Welcome
Call to Worship (Apostles’ Creed)
Ascension Day was last Thursday, for the Catholic and Protestant Churches. Orthodox Churches, because they follow a different Liturgical Calendar, celebrated Easter Sunday on 2nd May, and will celebrate Ascension Day on 10th June. Ascension Day is traditionally celebrated on a Thursday, the 40th day after the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday, the day of his first appearances to the Disciples and to his other followers, as per Luke’s writing in Acts 1:3, which we will read later in our Readings. Ascension Day commemorates Jesus Christ’s ascension into Heaven, and is meaningful to the Church as it signifies the end of his work on Earth and the commencement of his work in Heaven.
I have chosen to celebrate Ascension Day today, and, consequently, thought that it would be appropriate, as our Call to Worship, to say together the Apostles’ Creed.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
Creator of Heaven and Earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
English Language Liturgical Consultation 1988 revised translation
[ “Praying Together” (PDF). English Language Liturgical Consultation. 1988. p. 22]
[Uniting in Worship book p76]
Acclamation of Praise
(from Psalm 47: 1 & 2 and 6 to 9, and 93: 1 to 4)
Clap your hands for joy, all peoples!
Praise God with loud songs!
The Lord is King.
He is clothed with majesty and strength.
You set the Earth firmly in place
And it cannot be moved.
Your throne, O Lord, has been firm from the beginning,
And you existed before Time began.
The ocean depths raise their voice to you, O Lord,
They raise their voice and roar.
But you, O Lord, are more powerful than the waves of the sea.
The Lord rules supreme.
The Lord, the Most High, is to be feared;
He is a great King, ruling over all the World.
God sits on His sacred throne,
The rulers of all the Nations assemble before him.
More powerful than all armies is our God.
The Lord rules supreme.
Sing praise to God,
Sing praise to our King.
God is King over all the World,
Praise him with songs.
Hymn
“Rejoice, the Lord is King” TiS216 AHB147 MHB247
Verse 1 of 5
Rejoice, the Lord is King;
Your Lord and King adore;
Mortals give thanks and sing,
And triumph evermore:
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice,
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!
Verse 2 of 5
Jesus the Saviour reigns,
The God of truth and love;
When he had purged our stains
He took his seat above:
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice,
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!
Verse 3 of 5
His Kingdom cannot fail,
He rules both Earth and Heaven,
The keys of death and hell
Are to our Jesus given:
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice,
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!
Verse 4 of 5
He sits at God’s right hand,
Till all his foes submit,
And bow to his command,
And fall before his feat:
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice,
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!
Verse 5 of 5
Rejoice in glorious hope,
For Christ, the Judge, shall come,
And take his servants up
To their eternal home;
We soon shall hear the archangel’s voice,
The trump of God shall sound, rejoice!
Charles Wesley
Prayer of Confession
We come to confess our lack of trust in you. While we sing of your Lordship over all your Creation, we too often act as though you are powerless in the face of today’s events and the actions and intents of people and Nations.
Have mercy on us God.
We come to confess our short-sightedness. While we sing of treasuring your love for us above everything else, we are drawn to worldly comforts and attractions.
Have mercy on us God.
We come to confess our lack of love. While we talk and pray of the need to care for widows and orphans, we don’t do anything to help those who are left out of Society and are marginalised.
Have mercy on us God.
We come to confess our coldness towards others. While we sing of your love for all people, we don’t do anything to break down the ‘walls’ that separate us from our neighbours.
Have mercy on us God.
We come to confess that we do not live our lives as Kingdom People. We are ruled by our schedules and our urge to be in control. We make kings of the things that we can acquire, and queens of our immediate desires. Have mercy on us God.
Forgive us we pray, amen.
Assurance of Forgiveness
The Apostle John writes that “Whoever believes that Jesus is the Messiah is a child of God.” (1 John 5: 1) We have confessed our sin before God and professed our faith in Jesus Christ as God’s Son. Let us hold onto the promise that, through the redeeming work of Jesus, our sins are forgiven and we are reconciled to God.
Thanks be to God.
