Worship 5/21/23

TheWorshipofGod

Ascension Sunday and Graduation Recognition

May 21, 2023 ╬ 11:00 a.m.

*We invite you to stand as you are able.

Gathering at God’s Invitation

Welcome AngelaZimmerman

The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.

CalltoWorship AngelaZimmerman

Clap your hands, all you peoples. Jesus is risen from the dead!

Shout to God with songs of joy. Jesus has ascended into heaven!

Sing praises to God, all the earth. Jesus will come again!

LightingoftheChristCandle FrancesRector

We light the Christ candle as a reminder that Christ is the one who has drawn us to this place, abides with us now, and is with us to the end of the age.

Prelude As the Deer (#49) MartinNystrom,1984

LifeoftheCommunity FrancesStegall

RecognitionofGraduates FrancesStegall

Offering Ourselves to God

*Hymn#262 I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord ST.THOMAS

*ScriptureReading Luke24:44-53

The Word of God for the People of God

Thanks Be to God.

AngelaZimmerman

PrayerofConfession

FrancesStegall

Patient God, it hasn’t been easy for us to be disciples or witnesses to your love. We get caught in traps of anger, impatience and fear. Our words and spirits become cynical and jaded. Yet, at all times, you are with us, guiding and guarding us. On this day in which we celebrate the ascension of Jesus into heaven, we are reminded that we are not being left without guidance. The promise of the Spirit is given.

In that promise we have hope and courage to become true disciples.

Forgive us when we forget that!

Forgive us when we act as though you didn’t care about us or about this world. We are called to be those who live the faith of hope and reconciliation, of courage and understanding.

Lift us up when we have fallen.

Forgive us when we fail.

Guide our hearts when we speak.

Help us to be faithful followers. Amen.

AssuranceofPardon

Celebrate, dear friends!

Through Jesus resurrection we are forgiven. God’s Spirit will be coming to you to give us hope and courage. AMEN.

*Hymn#263

GivingourTithesandOfferings

OffertoryPrayer

FrancesStegall

To Worship, Work, and Witness WEBB

JoanJoyce

Offertory In Christ Alone (#569) KeithGetty,2001

*Doxology(Hymn#706)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise Him, all creatures here below; praise Him above, ye heavenly host, praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Listening to God

TheChurchatPrayer&TheLord’sPrayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Anthem Wonderful Grace of Jesus

ScriptureReading Acts1:1-11

HaldorLillenas

AngelaZimmerman

For the Word of God in Scripture, for the Word of God among us, for the Word of God within us. Thanks be to God

Sermon “SkyGazing”

Responding to God’s Word

DisciplineofSilence

AngelaZimmerman

To be in God’s presence is to be changed. During this moment of silent reflection, consider the change God wishes to make in you.

If you sense God calling you today, we invite you to respond during this time of invitation. If God is calling you to follow Jesus for the first time, to rededicate yourself as a Christ-follower, or as a faithful Christian, to join the fellowship of our church, we encourage you to come forward to speak to our pastor during this closing hymn.

Sending Into God’s World

Benediction

Postlude Heavenly Sunlight (#617)

AngelaZimmerman

SUNLIGHT GeorgeHarrisonCook,1899

(Please put your nametag in the basket provided at either entrance when leaving.)

*Hymn#435