May 17, 2009, 11:00 AM
Ascension Sunday
WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE
Preparation for Worship
*Invocation
Almighty God, as we prepare to worship today, we ask that you will stretch our imaginations to sense the majesty and mystery of your ascension. Help us know how Jesus’ presence in heaven can give us confidence in our praying and hope for the future. Through Jesus, our Lord. Amen.
*Opening Praise – 406:1,2 “Alleluia! Sing to Jesus”
*The Ascended Lord Greets Us
People of God, the Lord of glory, Jesus Christ, sends his greeting to you. And his greeting is this:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, through the working of the Holy Spirit.
This is the greeting of Christ, who arose from the grave.
He died and rose that we might have eternal life.
All thanks be to him!
This same Christ has ascended to the Father.
He ascended that we might experience God’s presence and power.
All praise be to him!
*We Greet Each Other
*Continuing Praise
“Before the Throne of God Above”
“He Is Lord”
“He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”
Call to Confession
While we claim to celebrate the ascension of our Lord, the way we live proclaims our lack of faith in his power to deal with the world. Let us confess the disconnect between our faith and practice. Let us pray.
Prayer of Confession
We come, O Lord, remembering your glory but confessing 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 these comforting words: if you repent and believe in God’s redeeming mercy, your sins are forgiven. Trust in God’s promises and begin anew your life with God and all people in the name of Jesus Christ.
Thanks be to God!
*Song of Response – 406:3 “Alleluia! Heavenly High Priest”
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Children’s Time
Prayer of Preparation
Scripture Reading – John 10:22-33
Message – “New Life: Secure Life”
Prayer
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING
*Song of Thanksgiving – 408:1,2,4 “Rejoice, the Lord Is King”
The Offering - General Fund
Offertory Prayer
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Intercessory Prayer
WE ARE DISMISSED TO LOVE AND SERVEOpportunities for Ministry and Fellowship
*God Blesses Us
*Closing Song – 410 “Crown Him with Many Crowns”
Postlude
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Ascension Day is this week Thursday. Our worship this morning will include a celebration of this important event in the life and ministry of Jesus. He is indeed in heaven where he not only is our advocate and intercessor, he is also ruling the universe from his position at the Father’s right hand. Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Monday, 7:00 PM Education team meets
8:00 PM Youth Ministry team meetsWednesday, 6:00 AM Men’s Breakfast and Bible study at the Spot
9:30 AM Women’s Bible Study at
(study Romans 3)
This morning you have an opportunity to participate in the annual “Offering of Letters” presented by Bread for the World. There will be a DVD during the offering about this year’s focus, which is to urge Congress and the administration to fix US foreign aid so it is more effective in reducing hunger and poverty. The deacons have sample letters to help you with writing, along with coffee and donuts as a reward while you write.
We are thankful that Beth Cunningham’s father Art Cade sustained his heart procedure on Tuesday. Keep him in your prayers that there will be long-term benefits from the procedure.
David De Young will have knee surgery this Tuesday in Rochester. Pray that the surgery goes well and that his recovery will be complete.
Repeat announcement about quieting in preparation for worship.
Reserve Wednesday evening, June 3, for the regular spring congregational meeting.
NEXT SUNDAY, May 24, 2009
SUNDAY SCHOOL: 9:45 AM Sunday School classes will NOT meet this week. Classes resume as usual on May 31.
MORNING WORSHIP: 11:00 AM Pastor Gelder brings the message, “New Life: Ordinary Life”, based on Romans 14:8, continuing the series of messages on “New Life”.