Prayer of illumination
(from Holy Communion Two in Uniting Church Worship Services p21)
O Lord, our God, you have given your Word to us that it may be a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. Grant us grace to receive your truth in faith and love, so that we may be obedient to your Will and live always for your glory, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
Bible Readings
Psalm 110:
1 The Lord said to my Lord, the King,
“Sit here at my right side until I put your enemies under your feet.”
2 From Zion the Lord will extend your royal power.
“Rule over your enemies.” He says.
3 On the day you fight your enemies, your people will volunteer.
Like the dew of early morning, your youth will come to you upon the holy mountains.
4 The Lord has made a solemn promise and will not change His mind,
“You will be a priest forever in the priestly order of Melchizedek.”
Acts 1:
1 In the first part of my work, Theophilus, I wrote of all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning 2 until the day when, after giving instructions through the Holy spirit to the Apostles whom he had chosen, he was taken up to Heaven. 3 He showed himself to the Apostles after his death, and gave ample proof that he was alive: over a period of forty days he appeared to them and taught them about the Kingdom of God. 4 While he was in their company he told them not to leave Jerusalem. “You must wait,” he said, “for the promise made by my Father, about which you have heard me speak. (John 14: 16) 5 John, as you know, baptised with water, but you will be baptised with the holy spirit, and within the next few days.” (Mark 1: 8)
6 So, when they were all together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the Kingdom of Israel?” 7 He answered, “It is not for you to know about dates or times, which the Father has set within His own authority and control. 8 But you will receive power when the holy spirit comes upon you; and you will bear witness for me in Jerusalem, and all over Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the Earth.”
9 When he had said this, as they watched, he was lifted up, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 As he was going, and as they were gazing intently into the sky, all at once there stood beside them two men dressed in white who said, “Men of Galilee, why stand there looking up into the sky? 11 This Jesus, who has been taken away from you up to Heaven, will come back in the same way that you saw him go the Heaven.”
12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is about half a mile from the city.
Ephesians1:
15 For this reason, ever since I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks to God for you. I remember you in my prayers, 17 and ask the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, to give you the Spirit, who will make you wise and reveal God to you, so that you will know Him. 18 I ask that your minds may be opened to see His light, so that you will know what is the hope to which He has called you, how rich are the wonderful blessings He promised His people, 19 and how very great is His power at work in us who believe. This power working in us is the same as the mighty strength 20 which He used when He raised Christ from death and seated him at His right side in the Heavenly world. (Psalm 110: 1) 21 Christ rules there above all Heavenly rulers, authorities, powers, and lords; he has a title superior to all titles of authority in this world and in the next. 22 God put all things under Christ’s feet and gave him to the Church as supreme Lord over all things. (Psalm 8: 6) 23 The Church is Christ’s body, the fulness of him who fills all in all.
[Revised Standard Version, Today’s English Version, New English Bible]
This is the Word of God.
Praise to you Almighty God.
Luke 24:
44 Then Jesus said to his Disciples, “These are the very things I told you about while I was still with you: everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the writings of the prophets, and the Psalms, was bound to be fulfilled. 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, “”This is what is written: the Messiah must suffer and must rise from death on the third day, 47 and in his name the message about repentance and the forgiveness of sins must be preached to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses to all these things. 49 And I myself will send upon you what my Father has promised. But you must wait in the city until the power from above comes down upon you.”
50 Then he led them out of the city as far as Bethany, where he raised his hands and blessed them. 51 As he was blessing them, he departed from them and was carried up into Heaven. 52 And they worshipped him and went back to Jerusalem, filled with great joy, 53 and spent all their time in the Temple praising God.
[Revised Standard Version, Today’s English Version, New English Bible]
This is the Gospel of our Lord.
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
Passing the Peace
Whether we gather in person in our Church building or whether we gather in spirit in our homes, we remain one body, one people of God, one in fellowship and one in worship. With that in mind, let us uplift our hands and greet those both here and those who cannot be here: The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.
For the Young at Heart
Screen 1
10th May 1886
Date of birth of Karl Barth
Swiss Reformed theologian
Last Monday was the birthday of a well-known and well-respected C19th Swiss theologian, Karl Barth. He was educated in Switzerland and Germany, ministered to churches in both Switzerland and Germany, and , later lectured in cities around the World.
