Ascension Sunday @ St. Paul's UMC: Worship

Today’s Meditation Verse: “He led them out as far as Bethany, where He lifted His hands and blessed them.” —Luke 24:50

Welcome... Pastor Charles

Prelude... Hyeji Park / “Take my life and let it be” arranged by Greg Howlett

*Call to Worship (Ministry Matters)... Amy Abshire

Leader: Today is Ascension Sunday when we celebrate Christ’s return to God.

People: We look up in wonder as He is lifted from us into heaven!

Leader: But this is not a time to gaze upward. There is work to be done.

People: Jesus has entrusted the ministry of God’s love to us.

Leader: Let’s get to work!

People: Let’s make our hearts ready for the task ahead with prayer and praise!

Leader: Amen.

People: Amen!

*Hymn... “Ask Ye What Great Thing I Know” (UMH #163)

Prayer of Confession for Ascension Day (Ministry Matters)... Amy Abshire

Lord, we are impatient! We want everything right now, instantly! We don’t want to wait for anything. We rush our holidays, our celebrations, our very lives and then wonder why our spirits are exhausted and depressed. Slow us down, Lord. Help us to enjoy the process of waiting for the wondrous things You offer us. Let us feel the power and beauty of praising You and singing Your praises. Clear away our "high gear" mentality and place us on paths of peace and hope. Forgive our arrogance and impatience. Help us to overcome those traits which pull us away from You and from appreciating all that You have done for us. As we listen to the scriptures this day in which the disciples witnessed Jesus’ ascension to You, let our hearts be at peace knowing that You have taught us what we need to know to serve God joyfully in this world. Inspire us and give us delight for what is to come. Amen. 

Words of Assurance

Forgiveness and love have been poured out upon you, to offer hope to all nations. You are called and blessed to be messengers of God’s good news to all people. Amen.

*Offering/Doxology (UMH #94)

Community prayer requests, concerns, and celebrations

Pastoral Prayer / The Lord’s Prayer... Pastor Charles

Epistle Lesson: Ephesians 1:15-23... Amy Abshire

Special Music... Hyeji Park / “Abide with me” arranged by Summer Nelson

Second Lesson: Acts 1:1-11... Pastor Charles

Pastor: This is the Word of God for the people of God.

People: Thanks be to God.

Sermon... Pastor Charles / “Why bother?”

*Hymn... “Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise” (UMH #312)

*Words for the Journey... Pastor Charles

*Postlude... Hyeji Park / “Tell me the story of Jesus” arranged by Greg Howlett