| Sunday Worship |
May 4, 2008 |
Ascension of the Lord
Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper |
| Preparation for Worship: |
| Eternal God, by raising Jesus from the dead you proclaimed his victory, and by his ascension you declared him Lord of all. Lift up our hearts to heaven where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, and thus may our vision also be raised to love and serve you as we live on earth. Amen. |
| Prelude |
(Let us prepare for worship as we enter the Sanctuary) |
Welcome and Announcements
| Greetings: |
“May the Peace of Christ be with You!” |
Handbell Introit
| Call to Worship |
| One |
Come, let us worship with great expectations as we wait for the promises of God. |
| All |
God is ruler over all the earth. We seek to experience God’s rule in our lives. |
| One |
In God’s time the Holy Spirit will come to us. We will be empowered as faithful witnesses. |
| All |
We are here to learn about all that Jesus did. We are ready to listen to all that Jesus taught. We are ready to love and serve him. |
| Hymn of Praise: |
#144 |
“Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!” |
| Prayer of Confession: (unison) |
| O God, it is hard for us to wait for anything. We want instant answers and immediate satisfaction always. We are more acquisitive than grateful. We forget the amazing riches of your gifts to us and only want more. We do not take time simply to enjoy being in your presence, singing your praises, delighting in your love. Forgive our short-sighted and selfish ways, and re-make us into your hopeful, helpful, and holy people…(quiet prayer). Amen. |
| Declaration of Forgiveness: |
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| One: |
Forgiveness is ours to receive – and to proclaim to all the world. It is the power of God’s love at work in Christ. |
| All |
We come to the Table accepting this forgiveness – and rejoicing. Let us also, always, forgive one another. Amen. |
| Congregational Response: |
#466 |
“O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” (stanza 1) |
| O for a thousand tongues to sing My dear Redeemer’s praise, The glories of my God and King, The triumphs of God’s grace! |
| Choir Anthem: |
“Blessed Be Your Name” |
arr. Hayes |
A Time with Young Disciples
| Hymn of Faith: |
#315 |
“Every Time I Feel the Spirit” |
| One: |
The Word of the Lord. |
| All: |
Thanks be to God. |
| Sermon: |
“The Real Proof of the Resurrection” |
The Reverend Bernie Johnson |
| Affirmation of Faith |
| I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, |
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. |
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. |
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(from “The Apostles’ Creed” (2.1-.3) – The Book of Confessions, PCUSA) |
Reception of Tithes and Offerings
| Offertory Response: |
#422 |
“God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending” |
| God, whose giving knows no ending, From Your rich and endless store, Nature’s wonder, Jesus’ wisdom, Costly cross, grave’s shattered door: Gifted by You, we turn to You, Offering up ourselves in praise; Thankful song shall rise forever, Gracious donor of our days. |
Offertory Prayer
| Hymn of Communion: |
#513 |
“Let Us Break Bread Together” |
| Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper |
| |
Invitation |
| |
Prayer of Thanksgiving – The Lord’s Prayer (debts / debtors) |
| |
Words of Institution |
| |
Sharing of Bread and Cup |
| |
Bread: |
“This is Christ’s body given for
you.” |
| |
Cup: |
“This is Christ’s blood shed for
you.” |
| |
Prayer
We thank you, O God, that through Word and Sacrament you have given us your Son who is the true bread from heaven and food of eternal life. So strengthen us in your service that our daily living may show our thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. |
| Hymn of Trust: |
#281 |
“Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”
(stanzas 1&2) |
Charge and Blessing
| Congregation’s Response: |
#322 |
“Spirit of the Living God” |
| Spirit of the living God, Fall afresh on me; Spirit of the living God, Fall afresh on me. Melt me, mold me, Fill me, use me. Spirit of the living God, Fall afresh on me. |
Postlude
Organist: Karen Altpeter
Pianist: Pat Dymacek
Lay Reader: Karen Altpeter |
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