Screen 2
Compiled the 1934 Barmen Declaration opposing Nazism, which was adopted by the German Confessing Church.
He was deported from Germany in 1935 after he refused to sign (without modification) the Oath of Loyalty to Adolf Hitler and went back to Switzerland.
In the late 1920’s and early 1930’s he was an influential leader of the German Confessing Church, which did not support the attempt by the Nazis in Germany to form a German Christian Church. As part of this opposition, in 1934, he helped to compile what is termed, the Barmen Declaration. He was deported from Germany in 1935 after he refused to sign (without modification) the Oath of Loyalty to Adolf Hitler and went back to Switzerland.
Screen 3
“It was Pope Pius XII who described Karl Barth as “the greatest theologian since St Thomas Aquinas”. He has had an immense influence over the whole course of Protestant theology in our time, and is regarded with admiration and respect even by those who do not share his views.
(Grover Foley in the Introduction to his English translation of the German edition of Evangelical Theology An Introduction by Karl Barth)
Karl Barth is remembered for his writing, among which was his Commentary on The epistle to the Romans and his 6 volume “Church Dogmatics”. It is even stated that Pope Puis XII, “described Karl Barth as “the greatest theologian since St Thomas Aquinas”.
Screen 4
“The God of the Gospel has a genuine interest in Human existence and, in fact, awakens and calls people to faith in Him.”
“God’s being, or truth, is the event of His self-disclosure, His radiance as the Lord of all lords, the hallowing of His name, the coming of His Kingdom, the fulfillment of His Will in all His work.”
(Karl Barth in Evangelical Theology An Introduction p14, 15)
You can read some of his thoughts in a book called “Evangelical Theology An Introduction” which is in our Library, and which can be borrowed. The above Screen shot contains two short passages from his book.
Screen 5
“Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.”
from the novel Say and Seal by Anna and Susan Warner, published in 1860
put to music by William Bradbury in 1861 AHB166
There is the story that, at a question time following a lecture given at the University of Chicago in 1962, Karl Barth was asked to summarise his whole life’s work in theology in a single sentence, to which he replied with these words, “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.”
02/24/2019/in NGN /by Wayne Fowler
William Blake in The Day in Christian History 10 May
Henry Gariepy in Songs in the Night p118
The Apostle John writes of God’s love in his first letter.
“And God showed His love for us by sending his only son into the World, so that we might have life through him. This is what love is: it is not that we love God, but that He loved us and sent His son to be the means by which our sins are forgiven.” (1 John 4: 9 & 10)
The Apostle Paul writes of God love when he says,
“But God showed us how much He loves us – it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us! By his sacrificial death we are now put right with God” (Romans 5: 8 & 9a)
Henry Gariepy, in writing about the words written by Anna and Susan Warner, states that “there is no more sublime truth than that expressed by the words of this simple and beloved hymn”. (Henry Gariepy in Songs in the Night p118) Wayne Fowler, in commenting about this incident involving Karl Barth, writes, “The Christian faith is about the love of God. His love is evident in the life He chose to invest in you, and in the World He created to sustain you. His love is so intense that He prepared a place for you to spend eternity with Him, and you know the Way (John 14:4). Yes, Jesus loves me. Simple, and sublime.” (02/24/2019/in NGN /by Wayne Fowler) So, whether you seek to express that truth in a book on theology, or by singing a hymn, it amounts to the same, a recognition of what is “simple and sublime”: “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the bible tells me so.”
Hymn
“Now is eternal life” TiS385 AHB305
[sung to the tune St John – there is an introduction]
Verse 1 of 3
Now is eternal life
If risen with Christ we stand,
In him to life reborn,
Held firm within his hand;
No more we fear death’s ancient dread,
In Christ arisen from the dead.
Verse 2 of 3
For God, the living God,
Stooped down to share our state,
By death destroying death
Christ opened wide life’s gate,
He lives, who died; he reigns on high,
Who live in him shall never die.
Verse 3 of 3
Unfathomed love divine,
Come reign within my heart,
From you no depth or height,
Nor life nor death can part.
