May 16, 2010, 10:30 AM
Ascension Sunday

WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE

Preparation for Worship
Call to Worship – Psalm 47:5-8
Invocation
Almighty God, grant that, as your only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, ascended into the heavens, so may we also set our minds on things above, where Christ is, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.
Amen.
*Hymn of Praise – 414 “See, the Conqueror Mounts in Triumph”
*God Greets Us
*We Greet Others
*Praise Time

Call to Confession
While we claim to celebrate the ascension of our Lord, the way we live too often proclaims our lack of faith in his power to deal with the world.  Let us confess the disconnect between our faith and practice.
Prayer of Confession
On this day of your glory, O Lord, we come to confess our lack of trust.  While we sing of your lordship over all creation, we have too often acted as though you are powerless in the face of today’s events.  Help us to live with confidence in your presence today and in hope for life with you forever.  Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Hear the good news of the gospel: 
If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
In Christ, we are forgiven!
Thanks be to God.
*Song of Response –485:1-3 “O Christ, Our Hope, Our Heart’s Desire”
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Children’s Time
Prayer of Preparation
Scripture Reading – Acts 7:54-60
Message – “Eyewitnesses to Resurrection:  Stephen”
Prayer
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING
Celebration of the Lord’s Supper
I Corinthians 11:23-26
I John 4:7-11, 19-21
Silent Prayer of Reflection
God of all power, send your Holy Spirit upon us, that in sharing the bread we may share in the body of Christ, that in sharing the cup we may share in his blood.  Grant that, being joined together in Christ Jesus, we may become united in faith and in all things become mature in the one who is our head.   Amen.
The gifts of God for the people of God.
The body of Christ, given for you.
Thanks be to God.
The blood of Christ, shed for you.
Thanks be to God.
*Song – 479:1,2 “I Will Sing of My Redeemer”
The Offering - General Fund
Offertory Prayer
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Intercessory Prayer
WE ARE SENT TO LOVE AND SERVE
Opportunities for Ministry and Fellowship
*Call to Service and Blessing
As you have been fed at this table, go to feed the hungry.
As you have been set free, go to set free the imprisoned.
As you have received, give.
As you have heard, proclaim.
And the blessing that you have received from Father, Son and Holy Spirit be always with you.
Amen.
*Parting Song – 410:3  “Crown Him the Lord of Peace”
Postlude

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Last Thursday was Ascension Day, the day Christians recall that the disciples saw the living Lord Jesus physically leave this earth and go into heaven, where he now is at God’s right hand.  Our worship this morning will celebrate this event.

Our worship today includes a celebration of the Lord’s Supper.  All who have publicly professed Jesus as personal Savior and who are trying to follow him as Lord are welcome to receive the bread and cup as they are passed and to join the rest in eating and drinking after all have been served.

Wednesday, 6:00 AM Men’s breakfast and Bible Study at the Spot
Wednesday, 9:30 AM Women’s Bible Study at
Thursday, 7:00 PM Council meets

Continue to pray for Lynda Huizinga as she recovers from the surgery she had on Tuesday.  She is doing well but will need time to heal.  Pray for an uncomplicated recovery and for patience during the process.

Pray too for Inger Thomas as she will need quite a bit of time to heal following the injury to her arm and shoulder.  May God give her relief from pain and patience during this time of healing.

NEXT SUNDAY, May 23, 2010

SUNDAY SCHOOL:  9:15 AM  Classes for all ages meet.  The adult class continues their study of Romans

MORNING WORSHIP: 10:30 AM  Pastor Gelder will bring the Pentecost message “Telling What We Know” based on Acts 1:8.

There will be a second offering for Project Concern, our local center for providing clothing and household goods for needy families at little or no cost.  In addition to the volunteer help some Valley Church members provide, we have the opportunity to give an offering to help cover some of the expenses involved in maintaining this important ministry.

Following the service you will have an opportunity to write letters to your elected representatives on behalf of Bread for the World.  Supplies and sample letters will be provided, along with more information about the specific focus of this year’s campaign.

The Valley Church softball team will make their official debut in a game at 4:00 PM at the KAA field in Chenango Forks.  We will play a team from St. Rita’s.