Worship Service For Sunday May 24, 2020
Ascension Day
Ascension Day is forty days after Easter, this time represents the fulfillment (a richer word than ‘end’) of a purpose. This Sunday we celebrate our church’s namesake, the fulfillment of Easter. On Easter morning Jesus ‘burst the bonds of death.’ But Jesus’ mission was not only to defeat death it was to bring all things home to his Father. At Ascension Jesus completes His mission; he returns to His Father. In Jesus and his ascension is the ascension of all creation. Happy Ascension Day my sisters and brothers!
Opening Hymn – Crown Him with Many crowns
Opening Prayer
Eternal God, the king of glory,
You have exalted your only Son
With great triumph to be Lord of all;
Leave us not comfortless
But send your Holy Spirit to strengthen us
That we may labour for the coming of your kingdom;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Who lives and reigns with you and the Spirit,
One God now and forever. Amen
The Readings This morning we thank our reader Susan Van Tijn. You are welcome to hear the Word of God as an audio file found near the bottom of this page. As always the printed text is also available as a text file below.
Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53
Sermon You can watch a simple video of Ruthanne sharing her sermon by clicking the link below. You can also access Ruthanne’s sermon as a word document at the bottom of the page.
Anthem – Alleluia, Alleluia Give Thanks to the Risen Lord
The Prayers of the People - Thank you to this week's intercessor, Aeneas Lane, for our prayers. You can access them below in the File Downloads.
The Lord's Prayer
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 forever. Amen.
Doxology
Glory to God,
whose power, working in us,
can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.
Glory to God from generation to generation,
in the church and in Christ Jesus,
For ever and ever. Amen
Benediction - Please enjoy this benediction sung as a blessing by the churches in the UK by clicking the link.
The Lord bless you and keep you,
Make His face to shine upon you
And be gracious to you.
The Lord turn His face toward you
And give you peace.
May His favour be upon you,
And a thousand generations,
And your family and your children.
May His presence go before you,
And behind you, and beside you
All around you and within you,
He is with you In the morning, in the evening
In your coming, and your going
In your weeping, and rejoicing
He is for you. Amen
Closing Hymn - Come Down, O Love Divine
Notes: The photo at the top of today's service was taken this week in our church garden by Ruthanne. Our opening prayer is taken from A New Zealand Prayer Book