My life with you in God shall be,
Now and through all eternity.
George Briggs
Sermon
Screen 1
“I like a teacher who gives you something to think about besides homework.”
Lily Tomlin (American actress and comedian)
(from Enduring Words for the Teacher)
The Apostles had plenty to think about, and it certainly wasn’t about homework? Why had Jesus given them his great commission to preach the Gospel, but then told them that they were not to start yet. And what was this “power from above” that Jesus had promised? And, above all else, why did Jesus have to leave them? Wasn’t he the source of the teaching and the encouragement that they so desperately need? Wasn’t he the source of God’s power at work in the World that the world so desperately needed to see?
Screen 2
But Jesus did leave them; “he was taken up to Heaven” as Luke records for us in the first part of Acts 1: 9. Edward Blaiklock, in his Commentary on The Acts of the Apostles, mentions that some people have “difficulty with the story”, that some people doubt that the passage relates to an actual event because they are not sure what the author meant by the words that are used. He advises, though, that “if the spectators say they saw first a short vertical movement and then a vague luminosity (for that is what “cloud” means here) and then nothing – have we any reason to object? Those who told the story sought to narrate, in simple and intelligible words, an astonishing and overwhelming experience. Jesus Christ passed into a World beyond Human comprehension.” (Edward Blaiklock in Acts p51)
Arthur Ramsey writes that we should have the understanding that the ascension of Jesus was not so much to a place but to “a participation in the sovereignty of God over all things, that the exalted Jesus had entered a state and an activity that transcended the limitations of place altogether.” (Arthur Ramsey in Ascension in A Theological Word Book of the Bible edited by Alan Richardson p22)
Luke tells us that over a period of forty days, commencing from the day of his resurrection, Jesus appeared to the Apostles and taught them about the Kingdom of God. (Acts 1: 3) We need to note the change that Jesus brought to them during this period.
The days immediately following the death and burial of Jesus were characterised by confusion and misery. What had it all meant? Was anything worthwhile achieved? Easter Day was characterised by confusion, incoherence, and conflicting reports. But all of this changed when Jesus first appeared to those who were gathered together in the Upper Room. At that time, and during the following 39 days, Jesus clearly revealed, not just that he was alive, but that he had a future purpose for them to fulfill.
Screen 3
Luke 24: 45 & 46 – Biblical theology
Luke 24: 47 – evangelistic program
Luke 24: 48 – Apostolic authority
Luke 24: 49 – the Holy Spirit’s dynamic power
Michael Wilcock writes of “four guiding lights” by which Jesus showed to them “the direction in which they were expected to go”. (Michael Wilcock in The Message of Luke p212)
They were given a “Biblical theology”:
“45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, “”This is what is written: the Messiah must suffer and must rise from death on the third day,””
They were given an “evangelistic program”:
“47 and in his name the message about repentance and the forgiveness of sins must be preached to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem.”
They were given “Apostolic authority”:
“48 You are witnesses to all these things.”
And they were to be given a “spiritual dynamic”:
“49 And I myself will send upon you what my Father has promised.”
He warns that if the present-day Church finds itself in a similar state of uncertainty in which the followers of Jesus found themselves prior to Jesus’ appearance to them, “if they are feeling similar doubts about the role and objectives of the church”, then the Church needs to reconsider these “four guiding lights”. (Michael Wilcock in The Message of Luke p212)
And in detailing these “four guiding lights”, Jesus is detailing for the Apostles the reasons why he could no longer remain with them, but ascend back to God, the Father.
Jesus had “opened their minds to understand the Scriptures”. What further teaching could he give to them if he remained with them?
They were “eye-witnesses” to all that had taken place, and, therefore, they could readily witness to the ministry and mission of Jesus in the world. Peter declared this when he stated “With our own eyes we saw the greatness of Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1: 16b) John declared this when he stated “What we have seen and heard we announce to you also.” (1 John 1: 3a) With the Apostles as his eye-witnesses, and with the task given to them of reaching out to all peoples the gospel message, what further need was there for Jesus to remain with them?
These were, then, reasons why Jesus need not remain in a physical presence with his Apostles. There are, though, other reason why Jesus could not remain in a physical presence with his apostles and followers.
