Jesus Appears to the Disciples
Worship
Lectionary Worship Workbook
Series II, Cycle B
An Invitation To Ascension Sunday
Pastoral Invitation (Pastor and Ministers)
Welcome, in the name of the risen Christ, to this Sunday designated as the Ascension of Jesus. What do you as a corporate community of faith know about the ascension? (Wait.) Now, what do you consider its meaning for your life, for our life, for your life, this day? (Wait for a response; offer no insights of your own at this time.)
P: What's the purpose of your coming today?
M: We're here to learn God's truth.
P: Are you sure? (Long pause.) Because to learn God's truth is to act on it; and to act on it will bring appreciations and criticisms. It will cause joy and fear if we take it seriously.
M: What do you mean, pastor?
P: I mean that God's truth not only comforts us, it also challenges us to confront the evil powers of the world, beginning in our own lives. It means that we open ourselves to the whole gospel, not just to those parts that make us feel good.
M: Well, we have some fear about proceeding, but let's keep going.
Hymn of Praise
In light of the call to worship, I invite us to use this powerful hymn, "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name!" (two tunes); stanzas 1-3, Edward Perronet, 1779, 1780; stanzas 2-3, alt. John Rippon, 1787; stanza 4, John Rippon, 1787; Oliver Holden, 1793; desc. Michael E. Young, 1979; and James Ellor, 1838.
Prayer of Praise
Focus on the victory of Jesus and the power that the ascended Christ promises us, as the body of believers.
Taking Responsibility For Ourselves
Introduction to the Act of Confession
How much do we believe of what Jesus says to us in the Gospel for today? Take a few moments to read the passage. As you read, write down what you believe, what you do not believe, and what parts confuse you. (Two minutes of silence.) Jesus told the disciples to stay in the city until they had been clothed with power. If Christ's Spirit provides the power, consider how we manage to remain so powerless. What keeps us from plugging into the power source? In silence, write down what blocks you from receiving the power which God promises. Ask if any would be willing to share their insights.
Response
"When I'm Feeling Lonely," (and the pastor can add, "powerless") by Richard Avery and Don Marsh, from The Avery and Marsh Songbook. (See Appendix I for address.)
Introduction to the Act of Taking Responsibility
Fact: We know what blocks us from receiving the power that Christ promises. What are we willing to do about it? The choice belongs to us.
Prayer Response
Lord, I am painfully aware of my humanity, and the way in which my life falls short of what I want it to be. The evidence of this is all around me, and I choose to remain powerless, rather than plugging into your power. Yet, I am also aware of the possibilities of life, and the new things that struggle within me to be born. I know and have seen the power of love, when I am brave enough to let it happen. I have experienced the warmth of communication, when I have been willing to risk myself. I have felt the satisfaction of achievement, when I have put myself on the line for personal and social need. We pray that together we may let ourselves come alive in the power of Christ. We pray that together we may become whole people, growing in the power of love and commitment to a new humanity.
Choral Response
"Come, Christians, Join to Sing," Christian Henry Bateman, 1843; Spanish folk melody; arr. Benjamin Carr, 1824; harm. David Evans, 1927.
The Teaching
Message with the Children of All Ages
Avoid, at all costs, using a rope and pulley to make "Jesus" ascend into heaven! Ask them to name some of the ways that Jesus has blessed them. You may need to explain the meaning of "blessed." And then, how can they bless others? Share some of your own insights.
Reading of the Gospel
Use a reader and a "Jesus." Have the children and the disciples gather with the rest of the congregation. "Jesus" can memorize the words and speak them to everyone.
Proclamation of the Gospel
Kenneth E. Clarke, in a Pulpit Magazine (May 1996) sermon titled "Why Do You Stand Looking Into Heaven?" offers a helpful approach to the text. He insists on the danger of idolizing events while ignoring their content. He cautions us of the danger of absorbing ourselves in religious minutiae which keeps us from facing reality. The ascension means, simply, that we take seriously Christ's lordship over the world, even when it seems that we have created a million different lords.
