Today is Ascension Sunday.
In the New Testament, the Ascension of Christ marks the close
of his appearances to the disciples following the Resurrection.
Jesus gathered his disciples together and promised they would soon
be baptized with the Holy Spirit, receiving power to be his witnesses.
Having said these things, “He was taken up before their very eyes,
and a cloud hid him from their sight.”
Christ’s ascension means that in heaven there is one who,
knowing firsthand the experience of human life, intercedes for us
and encourages us to focus “on things above, where Christ is seated
at the right hand of God” (Col. 3:1-2) to rule over all things
in heaven and throughout the universe” (Eph 1:10, 20-23).
Gathering Time
"Come Let Us Worship / Psalm 95" (Fernando Ortega)
As we come to worship you may chose to listen or sing this song you prepare your heart.
Come, let us worship and bow down
and kneel before the Lord, our Maker
He is our God, he is our God - We are the people of his pasture
He is our God, he is our God - We are the sheep of his hand
Worship the Lord in holiness - Let the whole earth stand in awe
He will come to judge the earth In righteousness and truth
Call to Worship Acts 1:11
Prayer for Ascension Day Janna Kooi
Why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.
Alleluia!
Praise to Our Risen King
"All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name" (The Hymns Project)
(Lyrics are included in this video)
Time of Confession
Call to Confession from Hebrews 4
"Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace in time of need."
In faith and repentance, let us confess our sin before God and one another:
Prayers of Confession (read aloud in unison or individually)
Almighty God, you have raised Jesus from death to life, and crowned him Lord of all. We confess that we have not bowed before him, or acknowledged his rule in our lives. We have gone along with the ways of the world, and failed to give him glory. Forgive us, and raise us from sin, that we may be your faithful people, obeying the commands of our Lord Jesus Christ, who rules the world and is head of the Church, his body. Amen.
Speak or write out your private prayers of confession at this time...
Words of Assurance
The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. I declare to you, in the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. May the God of mercy, who forgives you all your sins, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life.
Sharing Christ's Peace
Because God has given us his peace, we are invited to share the peace of Christ with others. Whether digitally through a text message or by turning to someone next to you, share the peace of Christ now with the words: "The peace of Christ be with you!" If you are on the receiving end of these words, you are invited to reply, "And also with you."
The Peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you!
"Build Your Kingdom Here" (Rend Collective)
(Lyrics are included in this video) *We suggest higher voices sing down the octave with this recording...
Prayers of the People Janna Kooi
Prayers of the People 5 24 2020 JKooi.mpJanna Kooi
Congregational prayer response:
And so, as you call us to, we pray:
May your kingdom come.
Offering
A life of generosity, for all who know Christ, means the opportunity to draw closer to God, now and in eternity. It means joy, a fulfilled heart, and the potential to store up treasures in heaven. Once you take hold of it, once you begin to feel the change generosity brings into your life, you will feel a strong calling to share the message with others.
Please consider continuing to give or setting up giving by clicking HERE.
Word of God
Scripture Reading: Acts 1:1-8 Amy Piersma
Acts1_1-8 amy piersmaAmy Piersma
Message: "Power from Jesus" Jon Sherrill
Series: Following Jesus
*Click here for a PDF of today's Sermon Notes and Reflection Questions
Mobile: also available by texting "FIFTHRC APP" to: 77977
fifthrc-052420Jon Sherrill
Our Response
"Holy Spirit, Rain Down" (Hillsong)
Chorus
Holy Spirit, rain down, rain down
O Comforter and Friend - how we need your touch again
Holy Spirit, rain down, rain down
Let your power fall, let your voice be heard
come and change our hearts as we stand on your Word
Holy Spirit, rain down
No eye has seen, no ear has heard
no mind can know what God has in store
So open up heaven, open it wide
over your church and over our lives
Ending
Let your power fall, let your voice be heard
Come and change our hearts as we stand on your Word
Holy Spirit, rain down
Benediction
Option: as an individual or quarantine family, create/add movements for each line below -
we will use this benediction throughout this sermon series.
God go before you to lead you,
God go behind you to protect you,
God go beneath you to support you,
God go beside you to befriend you.
Do not be afraid.
May the blessing of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be upon you.
Do not be afraid.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Amen.
Song of Dismissal: “Christ Be in My Waking” (Townend/Brading)
Postlude: "Improvisation on 'Crown Him with any Crowns'" (Owen Tellinghuisen)
Crown Him With Many Crowns ImprovisationOwen Teillinghuisen
"Following Jesus" Video Class, Mondays at 7:00PM
*If you need the link or phone number to connect with this class
email for details to join in
"God Stories"
If you’d like to offer a written, audio, or video testimony, email godstories@fifthrc.org.