Michael Wilcock notes that “to us it must be clear that the Church shall get nowhere unless we have been clothed with power from on high, and are expecting supernatural deeds from the Spirit of God”. (Michael Wilcock in The Message of Luke p212)
Paul writes of this work of the Spirit of God in the lives of individual Christians.
The Spirit will make us wise to the things of God and reveal God to us, so that we can know God. (Ephesians 1: 17)
The Spirit will open our minds to comprehend the Light of God working a World of darkness, to know what is the hope to which he calls us, and to comprehend the wonderful blessings he has promised to us. (Ephesians 1: 18)
The Spirit will empower us with the same strength by which God raised Jesus from death and seated him at God’s right-hand side. (Ephesians 1: 19)
Jesus stated, “I myself will send upon you what my Father has promised.” (Luke 24: 49) John writes of Jesus saying the same thing, “I will ask the Father and He will give you another helper, who will stay with you forever.” (John 14: 16) But Jesus continues, saying, “It is better for you that I go away, because if I do not go, the Helper will not come to you.” (John 16: 7) It was necessary for Jesus to ascend back up to Heaven so that he could ask for the Spirit’s work and blessing upon individual Christians.
Screen 4
Psalm 110:
1 The Lord said to my Lord, the King, “Sit here at my right side”
2 The Lord will extend your royal power. “Rule over your enemies.” He says.
4 The Lord has made a solemn promise … “You will be a priest forever.”
There is wide acceptance among Old Testament scholars that King David composed Psalm 110. There is also wide acceptance that when David wrote the words “the Lord said to my Lord”, David was referring to God speaking to the future Messiah.
Upon his arrest, when Jesus stood before the Jewish Council, the High Priest, in seeking to find proof of a crime or heresy by which to condemn him, asked Jesus,
“Are you the Messiah, the son of the Blessed God?” (Mark 14: 61)
To which Jesus replied,
“I am, and you will all see the Son of Man seated at the right side of the Almighty and coming with the clouds of Heaven.” (Mark 14: 62)
Jesus is, here, quoting from Psalm 110: 1 and from Daniel 7: 13. In doing so he is claiming to be the Messiah about whom both David and Daniel were writing.
There are three aspects about this claim, that could only be fulfilled upon his ascension up to Heaven.
Firstly, Jesus is referring to his divine status and authority. (Artur Weiser in Psalms p693) During his ministry on Earth, Jesus exercised his divine nature by granting forgiveness (Mark 2: 5 – 7), by rebuking the raging sea (Mark 4: 39 – 41), and by commanding healings rather than requesting them. (G Beale and D Carson in Commentary on the New Testament use of the Old Testament p222) But, now, indicating that he would ascend to Heaven to sit at the right hand side of God, he is claiming that God is honouring him with the greatest possible honour and with the highest authority.
(Francis Foulkes in Ephesians p63, Leslie McCaw & Alex Motyer in Psalms in New Bible Commentary p522, Arthur Ramsey in Ascension in A Theological Word Book of the Bible edited by Alan Richardson p23)
Paul referred to Jesus as King, in today’s reading from his Letter to the Church in Ephesus:
“21 Christ rules there above all Heavenly rulers, authorities, powers, and lords; he has a title superior to all titles of authority in this world and in the next. 22 God put all things under Christ’s feet and gave him to the Church as supreme Lord over all things.’
Alan Catchpoole, in writing about the sovereignty of Jesus, states that he was:
Given authority over Heaven and Earth (Matthew 28: 18),
Rules over both the dead and the living (Romans 14: 9),
Has authority over all of Humanity (John 17: 20),
Is the head of all spiritual ruler and authority (Colossians 2: 10),
And rules over all angels and Heavenly authorities and powers (2 Peter 3: 22).
(Alan Catchpoole in The Wisdom that founded the Earth p159)
Secondly, Jesus is referring to his triumph over his opposition, his “rule over his enemies” to which David refers in Psalm 110. During his ministry on Earth, Jesus silenced demons (Mark 1: 25) and silenced the Temple authorities (Mark 11: 33). (G Beale and D Carson in Commentary on the New Testament use of the Old Testament p222) Paul writes of Jesus demonstrating such triumph in Heaven, where he writes:
. 22 God put all things under Christ’s feet and gave him to the Church as supreme Lord over all things.
