Southern Illinois, and to the ends of the earth, the message remains the same: Jesus is Lord and Christ, and through Him, we are made new.
Liturgist and Preacher: Pastor Bill Engfehr; Reader: Joe Rathert
Order of service:
Readings:
- Reflection on God's Forgiveness is from Romans 5:8–11
- Psalm reading is from Psalm 8
- Old Testament reading is from Proverbs 8:1–4, 22–31
- New Testament reading is from Acts 2:14a, 22–36
- Holy Gospel is from John 8:48–59
Songs and Hymns:
- You Shine
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Brian Doerksen
© 2001 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740 - God, Whose Almighty Word
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Text: John Marriott, 1780–1825
Tune: Felice de Giardini, 1716–96
Text and tune: Public domain - Across The Lands
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Keith Getty, Stuart Townend
© 2002 Thankyou Music Ltd
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740 - Holy, Holy, Holy
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Text by Reginald Heber
Tune by John B. Dykes
Public domain - How Deep The Father's Love For Us
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Stuart Townend, © 1995 Thankyou Music
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740 - What Is This Bread
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Text: Frederic W. Baue
Tune: Jean Neuhauser Baue
© 1991 Fred and Jean Baue, used with permission, LSB Hymn License no. 110001220 - Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory (Battle Hymn)
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Text: Julia Ward Howe
Tune: William Steffe
Text and Tune: Public domain
Liturgies:
- Gloria in Excelsis
- Text: Stephen P. Starke
- Sanctus
- Text: Stephen P. Starke
- Agnus Dei
- Text: Stephen P. Starke
Recording:
- Audio:
- Video:
- Watch on YouTube
Announcements:
- Sunday, Jun 15:
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- Worship Service (Pastor William Engfehr): 9 AM to 10:15 AM
- Sunday School and Youth Confirmation: 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM
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Sanctuary.
- Adult Bible Study and Youth Confirmation: 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM
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Downstairs.
- Wednesday, Jun 18:
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- Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM
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Downstairs.
- Community Group: 10 AM to 11:30 AM
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St. James Fellowship Hall with Bob & Marilyn Whipkey.
- Jr & Sr High Youth Group @ Staake Home: 6:30 PM to 8 PM
- Thursday, Jun 19:
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- AA Meeting: 6:30 PM
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Downstairs.
- Saturday, Jun 21:
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- Women’s Bible Study: 10 AM to 11:30 AM
- AA Meeting: 1:30 PM
- Sunday, Jun 22:
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- Congregational Town Hall Meeting: 10:30 AM
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Join us for the Congregational Town Hall Meeting immediately following worship next Sunday in the church sanctuary.
Topics of discussion will be: Financial update; Lutheran education support/scholarship update; Property update; proposed salary increase for Ministry Coordinator.
- Does the Holy Spirit Speak Today?
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Is the Holy Spirit still speaking today? Never? Occasionally? All the Time? If he is speaking, do you know how to correctly discern his voice? How do you avoid being deceived? It’s a question that was submitted by a listener. And it’s the question of the day on the newest episode of Craving Answers, Craving God.
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