Response
"Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!" William Chatterton Dix, 1866; Rowland Hugh Prichard, 1831.
Being Responsible In The World
Stewardship Challenge
What kind of power do we give the ascended Christ over our pocketbook, bankcard, checkbook? During the week, I invite you to check out your personal lords.
The Scattering
Charge to the Congregation
"You shall receive power! And you shall be my witnesses in (name your city, state, nation, home, vocation, vacation, social event, political event) among the rich and poor, among every race of people." As John Bodo points out in a Pulpit Magazine sermon, "The ascension points to Pentecost. The angelic command is touchingly practical: Stop loafing! Get to work!" In the name of the ascended, and present, Christ!
Hymn of Commitment
"Our King and Our Sovereign, Lord Jesus," Vincente Mendoza, 1920; trans. George P. Simmonds, 1966; alt. 1989. (Also with Spanish words.)
Meditation
"If the message of Christmas is 'Beachhead Secured,' Ascension Day spells out 'Mission Accomplished' " (John Bodo).
Music Possibilities In Addition To Those Already Suggested
Music for Preparation: Medley of Ascension hymns. List the page number of the hymns and ask the people to read the words. Most have little understanding of this day in the church's life.
Hymn of Praise: "O God, Whose Glory Shines Afar," Jane Parker Huber, 1981; John Hatton, d. 1793, from Joy In Singing. (See Appendix I for address.)
Response to the Confession: Contemporary version of "You Are the Lord, Giver of Mercy."
Response to the Message with Children: "We Are Jesus' People," words and music by Shirley Whitecotton, in Folk Encounter. (See Appendix I for address.)
Hymn of Commitment: "The Friends of Christ Together," David Romig, 1965.
Response to the Benediction: "Go Into All the World," Patrick Appleford, Modern Hymn Tunes.
Music for Dismissal: Medley of Ascension hymns. Again, list the page number and invite the people to stay and sing them.
Pastoral Invitation (Pastor and Ministers)
Welcome, in the name of the risen Christ, to this Sunday designated as the Ascension of Jesus. What do you as a corporate community of faith know about the ascension? (Wait.) Now, what do you consider its meaning for your life, for our life, for your life, this day? (Wait for a response; offer no insights of your own at this time.)
P: What's the purpose of your coming today?
M: We're here to learn God's truth.
P: Are you sure? (Long pause.) Because to learn God's truth is to act on it; and to act on it will bring appreciations and criticisms. It will cause joy and fear if we take it seriously.
M: What do you mean, pastor?
P: I mean that God's truth not only comforts us, it also challenges us to confront the evil powers of the world, beginning in our own lives. It means that we open ourselves to the whole gospel, not just to those parts that make us feel good.
M: Well, we have some fear about proceeding, but let's keep going.
Hymn of Praise
In light of the call to worship, I invite us to use this powerful hymn, "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name!" (two tunes); stanzas 1-3, Edward Perronet, 1779, 1780; stanzas 2-3, alt. John Rippon, 1787; stanza 4, John Rippon, 1787; Oliver Holden, 1793; desc. Michael E. Young, 1979; and James Ellor, 1838.
Prayer of Praise
Focus on the victory of Jesus and the power that the ascended Christ promises us, as the body of believers.
Taking Responsibility For Ourselves
Introduction to the Act of Confession
How much do we believe of what Jesus says to us in the Gospel for today? Take a few moments to read the passage. As you read, write down what you believe, what you do not believe, and what parts confuse you. (Two minutes of silence.) Jesus told the disciples to stay in the city until they had been clothed with power. If Christ's Spirit provides the power, consider how we manage to remain so powerless. What keeps us from plugging into the power source? In silence, write down what blocks you from receiving the power which God promises. Ask if any would be willing to share their insights.