The writer of Hebrews states the same when they describe the enemies of Jesus as his footstool. (Hebrew 10: 13)
Paul writes of the complete victory that is ours:
“For I am certain that nothing can separate us from God’s love: neither death nor life, neither angels nor other Heavenly rulers or powers, neither the present nor the future, neither the world above nor the world below, there is nothing in all Creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8: 37 to 39) (Alan Catchpoole in The Wisdom that founded the Earth p160)
Thirdly, Jesus is referring to his intercession on our behalf before God. David writes of God declaring that Jesus will be a priest in the “priestly order of Melchizedek” (Psalm 110: 4) Arthur Ramsey writes of “the ascended Christ as our Priest, who for ever intercedes for the Human race by virtue as one who has known temptation, suffering and death, and, by virtue of his sacrifice. (Arthur Ramsey in Ascension in A Theological Word Book of the Bible edited by Alan Richardson p23)
Paul writes of Jesus, at the right-hand side of God, “pleading with God for us”. (Romans 8: 34)
The writer of Hebrews talks of Jesus being before God, pleading with God for us and appearing on our behalf”. (Hebrews 7: 25 and 9: 24)
John records Jesus instructing his Disciples, saying:
“whoever believes in me will do great things, because I am going to the Father and I will do whatever you ask for in my name” (John 14: 12 & 13)
Alan Catchpoole writes of Jesus Christ, “the conquering King and interceding High Priest, seated at God’s right hand in all his glory and triumph as the representative of his people, saving his people, and enriching his people.” (Alan Catchpoole in The Wisdom that founded the Earth p161)
Jan Richardson writes that Christ’s ascension means that there is one in Heaven who prays for us and perfects our prayers, who is the guarantee of our own bodily resurrection (Colossians 3: 4) , and who invites us to “set our hearts and minds on the things that are in Heaven, where he sits on his throne at the rid-hand side of God.” (Colossians 3: 1)
Such is the ascended Christ whom we worship and who reigns for us in Heaven. Amen.
Hymn
“Jesus Saviour hear our cry” Pitcairn Hymns and Norfolk favourites No. 20
[sung to the tune Monkland – there is an introduction]
Verse 1 of 4
Jesus Saviour hear our cry,
Unto you we make our call,
Low before your throne on high,
We your humble servants fall.
Verse 2 of 4
Wash us in your crimson tide,
Cleanse us Lord from all our sin,
Let your blood to us applied,
Make and keep us pure within.
Verse 3 of 4
Feed our souls with bread divine,
You our strength from day to day,
Cause your light on us to shine,
You our life, our truth, our stay.
Verse 4 of 4
Friend of sinners, King of love,
Keep us by your powerful grace,
Till within your fold above,
We behold you face to face.
Gustav Quintal (adapted)
Offering
Offering Prayer
“For the life that you have given” TiS774 [to be sung to the tune ‘Austria’ – refer to TiS772]
[disregard the words – only the one verse is needed]
For the life that you have given,
For the love in Christ made known,
With these fruits of time and labour,
With these gifts that are your own:
Here we offer, Lord, our praises;
Heart and mind and strength we bring;
Give us grace to love and serve you,
Living what we pray and sing.
Ralph Vaughan Williams
Prayers for Others
Let us come before God with our cares and our concerns.
Almighty God, we pray for the Church, that, empowered by the Spirit, we may faithfully give witness to the Gospel and continue Christ’s mission of bringing hope and healing to all.
We pray for a spirit of evangelization, that we may allow the Spirit to work through our words, deeds, and relationships to draw others to Christ.
We pray for the grace to be fearless, that we may follow God’s call confidently and trust that God will guide and protect us through all challenging situations.
We pray for those who face the future with apprehension and uncertainty, that God will enlighten their path and give them peace.
We pray for all Nations and their leaders, that the reign of peace and justice of God’s rule may inspire all who lead and govern, to recognize the dignity of each person and promote the common good, that the reign of Christ will open new opportunities for dialogue and inspire them to work for justice and the preservation of life.
