Enduring the Storms

When the Spirit Moves

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B

Green is the dominant color of this long after Pentecost season. It is the color of life and of growth. Here is where the focus switches from the story of Jesus to the story of the church. Not that we leave Jesus behind, of course, but Jesus is now working through the body of Christ, the church, to continue his ministry and invitation in the world. This is our story, who and what we are called to be. This is the story of disciple making day to day; this is our reason for being.

ABBREVIATIONS

  • UMH - The United Methodist Hymnal
  • TFWS - The Faith We Sing
  • W&S - Worship & Song
  • ZSS - Zion Still Sings

In the notes for the “When the Spirit Moves” worship series (May 23-June 27), the writer states, “When the Spirit moves amazing things happen. But they happen through the people who allow that Spirit to motivate them, to guide and direct them, to empower them for the work of making disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

As you plan the worship music for these first five weeks of Pentecost, keep in mind how music can aid in the movement of the Spirit. As you plan worship, take time to submit to the Spirit, listen, discern, and then gather to be communities of faith that are ready to go when the Spirit moves.

How do we endure the storms of life? We remember our foundation, our cornerstone, our place in the kin-dom. Resounding songs of the faith that speak to this are “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” 519 UMH, “How Firm a Foundation,” 529 UMH, and “God of Grace and God of Glory,” 577 UMH. Modern songs that convey this same meaning include “Through it All,” “Oceans,” and “Cornerstone.”

In This Series...


Pentecost, Year B - Lectionary Planning Notes Trinity Sunday, Year B - Lectionary Planning Notes Second Sunday after Pentecost, Year B - Lectionary Planning Notes Third Sunday after Pentecost, Year B - Lectionary Planning Notes Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B - Lectionary Planning Notes Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B - Lectionary Planning Notes