Response
"When I'm Feeling Lonely," (and the pastor can add, "powerless") by Richard Avery and Don Marsh, from The Avery and Marsh Songbook. (See Appendix I for address.)
Introduction to the Act of Taking Responsibility
Fact: We know what blocks us from receiving the power that Christ promises. What are we willing to do about it? The choice belongs to us.
Prayer Response
Lord, I am painfully aware of my humanity, and the way in which my life falls short of what I want it to be. The evidence of this is all around me, and I choose to remain powerless, rather than plugging into your power. Yet, I am also aware of the possibilities of life, and the new things that struggle within me to be born. I know and have seen the power of love, when I am brave enough to let it happen. I have experienced the warmth of communication, when I have been willing to risk myself. I have felt the satisfaction of achievement, when I have put myself on the line for personal and social need. We pray that together we may let ourselves come alive in the power of Christ. We pray that together we may become whole people, growing in the power of love and commitment to a new humanity.
Choral Response
"Come, Christians, Join to Sing," Christian Henry Bateman, 1843; Spanish folk melody; arr. Benjamin Carr, 1824; harm. David Evans, 1927.
The Teaching
Message with the Children of All Ages
Avoid, at all costs, using a rope and pulley to make "Jesus" ascend into heaven! Ask them to name some of the ways that Jesus has blessed them. You may need to explain the meaning of "blessed." And then, how can they bless others? Share some of your own insights.
Reading of the Gospel
Use a reader and a "Jesus." Have the children and the disciples gather with the rest of the congregation. "Jesus" can memorize the words and speak them to everyone.
Proclamation of the Gospel
Kenneth E. Clarke, in a Pulpit Magazine (May 1996) sermon titled "Why Do You Stand Looking Into Heaven?" offers a helpful approach to the text. He insists on the danger of idolizing events while ignoring their content. He cautions us of the danger of absorbing ourselves in religious minutiae which keeps us from facing reality. The ascension means, simply, that we take seriously Christ's lordship over the world, even when it seems that we have created a million different lords.
Response
"Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!" William Chatterton Dix, 1866; Rowland Hugh Prichard, 1831.
Being Responsible In The World
Stewardship Challenge
What kind of power do we give the ascended Christ over our pocketbook, bankcard, checkbook? During the week, I invite you to check out your personal lords.
The Scattering
Charge to the Congregation
"You shall receive power! And you shall be my witnesses in (name your city, state, nation, home, vocation, vacation, social event, political event) among the rich and poor, among every race of people." As John Bodo points out in a Pulpit Magazine sermon, "The ascension points to Pentecost. The angelic command is touchingly practical: Stop loafing! Get to work!" In the name of the ascended, and present, Christ!
Hymn of Commitment
"Our King and Our Sovereign, Lord Jesus," Vincente Mendoza, 1920; trans. George P. Simmonds, 1966; alt. 1989. (Also with Spanish words.)
Meditation
"If the message of Christmas is 'Beachhead Secured,' Ascension Day spells out 'Mission Accomplished' " (John Bodo).
Music Possibilities In Addition To Those Already Suggested
Music for Preparation: Medley of Ascension hymns. List the page number of the hymns and ask the people to read the words. Most have little understanding of this day in the church's life.
Hymn of Praise: "O God, Whose Glory Shines Afar," Jane Parker Huber, 1981; John Hatton, d. 1793, from Joy In Singing. (See Appendix I for address.)
Response to the Confession: Contemporary version of "You Are the Lord, Giver of Mercy."
Response to the Message with Children: "We Are Jesus' People," words and music by Shirley Whitecotton, in Folk Encounter. (See Appendix I for address.)
Hymn of Commitment: "The Friends of Christ Together," David Romig, 1965.
Response to the Benediction: "Go Into All the World," Patrick Appleford, Modern Hymn Tunes.
Music for Dismissal: Medley of Ascension hymns. Again, list the page number and invite the people to stay and sing them.
