Ascension Sunday

May 17, 2015

*Those that are able are invited to stand

 

 

Welcome and Announcements                                                Gary Burdick, Lay Leader                                      

 

-Gathering into worship-

 

*Call to Worship                              Psalm 47                                                                #781

 

Hymn                                      “We, Thy People, Praise Thee”                                           #67

 

*Opening Prayer

We thank you, almighty God, for the life of Jesus among us, and that he reigns in power for us.  Strengthen our hope and bless the work of our hands, that we may live as his body in this world.  In Jesus’ name we ask it. Amen.

 

*Chorus                                                 “He Lives” (Refrain)                                            #310

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.

He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives?  He lives within my heart.

 

*Greeting One Another in Christian Love

 

 -Offering our prayers-

(You are invited to share your prayer concerns by writing them on the

Prayer Request cards in the pews and placing them in the offering plate.)

 

Hymn                                        “Come Down, O Love Divine”                                        #475

 

Silent Prayer / Pastoral Prayer / Lord’s Prayer

                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.

-BECOMING THE CHURCH THROUGH WORD-

 

Children’s Sermon

 

Hymn                                    “Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise”                                   #312

 

Scripture                                                                                          Luke 24:44-53

 

Sermon

 

Anthem                                  “Sing the Lord’s Song”                                                    Choir

 

-Sharing our blessings-

 

Offering Our Gifts and Tithes

To give electronically from your mobile device visit donate.mifflinave.org

*Doxology                  “All Creatures of Our God and King” (verse 7)                                 #62

Let all things their Creator bless, and worship Him in humbleness,

O praise Him! Alleluia!

Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son, and praise the Spirit, Three in One!

O praise Him! O praise Him! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

 

*Offering Prayer

Holy One, we clap our hands and shout for joy!

We give you praise and these offerings, for, with Christ ascended by your side, you are God, awesome and Most High! Amen.

 

-Taking the Word to the World- 

 

*Closing Hymn                  “Sent Forth By God’s Blessing”                                        #664                                     

 

*Benediction

 

*Hymn                                   “Where He Leads Me” (refrain only)                                #338

             Where he leads me I will follow, where he leads me I will follow,

Where he leads me I will follow, I’ll go with him, with him all the way.

 

Thoughts for Reflection…

 

The Ascension of Christ to be seated at the right hand of God is a grand liturgical celebration in the life of the church. It marks forty days of celebrating Easter and God’s triumph over the powers of oppression, depression, and our fear of death through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is one of many images we have for Christ:

good shepherd, suffering servant, great physician.

 

How does the image of the ascended Christ affect your understanding of who he is?

What are the strengths and weaknesses in this image of Christ for you?

 

 

 

Mifflin Avenue United Methodist Church

 Where Faith and Life Meet

www.mifflinave.org

412-731-2511

 

Pastor: Rev. Kelly Smith

214-202-9291

[email protected]