We pray for a greater unity in the Church, that we may be one in faith, one in hope, and one in the peace of the Holy Spirit, and one in our efforts to work together to bear witness to the love of God.
We pray for all who struggle with doubts, that the Spirit of Christ will free their minds and bring understanding to their hearts.
We pray for all who work to bring food to our tables: that God will bless them with seasonable weather and bountiful harvests.
We pray for the unmasking of racism, that God will help us to recognize the variety of forms which discrimination takes and to give us the courage to defeat it.
We pray for an end to the pandemic: that God will give strength to those caring for the sick, working against the Covid virus, distributing the vaccine, and educating people about daily health practices.
We pray for those overwhelmed by the pandemic, that God will guide the leaders and people of India and Brazil as they strive to control the Covid virus and guide them in finding the materials and equipment that they need.
Copyright © 2021. Joe Milner. All rights reserved.<br> Permission is hereby granted to reproduce for personal or parish use. https://liturgy.slu.edu/
We ask that you will bless the efforts of those leading Religious Instruction classes at Bald Hills State School, that the Holy Spirit is engaging with the children who attend the classes, opening hearts and minds with a clear message of your love for them.
We pray for the Chaplain at Bald hills State School, Kylie Conomos, that your are guiding her efforts to care for the children and teachers at the School, that you are encouraging her in her work and supporting her as she gives of herself to those whom she serves there.
Loving God, we bring these prayers to you, trusting in your compassion and care. To your glory we pray.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil,
For the Kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours,
Now and forever. Amen.
Hymn
“Hail the day that sees him rise” TiS369 AHB291 MHB221
[sung to the tune Llanfair – there is an introduction]
[Some of the wording of the 6 verses are slightly different to that found in the above hymn books, however this recording is the best I could find for the above tune, which is a more familiar tune than other tunes suggested for this hymn.]
Verse 1 of 6
Hail the day that sees him rise, Hallelujah!
To his throne above the skies, Hallelujah!
Christ, the Lamb for sinners given, Hallelujah!
Enters now the highest Heaven, Hallelujah!
Verse 2 of 6
There for him high triumph waits, Hallelujah!
Lift your heads, eternal gates, Hallelujah!
He has conquered death and sin, Hallelujah!
Take the King of glory in, Hallelujah!
Verse 3 of 6
Lo, the Heaven its Lord receives, Hallelujah!
Yet he loves the Earth he leaves, Hallelujah!
Though returning to his throne, Hallelujah!
Still he calls Mankind his own, Hallelujah!
Verse 4 of 6
See, he lifts his hands above, Hallelujah!
See, he shows the prints of love, Hallelujah!
Hark, his gracious lips bestow, Hallelujah!
Blessings on his Church below, Hallelujah!
Verse 5 of 6
Still for us he intercedes, Hallelujah!
His prevailing death he pleads, Hallelujah!
Near himself prepares our place, Hallelujah!
He the first-fruits of our race, Hallelujah!
Verse 6 of 6
Lord, though parted from our sight, Hallelujah!
Far above the starry height, Hallelujah!
Grant our hearts may thither rise, Hallelujah!
Seeking Thee above the skies, Hallelujah!
Charles Wesley
Benediction
We are sent out in the power of the Holy Spirit, to be God’s witnesses; to proclaim the Good News to everyone we meet, to share the love that God has lavished on us in Jesus Christ. So, let us go from here in the power and strength of God, to bear witness to all you have seen and experienced.
(https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2011/05/benedictions-for-ascension-day.html)
And may the blessing of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, rest upon you and remain with you always. Amen.
Benediction Song
“For from Him, and through Him” Scripture in Song volume 1 number 15
For from Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things,
To God be the glory for ever, Amen.
For from Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things,
To God be the glory for ever, Amen.
Ena Thompson
Service for Sunday 25th September 2022, which was conducted by Mr Geoffrey Webber 
Service for Sunday 19th May, which included Communion, and was conducted by Mrs Moana (Ana) Teulilo-Schaaf 
Service for Sunday 10th January 2021 – Rev Louis van Laar 